His Bride

20 / The Unveiling

Arushi's POV

As I walked towards the kitchen, my mind was still heavy with the weight of our conversation earlier. I hadn't fully decided what I was going to do next, but one thing was certain—the truth couldn't stay hidden forever. As I passed the living room, I saw Aadhi surrounded by Dhruv's family members, laughing and talking. There was a sense of belonging in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.

They had accepted us, embraced us as their own, and in return, all we were offering them were lies. I needed a distraction from my thoughts, something simple, something that wouldn't make me question everything again.

"Beti." Dhruv's Dadi's voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see her sitting in the corner, a gentle smile on her face as she motioned for me to come over.

I smiled and walked over, taking a seat beside her.

"Tell us about you, dear," she said warmly, her hands resting on her lap, eyes expectant.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, unsure of how much to reveal. I didn't want to lie to them, but I also didn't want to drag them into the mess we had created. Still, I had to answer. I took a deep breath and spoke, choosing my words carefully.

"I... Arushi Mehara. I grew up in London, even Aadhi." I glanced at Aadhi, who was sitting next to her great-grandmother, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I graduated from Oxford University in English literature. Also did my PhD there."

Dhruv's family listened intently, nodding along as I spoke, their faces full of interest and curiosity.

"I thought I needed a change," I continued, forcing a smile, "so I came to Rajasthan when I got a job offer here in Rajasthan University."

There was a brief pause, and then Dhruv's Dadi smiled. "Oxford, huh? That's impressive, my dear. No wonder you're so intelligent." She reached out and patted my hand affectionately. "You're a fine woman, Arushi. And Aadhi is such a blessing. You two bring light to this house."

The words were kind, but they stung. The more they praised me, the more I felt like an impostor. I wasn't the woman they thought I was, and Aadhi wasn't the daughter they believed her to be. Yet, in their eyes, we were already a part of their family.

I smiled back at Dadi, but it didn't reach my eyes. I had to keep up this facade for their sake, for Aadhi's sake. But deep down, I wondered how long I could go on living this lie before it all came crashing down.

As the conversation with Dhruv's family continued, I couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. But there was still so much I was holding back—so much that weighed on my chest. They were kind, welcoming, and accepting, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was living in a world built on a lie.

The air felt lighter when Aadhi giggled and ran off to play with one of Dhruv's cousins. It was as if I could breathe again, momentarily free from the pressure of the truth.

Dadi, noticing my pause, leaned in slightly, her gaze soft and understanding. "Is everything alright, dear?" she asked gently.

I nodded quickly, not wanting to burden her with my inner turmoil. But her words lingered, and I could feel myself slipping into a thought that had been forming in the back of my mind for a while.

The feeling of wanting to contribute, to not just be Dhruv's wife or Aadhi's mother but to be my own person again.

I hesitated, then looked back at Dadi, my voice quieter this time, unsure if it was the right moment.

"It's okay that I can work, right?" I asked, my hands fidgeting nervously. "I don't want to sit idle at home. I'd like to contribute—get back to teaching, doing what I love."

There was a brief pause, and I could see Dadi's thoughtful expression. I wondered what her reaction would be. It was common for women in the family to manage the home and the people, but I wasn't sure how they would react to me wanting to step beyond that role.

After a moment, she smiled warmly, her approval clear in her eyes. "Of course, my dear. It's important that you feel fulfilled. If that's what you want to do, you have our blessing."

Her words were like a weight lifting off my shoulders, and for the first time in a while, I felt a sense of freedom. I didn't want to lose myself in this life, even if it meant walking a difficult path.

"Thank you," I said, my voice steady, yet filled with gratitude. "I appreciate it."

She patted my hand affectionately. "You're part of this family now, Arushi. You don't have to ask for permission. Do what makes you happy."

The warmth of her acceptance settled in my chest, but a part of me knew the truth was still waiting to surface. Until then, I would cherish these moments and hold on to this sense of belonging, no matter how temporary it might be.