His Second Bride

Chapter 12 - His Second Bride

Aaradhya sat in her room, deep in thought about what had happened in the study room. How could her father force her to marry Revati's husband? How could he do that to his own daughter? To be his unwanted second wife? To be with him just to give him heir? But then she reminded herself that, to him, she wasn't his daughter. To him, Aaradhya was a burden, a shame on his family, and the reason for her mother's death. 

He had only one daughter, and that was Revati. All the hope she had that he might one day accept her as his daughter was now broken. She knew it was never going to happen. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she hugged her knees to her chest, feeling utterly alone.

Meanwhile, Dai-maa was trying to reach Omkar Singh, Aaradhya's grandfather, knowing that only he could help her now. But he was unreachable. The feeling of helplessness gnawed at her, and she paced back and forth in worry.

Revati entered Aaradhya's room and saw her sadness. "Aaradhya, what happened? Why do you look so sad? You can tell me."

Aaradhya didn't reply. She kept staring down at her hands, her heart heavy. Revati tried again, "Aaradhya, I know everything that's happening here you are not happy with this. Dad always loved me but never accepted you. But Aaradhya, he is still your dad. When I discussed Rudra's remarriage with him, he told me that only you could help me with this as you are my sister, he trusts you with me."

Aaradhya felt a surge of anger and sadness. Her father's decision to make her a substitute for her sister's husband, just to give an heir, was crushing. She knew Mahendra would do anything to make Revati happy, even if it meant sacrificing her. Her fists clenched at the injustice of it all.

Revati continued, "He said that since you are my sister, we can be happy with Rudra as his wife. We three will be a great family and understand each other. When you become a mother to Rudra's child, I will also love him as my own. You are my sister, and I will always love you. I know Dad is angry with you because of Choti-Maa's death, but I will make sure he accepts you and gives you a father's love. Please agree to this marriage." Tears welled up in Revati's eyes as she left Aaradhya's room after making her plea.

Aaradhya sat there, her mind racing. How could she be a part of this arrangement? How could she marry her sister's husband just to give an heir to the kingdom? The very thought made her feel sick. Yet, she knew she had no choice. Her father's words echoed in her mind, reminding her of her place in the family. She felt trapped and helpless, like a pawn in a game she didn't want to play.

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By evening, Aaradhya had made up her mind. She wiped her tears, stood up straight, and walked to her father's study. She knocked on the door, and when Mahendra looked up, she took a deep breath. "I am ready for the marriage," she said, her voice steady, "but on one condition. On the wedding day, you must give me my mother's house papers. I don't trust you with her belongings anymore."

Mahendra looked at her, surprised but not displeased. "Agreed," he said. "And when you give birth to Rudra's child, I will give you 50% of my property."

Aaradhya wasn't interested in his property, but she didn't decline. She already owned many properties, thanks to her grandfather, who didn't want her to lack anything. She nodded, not wanting to argue further.

Revati and Kumudini were overjoyed with Aaradhya's decision. Revati came to Aaradhya's to thank her for agreeing to the marriage. "Thank you, Aaradhya," she said, tears of gratitude in her eyes. She was about to hug Aaradhya, but Aaradhya stopped her with a showing palm.

"Please, don't," Aaradhya said quietly. Without another word, she left the room, leaving Revati standing there, confused and hurt. Mahendra, who had been watching from a distance, felt disgusted. How could Aaradhya reject her sister's show of love?

Mahendra said, "See, Revati? Do you really think she will feel your pain and not try to take your husband from you? You are showing love to her, and she..."

Revati interrupted, "Dad, calm down. We are not that close yet, but soon we will be like real sisters, not just stepsisters." She tried to keep her voice steady, though her heart ached thinking about the future.

Revati was pleased that her plan was successful and wanted the marriage to happen as soon as possible. She felt a sense of victory but also a pang of sadness for the Rudra and Aaradhya marriage. On the other hand, Aaradhya was crying over her fate, feeling that no love was written for her. She sat by the window, looking at the stars, wishing for a miracle that could change her destiny.

The night grew darker, and the silence in the palace was only broken by the distant sounds of the city. Aaradhya remained by the window, lost in her thoughts. She missed her. Maybe if she was here then no one could force her.

As she looked at the stars, she whispered, "Ma, I wish you were here. I need you so much right now. I don't know how to go through with this marriage. I feel so alone and scared. Please, give me the strength to face whatever comes my way."

The stars twinkled back at her, offering no answers but somehow giving her a small sense of peace. She knew she had to be strong, not just for herself but for her mother's memory. She had to endure this for her mother, who had faced so much herself.

As she wiped her tears, she thought about Rudraveer. She had never seen him but had heard many things about his and Revati's love. Was he really ready for this, or was he just doing it for the kingdom? Would he ever be able to accept her as his wife, or would she be unwanted in his life? Would she get the love she dreamed of, or would she remain an outsider in her own marriage?

These questions haunted her, filling her with uncertainty and fear. She had always dreamed of a loving marriage, where she would be cherished and valued. But now, those dreams seemed distant and unreachable. The reality of her situation was harsh and unforgiving.

Aaradhya lay down on her bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She wondered what kind of person Rudraveer was. From what she had heard, he was devoted to Revati. How could he be expected to transfer that love to her, someone he had never met?

In the quiet of the night, Aaradhya prayed for strength and courage. She knew that her path was not going to be easy, but she hoped that somehow, she would find a way to make it through. She clung to the faint hope that love might blossom in the most unexpected places and that her sacrifices would not be in vain.

As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were filled with a mixture of hope and dread, wondering what the future held for her and whether she would ever find the happiness she so desperately longed for.