As Raha returned to her college campus, little did she know that her world was about to be turned upside down. Her stepmother, Riddhi, confronted her with a revelation that would send shockwaves through her life.
Riddhi's words were like an unexpected storm: "You are getting married next week."
Raha stood there, frozen, her mind racing, and her heart pounding as she grappled with the abruptness of it all. She was utterly shocked and didn't know how to react.
Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice quivering as she pleaded, "Why, Mom? I'm just 19, and I want to complete my studies."
Riddhi, in a tone devoid of emotion, replied, "I'm not asking you, Raha. It's an order."
The weight of Riddhi's command hung heavily in the air, and Raha was finding it increasingly difficult to process the reality of what was unfolding.
In a voice choked with emotion, Raha voiced her resistance once more, "No, I don't want this marriage."
Riddhi's response was unexpected, as if revealing her own reluctance. "Even I don't want you to marry into a wealthy family. But, Raha, as I have no daughters of my own, you are the only option."
Raha was left in a state of shock and confusion, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the decision that had just been imposed upon her. The weight of familial expectations and societal norms bore down on her, leaving her emotionally torn and vulnerable. It was a moment of heart-wrenching revelation, and Raha was at a loss for words as she tried to digest the enormity of her circumstances.
Riddhi's tone grew colder as she issued a stern warning to Raha.
"If Siddharth and his parents inquire about your readiness for this marriage, you will say 'yes' with a smile. You are not to utter 'no' or defy my instructions in any way." Her words held a cruel, unwavering authority.
Raha, her emotions in turmoil, was left utterly shattered by the weight of her stepmother's command. She wanted nothing more than to retreat from the cruel world that surrounded her. Her tears flowed freely as she sought refuge in her room, the only sanctuary left to her. It was a place where she could weep in solitude and grapple with the overwhelming reality that had suddenly taken hold of her life.
Locked in her room, Raha felt a tidal wave of emotions crashing down upon her. In the solitude of that moment, she let her thoughts flow:
Raha's pov__
"I'm shattered right now. It feels like life has never been fair to me. God seemed to take my mother from me when I was just six years old. Then, my father married another woman, and she treated me terribly. I was nothing more than a burden to her. She never showed me any love, and I endured it all in silence. Complaining to my dad would have been futile; I knew that.
Now, this woman, my stepmother, wants me to marry a man who is nine years older than me. He's Like An Uncle, not someone I'd ever choose for myself. I see right through her; she's orchestrating this marriage for business reasons. She has no daughters of her own, and I've become a pawn in her game.
And then there's her son, Shivansh. I can't stand him. He always tries to get too close to me, leering at me with those dirty eyes. His unwanted touches make my skin crawl. But I've held my silence because I know his mother would side with him and place the blame on me. She'd suggest I should have seduced him, and that's the last thing I want."
The memories from my school days still haunt me. She, my stepmother, never gave me any money. Instead, her son delighted in teasing me. She handed me a cheap car to get to university, while she drove around in a Tesla Model 3. My dad would provide me with a meager allowance, but it was never enough.
Frustrated by the lack of support, I decided to take matters into my own hands. After finishing college, I found a job at a nearby café. It allowed me to earn a decent income and take care of myself. At that point, I felt content and self-reliant.
My plan was simple: complete my studies, then leave that house to live on my terms. But before I could take that step, she dropped a bombshell on me - the news of my impending marriage to that older man. It felt like my world had been turned upside down, and I couldn't help but hate the path my life was taking.
Pov end__
With her heart heavy and her mind burdened by these thoughts, Raha realized the magnitude of the challenges she was about to face. Her life had taken an unexpected and difficult turn, leaving her with a sense of powerlessness that weighed heavily on her young shoulders.
After a week___
Wedding day
Siddharth prepared for his wedding day with meticulous care, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking. His strong, chiseled jawline was accentuated by a perfectly trimmed beard, giving him an air of rugged charm. His deep, expressive eyes seemed to hold the secrets of a lifetime, and they gleamed with a mix of anticipation and confidence.
His suit, a masterpiece of tailoring, accentuated his tall, well-proportioned frame. The dark fabric clung to his shoulders and chest, emphasizing his athletic physique. As he buttoned his jacket, it revealed a glimpse of a crisp, white shirt and a stylish tie that added a touch of sophistication to his ensemble.
Every detail was immaculate, from the way his hair was impeccably styled to the gleam of his polished shoes. Siddharth exuded an aura of elegance and magnetism, making it easy for anyone to see why he was considered exceptionally handsome on this momentous day.
Siddharth reached for his phone, which rested on the table, and dialled a familiar number. As the call connected, he couldn't help the person in the call and said , "Already missing me?"
With a mischievous smirk, he continued, "Do you really think that, Sana? I called to inform you that I'm getting married today, and you are most welcome to attend the wedding."
Sana, caught off guard by the news, struggled to react. "Do you really? You know, Siddharth, I'm genuinely happy after leaving you. Look at how easily you've moved on. You never deserved my love," she asserted with a sense of finality.
Siddharth's response was tinged with a hint of bitterness as he retorted, "So what, Sana? Did you expect me to cry over someone who cheated on me? I would never do that."
With those words, Siddharth disconnected the call and, in a fit of frustration, tossed his phone somewhere in the room. The atmosphere was tense, as the weight of their past lingered in the air, leaving both with a sense of unresolved emotions.
The time has finally arrived, and the sprawling wedding venue was transformed into a mesmerizing dreamscape. The air was alive with excitement, and the decorations were nothing short of a visual marvel. It was a true Indian-style wedding, designed to reflect the opulence of Siddharth and Raha's wealthy family.
Floral arrangements graced every corner of the venue, a lush and extravagant display of roses, orchids, and jasmine. Their fragrant scent filled the air, creating an atmosphere of pure romance and serenity.
The lighting was nothing short of magical, with twinkling fairy lights, chandeliers, and intricate lamps casting a soft, warm glow. It was as if the very heavens had descended to bless the occasion with their luminous grace.
The color palette was regal and majestic, dominated by deep reds, velvety purples, and shimmering golds. The rich hues wove an opulent tapestry of luxury and grandeur.
Gold, the color of prosperity, was a recurring theme, adorning not just the décor but the very essence of the occasion. It was present in the exquisite attire of the couple and their families, shimmering and resplendent.
Traditional elements abounded, with intricate rangoli patterns gracing the entrance and ornate toran welcoming guests with a touch of tradition. The environment was steeped in cultural significance, a reflection of the rich heritage of the land.
A live band filled the air with melodious tunes, each note resonating with emotion. Their music, a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary flair, was the backdrop to a joyous celebration that would linger in everyone's memory.
The venue was punctuated with sculptures and statues, a homage to deities and cultural symbols. Each sculpture stood as a testament to faith and tradition, enhancing the spiritual dimension of the occasion.
Seating arrangements were the epitome of regal comfort. Plush velvet cushions and ornate chairs were meticulously arranged, ensuring that guests were treated to nothing less than a royal experience.
A grand dance floor beckoned, its polished surface eager to witness the celebratory spirit of the evening. Guests would soon gather, their movements a joyful expression of love and merriment.
On the other hand, Raha, the bride-to-be, was a vision of ethereal beauty. Her beauty was a testament to the divine craftsmanship of the universe. Her radiant smile, which could light up the darkest corners of the world, was adorned with the softest shade of coral lipstick, enhancing her naturally exquisite lips.
Her almond-shaped eyes, the color of deep, rich brown, held a depth that could captivate the hearts of anyone who dared to look into them. They were adorned with kohl that intensified the grace of her gaze, making her eyes the focal point of her enchanting face.
Raha's long, lustrous hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of midnight silk. A delicate floral ornament nestled in her hair, adding a touch of elegance to her bridal ensemble. Her skin, the color of warm ivory, glowed with a natural radiance that was accentuated by the soft blush on her cheeks, giving her a rosy, youthful appearance.
Draped in a traditional red bridal saree, Raha looked like a goddess descending from the heavens. The intricate gold embroidery and sequins on her attire caught the light, creating a breathtaking play of reflections. Her delicate neck and collarbones were adorned with elaborate gold jewelry, shimmering with every graceful movement she made.
Intricate mehndi designs adorned her hands and feet, each motif telling a story of love and commitment. Her graceful gestures added a touch of elegance to her overall presence. Raha was the embodiment of beauty, grace, and purity, and on her wedding day, she shone brighter than the sun, casting a spell on all who had the privilege of witnessing her magnificence.
As the barat begun
Siddharth, the groom, sat astride the splendidly adorned white horse, an image of regal grandeur. However, those who looked closely could discern a distant and detached expression in his eyes. His posture was that of a man participating in a tradition he had little interest in. As the joyous celebration unfolded around him, Siddharth couldn't help but feel like a mere spectator in his own wedding festivities.
The Baraat reached the wedding venue, where both families came together for the Milni ceremony. It was a heartfelt exchange of garlands, signifying the acceptance of one another and the harmony that would prevail in the coming union.
As Siddharth found himself standing at the mandap, he couldn't help but be consumed by frustration and impatience. The entire concept of this marriage weighed heavily on his mind. He longed for it to be over, to be free of these elaborate rituals and formalities.
However, as the vermala ceremony began, and he laid eyes on Raha in her resplendent bridal attire, everything changed. The frustration and impatience that had been eating at him melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of awe and admiration.
Raha was nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. Her bridal ensemble accentuated her natural grace, and the exquisite jewelry added a touch of elegance. Her beauty was so radiant that it left Siddharth transfixed, his gaze unwavering.
As the moment arrived for the exchange of garlands, Siddharth's emotions shifted once more. He couldn't take his eyes off Raha, who looked down modestly. With each passing moment, he was drawn deeper into her enchantment, forgetting his earlier frustrations.
In that fleeting moment, amidst the garlands and the surrounding festivities, Siddharth's world narrowed down to the captivating beauty of Raha. All his worries and reservations seemed distant as he found himself mesmerized by the woman who was soon to be his life wife.
Amidst the sacred rituals and blessings, Siddharth and Raha reached the most pivotal moment of their wedding ceremony - the Saat Phere, the seven sacred steps around the holy fire. As they took each step together, the priest chanted verses signifying their marriage life.
The culmination of the wedding rituals was marked by the Sindoor Daan ceremony, where Siddharth applied sindoor, the red vermillion, to the parting of Raha's hair.
As Siddharth gently applied the sindoor, he leaned closer to Raha, his voice a soft whisper that only she could hear. "Welcome to the hell my little wife," he murmured, making raha goo shocked
At Raha's bidai, her stepmother couldn't hide the turmoil of emotions. With a heavy heart, she pretended to cry, shedding fake tears to give the impression of a mother's sorrow at her daughter's departure. However, beneath the facade, the complex emotions of the situation loomed large. The forced marriage had brought with it a whirlwind of conflicting feelings, and the pretense of sorrow was just one layer of the intricate web of emotions that surrounded Raha's departure.
Where shivansh too, couldn't resist the social pressure of displaying emotions on her bidai day. He put on a show of fake tears and hugged her tightly, attempting to convey a sense of loss. Yet, the insincerity in his actions made Raha uncomfortable. She recognized that these displays of emotion were more about fulfilling societal expectations than genuine feelings of love or concern.
As they left the place and settled into the car, Siddharth's disinterest was palpable. He retrieved his phone, immediately immersing himself in its digital world, seemingly indifferent to the surroundings. While Siddharth was engrossed in his device, Raha sat beside him, gazing outside the car's window.
Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and contemplation. The forced marriage weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't help but think about the life that lay ahead. As the landscape passed by, she looked out at the world, her heart heavy with uncertainty, pondering the challenges she would face in her new life.
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