Before she could give either her approval or denial, the two families hugged each other, confirming the union. As if her words, her voice doesn't matter. As if letting her know in advance about her marriage is the biggest favour these people have done to her. And that she shouldn't expect more than this.
But Sophia wasn't the only one in trauma. There was one more.
Within a blink of an eye she got married, just like that.
Haldi, Mehndi, Mangni, Sangeet, Phere, all the wedding rituals happen at the speed of light, as if The Rajput's were doing their best to throw her away from their house, as if for them she was never the daughter, but just a burden on the shoulder, to whom they finally get rid of .
She was just eighteen for god sake. Anyone looking into her soulless eyes could have told that she wasn't happy, she wasn't enjoying, she wasn't even present. Just her body was there.
But who would care about her? These people are just strangers with a label of relatives. They don't know her. They don't care about her. Besides why would they, when her own parents are treating her as an object, who is getting sold to the highest bidder in the name of wedding.
The people who truly care about her, her well-wishers, aren't even invited. And if Sophia's hunch is right, then, they might not even be aware of this incident.
Sophia hadn't even fully grasped the situation when Bidaai happened. The girl who had once bowed to never let the circumstances define her, was getting crushed to the bone by the circumstances. She was crying, but not because she was leaving her house and family behind. She was crying because her family was destroying her life. They were ruining her only chance to experience love, to finally be out of the survival game and actually live the life the gods have granted her.
Why?
Just why?
The Greh Pravesh happened. And Sophia entered the new place, which by law would be her house.
~~
By taking the excuse of tiredness, Mrs. Rachel Raichand ( Alex's mother) helped Sophia to avoid the relatives of the Raichand's and took her to a room. To Sophia's surprise, Alex was already waiting for them there.
During their very first conversation, Alex and Rachel, both made it crystal clear that they hate her. They will never accept her as either the wife or the daughter in law of the house.
Alex informed Sophia in advance about his love, his heart being with his lover, Maria. Alex also stated that he would divorce Sophia and marry Maria very soon.
The information dropped like a bombshell, blowing Sophia's mind, but at the same time, it brought her sanity back. Finally, Thank goodness. The heavens didn't abandon her. There's a way out. She can finally live her dream life. She can finally work her ass off and become a successful Ceo like her boss.
She can finally do something for herself. Finally, she can make her sister proud of her. She can also find true love and have her happily ever after, just like in the fairytales. O dear lord, you are the most merciful among all.
Alex and Rachel exchanged nervous glances as they stared at blank Sophia. Was it too much for her to digest? Will she create a scene? Will she tell grandma? Will grandma punish them? Damn, why is this girl not responding at all.
Grandma had already put the power of attorney on the line to force Alex to wed Sophia. What now?
~~
After analyzing everything, Sophia blinked her eyelashes like a peacock feather. Slowly, majestically.
"No problem. But, I need a room to stay. So, please arrange it for me asap. Rest assured, you will never get any complaint from my side." Sophia declared like a businessman, her boss is, and the aspirant, copy-cat she is.
She had no intention of falling in love with a guy her parents have selected anyways. Is this what they say blessing in disguise? She is officially a legal adult, the law abiding citizen of her country, she doesn't even have to get rid of her parents, as they did that first. Now, they are dead for her and they never cared to begin with.
The family she is wedded to neither likes her nor wants her, which means getting divorce would be easier. Then, all that she has to do is stay until she gets her divorce letter and then disappear from the world of The Rajputs and Raichands forever.
Alex and Rachel exchanged glances again. Wasn't this too easy?
But then, even if this young girl is planning something then they can handle it later. After all, they are The Raichands. Besides, they would pay her handsomely in alimony to make it up.
~~
Mrs. Raichand provided Sophia the guest room, which by default falls in between Alex and Maria's room. Why? That only she knows. But both Sophia and Alex were unaware of this.
Sophia politely asked Rachel to leave, locked the door and plopped down in the bed lazily.
A few hours later,she went for a shower and started singing..
" Life is a fantasy
Love is beauty
Time is precious
Happiness is important.
..hm.mmmmm...mmmmm..
Love is beautiful
Life is amazing.
Like thorns with a flower, completely possessive.
Like sunrays on the mountain top, fully appreciative.
Love.Love...Love.. Everything is Love..
Completely Love...
Beautiful Love.
Mesmerizing Love.
Everything is Love ..
[This song doesn't exist in reality. As of now.]
After a shower, she falls asleep in bed. Without giving a damn to the shitty life and situation.
Next day,
Sophia looked at the round, large, wall clock, the first thing in the morning, after opening her eyes and bam.. It's already 8 o'clock.
She jumped from the bed like a spring, waltz her way to the shower, got ready, which basically means wearing the wedding dress and left the room in a hurry, off to conquer the world.
She had removed her jewellery, tied it on a handkerchief and placed it in a safe in the wardrobe, yesterday.
~~
Sophia went down the stairs only to find her new, temporary family waiting at the table.
How odd! They were sitting on the dining table, without food.
She went, grabbed the empty seat and stared at everyone in a confused look.
"I hope you had a good rest last night." Mrs. Alma [ Granny Raichand] offered to begin the conversation. Despite knowing everything.