Forbidden Whispers

Chapter 1: Mumbai

The Mehrotra villa, an emblem of discipline, authority, and old beliefs, stood grandly in the town of Kasauli. The Mehrotra family, descendants of zamindars, carried forward immense wealth and influence. Matriarch Devyani Mehrotra presided over the household, comprising her three sons Rajiv, Alok, and Dharmesh and their families. Rajiv and his wife Kashi had a son, Agastya, who now managed the family's diamond business. Alok and his wife Meera had two children, Arav and Alisha, both in college. Dharmesh and his wife Vandana had a daughter, Vedika, the youngest, who had just completed her 10th grade.

Despite its grand exterior, the house concealed many dark secrets.

In a softly lit bedroom, a beautiful girl lay asleep. Her luscious, wavy hair spread across the pillow like a dark halo, and her long eyelashes brushed gently against her rosy, chubby cheeks. She looked like an angel, a vision of serene innocence fallen from heaven.

"Vedika, wake up," called her mother, Vandana, her voice a gentle intrusion into the girl's dreamland.

"Mumma, let me sleep," Vedika mumbled, pulling the blanket over her head in a futile attempt to return to her dreams.

"Wake up, baccha. It's already nine, and today you have to leave for Mumbai," Vandana coaxed, her words cutting through the morning haze and making Vedika sit up with a start.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Vedika looked at her mother with a mix of sadness and longing. Her eyes, usually bright and full of life, were clouded with a deep reluctance.

"I don't want to go, Mumma. I want to stay with you," she whispered, her voice trembling as she wrapped her arms around Vandana, clinging to her warmth and comfort.

Vandana's heart ached at her daughter's plea. She gently stroked Vedika's hair, her touch filled with love and reassurance. "Oh, my betu, I will miss you too, more than words can say. But you're going there to chase your dreams. Don't you want to achieve your goal of opening your own fashion brand?"

Vedika looked up at her mother, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Yes, Mumma, I want to, but I will miss you so much," she said, her voice cracking, betraying the strength she was trying to hold on to.

Vandana felt a lump form in her throat as she tried to be strong for her daughter. "I will miss you too, baccha," she said softly, her own voice wavering. "But remember, every step you take there is a step towards your dreams. And I will be here, always supporting you, always proud of you."

They held each other tightly, the room filled with the palpable emotion of their bond. In that embrace, they found comfort and strength, the serene moment stretching into eternity. The inevitability of Vedika's departure hung over them, but so did the promise of her future, bright and full of potential.

Vedika's Pov

Mumma left, telling me to get ready quickly as everyone was waiting for me at the breakfast table. Reluctantly, I dragged myself to the washroom, completing my morning chores with a heavy heart. I slipped into a simple kurta and pants, though I longed to wear my favorite denim and top. But in this house, tradition held a tight grip. My Dadi would never tolerate me in Western clothes.

To outsiders, Mehrotra Villa might seem like heaven, but to me, it was nothing short of a gilded cage.

Determined not to be late, I wrapped a stole around my neck and headed downstairs. The moment I reached the breakfast table, I felt every pair of eyes on me, sending chills down my spine.

"Good morning," I mumbled, sliding into the seat beside Alisha, who greeted me with a disdainful look.

I never understood what her problem with me was.