I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 13

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40 years ago,

Baal Jharokha Orphanage, Ahmedabad.

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Three girls were huddled under the blanket of the lower single bed of a three-story bunker bed. The three were sad because one of them was going away. Though the other two were very happy for their youngest sister, she got adopted, and that too by a rich family. The youngest, a seven-year-old, sobbed, "I don't wanna leave you two! Can't you come along?"

The oldest, fifteen years old, smiled at the innocence, "We can't. You are the one adopted. Not us." The seven-year-old hugged the eldest, "Neeti Ben!" The middle one, ten years old, felt her lip tremble and hugged the youngest from the other side, "I am going to miss you so much, Komal!" Komal, squished between the two, cried, "Me too! Neeti Ben! Bela Ben! "

Neeti caressed the small crying girls. Being the eldest, she understands how must the two feel. "It's unfair!" Neeti looked at the crying face of Komal, "what is?" Komal pouted, "You have been here first, then, why aren't you adopted but me?" Bela nodded, "Yes, Neeti Ben. You are the first child who joined this orphanage. Then why?"

Neeti smiled, these sweet, silly girls! How would she explain to them? She is a dark-skinned girl with average facial features. No parent wanted an 'ugly' child. When she was of Komal's age, she would cry to sleep when no parent selected her. Years after years of rejection, she understood in painful realisation the 'why' behind the parent's choice. She knows that she is never going to be adopted. She has been alone and will be alone. But two years ago, she gained a sister, Bela. A beautiful eight-year-old whose pale skin, baby chubby cheeks, hazel eyes, and chestnut hair captivated every person in the orphanage. Neeti was so happy when Bela chose to stick to her. It was the first time when she was someone's choice.

A year later, she gained another sister, a cute six-year-old, Komal, who was the prettiest with big brown doe eyes, full cheeks with dimples, vibrant pale skin, and silky brown hairs. She was the cutest! Komal was a lost child. She didn't talk to anyone until Bela who was relentless in talking with Komal. Eventually, Komal familiarised with Bela and then Neeti. After that, the three were inseparable sisters.

"It doesn't matter. Think about this. You are adopted. You have a family now and a home," Neeti softly told her foster sister. Komal shook her head, "I want you two!" Bela, teary-eyed, looked at Neeti, "Komal, that's not how this works." Komal sat up, "I don't care!" Neeti and Bela sat up as well. Neeti smiled, "we will always be your sisters, Komal. You can come to meet us whenever you want. We will be here." Komal stared at Neeti with big innocent eyes. Bela ruffled Komal's 'katora' hair, "yes!" Komal forwarded her pinky, looking up at her sisters, "Pinky promise?" Neeti and Bela grinned with a nod, intertwining their pinkies with Komal's, "Pinky promise!"

Bela was the first one to break the promise when six months later she was adopted. Komal tried to find her Bela Ben but it was like Bela disappeared. What hurt most was Bela never tried to contact Komal or Neeti.

Neeti broke the promise when she left the orphanage after she turned eighteen. She never contacted Komal. Komal was heartbroken. She cherished the two so much and loved them too much. She wanted to know why they did that. And she got her answers in the coming years.

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Present,

Modi Bhawan,

8:00 am.

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Komal blinked, an angry frown on her face. Why did I dream of those betrayers?! Komal could never forget what the two did. It left a huge impact on her. It changed her. They tore her heart into pieces. And now, seeing Bela as if she doesn't remember her enraged her. Bela Parekh was once her Bela Ben. Now, she is a pest that Komal wants to destroy.