Chapter - 14
I opened my eyes slowly and realized I was alone in the room. The sunlight was streaming through the curtains, but it didn't bring me any warmth. My heart felt heavy. Today was my first day in this house, my new home, but it didn't feel like one.
What will happen now? I thought, sitting up on the bed. Everyone will ask questions—questions I don't have answers to.
"Shivji," I whispered, looking up as if He could hear me.
"How can I answer everyone's questions? I can't tell them the truth, and I don't want to lie.
What if they blame me, like Taiji always did?
What if they throw me out of this palace?
Then where will I go? Taiji will never take me back.
" My throat tightened as the thoughts spiraled further.
"Will they lock me away somewhere? Will they beat me? Will they keep me hungry?"
My hands trembled as I buried my face in them. "I never wanted this, Shivji," I murmured. "All I ever prayed for was a simple life, not this... this nightmare."
Just then, there was a knock at the door. I froze. Who could it be? My mind jumped to the worst. Maybe...him?
I stood up, my heart pounding, and hesitantly walked toward the door. My fingers gripped the doorknob tightly as I opened it just a crack, peeking out. To my relief, it was Anaya, standing there with a bright smile on her face.
"Good morning, bhabhi!" she chirped, her tone cheerful and welcoming.
"G-good morning," I replied softly, attempting to return her smile but feeling it falter.
She handed me two packets and said, "Taiji asked me to give you these. Get ready and come downstairs."
I nodded quickly, not knowing what else to say.
"I'll see you downstairs, bhabhi," she added before walking away.I closed the door, placing the packets on the bed.
My hands fumbled as I opened them. The first one had a saree, and the second held jewelry.
They were beautiful but felt heavy in my hands, just like the responsibility of this new life.
I took a deep breath and went to the bathroom to get ready.
The warm water calmed me a little, but my thoughts wouldn't stop.
After dressing in the saree and adjusting the pallu, I stared at the mirror.
Do I even look like a bride? I thought bitterly.
No, I'm just a replacement. This place isn't mine—it never was, and it never will be.
The weight of the jewelry felt suffocating, a constant reminder that I didn't belong here, that this wasn't supposed to be my moment.
I stepped out of the room and realized I didn't know where to go.
The hallways seemed to stretch on forever, and there was no one around.
It was very quiet, which made me feel uneasy.
I started walking slowly, hoping to find someone.
I remembered Anaya's words: "This entire floor belongs to Aarav Bhai.
No one comes in without his permission." That thought made me feel nervous as I wondered if I was even allowed to be here.
After a while, I noticed a young man walking toward me. His expression was calm but serious—just like his demeanor.
"Good morning, bhabhi. I'm Arjun," he greeted me politely.
"Good morning," I replied softly.
He must have noticed my confusion because he said, "I think you've lost your way, bhabhi. Let me help you."
I nodded, feeling a little relieved. "This way," he said, gesturing for me to follow him.
He led me downstairs, and as we approached a sitting area, I saw three women. One of them was Dadiji, the second was the one who had done the aarti yesterday, and the third woman I didn't recognize.
"Here you go, bhabhi," he said before walking away.
I took a deep breath and stepped closer to the women, my heart pounding in my chest. My hands folded automatically as I said, "N-Namaste, um... Dad—" I faltered, unsure of how to address her. My voice was barely above a whisper.
She smiled warmly, her eyes filled with a gentle kindness, and placed her hand on my head. "Siya beta, just call me Dadimaa, like Aarav does," she said softly. Her tone carried a warmth that made me feel a little less nervous.
I nodded. "Ji, Dadimaa," I said, feeling a little comforted by her warmth. (Yes, Grandma)
Then I turned to the woman who had done the aarti. I took her blessings, and she said with a smile, "And call me Maa, like Aarav does." ( Maa - Mother)
The third woman spoke next. "And you can call me Chachi, like Aarav does," she said with a nod.
I nodded again, feeling overwhelmed but trying my best to smile. "Ji, Maa. Ji, Chachi," I said softly. ("Yes, mother. Yes, aunty.")
As they smiled at me, I stood there, wondering if I would ever truly belong in this grand palace, surrounded by people I barely knew. Just then, Maa turned to me and asked, "Did you sleep well, beta?"
I nodded, feeling a small wave of comfort wash over me.
Maa smiled at me and said, "Today is your first rasoi, Siya, so we will do this ritual today." She took my hand and led me to the kitchen. I was surprised to see how big it was—just as large as our entire home!
(The first rasoi is a Hindu ritual where a new bride prepares a sweet dish as her first meal in her new home, marking the beginning of her new life and responsibilities.)
Maa explained that I should make a sweet dish, while the chef would take care of the other breakfast items. I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She told me if I needed any help, I could ask the servants, then she left the kitchen.
Taking a deep breath, I started to gather the ingredients, asking the chef what everyone would like to eat. After a little while, I decided to make suji halwa, kheer, and a fruit salad. I focused on the recipes, pouring my heart into every dish. After an hour, I was finally done.
Just then, Chachi ji entered the kitchen. "The servants will set the dining table, so you just need to take a sweet dish to serve in the temple," she said. I nodded, quickly arranging the halwa in a bowl as she instructed.
We both walked to the temple, where Dadi maa and Maa were already waiting. Dadi maa explained, "It's our ritual to serve the sweet dish to God first." I listened carefully and followed her instructions during the pooja, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as I participated in this tradition.
Once the pooja was complete, we all headed to the dining room. I noticed everyone was already seated, but he was still missing. As we entered, the chatter died down, and I felt the weight of everyone's attention.
When he finally walked in, everyone fell silent. It was strange how one person could change the entire atmosphere of the room. I stood by the table, unsure of what to do. Should I serve the food, or quietly step away?
"Siya beta, come and sit beside Aarav," Dadi maa called out. I nodded and hurried to sit next to him, feeling both nervous and small.
Everyone started eating, but I waited anxiously for their reactions.
What if they didn't like my cooking? I glanced around the table, hoping to catch a glimpse of their expressions.
To my relief, they praised me! Chachi ji was about to say something, but Maa interrupted, saying, "Siya beta, you cooked delicious food. "
I smiled shyly at her, my heart swelling with a mixture of happiness and pride. Just then, Anaya spoke up, her cheerful voice cutting through the room, "Thank you, Bhabhi, for making kheer. Bhabhi, I'm serious! No one else is allowed to make kheer from now on."
Her words made me feel genuinely happy. Even Chacha ji nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, Siya beta, it's excellent." (Chacha ji - Uncle)
Chachi ji added with mock annoyance, "Now I won't make anything for the two of you." Her teasing tone brought laughter to the room, and for a moment, everything felt light. Even Arjun bhaiya joined in, praising my food with a smile. (Chachi ji - Aunt)
But then, I noticed him take a small bowl of kheer.
He was sitting right next to me, yet he didn't say a word.
His face was unreadable, wearing the same emotionless expression he always had.
I stole a glance at him, hoping for some sign—was it good?
Did he like it? The silence felt heavier than the jewelry around my neck.
Why is he like this? I wondered, a small wave of disappointment washing over me despite the warmth from everyone else's words.
After breakfast, Dadi Maa looked at me with a kind smile and said, "Siya beta, the food was just perfect. You've done wonderfully, truly! It takes skill and love to prepare such delightful dishes. I'm so proud of you."
Her heartfelt praise brought a sense of comfort, and I nodded, feeling a little lighter. As everyone began to leave, she added, "Come to my room when you're done, beta. I want to talk to you."
I nodded again, my feelings all jumbled—part of me was nervous, and part of me was curious about what Dadi Maa wanted to discuss.
The weight of being the replaced bride loomed over me, and I couldn't shake the anxiety that tightened in my chest. What if she wanted to ask me questions I wasn't ready to answer?
What if she was disappointed in me or wondered why I was even here?
I reminded myself to stay strong; this was my new life, and I had to face it head-on.
I clung to the hope that things would get better as I adjusted, even though a small part of me trembled at the thought of what lay ahead.