I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 16

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Past

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Bela was with her parents. They were arguing over something. The atmosphere was tense. Her father's face was red, tension lines visible on his forehead. Her mother was almost crying. Bela had no clue why. They were here for a family dinner. In this Michelin Star restaurant. Bela didn't know how to feel. She wanted to be happy. But lately, in her house, the atmosphere was dire and tense. Something has happened that she is not aware of.

Bela's father, Dhany Gupta, placed his hand on hers, comforting yet defeated, "dikra." His voice was shaky. Bela turned to him. "We are sorry." Bela frowned in confusion, "why?" Her parents exchanged glances before saying, "We are no more rich." Bela pondered over that. And then understood. She couldn't help but lightly scream, "No! T-That cannot happen!"

Tripti, Bela's mother, sniffed, "It's true, dikra." Bela felt her world crumble down. She has just graduated college. Life was starting anew. And this! No! Panicking, she asked, "How did this happen?" Dhany squeezed her hand, "we went bankrupt." Tripti added, "We couldn't meet the deadlines of the projects." Bela's heart was no more beating it felt. She feared to lose her mind. With shaky breath, she confessed, "What will happen to us?"

Dhany removed his hand, eyes anywhere but at Bela, "we have nothing left. No house, properties, or assets. This is the last lavish dinner. I am sorry, dikra. I cannot give you anything."

The ground beneath Bela was shaken. The food she ate threatened to come out. She felt sick. She was back to zero. The poverty, the orphanage. Bela never wants to go back to it. She stood up, chair screeching, "I am going to the restroom."

On her way, she accidentally saw someone that she never imagined. She stood frozen. How?! There, on the table by the window was her Neeti Ben. And she was not alone. A handsome man accompanied her foster sister. Bela, propelled, went to them. They seemed like a couple. It was Neeti who first noticed Bela, "Bela? Are you Bela?" Bela didn't react. She was shocked when she saw a huge diamond ring on Neeti's ring finger. She was engaged.

Neeti hugged Bela, crying in surprise, "My god! Look at you! You are so beautiful!" Bela knew she was beautiful. But Neeti was not. She was a dark-skinned woman with no fancy facial features. Her eyes fell on the handsome man who was smiling at the two sisters. He had big black eyes, thick eyebrows, pouty pink lips, a chiseled jawline, and silky black hair. Bela wondered, how on earth Neeti got this man!

Reluctantly, she hugged Neeti, "How are you, Neeti Ben?" Neeti happily exclaimed, "I am good! What about you?" It was a simple greeting yet Bela found it hard to answer. Her world was crumbled to the ground. How can she be fine? Forcing a smile, she told her, "I am f-fine." Neeti then introduced the man, "Meet my fianceé, Subhrat Parekh. Subhrat, this is my foster sister, Bela. I told you about her." Subhrat stood, forwarding his hand, "Nice to finally meet you, Bela. Neeti has told me so much about you."

Bela half smiled, disheartened, "Neeti Ben is lucky." Neeti smiled. Subhrat chuckled lightly, "I am the lucky one." Neeti and Subhrat were gazing at each other. Full of love. Bela felt uncomfortable. She shook his hand and then stepped back, "I- I am going. Enjoy your date!" Neeti held her elbow, "wait! We just met after years of no contact. Please stay." Bela stared at Neeti before sighing, "Okay. But my parents are over there. I didn't come alone."

Neeti smiled, "really? Can I meet them?" Bela gave the request consideration and then nodded, "Let me lead you."

Dhany and Tripti looked at Bela who brought someone. They composed themselves. Bela introduced the two, "This is Neeti Ben, my foster sister. And this is Subhrat Parekh, her fianceé." Dhany smiled, "I remember you now, Neeti. How are you, dikra?" Neeti joined her hands in greeting, "Radhe Krishna, uncle and aunty. I am good. How are you?" Dhany smiled, "we are good." His eyes then fell on Subhrat, "Aren't you the new CEO of Parekh Textile Industries?"