Book-3
Lord Rama once said,
"No one can change the direction of the wind, but one can adjust the sails to reach the destination."
Ishani Raichand.
Intelligent, ambitious, and confident.
Is engaged in a relentless battle against the patriarchal norm...
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"What were those bastards doing at our house, Ishani?!" Kartik Bhaiyya's words sent terror down my body as he dashed into my room. Did he see me climbing up the window? Did he see Atharva and Advik? Did he tell Papa about it already?
"What?" I pretended to not know. Kartik Bhaiyya is always looking for my mistakes so that he could get me scolded from Papa, and I keep giving him the chances to do so.
"Don't be smart, Isha; I met those bastards a few minutes ago!" Kartik Bhaiyya clenched his jaw in offense. "What were they doing here at our house?! At five in the fucking morning?"
"None of your business." I looked away, sighing loudly as I knew he wouldn't shut his mouth and tell Papa about Atharva and Advik coming home. My day is ruined even before it starts.
"Do you know what people will think if they see boys outside your window?!" Kartik Bhaiyya slammed his hand on the wall. "Do you know what they will call you? A whore."
"Watch your words, Kartik Bhaiyya. I am the daughter of the Raichand family, and you're dishonoring me." I am used to these insults, but I am never okay with them. I never will be quiet when someone disrespects me.
"Raichand? You're the disappointment to the Raichand family! A fucking disappointment." Kartik Bhaiyya and his daily affirmations to prove himself better than me.
It's true. Intelligently, I am the clever child. I have more knowledge of business, money, and political issues than Kartik Bhaiyya ever had. He might be the son of this house, the heir to the Raichand throne, but I am worthier.
Not like I will ever fight for the Raichand throne; I believe women should not even enter the kingdom they are not respected in. Sitting on the throne is far more concerning.
"If you are done, Kartik Bhaiyya, I'd like to study." I know he is going to start another conflict, but I am prepared for everything. Getting slapped on my face is not a new thing for me.
"Like you're going to be a prime minister by studying." Kartik Bhaiyya rolled his eyes. "Papa will get you married once your school is over. Although daughters are nothing but the burden on the father's shoulder."
I know.
I know Papa wants to marry me off. I know Papa has already found a man for me and sold my life to him. I'm just fifteen, and they're already planning to knot my life with a twenty-year-old boy.
Papa doesn't care about anything but money and name. He doesn't give a damn about his daughter, her feelings, her talent, her abilities, or her. He only cares about what the world will see, say, and hear.
"Prime minister or a wife, I'll still be better than you." I shouldn't get Kartik Bhaiyya mad since he caught Atharva and Advik a few minutes ago, but not answering back feels like an like an injustice to my soul.
