Vows Of Serenity

6.

If someone had told me a few days back that I would be getting married, I would have laughed at their faces but here we are.
The circumstances I got married were weird but I knew if I wanted Raina to be safe and sound, I needed to be in this marriage until I ensured everything was under my control.

The Mehrotras weren't so easy to deal with, they were dangerous and terrifying. I'd seen a mere trailer yesterday but it was enough for me to realise that they weren't someone to mess with especially Dadaji.

If I wanted to execute my plan, I needed to be under Mehrotra's wings because I knew till I was related to them no one would have the audacity to go against me. For that, I needed to win the trust of Dadaji.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when someone knocked on the door. Opening the door I noticed Ziya standing there with a broad smile, she looked as fresh as the morning dew.

"Good morning bhabhi", I passed her an awkward smile, it was all new for me to be addressed as a sister-in-law. But alas I guess this was all fate.

"Good morning Ziya", I wished

"Don't take me wrong but Bhabhi your skin tone is really white, you feel like Kristen Stewart from Twilight, are you sure you aren't a vampire?", she scanned my face and I chuckled at her remark

"No, I was human the last time I checked, wanna check for proof?", I joked and saw her expression turning embarrassed

"I'm sorry, it's just I've been re-watching the Twilight saga lately so it's all over my mind", she pouted rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly

"It's okay! Let's go downstairs?", I smiled at her trying to ease the air to which she nodded and guided me towards the dining area

Since last night I hadn't caught any glimpse of Moksh, I wondered how or where he was. Hell, what would I do if someone questioned me about his whereabouts? Lasya tu toh gyi!

[Translation: Lasya, you're gone!]

In the dining area, the maids were busy arranging the breakfast table and slowly all the family members started arriving.

Anxiety crept into my veins and I broke into a cold sweat. After last night I hadn't had any encounters with anyone except Ziya and I felt fiddly with the thought of dealing with them. I covered my shivering fingers with my dupatta and walked towards my mother-in-law.

"Good morning Aunty", I wished and forced a small smile only for it to come out making me look like a clown

"Good morning beta", she replied and caressed my forehead lovingly. "I didn't know your preference for breakfast so I asked the maids to prepare light pancakes for you, I hope you're okay with that?", the softness of her tone had tears pricked my eyes and my lower lip wobbled. No one had cared about my meals after Nani and him.

"I-I wa-want to apologise for my mistake aunty, I hope one day you'll forgive me", my voice broke as I felt a lump forming in my throat because of the clogged-up emotions

"I know you might have your reasons beta and no one is holding you responsible for anything. And remember that whatever happens, we will always have your back, especially me, hm?", her eyes softened and she wiped the stray tear that escaped my eyes, I nodded and fisted my fingers. I felt so small and wronged in front of her. I had cheated on this family and they have been nothing but sweet with me. I feel so bad right now.

"I hope one day you'll trust me enough to share the reason behind this decision of yours and also address me as your mother", she cupped my face lovingly and I bit on the inside of my cheek to hold the dam of tears as they blurred my vision.
My mother-in-law affectionately patted my face and excused herself as everyone started coming down for breakfast.