Bound by Fate: Love, Betrayal, Forced Marriage

chapter 1

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In Malhotra Mansion

Ekansh's mother, Mrs. Poonam Malhotra, was doing aarti in the small temple of their house. Everyone was present except one family member. It was common because he was the only family member who never attended aarti.

After finishing the aarti, Mrs. Malhotra started giving everyone prasad. Then she noticed that Ekansh was not there even today. She said to Annaya, Ekansh's cousin, "Annaya beta, go and call your Ekansh bhai. At least today he should attend the aarti. He is getting married."

"Ji, Badi Maa," Annaya replied and started going upstairs to his room. Meanwhile, Mr. Rajvansh Malhotra, Ekansh's father, approached Mrs. Malhotra, noticing the sadness on her face. "Don't worry, Poonam. After marriage, our sons will start focusing on family. You know, when I was their age, I used to do the same thing. But look at me now," he said, giggling.

"Ji, I know Ranvijay is sensible, but what about Ekansh? I know he is not happy because of this marriage. He thinks it is just a business deal. What if he doesn't give his wife enough time? Don't you think we're ruining two innocent lives because of this forced marriage?" Mrs. Malhotra said, her voice filled with sadness.

"Poonam, I know what is good for our sons," Mr. Malhotra replied sternly before leaving the temple.

Ekansh's POV

I was completely focused on my laptop screen when I heard a knock on my door. Looking up, I saw Annaya standing there. "Yes?" I said.

"Bhai, Badi Maa is calling you for aarti," she said excitedly.

"Annaya, you know I don't attend aarti," I said.

"Yes, Bhai, but Badi Maa said that today is your wedding, so you must attend," she replied.

Hearing the word "wedding" made my blood boil with anger. "Tell them I'm coming," I replied.

Yes, today is my wedding, which I don't want at any cost, but destiny has its own plan. It's a forced marriage arranged by my parents. I know very well who gave them this idea and with what intention. My brother Ranvijay is going to marry Sinha's elder daughter because they are high school sweethearts. But I have a bad feeling about that girl. I know she has trapped my brother with her ideas, wanting to settle into our wealth and fame. She also convinced him to get me married to her younger sister. She thinks she is clever, but she doesn't know who I am. I won't let her sister survive in this household. I'm going to make her life a living hell. I know both sisters are after our money.

After quickly changing into traditional clothes, I went downstairs where everyone was waiting for me. I approached Maa and wished her.

"Ah, look who's here," Maa said, coming towards me.

I covered my head, and Maa applied a tiny tikka on my forehead and gave me her blessings.

Ranvijay approached me with a weird look on his face. "What do you want now?" I asked.

"Nothing, Bhai, just wanted to tell you that you should give this wedding a chance. I know it is forced, but still, you can try—" He was interrupted by me.

"Try what? I'm going to marry her because of our parents, but giving this marriage a chance is my choice," I said sternly.

"We all know how stubborn you are, and I can never win an argument with you. I was just giving advice," he said softly.

I didn't know what magic that witch had cast on my brother that he didn't want to escape from it. But I was determined to show her true colors to everyone. She thinks she'll live here in heaven? I'll make it hell for her and her sister.

"Are you sure you're still going to marry that witch—I mean, marry her?" I asked.

"I think you've never fallen in love; that's why you're asking me this. But I hope you'll fall in love with your wife," he said emotionally.

I knew he was in a toxic relationship with her. I knew deep down he didn't want to marry her, but I didn't know what was making him go through with it. However, I would find out soon.

"Come on, everyone, get ready. We have to leave by 11 o'clock," my father's voice interrupted my thoughts.

Everyone started rushing to get ready.

At sinha house

Prakruti, after fixing her pallu one last time in front of the mirror, came out of her room when her Badi Maa approached her.

"Oh, Prakruti, you're here. I was looking for you all over the house. Now go and help your sisters in the makeup room," she said hurriedly.

"Ok, Badi Maa," she replied.

"Now, why are you standing here? Go fast," Badi Maa said. Prakruti rushed to their room.

Her Badi Maa and her daughters, Isha and Payal, never liked her. They always tried to bring her down. Her cousin sisters thought she was prettier, which made them jealous. But she never complained about it. Even her mother told her to stand up for herself but also reminded her that they were family. As she was walking through the corridor, she bumped into someone.

"Beta, watch where you're going. Why are you in such a hurry? Did Shivani Didi give you more work?" Maa asked her worriedly.

"No, Maa, she just told me to keep Isha and Payal company, that's it," she said reassuringly.

"Beta, you are not someone's maid. Come on, you're not even ready completely. Let me help you," Maa said.

"But Maa—" she was interrupted by her mother.

"No buts, come with me."

Maa took her to her room. She let her hair down from a messy bun, applied a little makeup, and a kala tikka behind her neck.

"Nazar nah lage kisi ki bhi," Maa said (so that no evil eyes affect her).

Prakruti's POV

"Now can I go, Maa?" I asked, pleading with my eyes.

"Yes, but take care of yourself," she said, hugging me.

I hurried to the makeup room and knocked on the door.

"Who?" a voice came from the room.

"Prakruti," I replied.

They opened the door and let me in. They were ready in their wedding gowns, and no doubt, they looked beautiful.

"Prakruti, go and bring us a glass of juice. We are literally starving, and the baraat is also late," Isha said. I nodded.

They were getting married to the Malhotra brothers, and I knew their intentions behind marrying them. Badi Maa had played a dirty game of business to get them married into a rich household, but to me, it was wrong. A relationship should be built on trust and love.

I hurried to get juice for them when I heard that the baraat had arrived. As I entered their room, the scene shocked me. I couldn't believe my eyes at what I had just seen.

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