01.

Author’s Note:

“His Innocent Bride” is an emotional, dramatic, and dreamy romantic story filled with suspense and unexpected twists. This is not a dark romance. Every scene has been written with care, keeping in mind the emotions and respect of every character. If you enjoy passionate yet soft storytelling, then this story is made just for you.

🎀

Delhi

5:00 AM

While the rest of the world was still dancing with dreams, every corner wrapped in darkness, one girl, just 19 years old, woke up with a cold, tired breath. Her name was Aakriti Saxena.

She slowly opened her eyes, not filled with sleep, but with exhaustion. Beneath her lashes, a hidden sorrow lay quietly. She picked up her thin shawl and silently slipped out of the room, careful not to disturb anyone.

Step by step, she descended the stairs and entered the kitchen. It was her daily routine to prepare breakfast for everyone. As she turned on the gas, a utensil slipped from her hand and fell to the floor with a loud clang.

Suddenly, a sharp voice echoed through the house.

“What kind of chaos is this early in the morning!”

It was Nirmala Saxena, Aakriti’s aunt. Her sleep had been disturbed, and her anger now echoed through the entire house.

"Tere maa-baap marr gaye tujhe hamare upar chhod kar chale gaye... ab tu humein chain se sone bhi nahi deti!"

Nirmala’s bitter words sliced through Aakriti’s heart.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but instead of responding, she chose silence. Turning her pain into fuel, she quietly began making chapatis.

7:30 AM

Soft footsteps echoed in the courtyard. Riya, Nirmala’s pampered daughter, stepped out stretching and, wrinkling her nose in annoyance, said:

“Aakriti, serve breakfast quickly… I’m getting late for college.”

Without a word, Aakriti set her plate. Then came her uncle, aunt, and the rest of the family—she served everyone breakfast. Once they were done and had gone about their day, Aakriti stood by the kitchen sink, washing dishes.

After a while, she gently said,

“Chachi, I’m leaving for college now.”

But her aunt gave her a sharp glare and snapped:

“First go clean the washroom. Only then can you go. If it’s not clean, forget about college!”

Aakriti glanced at the clock—8:30 AM.

Her heart screamed, but her lips stayed sealed.

“I’m getting late, Chachi…” she said softly.

Nirmala flared up even more:

“So what? You should’ve woken up earlier. Now go clean. And if you talk back again, forget about going to college ever again!”

Tears spilled from Aakriti’s eyes. She wiped them quickly, gathered the shreds of her dignity, and quietly went to clean the bathroom.

9:00 AM

After finishing the chores, Aakriti looked around the house one last time. Her aunt was still glaring at her as if she were just a maid.

She picked up her bag, said nothing, and opened the door. The morning breeze touched her hair gently, like it was trying to console her.

To be continued...