New book!
Book start- 4/12/23
When Sejal's sister, Meera, vanished on her wedding day with the stern CEO Rishabh, Sejal unexpectedly stepped into her sister's shoes as his forced wife. Sejal felt nervous around Rishabh due to his intense demeanor an...
Sejal sat on the soft, worn leather chair in her dad's study, the familiar smell of old books and aftershave surrounding her. Amit poured them both a drink, a tradition they shared when Anvita wasn't around. He passed her the glass with a knowing smile, but Sejal hesitated before taking a sip, her thoughts drifting to a topic she had been avoiding for months.
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"So, Sejal" Amit began, raising his glass, "how's Rishabh? Is he treating you well?"
Sejal smiled softly and nodded. "He is. Actually, he's been really good to me, Dad. He's... thoughtful, you know? He does small things that make me feel cared for. Like the other day, he woke up early to drop me to the office because I had a long meeting. And he always makes sure I'm okay."
Amit looked at her, his eyes shining with pride. "That's good to hear, beta. I was always worried whether he would treat you the way you deserve. But it seems like you've found a good one."
Sejal's smile grew as she thought about Rishabh. "He really is, Dad. And not just him-his whole family has been wonderful. They've accepted me like their own. Maa, she even fed me dinner while I was working the other night because I didn't have time to eat. Mihir gifted me a car for Rakshabandhan. They really make me feel like I belong."
Amit chuckled, his voice tinged with emotion. "It sounds like you're blessed, Sejal. I always knew you'd bring love and light wherever you went. It's your nature."
She sipped her drink, her thoughts lingering on her parents. "How are things here, Dad? Between you and Mom? Is everything okay when I'm not around?"
Amit's face grew still for a moment, his expression shifting into something more serious. He sighed, leaning back in his chair and taking a deep breath. "Things are... tolerable these days. There's less chaos, fewer arguments. Your mother, she's been... sweet, actually. We don't fight as much."
Sejal furrowed her brow. "That's good, right? I mean, maybe you two just need to spend more time together. Go out on dinners, get away from the house. It's harder to argue in public," she added with a playful smile, trying to lighten the mood.
Amit gave a small, sad smile in return. "We do that sometimes, beta. But, it's not the same. I love your mother, Sejal. I was the first one to fall in love in this marriage, but... she never loved me back. For her, it was always duty. She likes the attention, sure, but anytime I try to get close or speak with her gently, she pulls away."
Sejal's heart sank hearing the weariness in his voice. "Dad, that can't be true. I saw it growing up-Mom loves you in her own way. She used to wait for you to come home every night, never ate until you had your dinner. She'd dress in sarees in your favorite colors, and she'd always praise you in front of us."
Amit shook his head, his expression softening. "I know, beta. I used to tease her about it, even tried talking to her about those sweet gestures. But she'd always brush it off. She'd say she dressed like that for appearances, so people thought we were a happy couple. It was never for me."
