chapter -3

Chapter Title Bound by fate,torn by feelings

Radhya's Home

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"Come on in," Papa ushers them inside with a warm smile as they step over the threshold. He closes the door behind them.

Rakshit is dressed in a crisp black-and-white suit, a stark contrast to the tousled mess of his hair. But, if anything, the unruly strands only add to his effortless charm, making him look even more attractive.

"Hello, Aunty," I greet his mother, Mrs. Sagarika Ahuja. Draped in a rich blue silk saree, her black hair cascades over her shoulders as always, framing a face adorned with flawless makeup. She is stunning—graceful, poised, effortlessly elegant. But today, there's something different about her. She looks... cheerful. A little too cheerful.

Why? Only she knows.

Rakshit and Aaliyah immediately move closer to me.

"I have no idea what's going on either," Rakshit murmurs. "I didn't even realize we were coming to your place until we arrived. Mom didn't say a word."

His words remind me of the awkwardness of this entire situation, the tension hanging thick in the air.

Our gazes shift toward the adults, and my breath catches as I watch my father envelop Mrs. Ahuja in a hug—one that lasts a beat too long, one that looks... tight.

Since when did they get that close?

"You look stunning, Sagarika," Papa says, admiration lacing his voice.

No surprise there. She is beautiful. Charismatic, even.

They step apart, and Papa returns to my side, while Rakshit and Aaliyah instinctively drift back toward his mother. The look of surprise on their faces surely mirrors my own.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, we settle in the living room. Rakshit, Aaliyah, and I take one couch, while my father and Mrs. Ahuja take another.

"This is weird. Why do they look so... intimate?" Aaliyah whispers.

"Shut up," I mutter, earning a quiet chuckle from her.

A heavy silence blankets the room as we wait for the inevitable revelation, the kind that makes your stomach churn before it even comes.

Papa speaks first.

"Alright, bachon, I'm sure you're wondering what's going on. Don't worry, your curiosity will be satisfied once we make our announcement."

Announcement.

A sinking feeling grips my chest. Whatever he's about to say—I already know I won't like it.

Rakshit and I exchange another wary glance, both trying to mask the unease creeping up our spines.

Our attention snaps back to the adults as Mrs. Ahuja gently places her hand over my father's. He doesn't flinch. If anything, he looks completely at ease, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

My mind screams at me—I already know what they're about to say.

But my heart? My heart refuses to believe it.

"We plan to get married."

The words drop like a bomb, detonating in the space around me.

My ears ring. My heart pounds so loudly I can barely hear anything else.

Astonishment. Betrayal. Fear.

Why betrayal? I have no idea.

"What? Is this some kind of joke?" Rakshit's voice slices through the fog in my head, dragging me back to reality. My gaze shifts to my father, his face riddled with anxiety as he watches me, waiting for my reaction.

Mrs. Ahuja speaks next.

"It's true. Mr. Mittal and I have been seeing each other for a while, and we share deep feelings. We want to take the next step, but we wanted you kids to know first."

They've been seeing each other for a while?

How did I miss that? How is this even possible?

I mean, sure, they've crossed paths because of us, but they've always been formal—distant, even. So when did this change? Why did it change?

"We thought you'd be happy," Papa says, his voice soft. "You two are friends, and we know how much you mean to each other."

Mrs. Ahuja turns toward her children. "Rakshit, Aaliyah," she murmurs, "I know how lonely it's been since your father passed."

Rakshit chuckles dryly. "I really haven't felt it."

Aaliyah stays silent.

"I mean, I'm happy for you, of course, but this is all so sudden. How did you manage to keep this from us for so long? When did this even start?"

"I know you have questions, and I promise to answer them all," Papa reassures. "But we wanted you to be the first to know before we move forward with the wedding. We need to know you're okay with this."

I want to say I'm not.

I can't be.

There is no way my father is marrying my best friend's mother.

But then I see it—the happiness in his eyes, the way he lights up just talking about her. Yet beneath that joy, there's hesitation. He's worried about my reaction.

I've never seen him this happy—not since my mother left him for another man.

And am I really going to take that away from him? Just because of my own selfish feelings?

"Sure, as long as you guys are happy," Rakshit says, forcing a smile.

But I—I can't speak.

"Radhya? Aaliyah?" Mrs. Ahuja asks gently.

Papa answers for me. "Don't worry about Radhya, I'll talk to her."

A weighty silence follows before Mrs. Ahuja finally nods. "Shall we leave now?"

"So soon? I thought we'd be having dinner together," Papa frowns.

Mrs. Ahuja tilts her head slightly toward me, as if subtly signaling something to him.

"Oh," he murmurs, realization dawning.

"Right."

She smiles and nods for Rakshit and Aaliyah to move.

Rakshit glances at me. "See ya, Radhya."

I can't even look at him.

Papa follows them to the door, bidding them goodbye.

I turn to leave, but I barely take two steps before he stops me.

"Radhya, are you alright, beta?"

"You could have told me," I say quietly.

He rubs his forehead with his thumb. "I know. But I wanted it to be a surprise—a good surprise."

"When did you even meet behind our backs?"

He chuckles. "It sounds so wrong when you put it like that." His smile fades when I don't return it. He sighs.

"Three months ago."

My heart stutters.

"You want to marry a woman you've known for three months?"

He shrugs. "I've known her longer than that, remember? I just got a chance to truly know her these past months. She's an incredible woman."

I see it again—the happiness in his eyes.

And it breaks me.

"I'm sorry," I whisper. "We never really talked about how you felt."

He cups my face, his thumb gently brushing my cheek.

"You mean everything to me, Radhya," he says with a soft smile.

A single tear slips down my face.

"Oh, come on now. You know I hate tears, Pushpa," he teases, making me laugh through the ache.

I throw my arms around him, holding on just tight enough.

"You've been an amazing father," I whisper.

He pats my back. "And you, my darling, are my greatest joy."

I pull away, hesitating. "When's the wedding?"

"A month from now."

"That soon?"

He chuckles. "Sagarika wants it as soon as possible. And honestly? So do I."

I scoff. "Do you like her that much?"

He smiles. "A lot. But not more than you."

I roll my eyes. "Fine. As long as you're happy."

As I shut my bedroom door, the dam finally breaks.

Because I know the truth.

The boy who makes my heart race—the boy I harbor secret feelings for—

Will be my stepbrother.

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