Ishq hua (Duet 1)

Chapter 9: Monster

Aira:

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, feeling like a stranger in my own skin. The ivory lehenga embroidered with delicate silver work felt like chains rather than the luxurious attire it was supposed to be.

My hair, carefully styled, fell in soft curls down my back, framing my face like I was a princess. The jewellery - it was too pretty. Not golds or Diamonds, but stones just they way I love them.

From what I know he got the jewellery, not even bothering to wonder whether he knew my choices or was it just a mere coincidence anymore.

Forced. That was the word that echoed in my mind every time I looked at him. Arsh Oberoi - my husband, my enemy, and the man who had chained me to this fate.

I have no idea why he went to this extent to humiliate my family, to get revenge on them and although his family didn’t help me escape him, they adored me. They treated me like their own daughter, completely blind to whatever problem they have with my family.

I tightened my grip on the edge of the vanity table, trying to steady my racing heart. I wasn't nervous. No, I wouldn't allow myself to feel vulnerable, not in front of him.

Tonight will either be the end of us or atleast me.

This was my first appearance as his wife and I knew what kind of big deal that is. No one, not even the rest of the Agnihotris know about all this.

Arsh's father reached to my Dad that he wanted to keep it a secret that I was Arsh's wife on my insistence but Dad refused to acknowledge anything.

He told him to do whatever he wants because it has nothing to do with him and although that broke my heart, I just didn't know what to do or more like I didn't have any other choice.

No one knew about me, they hadn't even seen my face and that's why there was so much uproar about the most eligible bachelor's sudden wife especially after his and Varya's marriage broke off.

Tonight his secret wife will be revealed to the world and hopefully I will be gone.

I have found a way out and I am determined to succeed.

I barely noticed the sound of the door creaking open until I saw her reflection beside mine. Tara stepped into the room, her smile lighting up her face like she had no care in the world. Varya followed behind looking as beautiful as always. Always so effortlessly elegant, she was the kind of woman who could make a room fall silent just by walking in.

"Look at you," Tara cooed, her eyes twinkling. "You look so pretty, Aira."

I turned to them and tried to return the smile, but I could tell it didn’t quite reach my eyes.

"You are not so bad yourself," I teased, letting my eyes wander over their outfit. Tara was dressed in a blush pink lehenga, simple but stunning, the kind of understated elegance that made you look twice.

And Varya was dressed in a blue Lehnga, the pretties blue I have ever seen.

I looked at her for a moment before realising something and gasping like a little girl as I asked pointing at Tara, "Wait isn't that my design?"

"Finally you realised," Varya shook her head at me while Tara spun around playfully, the fabric twirling. "Ofcourse, how could I have resisted such a beautiful design?"

My eyes welled up a little with the overwhelming emotions as I awed at her, "You look so pretty."

She twirled once more, "You think? I was going for the 'I-am-not-the-center-of -attention-but-still-gorgeous' look," she winked.