I was speechless. The gravity of the situation was too much. If this news got out, my family’s reputation would be ruined, and they would abandon me for good. I couldn’t let that happen. I had worked too hard over the past 15 years to regain even a sliver of their trust. I couldn’t lose it now.
But the price was marrying a man I despised, a man who was blackmailing me. I always dreams of a loving marriage with a person who care me. But that were shattered. I glanced at the contract on the table, my heart clenching painfully.
“Ms. Saanvi, you’re taking too long, and I’m not a patient man. You have seven minutes. Either sign the papers, or I’ll publish the news.” Then he started counting. “One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six...”
“I’ll... I’ll sign it. Please, don’t,” I whispered, defeated. He smiled, victorious. He handed me a pen, and with trembling hands, I signed the contract.
“Wise choice, Ms. Saanvi. Your wedding dress and makeup artist will be here soon. Be ready—the wedding starts in an hour, and I don’t like to be kept waiting.” He turned to leave but paused at the door. “And remember, don’t do anything foolish. I don’t make idle threats.”
As soon as he left, I collapsed onto the couch, my legs too weak to support me. I clutched my head, trying to shake off the nightmare, but this was my bitter reality now.
As he said, after he left, the wedding dress and the makeup artists arrived and began applying my makeup.
But one thing made me wonder—the beautiful lehenga was perfectly my size. It was supposed to be for the bride who ran away, yet it fit me perfectly. Whatever that's doesn't matter now.
My mind storming with different kind of thought any single thought that help me to being out this situation. Even when he blocked the last option. I doesn't even attend suicides. My mind keep repeating his word. "Don't do something stupid I don't make idle threat. " Either I live or die the news going to be published.
Marrying him it's the only option he left for me and I already sign the marriage agreement.
After they ready me a bride they complement me and left the room. leaving me with my thoughts.
I look up at my reflection I look beautiful. Really beautiful I always admire myself in the mirror. It's not like I have perfect face featured. I just love my imperfection.
But today this perfect make-up look pale over me. The beautiful rich red lehenga also failed to make me feel beautiful.
I was so broken that my tears are dry to my eyes. After everything they cover my face to the vail. And I going down stairs to the mandap. Everyone looking at me.
But my heart was racing with thoughts when finally everyone going to know that the bride is change. And how my parents got react when they know. And what about Romano!!!
As I reach the last stair. He came and held my hand I try to not giving my hand to him. But he held so tightly that I don't able to pull out.
I hesitate to go to lost in my inner turmoil. But he lean and whisper in my ear. "It's better you walk on your will or you prefer I carry you towards the mandap. "
His dark voice came shivers to my spine. Hell this man I hate him just hate him so much. I glare at him inside my vail. He doesn't see my face but I can. And he smirk like he knows I glare at him.
As we walk towards the mandap every family members clapping and whispering. I doesn't even able to look up with both of our parents. God's know what going to happen when there hopes are broke when they find out. As we both shit front of the holly fire.
As the prandit ( Hindu priest) started the wedding ritual. Chanting mantras those pure promises. Which is every girl dreams to take with her love of her life.
But look at me just stuck in a marriage agreement. Made a replace bride. Tears welling up my eyes as I recall the agreement the blackmail. I try hard not to get panic attack not to think about my bhai..
I tried ground rules which my therapist once say to try.. "Think Saanvi think about 3 things you show. 3 things you smell.. Three sounds.. Just breath.. You can do it.. "
That's calm me slightly for few seconds. Which I almost overheard when purohit told us to stand up for phere( wedding rounds).
I came out to the imagination when he lift me to the bridal style. My hand automatically hold his shoulder. I gasp as the sudden moment.
I look at him he doesn't seem to be bothered at all like my weight is nothing for him.
"Hey.. What are you doing put me down.. Right now.. " I want to scream it. But I told it as a whisper.
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