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This book is entirely a product of my imagination. Please do not copy my work, or I will take strict action.

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Aaradhya's pov

It was evening and I sat in the balcony staring at the sky. My life had turned upside down in just one day. Yesterday I was Aaradhya Bansal and today, I’m Aaradhya Aarav Yaduvanshi. His family had been warm and welcoming his parents, uncle, aunt, his brother, and cousins. But not him or his bua. They are different.

Lost in my thoughts I suddenly felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. Startled I turned around to see Riya standing there, smiling. She looked so cheerful and warm as she said "Hi bhabhi" and sat beside me. Darsh and Raj followed her standing close.

Darsh looked a little hesitant as he said “Sorry bhabhi” His words confused me so I looked at him trying to understand.

Raj stepped in his expression serious but kind. “Actually we know the circumstances in which you got married to our brother. And… we also know how Bhai burned your hand.” His words made me lower my gaze in silence. Shame washed over me. How could I deserve such kind-hearted people?

“It’s okay. I deserve it for betraying all of you” I said quietly unable to meet their eyes. Riya sitting beside me, immediately reached for the ointment she had brought. She held my hand so carefully her touch gentle as she applied it.

"Bhabhi we were also angry with you until last night." Darsh admitted his voice softening. "But then we thought about it. It's not your fault. Your parents forced you."

Hearing this, my heart felt lighter. Their love and care overwhelmed me.

“Thank you so much for understanding me and my situation” I said sincerely glancing at each of them.

Raj nodded and said "We all decided that we will help you so that your relationship with Bhai can move forward" His words gave me a sliver of hope.

Maybe they were right. Maybe I could try to work on this relationship. But Aarav ji had already made it clear that he planned to divorce me. I couldn’t share that with them or shatter their efforts.

Still I smiled at them and said "Thank you so much everyone. I can't tell you how happy I am" They returned my smile their faces lighting up with genuine warmth.

“Group hug!” Riya exclaimed stretching her arms wide. I couldn’t help but nod and we all came together in a big hug.

Darsh grinned as he pulled back and said, “Ok from now on you’re part of our group”

I laughed a little adding dramatically “Thank you for making me a member of your group” and bowed my head like I was receiving an award. They laughed at my antics and for the first time in days I felt truly happy.

Before this we’d talked but not as their bhabhi. Now things were different they treated me like their own.

Raj suddenly clapped his hands and said "Let's watch a movie in our home theatre!" Riya quickly stood up pulling me along with her. “Aap bhi chalo bhabhi!”

I followed my heart filled with gratitude. God had blessed me with a family that accepted me even after everything. Together we headed to their home theatre and spent the evening watching a movie, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

Aarav's pov

I was sitting in the conference room, surrounded by clients discussing our potential collaboration. My expression remained calm but I knew the truth. These men thought they could betray me behind my back and get away with it. Fools. I stayed silent waiting for the perfect moment to strike. They knew what would happen if I found out yet they still dared. They would soon regret their choices.

“Mr. Yaduvanshi I hope you’re satisfied with our proposal and ready to collaborate with us” Mr. Rai said confidently.

I leaned back in my chair, smirking. “Why not? I’m all for it. But first let’s take a look at something on the screen” I said casually gesturing towards the projector.

Their smiles faltered as the screen lit up. There in front of everyone played a recording of Mr. Rai plotting with Mr. Oberoi to sell my project to a rival company. The room went silent and I watched as their faces turned pale. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads and their hands trembled.

Switching off the projector I rose from my chair towering over them. They fell to their knees their voices shaking as they pleaded.

“We’re sorry sir! Please forgive us just this once” Mr. Rai stammered his voice cracking.

I walked towards him slowly my gaze cold and unyielding “Aarav Yaduvanshi doesn’t forgive betrayal” I said firmly pulling out my gun and pointing it at his head. He gasped his hands raised in surrender.

“Please! Please sir! Don’t do this” they cried desperation dripping from their voices.

I lowered the gun smirking as I stepped back. “Alright I’ll forgive you” I said my tone dripping with sarcasm.

They stared at me confused but too scared to question my words. “Th....thank you sir” they stuttered and scrambled out of the room running for their lives.

As soon as they ran out of the conference room stumbling over themselves in fear I stood there for a moment, watching the door swing shut behind them.

A satisfied smirk played on my lips. They thought they could play games with me? Fools. I straightened my suit jacket slipping the gun back into its holster and walked out of the room my footsteps echoing in the now-silent hallway.

The staff froze as I passed by their heads bowing in respect or was it fear? I liked both. Without sparing anyone a glance I entered my cabin shutting the door behind me with a firm click. The luxurious space exuded power dark wood, leather chairs and a massive desk that screamed authority.

I loosened my tie pulling it off entirely and tossing it onto the desk. Sitting down in my chair I leaned back, closing my eyes for a brief moment to collect my thoughts.

The thrill of teaching those traitors a lesson was satisfying but my mind wouldn’t let me relax. Her face flashed before me those soft eyes filled with uncertainty her hesitant voice that somehow tugged at something deep within me.

A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in” I said sharply straightening up.

Rahul stepped inside holding a folder. “Everything has been handled sir” he said confidently walking to the desk.

“Good” I replied my voice firm. “And the media?”

“All evidence of their black market dealings has been leaked. Their names are everywhere sir. No one will dare to trust them again. They’ve lost everything” he said with a small nod.

I smirked leaning forward slightly. “Perfect. Let this be a lesson. Anyone who dares to betray Aarav Yaduvanshi will face consequences far worse than death.”

Rahul hesitated shuffling slightly before speaking again. “Sir there’s another matter. People are demanding to see your bride. Rumors are spreading fast many have already guessed that the bride was swapped at the last moment”

At his words her face came to my mind again. I clenched my jaw gripping the edge of the desk tightly.

“Handle it” I said coldly masking the irritation in my voice. “Make sure nothing reaches the media. And buy every single share of Bansal Industries. I want complete control over them”

“Yes, sir” Rahul said nodding quickly before leaving the room.

Alone again I leaned back in my chair loosening my shirt collar. My fingers brushed over the desk absentmindedly as my thoughts spiraled. Despite my power, my control and my precision, she was the one thing I couldn’t figure out.

Every time I looked at her my plans faltered. The guilt of hurting her lingered despite my efforts to bury it. She made me feel things I shouldn’t and I hated it. Yet I couldn’t stop.

The dining table was lively with the sounds of everyone enjoying dinner. My siblings were being overly friendly with her and it was testing my patience. How could they accept her so easily after what she had done?

“Beta Aarav” Dad's voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to look at him.

“We know the circumstances under which your marriage happened” Dad began his tone calm yet firm. “We also understand that it’s not easy for either of you. But we all want you and Aaradhya to move forward in your relationship leaving the past behind”

His words left me stunned. I couldn’t believe they were so willing to accept her just like that. I was about to argue but before I could Darsh and Riya chimed in enthusiastically.

“We’ve already accepted Bhabhi!” they said grinning and showing a thumbs-up. Their excitement annoyed me further. It was clear that no one would listen to my protests. I’d have to handle this in my own way.

Later that night after finishing my work in the home office I went to the bedroom. Aaradhya walked out of the bathroom at the same time wrapped in a fresh glow. Our eyes met briefly before she quickly looked away.

I headed straight for the bed and slid under the comforter. “sleep on couch” I told her without much emotion. She nodded silently and went to lie down on the couch.

Switching off the lights I turned on the AC to its lowest temperature leaving her without anything to keep her warm. Good for her, I thought bitterly. She probably expected a luxurious life as my wife but she needed to understand that marrying me was the biggest mistake of her life.

I watched her struggle against the cold, her small frame curling up on the couch in discomfort. Part of me felt satisfied seeing her like this but another part my betraying heart felt something else entirely. I chose to ignore it.

Eventually she fell asleep curling into herself for warmth. I don’t know what got into me but I found myself grabbing an extra comforter and walking toward her. Quietly I draped it over her. She stirred a little but didn’t wake up.

As I sat there my eyes wandered to her face. She was undeniably beautiful her soft features serene in sleep. A strand of hair had fallen over her face and I instinctively reached out to tuck it behind her ear. But I stopped myself. What are you doing Aarav? She means nothing to you.

Shaking off the strange feelings I went back to bed.

Aaradhya’s POV

I woke up feeling the sun’s rays on my face my body aching from sleeping on the couch all night. I stretched and noticed something unusual there was a comforter covering me.

Confused I tried to recall last night. As far as I remembered I didn’t have a comforter with me. Did he…? Yes he must have covered me while I was asleep.

I glanced at the bed but Aarav ji isn’t there. Riya had mentioned that he went to the gym every morning at 6 a.m. I checked the clock it was already 7. I quickly got up freshened up and decided to wear the yellow saree Riya had given me.

While combing my hair the door opened and Aarav ji walked in still in his gym clothes. My breath hitched at the sight of him his damp hair, the defined muscles of his arms, everything about him was… distracting.

“If this were a normal marriage…” I muttered to myself trying to shake off the thought.

“Breath-taking view huh?” Aarav Ji's voice broke my trance. I realized he’d caught me staring and quickly looked away my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

He smirked and headed to the bathroom and I took the opportunity to flee the room. Why did you embarrass yourself Aaradhya? I scolded myself. Wait… why am I even behaving like this is a normal marriage?

In the kitchen I found Maa and Chachi busy preparing breakfast.

“Good morning beta” Chachi greeted warmly.

“Good morning” I replied touching her feet and then Maa’s.

“Jeeti raho meri bacchi” Maa said lovingly.

“What are you making?” I asked joining them.

“Aloo ke parathe with chai and coffee” Chachi replied with a smile.

“I’ll help” I offered and together we prepared the food while chatting and getting to know each other better.

Soon we set the dining table. One by one everyone arrived and took their seats.

“Good morning Bhabhi!” Riya and Raj greeted me cheerfully as they came downstairs.

“Good morning” I replied smiling.

Finally Aarav ji arrived dressed sharply in his suit. He looked intimidating yet striking. I quietly took my seat beside Riya. Just as we were about to start eating a loud shout echoed through the house.

“My diamond necklace is missing!” Bua Ji’s panicked voice boomed as she came downstairs.

“Jaha rakha tha wahi dekh. Ghar se kahan jayega?” papa tried to calm her.

I glanced at Aarav ji who was sitting across from me. He gave me a devilish smirk sending shivers down my spine.

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