I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 7

Modi Bhawan, 10: 53 am.

Komal paced the length of the balcony overlooking the vast garden, showcasing a long stretch of blooming flowers in the late spring. She couldn't come to terms with the sudden change in her son, Aarav siding with the Parekh girl. Her son, who never refused any of her demands, wishes, and aspirations, has threatened to leave the house, and demanded their respect for that ugly witch! How in the world did this happen?

Raghav hung up the phone rather with unnecessary force which depicted how upset he was. The board of directors could hold their congratulatory wishes for the marriage of his son. The said son who went against him for his one night old, replaced wife who was none other than the daughter of Brijesh Parekh. All of this doesn't even make sense. What has gotten into his son? What is the reason for him to defy his parents? He cannot believe Aarav was ready to leave home if Aashna was not accepted and respected by him and Komal. Why? Overnight what changed him?

Sighing, Raghav ran a hand through his hair. He walked into his bedroom to see Komal pacing on the balcony in agitation and fury. The small crystal balls adorned in her pastel pink saree were reflecting the sunrays in every possible direction, some shone in his eyes. Her brown waves snapped along with her every back-and-forth turn, swaying on her lower back. Her pale skin glowed under the Sun. She looked as beautiful as when he first saw her, a bewitching sight, even after thirty years of their arranged marriage. He exhaled heavily, feeling the anger throbbing in the back of his head. He was in the same turmoil as his wife. "Komal," his wife seemed to not hear his call. Raghav approached her, stopping her meticulous pacing. "Stop, Komal," Raghav gently held her arms, looking into the endless brown depths. Raghav squinted because of the harsh rays suddenly falling in a bundle in his eyes, bouncing off his wife's diamond necklace. "I don't understand Aarav's behaviour, Raghav!" Raghav softly led Komal inside the room and sat with her on the long sofa placed opposite their king-sized bed.

"We need to do something. That ugly witch has done something to our son. He has never been so harsh to us!" Raghav nodded, " I doubt he must have reasons." Komal frowned in thought, anger surfacing, "There can be no justifiable reason, Raghav! He has drawn agreements to divorce her before the wedding. I see only the bad influence of the Parekh girl on him." Komal recalled the way Aarav had stood up for the ugly witch since the time he married her. It was a miracle to see her ruthless son who hated Parekh's have the back of the Parekh girl. "We need to wait for a month, Komal. We will make sure their divorce happens." Komal stood up, eyes narrowed in anger, "I can't wait till then! God knows what that ugly witch will make of our son. We need to remove her before she turns our son against us!" Raghav stood up, nodding. He agreed with his wife. Aashna has become a threat to them.

"Raghav Uncle? Komal Aunty?" A voice they recognised was followed by a knock on the door. A second later, the person walked inside their bedroom through the sitting room. Seeing him, Komal felt her anger surge, "Why are you here, Kalpit? If not for you, we wouldn't be in such a predicament!" It was all because he loved Aashna that Aarav had to agree to the marriage with Ramya. If none of this happened, Aarav would never have behaved like a wayward son. Raghav clenched his jaw, "come some other time. You will only infuriate us more."

Kalpit walked until he stopped before the angry Modi couple, ignoring their words. He was here with a purpose which must be delivered, "Aarav is going on honeymoon with Aashna, like in half an hour." His voice was strained with anger and heartache. It was difficult for him to be in such a situation. At this time yesterday, he was full of joy and happiness, getting ready to marry the love of his life. "Are you fucking with us?!" Komal burst out, opting to swear out her uncontrollable anger. Aarav has lost his damn mind. "How do you know?" Raghav's voice sounded heavy and grave due to the pressure he was putting to keep the anger at bay. "Aarav announced at the dining table after you two left." Kalpit provided the information, equally upset as the couple.