NARRATOR'S POV
Hearing her aunt shout, Avayanna rushed downstairs, her heart pounding with fear. "What happened, aunty?" she asked anxiously, her small voice trembling as she sensed something was wrong.
"Don't try to act innocent. What did I tell you?" her aunt, Savita, snapped, a cunning glint in her eyes.
"You were supposed to meet Raghav yesterday, but you decided to ignore it. He called today, and he was furious," Savita continued, irritation evident in her tone. "Can't you do this one simple thing for your uncle? He's done so much for you since your parents died. You wouldn't want to upset him, would you? It would have been much better if we had left you at the orphanage, you ungrateful brat."
Avayanna felt a shiver run down her spine. "But Chachi, I... don't like him. His vibe is creepy," she stammered, tears welling in her eyes.
Savita leaned in closer, her voice low and threatening. "You think I haven't seen how you've been avoiding him? You're just being childish and throwing a tantrum. Can't you just marry Raghav? I could easily arrange for you to be sent back. No one would want a burden like you. So, why not make it easier for everyone? You should just marry Raghav and be done with it."
Avayanna's heart raced as she realized the trap her aunt was setting for her.
"Savita, you need to think about her feelings. If she isn't interested in meeting this guy, why are you pushing her so hard?" Abhiman urged in a firm and intense voice. "Additionally, bringing up the orphanage isn't appropriate. She is just as much a part of this family as anyone else."
As Savita heard her father-in-law's furious voice echoing through the house, a wave of fear washed over her. She quickly transformed her expression into one of despair, desperately trying to elicit sympathy. With a shaky breath, she began her elaborate performance, playing the part of the frightened daughter-in-law with all the drama she could muster.
" aree papa mera matalb ye nahi tha, aap toh jante hi hai ki mai isse apni Maysha jaise hi pyar karti hu , ab kya mai apni bet ko dant bhi nahi sakti. aapko pta hai ki Raghav Mr. Malhotra ka ek lotta beta hai or toh or vo hamari avayanna se shadi karna cahata hai "," ek toh mai itnta accha rista lekar aayi hu Avayanna k liye, agar mai chahti toh mai Maysha ki baat chal sakti thi lekin mene Avayanna ko chunna" shedding a few fake tears to act like a misunderstood mother to make her father in law guilty, she continued her drama" ab toh kisi ka accha socchne par bhi bura bhala sunna padta hai, mai toh bus itna cahati hu iska ghar bus jaye aakhir bin maa baap ki bacchi hai, or hum iske future ke bare me bhi toh sochnna cahiye"
(Aree ...papa, that's not what I meant, you know that I love her as much as I love Mysha, now can't I scold my daughter. You know that Raghav is the only son Mr. Malothra has, and he wishes to marry our Avayanna. )
(I brought such a good proposal for Avayanna, if I wanted could have suggested Maysha to them, but I chose Avayanna.)
Abhiman's heart weighed heavily with regret as he reflected on the misunderstanding he had with his bahu. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had misjudged her, and the guilt gnawed at him, prompting a desire to make things right.
Oblivious to the truth, he remains blissfully unaware that his daughter-in-law is masterfully playing him like a pawn in her game.
"Aree, you're right, bahu!" her dadi exclaimed with a mix of concern and encouragement. "She's twenty-three now; if not now, then when will she think about marriage?" Her words hung in the air as she offered her unwavering support to her bahu. The dadi, not particularly fond of Avayanna, felt a deep sense of protectiveness over her own family, largely due to the complicated history tied to Avayanna's mother. She couldn't shake the feeling that Avayanna's presence disrupted the harmony of their home.
Aarav defied his family's traditions and expectations when he chose to marry Niya, a mysterious woman they knew nothing about. Caste and family ties were of no concern to him, but that did little to quell the storm brewing within his family. They were unwilling to accept this outsider, yet Aarav's fierce determination forced them into reluctant submission. Arav left his home for ten years to build his empire with his wife.
Savitri Devi, torn by her love for her son, reluctantly welcomed Niya into their family. But beneath her facade of acceptance, a tempest of resentment raged. Niya's independence and unwavering voice were a sharp contrast to the submissive ideals Savitri held dear. With every smile they exchanged, Savitri felt the weight of her disdain, knowing that despite her efforts to mask it, she could never fully embrace the woman who had captured her son's heart. The clash of tradition and individuality set the stage for an intense family drama that would change them all forever.
Unlike Savita, who effortlessly played the role of the perfect bahu, always flattering Savitri and following her lead without question, Niya possessed an impressive intellect and exuded a natural leadership quality that inspired those around her.
"You should meet him, Avayanna, as he is ready to marry you. Additionally, they are signing a business deal with us. Our company is not doing well, so please consider our situation and put aside your objections." Mahesh, who had been silent until now, spoke in a stern and commanding voice.
"You should be happy, Avayanna, that Raghav loves you and wants to marry you. But no, you have to create problems for us," Maysha said, feigning the role of a caring sister who is explaining the difference between right and wrong to her younger sister. Deep down, however, she was smirking because she knew Raghav was a bad choice. He doesn't truly love Avyanna; he lusts after her. Once he gets what he wants, he will discard her like garbage.
Avayanna sat in stunned silence, her heart racing as she listened to her family unleash a torrent of accusations. Each word struck her like a dagger, cutting deeper into her soul. How could they turn against her so easily? She searched their faces for a flicker of understanding, but all she found was a cold judgment that made her feel more isolated than ever.
"Avayanna beta, I think you should meet him." Her dada ji's voice seemed to echo in the quiet room, and a surge of defiance rose within her at the suggestion. But as she turned to look at him, sitting weakly in his wheelchair, his frail figure contrasted sharply with the strength he once possessed. His pale face and the pain behind his eyes spoke volumes, revealing the heart-wrenching truth: he felt powerless to protect her anymore. In that moment, she understood his fears—that he thought after her marriage, it would be her husband's duty to take care of her.
Avayanna's eyes brimmed with silent tears, and a weight settled in her chest. With a deep breath, she finally whispered, "Alright, I'll meet him."
Savita smiled inwardly as everything was going according to her plan. She said, "So it is final that you will meet him at the party this evening, as you are going back to your hostel tomorrow."
"Ji chachi,"
Savita reveled in the sight of Avayanna's dismal predicament, finding a twisted delight in his struggle.
"Now that the drama is over, let's have breakfast. After that, we need to prepare for the party," Savita said. Everyone agreed and headed towards the dining table
, leaving Avayanna and her grandfather behind. Avayanna knelt in front of him, her eyes shining with affection, as he gently placed his hand on her head, his touch warm and reassuring.
"Beta, I truly believe this is the best path for you. Once you get married, everything will fall into place, and you'll find a sense of stability and happiness. However, if at any point you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about him, please don't hesitate to express your feelings; your happiness is what matters most. Remember, I am here for you, and I will always fight for you and support you in your decisions.
Avayanna forced a smile, her expression a delicate mask over her true feelings. "I understand, my superhero," she said softly, her voice soothing yet playful. "But please, don't worry too much; it's not good for your heart."
She reached out gently, hoping to lighten the heavy atmosphere that lingered between them, as concern for his well-being danced behind her eyes.
Her grandfather smiled and left from there.
Lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, Avayanna stood still, her gaze distant and unfocused, as if she were peering into another world.
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A/N, so how was the chapter,
what do you think of Savita?