His Second Bride

Chapter 19 - His Second Bride

Aaradhya was getting ready for her marriage, her heart heavy with the weight of the upcoming event. She adjusted the delicate jewellery on her forehead, her fingers trembling slightly as she looked at herself in the mirror. Just then, Dai-maa entered the room and walked over to her. With a soft, loving touch, she placed her hand on Aaradhya's head. "Meri bachhi," Dai-maa said, her voice thick with sorrow, "you never received the love you truly deserve, and now your family is pushing you into this loveless marriage."

Aaradhya turned to face Dai-maa, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Unable to hold back any longer, she threw her arms around Dai-maa and hugged her tightly. The tears she had been holding back began to flow freely, soaking Dai-maa's shoulder. Her body shook as she sobbed, releasing the pain she had kept buried inside for so long. After what felt like an eternity, Aaradhya slowly pulled away, wiping her eyes. With a trembling voice, she softly said, "If this is what my destiny has chosen for me, then I will accept it."

Dai-maa's heart ached as she looked at the young princess, who had endured so much. She silently prayed that Aaradhya's grandfather, Omkareshwar, would arrive in time to stop this wedding. But deep down, she felt powerless, standing there helplessly, unable to do anything to change Aaradhya's fate.

Gathering her thoughts, Aaradhya looked at Dai-maa with a determined expression. "I want to speak with my father before the marriage," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. Dai-maa nodded and hurried out of the room to instruct one of the servants. "Inform the King that Princess Aaradhya wants to talk with him immediately," she commanded.

Within a few minutes, Mahendra entered Aaradhya's room, his face carefully controlled as he asked, "Why did you call me here?" His voice was neutral, but there was a hint of impatience beneath the surface.

Aaradhya stood tall, meeting her father's gaze without flinching. "Remember our deal?" she reminded him, her voice calm yet firm. "You promised to give me the papers from my mother's home today. Are they ready?"

Mahendra's face tightened for a brief moment, his eyes narrowing slightly before he regained his composure. "Yes, they are ready," he replied, his tone clipped. "I will give them to you after the wedding."

Aaradhya shook her head, her eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want me to go through with this marriage, then you have to give them to me right now. I don't trust you anymore, not after everything you've done to me."

Mahendra's face flushed with anger, his fists clenching at his sides. He stared at Aaradhya with frustration, feeling trapped by his own actions. What choice did he have? After a tense moment, he picked up his phone and called his secretary. "Bring me the papers immediately," he ordered, his voice laced with suppressed rage.

Within moments, the secretary arrived with the papers and handed them to Mahendra. His expression stiff, Mahendra forced a smile as he handed the papers to Aaradhya. "Here they are," he said, his voice strained.

Aaradhya accepted the papers, her hands trembling slightly as she held them. She nodded a small thanks, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and relief. As she looked down at the documents, tears of happiness welled up in her eyes, knowing that she had finally gained a piece of what was rightfully hers.

*****

Omkareshwar had just arrived in India, his heart racing with urgency. His face was filled with determination as he quickly made plans to reach his granddaughter. Thoughts of Aaradhya weighed heavily on his mind, knowing he had to save her from this loveless marriage. His heart ached thinking of the pain she might be in, and he couldn't wait to see her and protect her.

Meanwhile, Aparajita was busy helping Rudra get ready for the wedding. Her hands moved swiftly, but her mind was clouded with concern. She wanted everything to be perfect, but deep down, she wondered if it was the right thing for Rudra. Once he was ready, they left for the venue. At the entrance, Kumudini and Mahendra greeted the Rajvanshi family with folded hands, performing Rudra's aarti with devotion and grace as per the ritual.