Page 1 of Substitute Bride

HER LIFE

A woman sits on the sofa, her hands tightly clutching her head, as if trying to contain the chaos around her.

Cushions and slippers occasionally fly across the room, narrowly missing her, but she doesn’t flinch.

Her expression is blank, almost resigned, as if she has surrendered to the mayhem.

Her two children, caught in a whirlwind of childish energy and bickering, have transformed into untamed creatures, howling and growling in their own dramatic universe.

“I will kill you…” the younger one, a girl, growls with exaggerated anger.

“I’m your elder brother! I’m seven years older than you, so show a little respect, will you? Just look at the way you're misbehaving!” Vyom shoots back with mock authority.

“Mom! Tell him to shut his mouth!”

The girl pleads, turning to their mother, who continues sitting in silence, her patience hanging by a thread.

“Fine...”

Vyom replies mischievously, sticking out his tongue like a small child. He forms devil horns with his fingers, spreads them wide, and starts teasing her with ridiculous dance moves, twisting his waist dramatically and hopping around.

“You can’t live alone... You’re a scared little kitten,” he taunts.

“I’ll do one thing: I'll send a taller bed with you when you move out, so whenever you get scared, you can crawl underneath and sleep quietly... Oh wait, damn, I forgot. There’s a witch under the bed!

So make sure there’s no space left under your bed.

.. But... bad luck! That witch actually enjoys your company, little sis. .. You both look the same... Horrible…"

“This is too much!”

Jhankar yells, losing her patience. Her eyes light up with anger, and she swiftly grabs a cushion from the floor, hurling it towards her brother with all her strength.

But just as she does, their mother, who had finally stood up, perhaps to intervene, gets hit squarely in the face by the flying cushion.

The room goes dead silent. Jhankar and Vyom freeze, eyes wide in horror, then glance at each other and force awkward smiles, hoping to diffuse the tension.

They turn their heads toward their mother, gazing at her with innocent, pleading eyes.

Their mother, Chitrali, stands still for a long moment, the cushion sliding off her face.

Her expression is unreadable, but her eyes burn with fury.

Just then, the doorbell rings. Like lightning, Jhankar dashes to the door, sensing an opportunity to escape her mother’s wrath. She throws it open and, without a moment’s hesitation, wraps her arms around her father and clings to him tightly.

“In a few minutes, an earthquake will demolish this place… Please help us, Dad; I love you so much.”

She cries out in dramatic desperation. Raghunath bursts into laughter at her exaggerated plea and bends down to kiss her forehead affectionately.

“Jhankar! What have you done now to make your mother this angry?”

He asks teasingly, brushing her hair away from her face.

“Bro was teasing me again and again,” she began to explain rapidly, “so I threw a cushion in his direction, but that stupid cushion liked your wife's beautiful face so much that it safely landed there instead… It’s not my fault at all, I swear! I didn’t even do anything this time.”

Raghunath chuckles, shaking his head.

“Jhankar, you’re getting naughtier everyday. Stupid girl, go say sorry to her.”

“But she’s spitting fire from her eyes… I don’t want to die, Papa… I’m too young to die.”

She cries dramatically, hiding behind his back. Smiling, Raghunath places a comforting hand on her shoulder and pulls out a packet from his office bag. Jhankar’s eyes widened with excitement. She quickly rips it open and grins.

“Not bad, my handsome father,” she says cheekily. “You know exactly what your beautiful wife loves the most... You’re the best husband in the whole world!”

“And father...”

He quickly responds, and she jumps onto his back for a piggyback ride. He laughs, adjusts her carefully so she doesn’t fall, and walks inside the house while she shouts joyfully,

“BESTEST FATHER… MY BUDDY… I LOVE YOU!”

Chitrali, who had been on the verge of an emotional meltdown due to her children’s non-stop bickering, now finds herself smiling softly, almost unwillingly, as she watches the scene unfold. Despite everything, her heart melts watching Jhankar’s affection for her father.

Jhankar is the pride of the family. At 23 years old, she has just completed her higher education with distinction.

Her dreams are big, she wants to secure an excellent job and support her family financially and emotionally.

The same girl who used to be frightened of even staying alone in her room has now received three job offers through campus placements, all from companies located outside Hyderabad.

Yet, she is determined and ready to step out of her comfort zone, to live alone, and to challenge herself for her family.

She walks with confidence, speaks with boldness, and expresses her thoughts with clarity and passion.

But at home, she’s still the same little girl who hides behind her father, still fights with her brother, and still keeps her bedroom lights on during the day.

Her brother Vyom watches her fondly, though he loves to annoy her by claiming that their father loves her more than him.

It’s a game they’ve played since childhood, a rivalry drenched in affection.

He teases her constantly, especially now that she talks big about moving out and living independently, even though she’s never spent a single night alone.

That’s exactly why he’s been pestering her ever since he came home from work, because deep down, he’s going to miss her too.

Chitrali, their mother, had tried earlier to calm them down, to mediate their arguments and make peace, but neither child was ever willing to truly listen.

Despite being seven years older, Vyom loses all his maturity when he fights with Jhankar.

They argue like two stray dogs on the street, but there’s no denying the profound bond of love beneath their constant squabbling.

Raghunath enters with his signature warm smile, and Chitrali’s expression softens as she smiles back at him.

He hands her the paper bag gently and lovingly, and without another word, she walks to the kitchen to prepare snacks for everyone, her heart now a little lighter.

Meanwhile, Jhankar starts complaining again, dramatically flopping onto the couch.

“Papa… He made fun of me again. He said I’m still a baby who cries all the time and can’t live alone! Tell him I’m not a baby!”

“Vyom!”

He tries to sound stern, but Vyom only laughs, reading the fake scolding.

“I’m just teasing her, Papa,” Vyom says casually.

“She cries about everything. Okay, you tell me, has she ever been alone in a room until today?

Even if she is, she keeps the door wide open so that someone can always see her.

She keeps the lights on high during the day due to her fear of the dark.

Now she is delivering lengthy lectures, stating, 'Once I arrive there, I will not call you.' 'I will not disturb you.' However, we both understand that she will likely reach out within the first hour. ‘I won’t bother you.’ But we both know she’ll call within the first hour. ‘Bro, please, I’m very scared. Take leave from your office and come stay with me.’ Hah!”

Jhankar glares at him, pointing an accusing finger.

“Papa… Look at him! He’s bullying me again!”

Raghunath tries hard to suppress his laughter, but he can’t help smiling.

As much as he wants to protect his daughter’s pride, he knows Vyom isn’t wrong.

These teasing moments are the heartbeat of their household.

And despite all the chaos, this house with flying cushions, sibling wars, frustrated signs, teasing dances, and laughter feels like home.

Once again, Jhankar picked up the cushion and began beating her brother, prompting Vyom to dash around the sofa, shielding himself with dramatic flair.

Jhankar, full of mischief and energy, leapt over the sofa in hot pursuit, both of them now locked in a lively chase that echoed through the room.

Their father, Raghunath, watched them with deep fondness, his heart swelling with joy at the sight of his two children playing like they used to when they were small.

Chitrali walked in with a tray, carrying freshly made snacks, their warm, spicy aroma quickly dominating the room.

She began to approach the sofa area, where the siblings were tangled in their war.

Vyom immediately noticed the snacks and shot up with both hands raised high in the air, calling out like a referee announcing peace.

“Samosas are piping hot and look dangerously mouthwatering… Time out.”

Jhankar’s eyes instantly locked onto the plate in her mother's hands. She licked her lips like a child caught between a fight and a feast and nodded vigorously in agreement.

“Yes, first fill the stomach, then we can fight properly. But listen, I'm not a coward at all, okay?”

After making a final jab at her brother, she took a dramatic seat next to her father, excitedly rubbing her hands together as she eagerly anticipated her portion of the delectable snack.

Vyom, too, walked over slowly and settled down beside Chitrali, smiling as if nothing had happened.

His mother gently fed him a bite with her hand, the way she always had since he was a little boy, and then handed the plate to Jhankar.

Jhankar grinned with delight and began devouring it like a lover.

While chewing, she glanced up at her father and asked expectantly,

“Papa, remember I told you I want a new bike? And you promised that if I got placed in campus interviews, you'd definitely buy me a new scooter!”

“Definitely, my princess,” Raghunath said with a proud smile. “We’ll buy it next month.”

“Yippie…”

She squealed, raising both hands in triumph. But Chitrali, standing silently nearby, looked around at everyone. Raghunath discreetly signaled her to remain quiet for now, sensing her concern. However, she couldn’t hold it in and gently placed the truth on the table.

“Jhankar, now that you're older and asking for things... you know how much we spent on your grandmother’s cancer treatment, right? We’re not financially ready for any major purchases.

Even though your brother earns well, there are no savings left.

Your father and brother sacrificed all their resources to support your grandmother.

We couldn't even save her. Maybe you've forgotten, but we haven't. I’ve been hoping you'd get a job soon so you could lend some support. You know the whole situation, dear.”

“Chitrali…” Raghunath gently intervened. “She’s just a kid. I’ll figure something out.”

Chitrali wasn’t wrong. Everything she said was valid, but Raghunath also knew how sensitive his daughter was. She wasn’t someone who shrugged off harsh words easily. So he looked toward Chitrali and softly explained, trying to balance everyone’s feelings.

“I understand what you mean, Chitrali. But I have some good news. I spoke to my manager about getting an advance, and he approved it. I applied for a loan today and will withdraw the funds tomorrow. Once we have the cash, we’ll go together to buy her a new scooter. A promise is a promise.”

In a middle-class family, every single rupee carries weight.

And though both parents understood their responsibilities, Raghunath could never ignore the spark in his children's eyes when they dreamed out loud.

Hearing this, Chitrali softened. She nodded gently, and as if on cue, Jhankar scooted over to Vyom and wrapped her arms tightly around his arm.

“I want a bike for my brother to. His old second-hand bike doesn’t match his handsome personality anymore. Besides, I need a personal driver who’ll take me shopping when I visit.”

Chitrali and Raghunath exchanged warm smiles. They knew their kids often joked like this but always looked out for each other. Vyom smirked.

“But didn’t you just ask for a scooter?”

“Let’s think practically, bro,” Jhankar replied with a serious expression.

“If I crack this second interview tomorrow, I’ll be moving to Delhi for work.

That poor Scooty will just rot here missing me.

I can’t do that. And let’s be honest, after I become a big shot in some MNC, do you really think I’ll return to town on a scooter? No way. I’ll need a car. A luxury one.”

She paused for dramatic effect, then added playfully.

“And you’ll be my driver. So please decide your salary in advance, Mr. Driver.”

“Driver? … First a biker, now a taxi driver?” Vyom raised an eyebrow mockingly.

“Correction!” Jhankar chirped. “Not a taxi, it’ll be your own car. A gift from your brilliant little sister. Just wait…”

“You’ll gift me?”

Vyom asked, raising an eyebrow, half-impressed, half-challenging.

She nodded wildly with an exaggerated grin.

Chitrali and Raghunath tried to suppress their laughter.

Vyom looked at her again and, in that moment, saw the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Without a word, he bolted from his seat, and she immediately took off running.

She swiftly darted around the dining table, while Vyom relentlessly pursued her.

“I swear I’ll marry you off to a guy just to get rid of you!”

“Don’t worry! But before I go, I’ll make sure you get married first. I’m not the type who lets go of revenge so easily.”

Raghunath sat back, wrapping an arm gently around Chitrali’s shoulder, watching their two kids circling the room in a whirl of laughter and energy. The light in his eyes revealed the depth of his pride. No matter what struggles came their way, these two were his life, his happiness.