Hello lovely Readers,
Here is the next part of this FF,
Hope you will like it.

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Before starting the story, I apologize as I used some slang language in this chapter. If anyone felt hurt then, I am genuinely sorry. It was not intentional.

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Not Proofread. Please ignore the typos and grammatical mistakes.

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Banner done by Shreya_VA

GUPTA HOUSE :

Madhumati bustled about, reprimanding her brother Shashi for his odious act toward Khushi and the Raizadas. He barely got a chance to explain, her frustration mounting as she agonized over Khushi's fate at Raizada House. She believed the Raizadas and Arnav loved Sheetal and would never embrace Khushi.Seeing Shashi's quiet composure, she grew hysterical.

"Yeh ka kar diya babua tumne? Tum jaan te ho na ki uu Raizadas Sheetal ko pasand kiye rahe. Aur uu logan agar Kusi ke sath kuch iyahan uhan kar diye toh? Nahi nahi, hame abhi jakar unko sab batakar Kusi ko yahan le aana chaiye!"

(What have you done, babua? You knew those Raizadas, especially Arnav, loved and wanted Sheetal. What if they hurt my child? No... no... we should visit them, tell them the truth, and bring Khushi back!)

"Areyy jiji, at least hear me out," he pleaded, but Garima joined the fray, her voice sharp. "For the first time, I agree with Jiji. They loved and wanted MY daughter, and you married that orp... umm... Khushi to Arnav bitwa? How the hell did you do this to your blood? Didn't you have a bit of love for your daughter? Didn't you care even a little?" Garima growled at her husband.

"How could Sheetal do this to her family? I did nothing wrong, samjhi? She walked away from the wedding on her own. Did I or Khushi drive her away? No, right?" Garima fell silent, lacking a retort.

"Areyyy, she wasn't even ready to marry him. But she did it. Why? For THIS family and ME. She SACRIFICED her life for ME, and instead of appreciating, you're busy in cursing her? You should be ashamed of yourself, Garima! If not love, at least be grateful for her sacrifice because of YOUR daughter's antics. And what makes you think I care about her anymore after this? She made it clear she's chasing her career, right?"

He accused Garima, framing the marriage as sudden to shield the truth. If Garima uncovered the real plan, she'd create chaos and blame Khushi again. He meant to confide in Madhu but couldn't with Garima present, so he feigned anger.

Yet, worry gnawed at him for Sheetal- his daughter despite Garima's views. Ankit's words-"We'll look after her"-haunted him. He knew ASR's "taken care of" category meant danger. He needed to speak with Ankit.

Madhu broke his trance. "You didn't do it right, babua. Now, because of you, my innocent baby will suffer for Sheetal's mistakes. Haye re Nandkishore." She sank onto the couch, clutching her head, scared. Garima secretly rejoiced, imagining Khushi punished and cast out.Shashi, fed up with Garima's rant, snapped at Madhu. "Nothing like that will happen, jiji. Don't you know your Khushi? She'll win everyone's heart there. There's nothing to worry about." He stormed out, leaving a pondering sister and a thoughtful, fearful wife behind.

"Never. I could never let that happen. She'll never replace my Sheetal," Garima murmured, moving to oversee arrangements.

•──────☆──────•

IN THE ABUNDANT BUILDING

Tears streamed down Sheetal's face like a relentless river. She never foresaw such a day. What had she stumbled into? Her dreams clashed with this nightmare-what sins had she committed to endure this? Who was that woman? What did she mean? Was this about her fleeing? She betrayed ASR, and now he sought revenge? No... no... how could that be? ASR didn't know about the contest. Even if he did, how would he suspect her flight?

"No... that's not possible. ASR loves me. How could he be so ruthless? I... I... I need to get back to my ASR somehow," she thought desperately.

While plotting her escape, a loud bang jolted her. Fear seized her, imagining her captors' next move. She stifled any sound, her face paling, sweat dripping from her forehead.

"Untie her mouth," a stern voice ordered. Her gag loosened instantly.

"WHAT THE FUCK'S GOING ON? WHO ARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU KIDNAP ME? DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" she yelled as the ties fell away.

"Who are you? The President of America?" came a snide reply. She bristled.

"Look! I am Sheetal Gupta! I'm ASR's wife-you've got the guts to abduct me?" The man guffawed at her claim.

"Is it, Miss Sheetal Gupta? That's not what I heard. Apparently, he introduced Khushi Gupta as HIS WIFE to the world?" he asked, feigning sympathy.

"No... no... You're kidding. RIGHT? YOU'RE KIDDING ME. HOW DID HE MARRY THAT WORTHLESS ORPH-" Her words halted with a stinging slap.

"HOW DARE YOU SLAP ME? WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?" she shrieked, struggling.

"I won't repeat myself, so listen. Never... ever... call... her... names! Never... call... her... orphan... understood? UNDERSTOOD?" he growled, each word a blade.A shiver raced down her spine at his cold menace. She nodded vigorously.

"B... bua... buuttt... Who are you? H... ho... how di... di y... yo... you know Khushi?" her voice quaked.

"THAT'S not your concern. And to answer, ASR did marry Khushi Gupta," he added, twisting the knife in her wounded ego.

Sheetal shook her head. "No... no... This can't happen! ASR can't marry her. He loved me. How dare he do this? I won't let Khushi steal my place and rights. Never." She murmured to herself.

The man smiled viciously.

"He did it, honey, and it was never your place. Khushi always deserved the best and has it." Sheetal fumed. "Why did you kidnap me, Mr.? What's your reason? That competition was a trap, wasn't it?"

Reality crashed in, and his devilish grin confirmed it. "Why? WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO IT? WHY? WHAT'S YOUR LINK TO THAT WHORE?" she screamed.

She spiraled out of control, duped by this stranger, her fury peaking at Khushi's gain. "MISS GUPTAAAA!!!! Didn't I warn you not to use foul words for Khushi? This is your last warning. Don't do it again, or it won't end well. SAMJHI?" he thundered.

Sheetal ignored him, consumed by the image of Khushi as Mrs. ASR-her dream. She sat aloof, livid, plotting revenge. She'd escape and reclaim her ASR. He married Khushi to save face, she reasoned. His anger would fade-he'd welcome her back. She overheard the guards.

"Jenny! Do her first aid and feed her-she's had nothing since last night. And ensure she doesn't escape. Okay?" the man instructed. "You don't worry, Sir," they replied.

He turned to Sheetal. "Don't try to run, and most importantly, don't dare think of hurting Khushi, let alone do it. You'll never succeed while I'm alive." With that final warning, he walked away, leaving a thoughtful Sheetal.

"Who is this 'Sir'? What's his link to Khushi? I've never heard of him! What does he gain by ruining my marriage? Kahi aisa toh nahi ki, Khushi ne iss aadmi ke sath milke meri shadi tudwayi ho, taki woh MERI zindagi jee sake?" she mused, then smirked devilishly.

"Doesn't she know ASR is mine? He loves only me and won't give my place to anyone." She frowned.

"Yes, she knew, but what's the motive? Money? Yes... that fits. He might be Khushi's boyfriend-they planned this for ASR's wealth. But I won't let it happen. Tu sirf dekhti jaa Khushi ki, mein tere sath kya karti hu. Mujhe sirf yaha se nikal ne de! Tu mujhe abhi bhi thik tarah se janti nahi hai. Just WAIT AND WATCH, how I snatch my right and place back from you," she murmured with vengeance.

•──────☆──────•

RAIZADA MANSION

Arnav and Khushi entered Subhadra's room after freshening up, finding the family assembled. "You called us, Dadi?" Arnav asked.

She nodded, turning to Khushi with a soft smile.

"Khushi bitiya, come sit beside me. How's your health now?" She caressed her head gently. Khushi bobbed her head slowly.

The more Khushi observed this family, the more astonished she grew. Did such families exist? How could they shower love on a stranger-a girl they knew for mere days, who deceived them by taking their real bahu's place? Tears blurred her vision.Before they fell, Subhadra called her. Khushi looked up, startled.

Subhadra smiled. "Bitiya! Even if we knew each other before, becoming a daughter-in-law changes everything, doesn't it? Welcome to YOUR family," she began, reintroducing everyone.

"Finally, he is Aman Mathur, another son of this house. Chhote's childhood friend and punching bag. From today..." Before she finished, Aman interjected joyously, "Your brother-in-law, come brother!"

Everyone rolled their eyes, making Khushi giggle.

"And the one standing quietly, staring at you, is your husband Arnav... Arnav Singh Raizada. We call him Chote lovingly, but you can call him anything like today's youth do-like baby, jaanu..." Laughter erupted, and Khushi blushed profusely. She gazed at him shyly.

Subhadra broke their trance. "Bitiya! Now, let's do the task we gathered for?" Khushi nodded quietly.

"Take these... These are the Malik and Raizada family heirlooms. From today, they're yours, bitiya. You'll wear some for the muh-dikhai rasam tonight, alright?" Khushi gaped at the treasures.

She felt honored, but Garima's cruel words-"Sheetal's replacement"-echoed in her mind. She closed her eyes in pain, thinking, "You have no rights to this, Khushi! You're only Sheetal Jiji's substitute." Opening her eyes, she stammered, "But Dadiji! Yeh sab? I... I... I mean, iss sab gehno pe toh Jij..."

"No. Never say that again, beta. You are the daughter-in-law of this family and always will be. No one can take that from you. Never think you don't belong. This is your rightful place and always will be. Samjhi!" Aditya Raizada spoke firmly, stroking her head affectionately.

Khushi glanced at Arnav, relieved to see a soft smile. His acceptance eased her discomfort amid the teasing and love, fearing his anger over Sheetal's heirlooms. She accepted them reluctantly, taking the elders' blessings.

As she moved to bless him, Arnav jumped back, startling her. Everyone laughed. Subhadra stopped them. "It's not needed, bitiya. I know he's older, but you don't have to. Okay?" Khushi nodded slowly.

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Will Sheetal be able to get out of here?

What was Garima up to?

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How was it?

Stay safe and blessed.

Regards,
Dipanwita86
27/9/21