The mansion buzzed with chaos, a mix of luxury and urgency. Everyone rushed about, voices overlapping as preparations for the wedding reached their peak.
Avani quietly set silverware on the dining table, her hands trembling slightly. The air was heavy with the aroma of rich dishes and the sweet scent of roses. From the main hall, laughter and chatter echoed, elegant women in shimmering sarees and men in tailored suits moving with ease. They belonged here-unlike her.
As Avani approached the head maid, hesitation weighed on her steps. Taking a deep breath, she softly said, "I wanted to ask... can I leave at 1 pm today? My mother's surgery starts at 2, and I need to be there."
The head maid paused, her sharp gaze studying Avani. After a moment of silence, she nodded. "Fine, you can go."
But as the head maid turned away, her expression faltered, a flicker of unease passing through her features. Something about today felt... off. And Avani couldn't shake the feeling either.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Avani carefully arranged the expensive tablecloths and plates, her hands moved with precision, though her mind remained scattered. Suddenly, Sumati hurried toward her, her voice filled with urgency.
"Avani, you forgot your phone in the kitchen. It's ringing-someone's calling you."
"Thanks sumati"
Reluctantly, Avani wiped her hands and picked up the phone. "Hello?" she answered hesitantly.
A formal, unfamiliar voice responded. "Is this Avani speaking?"
"Yes, this is Avani," she replied, a faint sense of dread creeping over her.
The voice on the other end continued, hurried and direct. "I'm calling from Shine Hospital. Your mother is admitted here, and her surgery is scheduled for today. However, the payment hasn't been deposited yet. If the money isn't deposited soon, the surgery cannot proceed."
Avani's heart dropped, her grip on the phone tightening. "But... Dr. Malhotra the doctor said he would pay for it."
"I'm sorry," the receptionist replied coldly. "Dr. Malhotra has informed us that he will no longer be covering the costs."
"What?" Avani's voice cracked, panic surging through her. "Why? What happened? Where is he? I need to speak to him!"
"Dr. Malhotra has left for America this morning," the receptionist explained calmly. "He won't return until next week. If you want the surgery to happen, you must deposit the amount before then."
The call disconnected, leaving a hollow silence in its wake. Avani stood frozen, the words echoing in her mind. No money. No operation. Mom.
Her breath quickened as her hands trembled, her vision blurring with unshed tears. The weight of the news pressed down on her chest, suffocating her. What am I going to do? she thought desperately, her mind spiraling. Her mother's life depended on this, and she felt utterly powerless.
The world around her continued to buzz with the chaos of the wedding preparations, yet for Avani, everything felt still-like she was trapped in a void. Her knees weakened, and she clutched the back of a chair to steady herself.
Avani felt lost, drowning in a storm of fear and hopelessness, with no clear way out.
Avani grabbed her bag with trembling hands, tears streaming down her face. Her chest felt heavy, and her breath came in quick gasps. What am I going to do now? The thought echoed in her mind, growing louder.
She stumbled out of the room, clutching her bag tightly, her legs unsteady beneath her. The sounds of the mansion faded as her only focus was leaving. Wiping her tears, she quickened her steps, ignoring the bright decorations that now felt cruel against her pain.
As Avani rushed towards the exit, Raj appeared in front of her, blocking her path. "Avani, are you okay? I heard about your mom."
Avani froze, looking at him with confusion and curiosity. "How... how did you know?"
Raj gave a small shrug, his expression unreadable. "We have details about everyone who works here. It's part of the system."
She nodded slightly, acknowledging his words, though it left an uneasy feeling in her chest. Taking a step forward, she tried to leave, but Raj's vioce stop her. "Wait," he said, his voice calm but firm.
Raj's voice was calm, but his words struck Avani like a storm. "You need money for your mother's treatment, right? I have an offer for you."
Avani's brow furrowed, a sinking feeling settling in her chest as Raj continued, "Kiya ran away from the wedding. Right now, we need a bride-immediately. There are too many important guests here: politicians, businessmen, CEOs... we can't let it get out that the bride has run away."
Avani stared at him in disbelief, her heartbeat pounding in her ears." I am offering you to take her place"
"The boss has asked me to find someone to step in," Raj added, watching her closely. "No one's forcing you. In fact, there are plenty of girls here who would die to take her place, to become his bride. But... I know your situation. If you agree, your mother's surgery will be paid for. All you have to do is be his bride-for six months."
Avani froze, her mind reeling.
The words hung heavy in the air as Avani tried to process what she was hearing. Six months as his bride... for her mother's life.
"You don't have to say yes," Raj continued, his tone softening. "There are plenty of girls here, but I know your situation. You need the money for your mother's surgery. If you agree to marry him, just for six months, the surgery will be paid for. Your mother's life will be saved."
Avani stood there, frozen, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. Raj's words echoed in her ears, but she couldn't process them. The weight of the decision felt unbearable.
"I'll give you 30 minutes to think," Raj said, his voice softening, as if trying to ease the tension that had gripped her. "If you don't want to do this, there's no need to be stressed. I understand your feelings. But you need to decide, Avani. The clock is ticking."
He gave her a brief, sympathetic look before turning away, walking a few steps back. "Let me know your answer. We'll prepare everything accordingly."
The sound of his footsteps faded, and Avani was left standing alone, her heart racing. Her mother's surgery... the cost was unimaginable. But this-this was unimaginable too.
She glanced at the ground, her thoughts a blur of fear, guilt, and confusion. Thirty minutes. That's all she had. Would she sacrifice herself for her mother's life?
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