A Twist of Fate

Tripti was deep in slumber when she felt a gentle tap on her cheek, followed by a worried voice calling her name.

"Tripti! Wake up, dear! Get up quickly—we're in big trouble! Everyone needs you right now!"

Tripti groaned and turned over, pulling the blanket over her head. She was exhausted, and whoever was shaking her could wait. But the voices wouldn't stop. Multiple people were calling her name, their tones filled with worry and desperation.

"Ugh! Let me sleep!" she mumbled, snuggling deeper into the warmth of her blanket.

But her wish went unheard. Suddenly, someone yanked the blanket away, and before she could protest, cold water splashed onto her face.

"WHAT THE—?!" Tripti shot up, gasping, her eyes wide with irritation. But her annoyance quickly turned to shock when she saw a group of well-dressed strangers surrounding her. Their faces were filled with concern, relief, and—was that fear?

The woman closest to her let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God! I was terrified!"

Tripti, still groggy, frowned. "What's going on? Who are you all? And… where am I?"

The woman gasped, turning to the others. "Oh no! What now? Did that wretched girl drug her? She doesn't even recognize us!"

A tall man standing beside the woman leaned forward. "Tripti… you really don't remember us?"

She shook her head. "No. I don't know any of you."

The woman clutched Tripti's hands. "I'm your mother, Manorama Sharma. And this is your father, Rahul Sharma." She pointed at the people around them. "That's your elder sister, Pooja Mehra, and her husband, Akash Mehra. And behind them, Akash's parents, Mamta Mehra and Akhilesh Mehra."

Tripti's heart stopped.

These names… this situation… this scene—she knew it all too well.

Because it was the opening scene of the very story she had been reading before falling asleep.

Her mind reeled. What the hell is going on?!

She quickly glanced around. The room, the people, even their expressions—everything was exactly as it had been described in the book.

But why was she here?

Was this a dream? A hallucination? Or… had she somehow been transported into the story?

Manorama studied her worriedly. "Do you remember anything now?"

Tripti pressed a hand to her forehead, feeling a dull ache pounding in her skull. "I remember… but what exactly happened to me? My head hurts. And where's Manisha? Didn't she leave for the salon without me?"

Mamta hesitated before answering. "No… she didn't go to the salon. I hate to say this, but Manisha drugged you and ran away, leaving behind a letter. She wrote that she's chasing her dreams and won't be coming back."

She lowered her head in disappointment, while Tripti sat frozen in shock.

Word for word, this was exactly how the story had played out.

And she knew what came next.

Soon, these people would guilt-trip her, emotionally manipulate her, and then—when that didn't work—pressure her into marrying Shashank in Manisha's place.

Her mind raced. This can't be happening. I need to think!

"Can I use the washroom?" she asked suddenly.

Without waiting for an answer, she rushed inside and locked the door. Leaning against it, she took deep breaths, trying to make sense of her situation.

Was she really… inside her own story?

She pinched herself hard. "Ouch!" Okay, not a dream.

A chill ran down her spine. If she was truly trapped in her own story, then her life was at stake.

Because in the book, the bride—meaning her—was supposed to be killed shortly after the wedding.

Her eyes widened in horror. No! I refuse to die like this!

If she wanted to survive, she had to change the story.

She took a deep breath. "Think, Tripti. Who is the safest bet in this mess?"

Then, suddenly, a thought struck her, making her eyes light up.

Servagya.

Her mysterious, powerful, and utterly irresistible male lead.

He was the only one who could protect her.

Her heart pounded with excitement. If I'm here… then Servagya must be here too!

And if she was going to rewrite fate, she would make damn sure she ended up married to him instead.

Steeling herself, she stepped out of the washroom and put on her most innocent expression.

"You're all standing here… but shouldn't we be looking for Manisha?" she asked sweetly.

Rahul exhaled deeply. "Actually, we need to talk to you first. Please listen carefully and don't argue."

Tripti tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Rahul hesitated. "This is a matter of our family's reputation. Manisha was supposed to marry Shashank, but now she's gone. Shashank's family is pressuring us to complete the wedding today itself. We… need to find a replacement for the bride."

Tripti arched a brow. "Let me guess—you want me to be that replacement?"

Pooja grabbed her hands. "Please, Tripti. Don't say no. Only two hours are left before the wedding. The guests are already here, and the media is covering this event. Our family's honor is at stake!"

Tripti crossed her arms. "So let me get this straight. Just because Manisha ran away, I'm expected to take her place?"

Akhilesh stepped forward, his voice pleading. "Please, child. I beg you. If you refuse, we will be ruined!"

Tripti sighed dramatically. "Uncle, you're making me feel guilty! But let's be honest—there must be a reason why Manisha ran away. Maybe she saw something in Shashank that scared her?"

Manorama frowned. "What are you trying to say?"

Tripti smiled. "I'm saying… let's switch the groom as well!"

A stunned silence filled the room.

Rahul blinked. "What do you mean? Shashank is right here. How can we replace him?"

Before Tripti could answer, Akash smirked. "Actually… I have an idea."

Rahul turned to him. "What kind of idea?"

Akash leaned forward. "Servagya Agnihotri. He's Shashank's stepbrother and a respected member of the Agnihotri family. He just returned from abroad and is here at the wedding. If we can convince his family to agree… we can swap the groom."

Mamta looked doubtful. "Will they accept this proposal?"

Akash shrugged confidently. "Leave that to me. The bigger issue was getting Triptito agree to the wedding. Now that she's ready, I'll handle the rest."

Akhilesh nodded. "Fine. While we arrange the wedding attire, we'll speak to Shashank's father. Hopefully, Servagya will say yes."

Tripti smiled to herself. Oh, he will. He has to.

Because in the novel, Sarvagya and Tripti had a past. A complicated, painful love story that never got a proper ending. This time, she would make sure they got one.

Now, she just had to make sure the story followed her rules.