His Second Bride

Chapter 14 - His Second Bride

Aaradhya entered the room and greeted Aparajita and Vikrant with a respectful "Namaste." Her resemblance to her mother, Kinjal, was striking, and Aparajita couldn't help but notice how much Aaradhya looked like her. She was an exact copy.

"Aaradhya, come and sit by me," Aparajita said warmly. Aaradhya felt nervous but walked over and sat next to her. Aparajita gently placed her hand on Aaradhya's head and said, "You are really beautiful, Aaradhya, just like your mother, Kinjal."

Hearing her mother's name, Aaradhya looked at Aparajita with wide eyes. Aparajita smiled and said, "Yes, I knew your mother. You look just like her."

Vikrant chimed in, his eyes softening, "Yes, beta. You are an exact copy of your mother. For a moment, I thought I was seeing her again." He glanced at Mahendra from the corner of his eye, his expression serious.

Aaradhya smiled sadly but felt happy inside. "Really, I look like my mom? Have you seen her?"

Vikrant and Aparajita both smiled warmly at her and said, "Yes, really."

Vikrant and Aparajita then told Mahendra that they wanted to talk to Aaradhya privately. Mahendra signalled a maid to take them to the garden. He looked at Aaradhya, warning her with his eyes to behave properly and not say anything unnecessary. Aaradhya looks down, understanding the silent warning.

In the garden, Aaradhya sat with Aparajita and Vikrant. The atmosphere was calm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. Vikrant spoke first, his voice gentle, "Aaradhya, I saw you when you were a baby. I know about your parents' love story and how your father treated you after your mother passed away. I also know about your relationship with your father and your family."

Aparajita added, her eyes filled with concern, "Yes, we know everything. That's why we want to know if you are okay with this marriage or if you are being forced into it." She continued, "Aaradhya, you are just 21 and still studying. Considering the distance with your family, we wonder if someone is forcing you. You can tell us if that's the case. We will not let anyone force you into this."

Aaradhya felt the love and care from Aparajita, the motherly affection she had always craved but never got. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she quickly blinked them away. She answered politely, "No one is forcing me."

They didn't press her further, sensing her discomfort, but they could see she wasn't entirely happy. Despite this, they liked Aaradhya very much and felt that Revati's decision was right. Aaradhya was a perfect match for Rudra and their family. They were ready for the wedding.

As they were about to leave, Aaradhya hesitated, then asked, "Can I ask you something?"

Aparajita replied lovingly, "Yes, dear. What is it?"

Aaradhya looked down, gathering her courage, then asked, "Do I really look like my mom? What was she like? How did she talk, walk? She was a doctor, right? I don't know much about her. Can you tell me?"

They were shocked and looked at each other. Aparajita asked gently, "Did you never see her photos?"

Aaradhya shook her head no. Aparajita's eyes softened even more as she said, "She was just like you. Same face, lips, ears, nose, and even your mannerisms. If you want to see her, just look at yourself in the mirror."

Vikrant added, "Yes, she is right. There is no difference between you two. That's why I thought you were her when I first saw you. If you want to see her photos, I have some group pictures. When you come to our house after your marriage, I will show them to you."

Aaradhya smiled happily, a tear escaping her eye as she nodded. Vikrant placed his hand on her head and blessed her, a tender smile on his face.

Then they went back to the living room and informed the Rathods that they liked Aaradhya and were ready for the marriage. The Rathods were happy, but Revati felt a pang of sadness knowing she would have to share her husband with Aaradhya. She forced a smile at them nonetheless.

They discussed the marriage plans and decided that the wedding should happen soon. They agreed on an engagement in a week, where they would set the wedding date. Mahendra suggested skipping the engagement since it was Rudra's second marriage, but Vikrant insisted on a proper wedding with all rituals, acknowledging Aaradhya's sacrifice and her dreams for her marriage.

Before leaving, Revati wanted to meet Aaradhya. She went to her and said, "Thank you," while hugging her tightly.

Aaradhya replied, "I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing everything to keep my mother's last memory, which your father is trying to destroy just for your happiness." Her voice was flat, and she looked at Revati with sadness. Revati knew that Aaradhya wasn't at fault. She didn't hate Aaradhya; she was just scared that Aaradhya would take her dad away from her just like Aaradhya's mother had taken him away from Revati's mother.

Revati said, "Aaradhya, he is your dad too. I know that whatever happened was not right, but please try to forget everything and start fresh. I promise that he will accept you as his daughter." She knew it wouldn't be easy for Aaradhya, but they needed to do this. Revati wanted to accept Aaradhya and make everyone's life easier with this arrangement.

Aaradhya looked at Revati with tears in her eyes, feeling the weight of her words. She had always longed for acceptance and love from her father, but the memories of her mother and the pain of being an outsider were hard to forget. And now the thought of never getting her husband's love in her life and knowing that her marriage was just a deal to give an heir to their family weighed heavily on her heart.

Revati added, "I promise you, Aaradhya, that you will get everything after this marriage—love, acceptance, and the family you desire. But in this marriage, you will never get Rudra's love. I'm not able to share that with you. But I will always be by your side."

Aaradhya felt a mix of emotions. She appreciated Revati's honesty and her effort to make things right, but the thought of never having her husband's love and knowing that her marriage was just a deal to provide an heir for the family in return of her mother last memory that she have was heartbreaking.

Aaradhya responded firmly, "I will never try to take anything from you, not even your husband Rudraveer's love."

They both knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but with mutual understanding and support, they hoped to build a new bond and bring peace to their family.