"The Fated Substitute"

Chapter 01

Bela's POV

Coming back home after three years was a mix of excitement and nerves, but it felt like the best decision after finishing my studies. London had been a whirlwind of opportunities, new friends, and experiences, but nothing could beat the warmth of home.

"Hello!" Let me introduce myself properly. I am Bela, Bela Sharma—daughter of Ram Sharma and Siya Sharma. Both of them are doctors, incredible at what they do. But me? I didn't follow in their footsteps. I completed my master's in London, and my interests veered far from the medical field. Still, despite our differences, my parents have always been my biggest supporters. The only child in the family, I was cherished beyond measure. Yet, I couldn't shake the nagging homesickness I'd felt during those long years abroad. I missed my parents deeply.

As I sat reflecting on everything, I heard a familiar, affectionate voice echoing from downstairs. "Belaaaa! Belaaaa! Breakfast!" It was my mom's signature yell, always the same no matter how many years passed. Smiling, I pulled myself together, dressed, and headed down to join my parents at the breakfast table.

When I entered the kitchen, they were already immersed in conversation about something serious. "Good morning!" I chirped, trying to bring some lightness into the room.

My dad, Ram Sharma, looked up from his coffee and smiled. "Good morning, Bela. We were just talking about something important."

"You're going to love this," my mom added, giving me a knowing glance. "We're going to Nani's house for your cousin's wedding."

I froze mid-bite, a wave of unease washing over me. Weddings always meant extended family, and our family wasn't exactly the loving, harmonious group you might imagine. Sure, my Nani loved me to bits, but the rest of them? My cousin had bullied me for years about my body and my skin color , and the very thought of seeing her again made my stomach churn.

"Mom, I literally just got back home yesterday, and now you want me to go to the wedding of a cousin who made my life miserable?" I tried to keep my tone respectful but firm.

My dad, ever the understanding parent, gave me a sympathetic nod. "It's okay if you don't want to come, Bela."

But my mom, who had that relentless 'mom energy,' wasn't having it. "No, Bela. You're coming, and that's final. Your Nani asked for you specifically. She misses you, and she's always been good to you. Don't forget that."

I couldn't argue with that. Nani had always been my safe heaven in a sea of judgmental relatives. "Fine," I sighed, "but don't expect me to play nice with the rest of them. I'll go for Nani, but that's it."

"That's all we're asking," my mom said softly, placing her hand on mine. "Just try. For her."

My dad added, "We leave tomorrow, so make sure to pack your bags."

After that, breakfast continued in an uncomfortable silence. Once it was over, I went back to my room to prepare for the trip, my mind swirling with memories of my childhood. Nani's home had always been a source of comfort, but the rest of the family? Not so much. My mom's brother had never accepted my dad—an orphan—after my parents' love marriage. That rejection extended to me, and except for Nani, I always felt like an outsider there.

Still, this time would be different. I wasn't the insecure, self-conscious girl they remembered. I had changed—London had changed me. I wasn't going to let their taunts get to me this time.

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The next morning, we left early for Nani's village. The journey was long, but the beautiful rural scenery made up for it. Rolling green fields, a few cows grazing in the distance, and the simplicity of village life had a charm that the bustling streets of London could never replace. Still, anxiety gnawed at me as we got closer.

When we finally arrived, there she was—my beloved Nani, waiting for us at the entrance. Her face lit up when she saw me, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. I had missed her so much. I rushed out of the car and straight into her arms.

"Bela! My child!" she exclaimed, hugging me tightly. The smell of her familiar perfume, mixed with the scent of fresh flowers from the garden, instantly calmed me. "Thank God you finally decided to come back and see your old Nani. You had me worried, disappearing for so many years."

I chuckled, squeezing her even tighter. "Don't be upset, Nani. If you start scolding me now, I'll leave and never come back."

"Don't be silly," she said, brushing off my light threat with a smile. "It's good to have you home. But next time, don't take so long to visit."

My mom joined in, saying, "Maa, don't listen to her. We're never leaving you. We'll always be here."

After our little reunion, we made our way inside. The house looked beautiful, adorned with flowers and lights, preparing for the upcoming wedding festivities. It seemed that everyone was busy making arrangements. I could already hear the sounds of people bustling about, workers moving chairs, relatives talking, and the general chaos of an Indian wedding.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my aunt—the one who never missed an opportunity to remind me of how "imperfect" I was. She was talking to some workers, but the moment she spotted us, her face changed. Her fake smile stretched wide as she made her way toward us.

My stomach knotted, but I stood tall. I wasn't the same Bela anymore, and I wasn't going to let her or anyone else make me feel small again.

"Here we go," I muttered under my breath. "Round one."

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