WIFE : BOUGHT AND PAID FOR

SHOT 23

Bhumi's POV

"Why are Adanis and Kaurs sitting at the same table?" I asked, confused to see both families chatting and laughing together.

"Why not?" Aryamann responded, looking puzzled.

"Aren't Adanis and Kaurs rivals?" I pressed, even more puzzled.

"How do you know that?" Aryamann narrowed his eyes on me.

Damn it, Bhumi! Where is your brain?

"Oh! I just... I have heard it somewhere," I quickly covered up, hoping he wouldn't ask more questions.

"Well, they used to be rivals, kind of. Maybe until around ten years ago. But they have been good friends ever since," he explained.

"Oh," was all I could manage. If only they had been like this earlier...

"I don't know the full story. Ishitha bhabhi mentioned some family drama once, but I didn't pay much attention. Something big and tragic happened in their family, and they decided to let go of their rivalry," he added, and I nodded.

If only they had let go of their rivalry earlier.

I sighed wearily. What's the point of worrying over spilled milk? Nothing is going to change. But the heartache within me will persist until I die.

"You know what? Siddharth was supposed to marry Ishitha bhabhi to strengthen their bond. And Madhuri was supposed to marry Daksh," he continued, surprising me with this new information.

"Really? What happened?" I was fascinated by this new piece of news.

"It was quite a drama. Daksh and Ishitha were in love with each other, as were Madhuri and Siddharth. But the families didn't know about it. Ishitha and Siddharth were hesitant to reveal their real love interests because of their families' previous rivalry. They didn't want to risk reigniting the feud. So, the four of them decided to sacrifice their love," he explained with a sigh.

"And how did they end up with their real loves?" I asked, curious.

"That's where the great Aryamann Mehrotra stepped in," he said with a smug smirk, and I rolled my eyes.

"Get to the point, please," I said sarcastically.

"Okay, okay. Long story short, I switched the brides without anyone knowing. Not even the brides themselves," he said, shrugging.

"You are kidding," I exclaimed, horrified.

"Don't look at me like that. I couldn't bear to see my brother and Ishitha bhabhi so miserable, so I did what I did. And Gaurav may or may not have helped me with the plan," he admitted.

"Unbelievable. And how did the elders react?" I inquired.

"It was quite the memorable moment when the veils were lifted," he chuckled.

"How could you do that? Weren't you scared?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"Scared? Me? THE Aryamann Mehrotra? No way. Anyway, look at them now. They are all happy and so in love that it makes me sick sometimes. But hey, they are happy, and that's what matters," he said, pointing to the couples in question.

Once again, I saw another side of Aryamann Mehrotra. A brother who would go to any length to ensure his siblings' happiness.

Don't do this, Aryamann. Please don't.

I couldn't help the flutter of butterflies in my stomach.

What are you doing to me, Aryamann?

As dinner concluded, I excused myself to the restroom. I just needed a moment to gather myself.