Chapter 2: A New Beginning

Three months. It had been exactly three months since I woke up in this unfamiliar body and began navigating a world that wasn’t mine. I had adapted quickly, though. As a princess, learning and mastering new skills had been second nature to me, and here, it was no different. My sharp mind and insatiable curiosity worked in my favor.

Tanishka had been my guide . She helped me understand everything about this era—its history, its customs, and, most importantly, its technology. The devices and systems of this time were like magic to me at first, but once I grasped the basics, I excelled. Princess Aaradhyanshi never forgot what she saw once, and that talent served me well here.

Tanishka had started calling me Anshi, at my request. I didn’t want to take Aaradhya’s place in her life. I wanted to be her friend in my own right, not a replacement. She respected that, and over time, we formed a bond that felt genuine and unforced.

Though she still missed Aaradhya, she had accepted me. She taught me everything—starting with the basics of this world, from how to use a smartphone to the social norms I needed to navigate. I even found myself enjoying some aspects of this modern life.

One thing I was particularly grateful for was Aaradhya’s long hair. If she’d had short hair, I might have gone mad. Long hair was a part of my identity, a small piece of my old life that I could hold onto.

We were in Varanasi now, a city that felt alive with history and spirituality. Tanishka had brought Aaradhya here for a girls’ trip, hoping to help her relax before their final year of college began. But that first night, Aaradhya had chosen to end her life—and I had taken her place.

I had learned a lot about Aaradhya over the past three months. She was the youngest child of the Rathore family, a name that carried immense weight in the business world. Her father was a powerful businessman, and her elder brother, Daksh Rathore, loved her deeply. Yet, despite having a loving family, Aaradhya had lived a life filled with fear and anxiety.

She had hidden her identity as a Rathore, wanting to make something of herself without her family’s influence. But the truth was far more painful—she had been bullied relentlessly, first in school and then in college. The scars of that torment had driven her to the brink.

One thing that connected me to Aaradhya was her dreams. From childhood, she had dreamt of me—Princess Aaradhyanshi. She had confided this only to Tanishka, never to anyone else. Perhaps it was fate that had brought me here, to her body, when she decided she couldn’t go on.

Tanishka, on the other hand, was a remarkable woman. Despite her own struggles, she had a kind and compassionate heart. Her father was no longer in her life, but her mother was a renowned fashion designer, known across the world. Tanishka and Aaradhya had been childhood best friends, their families tied together by their shared wealth and status.

I had come to know Tanishka as someone who genuinely cared for me, just as she had cared for Aaradhya. She had been my lifeline, helping me adapt to this new world. And now, as we prepared to leave Varanasi and return to Mumbai, where their college was, I felt a mix of emotions.

Our bags were packed, neatly arranged by the door. I checked everything one last time, ensuring we hadn’t forgotten anything. Tanishka walked in, holding two cups of coffee. She handed one to me with a warm smile.

“Are you ready for your new life, Anshi?” she asked, her voice filled with encouragement.

I smiled back at her. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied.

But something lingered in my mind. I had spoken to Tanishka earlier about wanting a new look, something that would help me feel more like myself in this body. She had given me a knowing smile and promised to arrange everything.

“I’ll keep my hair long,” I had told her. “But I need new clothes. Something that suits me. And maybe even makeup.”

Tanishka had laughed, delighted by my enthusiasm. “We’ll go shopping as soon as we’re back in Mumbai,” she had promised.

Now, as I sipped my coffee, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. Varanasi had become special to me in these three months. It was the place where I had begun to understand my new life, where I had started to adapt.

Tanishka seemed to sense my hesitation. “It’s okay,” she said gently. “We’ll come back again someday. This place will always be here for you.”

Her words comforted me, but they also made me think of Aaradhya. She, too, seemed to linger here, her presence a quiet reminder of the life she had left behind.

With a sad smile, I hugged Tanishka. “Thank you for everything, Tanu,” I said softly.

She hugged me back tightly. “You don’t have to thank me,” she replied. “We’re in this together.”

Over the past three months, Tanishka had handled Aaradhya’s family for me. They didn’t call often, but they texted regularly, asking about her well-being. Tanishka replied on my behalf, ensuring no one suspected the truth—that I wasn’t Aaradhya Rathore, but Aaradhyanshi.

As I stood there, coffee in hand and bags packed, I took a deep breath. This was the beginning of a new chapter, a new life. I didn’t know what the future held, but I was ready to face it.

And so, we left Varanasi behind, stepping into the unknown with hope and determination.

The city of Mumbai greeted us with its usual chaos that I have heard about —blaring horns, bustling crowds, and the faint scent of the sea. As we drove through the streets, I glanced at Tanishka .

“I know I’m living her life now,” I began hesitantly, “but can I live it in my own way?”

She smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting understanding. “Of course, Anshi. Don’t forget the Aaradhyanshi in you. That’s what makes you unique.”

Her words were all the encouragement I needed.

We arrived at the apartment Aaradhya and Tanishka had rented—a spacious unit on the top floor of a modern building. The view from the balcony was breathtaking, the city sprawling out before us like a living, breathing entity. Tanishka parked her car in the basement, and as we stepped into the elevator, she made a promise.

“I’ll teach you how to drive,” she said, glancing at me. “Aaradhya had her license, so it won’t raise any suspicions.”

I nodded, grateful for her thoughtfulness.

Once inside the apartment, we both collapsed onto the plush sofa, exhausted from the journey. The afternoon passed in a blur of rest and quiet conversation. By evening, however, we were ready to venture out.

“Shopping spree?” Tanishka suggested with a grin.

I couldn’t hide my excitement. “Let’s do it.”

We spent hours at the mall, exploring store after store. Dresses, shoes, accessories—I wanted it all. For the first time in a long while, I felt free, indulging in the luxuries of this modern world. By the time we were done, we had nearly emptied the mall.

“Thank you, rich parents,” Tanishka joked as we loaded our bags into the car.

As we drove back, she reminded me of what lay ahead. “College starts tomorrow,” she said, her tone more serious now.

The weight of her words settled over me. Aaradhya’s life was filled with challenges, and I was stepping into her world.

Before heading home, we stopped at a salon. Tanishka insisted on a self-pampering session, something every modern girl deserved, she said. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found myself enjoying the experience. The stylists worked their magic, and by the end, I felt refreshed and confident.

Back at the apartment, Tanishka took charge of dinner. The aroma of spices filled the air as she cooked, and we sat down to eat, chatting about everything and nothing. Yet, I could sense her worry.

“You’re still thinking about tomorrow, aren’t you?” I asked, setting my fork down.

She sighed. “Aaradhya was always scared to go out, let alone face college. It wasn’t just anxiety—it was fear. Pure, paralyzing fear.”

I reached across the table and placed a reassuring hand on hers. “Tell me everything I need to know. I want to be prepared.”

Later, we sat cross-legged on the bed, a pile of cushions between us. Tanishka took a deep breath and began.

“The entire college bullied her,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness. “She always stayed in her bubble, too scared to talk to anyone. But the worst of it was… Fav X.”

I frowned. “What’s Fav X?”

“It’s a group of students who practically rule the college,” she explained. “Even the principal doesn’t mess with them. And their leader, Vikrant Oberoi… he’s the worst of them all. Aaradhya’s sworn enemy and biggest bully.”

I tilted my head, intrigued. “Tell me more about him.”

Tanishka hesitated before continuing. “He’s the only heir to Oberoi Industries. He graduated two years ago but still comes to college for higher studies—or so he says. Honestly, I think he comes just to torment Aaradhya.”

Her words stirred something in me, but it wasn’t fear. They hadn’t met Aaradhyanshi Raghavendra yet. A smirk tugged at my lips.

“Go on,” I urged.

“There are four of them in Fav X,” she said. “Vikrant and three other guys—Rohan Malhotra, Aryan Shetty, and Karan Desai. All from wealthy families. But Vikrant… he’s different. Girls throw themselves at him, but he doesn’t even glance at them.”

I made a face, and Tanishka chuckled.

“How was Aaradhya as a student?” I asked, steering the conversation back.

Tanishka laughed nervously. “Average, at best.”

I hummed thoughtfully. “Well, that’s something I’ll have to change.”

We were about to call it a night when Tanishka asked a question that caught me off guard.

“Do you miss your time, Anshi?”

I looked down, a sad smile playing on my lips. “Yes. I miss my Dadi Sa and my father the most. It’s painful knowing they don’t even exist in history. There’s no mention of us anywhere.”

Tanishka’s expression softened. She leaned over and hugged me tightly. “You have me now,” she said.

Her words brought a sense of comfort, and we finally retired to our rooms. As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions—anticipation, determination, and a touch of nervousness. Tomorrow would be a new challenge, but I was ready to face it.

They hadn’t met Aaradhyanshi yet.