I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 14

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Modi Bhawan,

4:35 pm.

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The Modi mansion was buzzing with energy. The monarch, Devki, was surrounded by the relatives, discussing the current affair, and her grandson's upcoming reception. The relatives couldn't help but add their selective opinion about the marriage and new 'bahu'. 'How convenient for her to become the daughter-in-law of the Modi's', 'She is so undeserving', 'visibly a joke for Modi's', 'She is so ugly!', 'I am sure that she planned to replace her sister, who wouldn't in her place?', 'she is an attention seeker', 'a spoiled brat!', 'disrespectful', 'a Parekh in the true sense', and many more.

Devki has been listening silently. She was not in the mood to defend Aashna. Especially after last night. She has been too welcoming maybe. Which Aashna took advantage of. But, why? Devki was upset. Aarav's support must have been the reason. Otherwise, Aashna wouldn't dare to spread rumours, yes? Devki had handled the matter before it blasted on every news channel. Her manager, Mukesh Kumar, competently handled the situation. If not, 'the Modi's, a family of racist, sexist, aristocrats and conservatives, behind a mask of humble, philanthropic wealthy, who torture their daughter-in-law' would be the headline. Devki wanted to confront Aashna the moment she found the document, in Aarav's room when she went to check on Aashna, in which Aashna had given her written statement to news reporters.

Devki silently had walked away, troubled, wondering about the intentions Aashna had. Was Aashna really how Komal perceived and Devki had made a mistake? If yes, then Aashna needs to be gone from their family. This was a serious matter. She valued family above everything. And Aashna seemed a threat to that, a suspicion.

"Maa, you seem lost. Everything good?" Devki stared at Komal. Devki had liked Komal at first sight for her only son. Komal was performing in the classical arts theatre, a renowned old organisation. Devki was the chief guest along with her late husband. Komal was divine performing Bharatnatyam. She had immediately called the Patel's for a marriage proposal. Although Komal was blunt and ambitious, Devki saw the kindness and care beneath the tough exterior. Raghav had agreed readily. Komal was a beauty, natural, fairy princess like.

Devki forced a smile, "I am fine. Why did you ask Aashna to arrange the reception, Komal?" Devki had stuck on the fact. She understood Komal had a motive behind it. Komal was cunning when it came down to business. Komal hates Parekh's with a passion. Devki had asked on numerous occasions the reason but Komal had always evaded, held back. Giving Aashna such responsibility was contradictory on Komal's part. Devki knew something was deeper than the surface.

Komal half smiled, "she is a Modi. Take it as a test for her to earn the title." Devki pressed her lips, again evasion. Rukmani laughed, "Aren't you worried about the reputation and name, Komal? She is so going to spoil!" Komal stared, eyes unblinking, intimidating, "so you say." Komal's straight dismissal without engagement sprouted suspicion in Devki's mind. Has Komal found out about the rumour too? Devki wanted to ask but not in front of people. Devki held Komal's wrist, voice deliberately soft yet urgent, "Come with me." Komal had sensed hence she obeyed and stood up to follow. But the two halted, shocked. One of their servants was bringing someone inside the grand hall. Ramya.

The runaway Parekh was dressed in a pink Anarkali suit, with brown hair wavy and open, face bare of makeup. So beautiful. The lively place quieted down immediately. Attention centred on the 'guest'. Komal tensed. Devki side glanced from the corner of her eyes, the visible anger on Komal's face. She tightened her hold. Komal needs to control her anger.

Devki stepped forward, "Ramya. I cannot bring myself to say welcome after your deliberate actions. So, why, exactly, are you here?" Ramya smiled awkwardly, undeflected as if she expected the hostility. "I am here to apologise and... explain." Her voice was careful and smooth. Like a calculated move. Komal scoffed, "keep it. And leave."