I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 9

15 years ago,

Shanti Park, Ahmedabad

"Aarav!"

Komal screeched, the ten-year-old boy didn't seem like her son. Her son who should be docile and well-behaved, knowing every bit of etiquette, and most importantly being the heir of the Modi family legacy and empire, was not supposed to be doing...this! What word should she put on the thing her son has done? Rubbish? Tacky? Cheap? No! They don't even define the extent her son has gone to have what he wanted.

"Mrs Modi, we respect you and your family very much. Therefore, we didn't choose to take any action. But what your son has done must see consequences. I hope you will deal with him," said Sourabh Verma, his eyes boring onto Komal, disappointment, accusation, uncertainty, and anger filled their depth reflecting what he felt about the situation. Komal nodded at once, action stiff and forced. She felt humiliated, who was this middle-class man to tell her what to do?! He is lucky that she is even acknowledging him.

What did he say? He respects us and therefore didn't take action? As if he could do any harm to Modi's, such a far cry! Komal dismissed the man with another nod and marched towards Aarav who stood rooted in his place, stubbornly.

"Leave his hand, I say!" Komal demanded, her voice came out stern and enraged. Her narrowed eyes were glaring down at the intertwined hands. Aarav stared back at his mother, a fire in his eyes. Komal felt her temper rise when Aarav defied her. This boy! Komal wanted to slap him but she didn't. Even if her son was being rebellious and difficult, she could never harm him. He is too dear to her.

"Ma'am, can I help?" Sudheer, the bodyguard assigned to protect Komal by her father even before she was married, asked walking up to her. Komal pinched the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes, " no need. I can deal with my son." Sudheer nodded, stepping back to where he stood, his eyes again taking a sweep of the park for any danger and unexpected occurrence.

"Aarav, I said leave his hand," Komal now gritted out through clenched teeth, fists clenched by her sides. Aarav glared back at her mother, "No! He is my friend. I am never letting him go!" Komal couldn't believe the audacity and defiance of her son. "Aarav! Enough is enough!" Komal held Aarav's hand which held the other boy's, and forcefully tried to loosen the hold Aarav had. But alas! Her son didn't budge.

"Urgh! What's so special in him that you are so hellbent to be his friend?!" Komal couldn't help but ask Aarav. She moved back and pressed the palm of her hand on her forehead, defeated by her son's stubbornness. "He is my friend. I want to be with him," Aarav told his mother in the simplest form. Komal glared at Aarav, unable to understand his perspective.

"So beating another boy for him is justified by your reason, Aarav?" Aarav stayed silent at his mother's question. He felt the other boy's hand squirm in his hold. Aarav's head snapped towards him, "You are my friend, Kalpit. Only mine. He was badmouthing you behind your back to others. He deserved it!"

"Aarav!" Komal shouted, what has gotten into her son? She cannot believe he thought in such a way. "A- Aarav, your mom is right. You shouldn't have beaten Karan." Kalpit, the boy Aarav fought for the first time in his life, meekly said, avoiding looking at Komal. She looked furious.

"Karan deserved it, Kalpit. He doesn't deserve to be called your friend and far more importantly be your friend. A true friend does anything for you, like I did. I am your only friend," Aarav justified, tightening his hold on Kalpit's hand. Aarav though didn't tell them that he did this purposely. He knew Karan had no ill intention towards Kalpit but he didn't like how Kalpit showed his full attention to Karan. Aarav wanted that attention only for himself and nobody else. So, he chose to lie to Kalpit and beat Karan. This way, Kalpit will only be his friend. Kalpit, the boy whom he met in his house, the boy who helped him steal cookies from the kitchen, the boy who alerted him when his mother was about to catch him. Kalpit made a place in his heart, now he wants him.