4.

L A S Y A

"She's not Raina", and the moment I dreaded the most came

The whole living room became dead silent as the veil was lifted off my face. I had my head bowed low. I took my lower lip between my lips and bit onto it as my heart started beating crazily. My whole body shivered and I felt dizzy. It's time to face the consequences, Lasya.

I raised my head and my eyes locked with a pair of brown orbs. They weren't ordinary but held a speck of gold in them. My breathing caught in my throat and my insides shook with the intensity of his gaze. His gaze was intimidated and made me squirm even though we had a decent distance between us. My husband

"Who are you and where is Raina?", someone from the sea of people yelled in a shrill voice making me visibly flinch. Our eye contact broke and I turned towards where the elders sat.

"I know you all are confused but give me a chance to explain myself-", I walked towards who I thought was supposed to be the grandfather and head of the family

I barely walked a step or two when I tripped on the heavy skirt but managed myself on my feet.

"I-"

"What's left to explain how, girl you truthfully tell us where Raina is? What have you done to her?", I bite the inside of my cheek to control my irritation. I hated it when someone cut me in the middle and wouldn't let me speak for myself.

"I'll answer all your questions, Aunty, just give me some time", I tried to explain and now stood in front of my grandfather-in-law

"Mujhe pata hai ki maine bohot galat kiya hai, aap sabhi ke saath dhoka hua hai and I accept my mistake but I need a chance to justify myself", my voice was filled with sincerity and I stared right into the old man's eyes

[Translation: I know I've wronged you all, I've betrayed you, and I accept my mistake. But I need a chance to justify myself]

"Tum apni yeh chikni chupdi baatein apne pass rakho-", the same woman spat and glared at me making me glare back at her. Dikkat kya iss aurat ki?

[Translation: you keep these smooth talks of yours to yourself

: what's the problem with this woman]

"Radhika bas, Vivek call the Agarwals and you, my child, are going to explain to us about everything", his voice was firm and dominating. I nodded at him and didn't break the eye contact. I didn't want him to think of me as some weak girl.

"I want to talk to you, alone", I added and heard gasps and murmuring from the surrounding. I felt someone bore holes in my head from the back and it didn't take me twice to realise that it was my husband.

Moksh stood inraged on his place and threw daggers at me with his piercing gaze. His grandfather looked at me for a few seconds and then nodded standing up from his seat.

"Aap iss ladki per kaise bharosa kar sakte hai Dad? We don't know what lies she will feed you and trap you under her spell. Eh ladki joh khena hai sabke samne kaho Varna dafa ho jao yaha se", Radhika bua accused and looked at me sharply. I understood her detest towards me. She was just trying to protect her family and she was right in her place. Who in their sane mind would believe a stranger who replaced the real bride and married her son under a veil?

[Translation: How can you trust this girl, Dad? We don't know what lies she will feed you and trap you under her spell. Whatever this girl has to say, tell it in front of everyone or else get lost from here]

"Maine kaha bas Radhika ab ek aur shabd nhi", Dadaji's voice was stern and everyone turned silent. I recognised everyone from the Mehrotra family since I'd seen them during all the rituals. Everyone spared me different looks with mixed emotions, sad, betrayed, cheated on, deceptive, they looked at me as if I'd done the biggest infidelity that I have.

[Translation: I said enough Radhika, not another word.]

Dadaji walked towards the stairs and guided me to the study room. Once inside he sat on the big single couch while I closed the door reframing anyone from ears dropping on our conversation. I walked and stood five steps away from where he sat.

"Speak", his voice was curt, void of any emotion proving how good of a businessman he was.

"I know whatever I did was wrong but I had my reasons", I started

"And we are here to discuss them, so stop beating around the bushes and come to the point", I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes

I counted backwards and then with a huge intake of breath opened my eyes and stared deeply into the man who royally sat on the velvet fabric.

"You weren't aware of everything Dada Ji, there's a big loophole in the deal", I said making him furrow his eyebrows in confusion

"As mentioned in the deal signed, the Agarwal daughter who marries the eldest son of Mehrotra aka Moksh would acquire 20% of shares from the family business making her the biggest shareholder among the rest daughter-in-laws", I added

"I'm aware of that"

"I know, but there's more in it"

"The merger was supposed to happen after the marriage right? But remember you signed some papers last night after the Haldi ceremony? Everything starts getting downhill there", I said and watched his expressions change. He appeared deep in thought and then realisation dawned upon him. He took hold of a file kept on the table and read through the pages before his eyes shifted to me and he signalled with his hand for me to continue.

"According to Agarwal's will, every daughter born doesn't acquire 100% of the wealth she inherits. Her father has 75% authority over it even after her marriage, so no matter what she owns after her marriage, her father would still have power over her property, money, abundance etc. Meanwhile, it doesn't apply to the son of the family", I tried to make him understand bit by bit slowly unfolding the secrets that he wasn't aware of. If I'd wronged the family by replacing Raina then the Agarwals had too kept them in the dark about the whole deal.

"As stated in the deal, after marriage Raina would own the 20% shares from the family business but she won't be the sole owner of those shares. Mr Agarwal would have the authority of 15% of those shares leaving Raina with only 5%. He even has the power to sell them without any justification"

"Mr Agarwal, Raina's father is indebted to his elder brother for the investment he made in his company when he was drowned in losses. So his elder brother plotted something big with his business partner aka Mehrotr's business rival, they planned to get Raina married to Moksh, have her inherit those shares, blackmail her father into selling them and entering the Mehrotra business without even lifting a finger. It wasn't just a mere business deal rather it was full proof of planned corporate infidelity", I let the information sink into him and waited for his reaction

"And why do you think that I'll trust you, do you have proof? You aren't even related to the Agarwals", even though he appeared shocked by the information, he masked his expressions and cross-questioned me

"Mujhe pata hai ki aao mujh par puri tarah se bharosa nhi karte but I'm the eldest daughter of Manish Agarwal and Raina's elder sister. And I'm the sole person who isn't included in the will and I don't inherit any of their wealth, isse jyada mai aapko kuch nhi bata sakti", I decided to drop the bomb and watch his eyes grow wide in bewilderment.

[Translation: I know that people don't trust me completely but I'm the eldest daughter of Manish Agarwal and Raina's elder sister. And I'm the only person who isn't included in the will and I don't inherit. any of their wealth. I can't tell you anything more than that]

He scanned me for a good one minute and then his expressions relaxed as if he trusted whatever I told him till now. Relief washed over me but his next statement made me bite my tongue.

"And why were you being so generous towards us? You should have used a different method than replacing your sister, you could have informed us before. Why didn't you do that", his voice was still filled with doubt

"Mai janti hu unhe, unhi ka khoon joh hu. Mujhe pata tha ki chahe main kitne haat pair kyu na maar lu, Agarwal's iss shaadi se kabhi piche nhi hatenge. Aur jab Tak Mai kuch soch paati barat sar per thi. I know I wronged you all but I wouldn't let my sister become the scapegoat of their cunning ploy. She is too innocent and young to deal with everything", I confessed

[Translation: I know them, I have their blood. I learned that no matter how much I try Agarwals will never back away from the marriage. And before I could think of anything else the wedding procession was on the gate. I know I wronged you all but I wouldn't let my sister become the scapegoat of their cunning ploy. She was too innocent and young to deal with everything]

"Where is Raina", he questioned

"Safe", my voice was clipped and my reply was short reframing from giving any further information.

He searched for the truth in my eyes and then nodded satisfied with my answer. My shoulder slumped in relaxation and both of us walked out of the room.

Once outside I noticed a thick tension in the air, it was dead silent and that's when I saw Agarwals present there.

My parents were looking at me as if I'd disgusted them. My uncles glared at me in sheer anger and rage, I mentally smirked because I knew I'd ruined their plans and poured water on all their hard work. My aunties and cousins passed me repulsive looks but I care less. Among all who mattered to me was my cousin, Dhruv.

Dhruv looked at me completely clueless, he was shocked and confused but wasn't disgusted or angry much to my relief. He gazed into my eyes searching for at least a trace of something he could read but he found them hollow because I'd completely masked up my emotions.

"Yeh kya tamasha laga rakha hai tumhe huh? Samjhti kya ho tum apne aap ko?", it was bade Papa [translation: father's elder brother] who decided to break the silence

[Translation: What is this drama for yours? Who do you think you are?]

"Do you know who she is? Aap jante hai ise?", someone asked

[Translation: Do you know her?]

"Nhi! Ham nhi jante ki yeh kaun hai", my father replied, his eyes and tone ich cold and I just sniggered making everyone look at me. Even though I felt myself breaking a little, I still didn't show.

[Translation: No! We don't know who she is]

"Of course", I scoffed and looked at him dead in his eyes. My jaw tightened and my fingers dug into my palms

"Are you even understanding what you have done, Lasya? You have ruined your sister's life,", my mother yelled looking down at me as if my mere presence made her feel nauseated

"I'm not answerable to you, Mother", my voice was sharp and I heard several gasps from everyone.

They stared at me flabbergasted as the mysterious Agarwal princess who was hidden under the forbidden castle finally had her face revealed in the worst way possible. Everyone looked at me as if they had seen a ghost. This wasn't the reaction I was expecting but alas it was far better than what I'd imagined.

"Badtamiz ladki aur kitna niche giro gi tum", my mother shrieked and walked towards me

[Translation: shameful girl how more have you decided to scope so low?]

Her hand raised in the air and I closed my eyes shut preparing myself for the blow but it didn't come rather I was surrounded by a musky scent. I opened my eyes and saw a sherwani-clad figure towering over me, no cookies for guessing who it was. Obviously mera pati hai!

[Translation: obviously my husband]

Moksh's tall frame covered me completely shedding me from the wrath of my mother. He had held her hand in his vice grip. His stance was tensed and I could see his jaw clenched tightly

"I don't know ki aap dono ke bich kya hua hai, but at this moment she is not only your daughter per biwi hai yeh meri, and I won't tolerate a single scratch on her", his voice was calm yet dangerous. It wasn't a hollow warning but a deadly threat. He left her hand and she stepped back in fear.

[Translation: I don't know what has happened between you two, but at this moment she is not only your daughter but my wife, she is mine, and I won't tolerate a single scratch on her.]

"Yeh kya kar rahe ho tum Moksh, iss ladki ke chakkar meh bado ka lihaaz bhul gye ho?", it was again Radhika bua

[Translation: What are you doing Moksh, have you forgotten the respect for elders because of this girl?]

"Badho ki izzat karta hu isliye bas haath pakda tha", he replied and everyone stared at the drama unfolding without saying anything

[Translation: I respect elders that's why I'd just held her hand]

At the moment he looked intimidating and furious. He turned his head back and gazed deeply into my hazel orbs curiously looking for something. A muscle shifted in his jaw and a vein was visible on his forehead.

Even though others feared him, he had earned respect for him in my eyes. My heart warmed and tears collected in my eyes. It was the first time someone had taken a stand for me regardless of anything. He didn't know my side of the story but still, he decided to stand for me, protect me, and shield me from any harm.

"Raina kaha hai, Lasya?", the way my father had said my name with so much hate had my heart slicing into pieces but I was used to all the loathe and hatred so I didn't let it affect me

[Translation: where is Raina, Lasya?]

"You don't have to know", I told him, my tone was demanding as if challenging him against me. He glared at me furiously and if looks could kill I would be six feet beneath the ground but I took my stand.

"Mehrotra ji, ham aapse maafi mangte hai, iss ladki ki wajah se jho bhi hua uske liye. Ham kuch bhi karne ko taiyar hai, aao fikar na kare, kuch dino meh divorce procedure shuru ho jayega", my father joined his hands in front of Dadaji and I stared at him astonished

[Translation: Mehrotra ji, we apologize to you for whatever happened because of this girl. We are ready to do anything, don't worry, within a few days the divorce procedure will start.]

"Mehrotra khandaan meh aaj tak talak hona toh dur, uska naam tak nhi liya gaya hai", Dadaji's intimidating voice boomed in the room, even making the walls tremble. I shiver in my place when the intensity of his words sank through my pores.

[Translation: In the Mehrotra family, to date, there has been no divorce, its name has not even been taken.]

"Now Lasya is the daughter-in-law of his house and no one I repeat, no one can change or replace her, vho iss ghar ki Bahu hai aur hamesha rhengi"

[Translation: Now Lasya is the daughter-in-law of her house and I repeat, no one, no one can change or replace her, she is the daughter-in-law of this house and will always be]

Now it was the rest of the member's time to get stunned. Dadaji's voice was filled with finality as if challenging anyone to go against his words.

"Ziya take your bhabhi upstairs she must be tired, everyone, retreat to your rooms and take a rest, and I hope to see the complete Agarwal family gracing us with their presence at the reception party. Aur iske aage joh hoga vho ham Mehrotra sambhal lenge, ham nhi chahte ki koi aur hamare Ghar ke mamle meh dakhal andazi kare", for the first time I heard my father-in-law say something

[Translation: And whatever happens next, we will take care of it, we do not want anyone else to interfere in the affairs of our house.]

His voice too was deep and masculine like the rest of them. He appeared calm yet strong and his aura screamed power and dominance. All the Mehrotra men were intimidating. No doubt where Moksh got his genes from.

Ziya walked towards me and passed me a small smile. She led me towards the staircase and then towards Moksh's room. She was so sweet and polite towards me and didn't treat me like a backstabber or criminal.

"I don't know anything about you, and I know it may sound absurd but I liked you more than Raina, damn! You were like fire out there, ek dam sherni jaisi", she complimented making me chuckle

[Translation: just like a tigress]

"Aapka saman toh yaha nhi hai, I guess kal tak aa jayega, aap fresh ho jao, mai maid ke hath se aapke liye kapde bhijva deti hu", she said

[Translation: Your luggage is not here, I guess it'll arrive by tomorrow, you freshen up, I will send clothes for you with the help of the maid]

"Thank you", I thanked her gratefully and watched her walk out before locking the door

Once alone I slumped on the bed and a tired sigh escaped my lips. I was exhausted both mentally and physically. The heavy lehenga weighed tons and crushed me under it. I could barely walk in this without tripping. My head pained with all the happenings and all I wanted was sleep.

I walked towards the washroom and stared spellbound at everything. It was so big and lavish, the walls and tiles shone brightly and everything was kept in its place in perfection. It was antiqued yet modern.

I made my way towards the cabinets and first removed all the jewellery neatly placing it on the platform. Walking towards the sink I rinse my face with water when I notice all those beauty products.

Various expensive skin care products, hair products, hair machines, skin care tools and whatnot were stalked on the counters. There was a vivid variety of everything and some things were even unknown to me. Was the man so skincare obsessed or he had his girlfriend living with him?

Shrugging my shoulders I just passed by them and stepped into the hot shower taking a relaxing bath. I scrubbed my body with the bodywash which smelled like him, heavenly. I even used his shampoo because I didn't have my toiletries with me.

After a comforting shower while eased out my muscle soreness I heard a knock resonating in the room. I wrapped a bathrobe around my body and walked into the room when I noticed a fresh pair of clothes. To my relief, they were light-coloured.

Quickly changing into them I blow-dried my hair and sat on the bed. I touched the soft fabric and lay down. I wanted to check on Raina but I didn't have my phone since I left it with Prit.

I sank into the soft mattress and covered myself with the duvet submerging into the comfort.

I was just about to hit sleep when the door opened and the comforter was harshly pulled off my body. Yeh kya batamizi hai bhai?

[Translation: what kind of nonsense is this?]