Page 11 of Mrs. Rathore

Just then, Aarav burst in like a little storm. “Di! They’re here! The groom’s car just arrived!”

“Take the boxes of sweets, Aarav. Make sure nothing’s left behind,” Papa instructed.

“Yes, Papa!” Aarav saluted and dashed off like he was on a secret mission.

I didn’t know how Papa managed to pull off everything in less than twenty-four hours but somehow, he did. The rituals, the food, the sweets, the clothes, the priest. He arranged a full wedding ceremony like he was performing a miracle.

A few minutes later, Mr. Rathore walked in, regal in a dark sherwani. His presence filled the room, quiet and commanding.

“You look just beautiful, beta,” he said, placing a gentle hand on my head. His voice was calm, almost fatherly, and for a second, my resentment melted just a bit.

“Are you ready?” he asked softly.

I nodded, breath trembling.

Noor and Kavya helped wheel me outside. The air was heavy with marigolds and smoke from incense. The driver opened the door but before I could lift myself in, he stepped forward and carried me in his arms.

It was mortifying.

I clenched my teeth, looking away, my cheeks flaming.

“Even their drivers are handsome,” Kavya whispered, clearly impressed.

The man arched his brow. “Who the hell told you I’m a driver?”

Kavya blinked. “Uh… you’re not?”

“I’m the groom’s cousin,” he muttered.

“Oh.” She cleared her throat. “Oops. Sorry.”

Noor burst into laughter, and I rolled my eyes.

“You’re also in the army?” Kavya asked with wide eyes.

“Nope. I’m in the Air Force,” he replied coolly. “Wing Commander Saurav.”

“Saurav, shut up!” Mr. Rathore barked from behind, clearly irritated.

But Kavya was on a roll. “That’s awesome. I’ve always dreamt of fainting dramatically into the arms of an officer. Maybe you could help me fulfill that fantasy?”

Saurav gave her a side glance. “Not interested. I have a girlfriend.”

“Obviously,” Kavya muttered, crossing her arms. “All the good ones are taken.”

I stayed quiet, watching the gates open as the car began to move.

The wedding was happening. My life was changing. And I didn’t know whether I was walking toward revenge… or another form of ruin.

_____

Chapter 4

ARYAN

I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the television. It was on, but I couldn't tell you what was playing. My mind had wandered far away from this room, this house, this stupid, goddamn world. I didn’t know what to think anymore, what to do, who to obey, or who to believe. All I could feel was this void inside me like cold, echoing, and endless. I was empty.

My hand clenched around a wine glass until it trembled in my grip. With one sharp squeeze, it shattered, red wine spilling like blood down my fingers and onto the carpet. I didn't even flinch. In my mind, I wasn’t holding a glass. I was holding her neck. That bitch. That manipulative, heartless woman who ruined everything.