Chapter Ten
Ria’s POV
I slowly opened my heavy eyelids, adjusting to the faint sunlight seeping through the grand windows. My eyes stung—I had cried myself to sleep. My body ached with every movement as I pushed myself up, muscles sore from the stress and exhaustion.
“Mom…” I whispered instinctively, but the reality hit me like a slap.
This wasn’t home.
I glanced around the room, cold and regal, nothing like the warmth of my small but cozy bedroom back home.
A quick look at the large antique clock on the wall.
6:30 AM. My first day in the Rathore Mansion.
My first day… as a wife. I looked at the empty side of the bed—he hadn’t come. For some reason, I felt relieved.
A sudden knock at the door startled me.
Who could that be? I thought.
I opened the door slowly to find Avantika standing with a soft smile, holding a stack of neatly folded clothes.
“Good morning,” she said.
I just blinked at her, too numb to respond.
“Dadaji sent these for you. Choose whichever you like and come downstairs. It’s your first day here.”
“Thank…” I paused. I didn’t know what to call her.
“You can call me Bhabhi,” she said gently.
I managed a faint smile. “Thanks, bhabhi.”
She left, and I shut the door softly, leaning against it with a sigh. My heart ached with self-pity. I didn’t even have clothes of my own. After all, I had been kidnapped and forcefully married.
But at least someone thought about me.
I gathered the clothes and headed to the bathroom—if I could call this palace of a washroom that.
It was massive, bigger than my entire living room back home.
I stepped into the shower and let the warm water cascade down my body.
I stood under it forever, letting the tears blend with the water.
My shoulders shook as silent sobs escaped.
I miss you, Ma. Papa. Arjun Bhaiya… Siya…
Everything felt like a nightmare.
I wiped my face. “No, I can't pity myself anymore. I have to stay strong. For my family.”
I wore a peach-colored Anarkali suit with delicate gota patti work, soft and elegant, not too heavy.
I stepped out and sat in front of the large dressing mirror.
Drying my hair with a towel, I noticed a set neatly placed—Avantika must have left them.
A hairdryer, a straightener, combs, and a beautiful golden vermillion box.
I gently combed through my damp hair and tied it into a low braided bun, neat and simple.
My eyes landed again on the vermillion box. I stared at it, debating. Was I really a wife now? Was this even a real marriage?
But in the end, I picked it up. With trembling fingers, I applied a small line of sindoor in my parting. I looked at my reflection—new, unfamiliar… someone else entirely.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway. The corridor seemed endless. I had no idea where the kitchen even was.
“Bhabhi!”
I turned around to see a beautiful girl in a mint green co-ord set with hoop earrings and a messy bun walking toward me. She looked modern and effortless.
“Ishita…” she smiled brightly and hugged me unexpectedly. I stiffened at first but slowly hugged her back.
“I’m so sorry for what my brother did to you,” she whispered. “No girl deserves that kind of wedding.”
“You don’t have to apologize for his behavior,” I said softly, breaking the hug.
She smiled, “What’s your name, bhabhi?”
“Ria… Ria Malhotra.”
They didn’t even know my name, I thought, a bitter chuckle escaping my lips.
“You’re so beautiful, bhabhi,” she gasped.
I chuckled, “So are you, Ishita.”
I asked her where the kitchen was and she gladly led me there.
---
In the kitchen, Avantika was busy preparing tea. She turned to me and smiled.
“You came.”
“Yes… can I help with anything?”
“Today you’ll make a sweet dish for the family. It’s tradition,” she said. “I hope you know how to cook?”
“Yes, bhabhi, I do. What should I make?”
“Kheer. The staff will assist. I’ll be back—I’m taking tea to Aavyan.” She exited gracefully.
The staff brought the ingredients but avoided eye contact, behaving like trained machines.
I sighed and got to work, recalling Ma’s recipe—boiling the milk just right, adding cardamom and saffron, slow-cooking the rice until it softened into velvet, and finally, garnishing with dry fruits roasted in ghee.
Once done, the staff took the kheer to the dining hall.
---
I followed a few steps behind and paused at the threshold of the vast dining room. The entire family was seated. Every eye turned to me. I felt like I was walking into a courtroom.
“Come join us, dear,” Dadaji said warmly.
I sat in an empty chair. The seat at the head of the table remained empty.
Aansh’s, I guessed.
The staff served the kheer. Some took bites happily. Others… judged.
Damini ji tasted a spoon and sneered. “It tastes cheap—just like her,” she spat, pushing the bowl away.
I said nothing. I didn’t want a scene.
But—
“Wow! This is the best kheer I’ve had in my life,” Aavyan declared, taking huge bites.
“Yes bhai! It’s sooo delicious!” Kritika chimed in.
“You have magic in your hands, dear,” Dadaji smiled at me.
Rahul, Kiaan and Ishita also complimented me. A small smile tugged at my lips.
Despite the glares, I felt a sliver of warmth.
---
After breakfast, Dadaji stood and handed me a box.
“This is for you, beti,” he said. Inside were beautiful gold bangles.
“I don’t want—” I started, but his soft expression stopped me.
I nodded and accepted politely.
Aavyan and Avantika gave me diamond earrings.
Rahul and Kiaan gifted me a diamond necklace set.
Ishita and Kritika gave me gold anklets.
I accepted each gift, humbled. At least some hearts here weren’t made of stone.
---
Later, I returned to my room. The moment the door closed, tears welled up again. I missed home. I missed them all.
A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts. I wiped my face and opened the door.
It was Dadaji.
“My dear,” he said kindly, “I know you must be missing your family. Go andcheck up on them. Let them know you’re safe. They must be worried.”
“Thank you… Dadaji,” I said, my voice cracking as tears filled my eyes again.
He gently patted my head. “Bhagwan tumhe khush rakhe, beta.”
As he walked away, I stood frozen at the door, overwhelmed.
There were still a few good people in this house. But one question haunted me now…
What would my family’s reaction be?
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Ria survived through breakfast with her in laws but what will be her family’s reaction to her marriage. Guys vote please.