TERE AA JANE SE

Ch 23 you've purchased me, haven't you?"

With an assertive gait, he briskly made his way down to the parking area, his countenance resolute. Seated behind the wheel, a cascade of contemplation ensued, "What perplexing phenomenon is unfolding within me? Why does my strength wane in proximity to this girl? I yearn to inflict torment upon her, yet why am I unable to withstand the sight of a single tear in her eyes? Despite my aversion towards the female gender, why does this seemingly fragile girl have such a profound impact on the metamorphosis of my heart?"

The intricacies of his evolving emotions left him bewildered, all brought forth by the subtle yet powerful influence of this delicate girl in the span of just one day.

In a sudden turn of events, Hiya approached his parked car with purpose. As she reached to open the back seat door, Ahil swiftly emerged from the driver's seat, grabbing her and forcefully guiding her to the front. The gate of the front seat swung open with a thud as he, fueled by anger, pushed her into the seat.

His eyes bore into her with an intensity that matched the sharpness of his words, "I am your husband, not some hired driver sitting in the back. Oh, I seem to have forgotten – you've purchased me, haven't you?" Every word was enunciated with a deliberate severity, emphasising the depth of his feelings and the tumultuous emotions raging within him.

Hiya settled into the same spot where Ahil had placed her, concealing her emotions. In a short while, both of them arrived at the Raizada Mansion.

Ahil's three sisters, lined up at the gate, awaited eagerly to catch a glimpse of Ahil's new bride. His mother stood with an Aarti thali in hand. Seeing all of them waiting at the gate, Hiya felt a sense of familiarity and connection. Witnessing them in this manner brought back memories of her first marriage and a lone tear rolled down her eyes.

____

9 months ago!

"Utkarsh... Utkarsh yaar, I can't just enter the house like this. It's my first day in this house. I mean, who will perform my 'aarti' and the housewarming ritual?”

Hiya stood dressed in a red Banarasi saree with a stylish blouse, featuring cut sleeves. A red mark adorned her forehead, and her hands were beautifully decorated with henna. With a subtle yet glowing makeup, her radiant face was complemented by a smile that held a charm of its own. In contrast, Utkarsh wore a blue shirt and black jeans, holding Hiya's purse, portraying an unusual but captivating couple filled with love which he himself destroyed later.

With a sad and disappointed smile she again says, “Did you really not prepare anything like that for me?”

He responded to her complaint with a smirk, “Really, Hiya? In which century are you still living? It was all an old thing which we used to do before, sweety, but now, there's nothing like that. Come on, let's go inside like this.”

“But Utkarsh, this will be inauspicious, right, if I just walk in like this?" She insisted, determined.

She wanted her new life to begin with all the rituals and practices done in the proper manner to bring prosperity and happiness in their life. But brushing it off in a nonchalant he glares at Hiya with an irritation lingering on his face.

“There's nothing like such things. And apart from that I'm exhausted so please stop throwing any further tantrums and come inside like this only. Don't get on my nerves”, saying in a pissed off tone he left Hiya at the gate only and went inside. While Hiya with her tear filled eyes kept on staring at his retreating back with an amused expression. That was the first day of her dream world which she weaved with him and in it all shattered as with gasps she kept there standing for a few seconds before entering inside.
_______

Present...!

"Welcome home, sweet sister-in-law !" The lively chorus of voices resonated around her, momentarily stunning Hiya. Abruptly, she found herself immersed in the warmth of their welcome. Overwhelmed, a smile graced her face, and she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of connection with these people.

The surreal sensation of being treated with genuine affection rather than as a purchased bride lingered in her thoughts. Silently, she pondered the prospect of a harmonious relationship with her newfound family.

As her gaze shifted towards Ahil, standing beside her in a striking black and maroon suit, she felt a sense of dissonance. This individual seemed detached, projecting an air of strictness that contradicted the festive atmosphere. It was as if he had stepped into the familial function not as a family member but rather as a disciplined school teacher. The anomaly of his demeanor amidst the celebratory ambiance heightened Hiya's curiosity and concern.

Upon seeing Shalini, Hiya instinctively bent down to touch her feet, a gesture that made Shalini genuinely smile. It was because of these traditional values that Shalini considered Hiya to be absolutely perfect for her son. Despite being a purchased bride, Shalini had embraced her as a daughter wholeheartedly..

Following the ceremonial Aarti and housewarming, Hiya entered the mansion with a sense of curiosity. She meticulously surveyed every corner, marveling at the opulence that surrounded her. The mansion stood grand and imposing, its centerpiece being a magnificent chandelier that commanded attention from above. The walls were adorned with a regal golden color, casting a resplendent glow throughout.

As she ventured further, the drawing room caught her eye. A sizable family portrait adorned one of the walls, depicting Ahil's parents, sisters, and Ahil himself. The familial bond captured in the image resonated with warmth and unity. It was a snapshot of a close-knit family, and Hiya couldn't help but be drawn to the richness of both the physical surroundings and the emotional connections within the mansion.

As Hiya gazed at the family portrait, it resonated with a palpable sense of joy and togetherness within the Raizada family. The warmth captured in the image hinted at a genuinely happy family.

In the midst of the lavish surroundings, Hiya momentarily felt a sense of displacement, as if she had stepped into a dream. The opulence of the mansion made her question whether she was living in a reality or perhaps still immersed in a fantastical vision. Yet, every intricate detail surrounding her affirmed the authenticity of her new life.

The grandeur of the mansion gave her the impression of entering into a noble lineage. At times, the surreal nature of her surroundings made her wonder if she was truly experiencing a dream. However, the tangible reality of the Raizada family's prosperity and happiness assured her that this was indeed her new life.