The contrast between the two houses was like Heaven and Hell, separated by the thin line of a marriage contract. While one was preparing to welcome a queen, the other was busy breaking a soul.
The Mehra Mansion: The Night of Despair
In the small, suffocating attic, Sia sat on the cold floor. Around her lay a cheap, gaudy red lehenga—a mockery of the sacred union of marriage. Her eyes were swollen from crying, but the tears had finally dried up, leaving behind a hollow emptiness.
"Stand up, you miserable girl!" Bindu Mehra barked, entering the room with a set of heavy, artificial jewelry that looked more like shackles than ornaments.
Sia didn't move. Her spirit felt paralyzed. "Please, Chachi... don't do this. I don't even know him. They say he is a monster..."
Slap!
Sia’s head snapped to the side as her aunt’s hand made contact with her cheek. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.
"Monster or God, he bought you!" Bindu hissed, kneeling down to grip Sia’s chin. "You should be thankful. You’re a girl without a father, without a name. You’re lucky a Raichand is even looking at your pathetic face. If you utter one more word, I’ll let Vicky 'take care' of you before the car arrives."
Sia flinched at the mention of Vicky. She looked toward the door and saw him standing there, leaning against the frame, twirling a cigarette between his fingers. His eyes were dark, scanning her exposed collarbone with a disgusting grin.
"Let her be, Ma," Vicky mocked, his voice dripping with malice. "Let her save some tears for Rudransh Raichand. I’ve heard he likes his toys broken. I’m just sad I didn't get to break her first."
Sia closed her eyes, praying for the earth to swallow her whole. She was being sold to a stranger to escape a predator. She didn't know which fate was worse.
The Raichand Mansion: The Royal Preparation
Meanwhile, twenty miles away, the Raichand palace was glowing like a diamond. Thousands of fairy lights draped the marble pillars, and the scent of expensive lilies filled the air.
Inside, the atmosphere was a chaotic mix of excitement and dread.
Gayatri Raichand was moving like a whirlwind, supervising the servants. "Check the guest rooms again! And the jewelry for the bride—is the heirloom necklace polished? I want everything to be perfect for Sia."
"Relax, Badi Ma," Reyansh said, leaning against a pillar, though his usual playful eyes looked worried. "The decorations are perfect. But the groom... he’s currently staring at the wall in his room like he’s planning a murder, not a wedding."
In the upstairs wing, behind heavy oak doors, there was no music. No laughter.
Rudransh stood in front of his mirror, buttoning his black sherwani. His movements were precise, cold, and mechanical. He didn't look like a groom; he looked like a warrior preparing for a battle he had already lost.
"You look sharp, son," Yuvraj said, standing at the doorway.
Rudransh didn't turn around. "Is the money transferred to the Mehras?"
Yuvraj sighed, his heart heavy. "It’s done. They won't trouble her again. Rudransh, she is an innocent girl. She has suffered enough—"
"I don't care about her suffering, Dad," Rudransh interrupted, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "You bought a girl for this house, and I’ve accepted the deal. That’s where my responsibility ends. Don't ask me to be her savior. I am the man who will make her realize that the Mehras were better than the hell I’m about to put her through."
He adjusted his cufflinks, his reflection in the mirror showing a man with eyes of flint and a heart of stone.
Downstairs, Shanaya was jumping with joy, showing Dida the new bangles she bought for her 'Bhabhi'. The family was ready to embrace a new member with open arms, unaware that the man who was supposed to hold her hand was planning to let it go before the night was over.
Two houses. Two completely different realities.
In one, Sia was being dragged toward a car like a prisoner.
In the other, Rudransh was waiting like a silent executioner.
The storm was no longer coming. It was already here.
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Author's Note:
Hey beautiful souls! ✨
Can you feel the tension? 🥀 One side is filled with flowers and lights, while the other is filled with fear and cruelty. My heart breaks for Sia, but I’m terrified of what Rudransh will do next! 🖤🖤
If you found this chapter intense, please Vote (hit that star! ⭐) and tell me in the Comments: Do you think Gayatri and the Raichand family can protect Sia from Rudransh’s coldness?
Your support keeps me writing! Love you all! ❤️
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