Here's the first chapter of ACCIDENTAL VOWS

I hope you'll like it

**********************************************

The first rays of the sun kissed the sacred waters of the Ganga. The scent of fresh agarbatti and morning aarti at the ghats filled the air, mingling with the distant ringing of temple bells.

At the Chauhan house, the sound of a conch shell signaled the beginning of another day. Meera Chauhan had already lit a diya in the small temple in the house, murmuring prayers while arranging tulsi leaves and flowers for the household puja.

But inside the grand yet suffocating mansion, the morning was anything but peaceful for Ishani. Seated on the edge of the sofa, her fingers trembled as they hovered over her phone screen. Any moment now, her exam results would be declared.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart. But before she could refresh the webpage, a familiar voice cut through her thoughts.

"Phone me kya baar baar dekh rahi ho?" Virendra Chauhan’s deep, authoritative voice filled the room as he walked in, his sharp gaze settling on his Elder daughter.

Ishani straightened, pressing her lips together. "Result ka intezar kar rahi hoon, Papa," she replied cautiously.

Virendra let out a scoff, settling into his chair. "Aur yeh sab dekh kar kya karogi? Tum jaanti ho na, ladkiyon ka asli kaam ghar sambhalna hota hai….aur waise bhi tumhe exam dene diya kyunki aashvika ne force kiya tha… par uske aage kuchh nahi"

Meera Chauhan, who had been standing nearby, shot Ishani a glance before speaking gently. "Aap kyun keh rahe hain aisa? Aaj kal ladkiyan bhi aage badh rahi hain….Aashi bhi toh job kar rahi hai na"

Virendra clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "Haan haan, Kar rahi hai wo job…. par kaise hum sabko pata hai….apne baap ke naam FIR karwa di thi toh kya karte hum….”

He turned towards Ishani “ waise bhi Aashvika ki shadi tay ho gayi hai, Par Ishani… tumhe koi zaroorat nahi hai naukri karne ki”

He turned a sharp glare on Ishani, his eyes filled with a disapproval, as if despising his own daughter's presence “waise bhi hume logo ko jawab dena padega ki badi beti ke hote hue chhoti beti ki shaadi pehle kyu kara rahe”

The room fell silent, with an uncomfortable tension hanging in the air.

Ishani swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She should’ve been used to it by now—the constant comparison, the subtle reminders that she was not enough. But it still hurts.

Her phone buzzed. The results were out.

Her fingers felt stiff as she opened the webpage, and her eyes widened. She had done it.

A smile threatened to break through, but before she could celebrate, Virendra spoke again.

"Ek baat yaad rakhna Ishani…shaadi mein agar tumhari wajah se mujhe sharminda hona pada to mujhse bura koi nahi hoga"

Ishani’s grip tightened around her phone. For once, she wished he would say he was proud of her. But that was a dream she had long stopped chasing.

Instead, she simply nodded. "Ji, Papa."

As soon as Virendra Chauhan walked away, Meera Chauhan stepped closer, her eyes filled with quiet concern. She gently placed a hand on Ishani’s shoulder.

"Kya raha result?" Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if she feared the answer.

Ishani looked up at her mother, the weight of her father’s words still pressing against her chest. But then, as her gaze fell back on the screen, a slow, shaky smile formed on her lips.

"Humara exam clear ho gaya, Maa… humne kar dikhaya!"

Her voice quivered with restrained excitement, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She had done it. Despite the doubts, despite the taunts, she had proved herself.

Meera let out a relieved sigh, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She cupped Ishani’s face, pride flickering in her eyes for a moment before worry replaced it.

"Meri bacchi… mujhe pata tha tu kar legi." But then, her voice dropped to a whisper, cautious yet heavy. "Par tum jaanti ho na beta… tumhare papa…aage bahut mushkil hai Ishani..soch lo beta ek baar"

Ishani's smile dimmed just a little, but she quickly nodded “Jo sapna humare liye dekha tha use hum jaroor pura karenge” This victory was hers, The world inside this house might never celebrate it, but she would.

Ishani took a deep breath, her fingers gripping the edge of her dupatta as she looked at her mother. The weight of years of silence pressed against her chest, but today, something inside her had shifted.

"Humne soch liya hai, Maa," she said, her voice steady but laced with unspoken pain. "Aaj tak humne kuchh nahi kaha, Papa ki har baat maani… socha ki shayad kabhi toh unhe realise hoga…" She let out a shaky breath, blinking away the sting in her eyes. "Par unhe pasand hi nahi hum… unki nazar me hum kabhi sahi nahi the."

Meera's face fell, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words came.

Ishani’s gaze hardened—not with anger, but with pain. "Humari koi galti bhi nahi thi, Maa. Fir bhi saza hume aaj tak mil rahi hain." She looked away for a moment, collecting herself, before meeting her mother’s eyes again.

Aashvika strode in, her energy filling the otherwise tense room. Dressed in her workout gear, her face still glowing from the morning walk, she grinned as she pulled off her earphones.

"Di… aapke result ka kya hua?" she asked, her voice brimming with excitement. She tossed her water bottle onto the table before turning to Ishani, eyes gleaming with confidence. "Definitely aapne clear kar liya hoga, right?"

Ishani’s grip on her dupatta loosened slightly, the sharp edges of her emotions softening at her sister’s unwavering faith.

Before she could answer, Aashvika plopped onto the sofa beside her, nudging her playfully. "Waise bhi, aapka fail hona possible hi nahi hai."

"Aashi , thoda toh dhyan rakha karo beta! Do hafte baad shaadi hai tumhari" Meera sighed, shaking her head at her carefree daughter.

Aashvika groaned dramatically, flopping onto the sofa. "Yaar, mumma, ye baar-baar shaadi ka topic chhedna zaroori hai?" she huffed, rolling her eyes. "Maa, waise aapke patidev kaha hai? Kahin mujhe dekh kar unka mood fir se na kharab ho jaye."

Ishani shot her a warning look, but Aashvika simply shrugged, unbothered. Meera exhaled tiredly, rubbing her temple. "Aashvika!" she chided, there was little warning in her tone.

"Kya? Kuchh galat to nahi bola na. Hum log to unhe pasand hai nahi" Aashvika smirked, stretching her legs on the coffee table. "Bas puchh rahi hoon kyunki subah-subah unka pravachan sunne ka mann nahi hai."

"Papa hai wo tumhare, beta!" Meera shot Aashvika a stern look, clearly exasperated.

Aashvika, however, remained unfazed, her smirk intact. "Maa, aap ye duniya walon ko bolna. Mere aur Di ke liye toh wo bas aapke pati hain….Papa the woh humare par unhone hi hume majboor kar diya hai" She went upstairs to her room.

Meera gasped, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Hey Bhagwan, kya karu main is ladki ka?"

Ishani, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally spoke, her voice calm. "Maa, aap tension mat lijiye, bachchi hai woh."

Meera scoffed. "Bachchi? Shaadi hai uski do hafte me!" She turned to Ishani, almost pleading. "Ishani beta, tu hi samjha ise….teri baat woh jarur samjhegi"

Ishani sighed, nodding. "Ji maa, hum baat karenge." She glanced at Aashvika, who winked at her playfully from the upper stairs clearly unbothered.

Ishani sat on the bed, watching Aashvika dry her hair with a towel.

"Aashi, kyun karti ho aisa? Tumhe pata hai na maa ko bura lagta hai," Ishani spoke softly, her eyes filled with concern.

Aashvika rolled her eyes, tossing the towel onto a chair. "Di, maa ki wajah se hi chup hu, warna ab tak ghar chhod diya hota maine" she muttered, frustration evident in her tone.

Ishani exhaled, her fingers fidgeting with the bedsheet. She reached out, gently holding her sister’s wrist. "sab kuch waise bhi pehle se hi complicated hai aashi….hum maa ki life aur complicated nahi kar sakte" she reasoned, trying to soften her sister’s anger.

Aashvika let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Complicated sirf humari maa ke pati Mr. Virendra chauhan hai, Di. Hum bas jeena chahte hain apni tarah,par unse bardasht nahi hota" she whispered, her voice carrying an unspoken sadness, one Ishani understood too well.

“Aap bhi janti hai is so-called society ke karan unhone hum sabke sath kya kiya hai," Ishani said, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and pain. "He ruined our lives,  and left us with scars that will never heal. And for what? Just to satisfy their selfish interests and maintain his precious social status.”

"Tumhe pata hai na, tum sabse zyada strong ho?" Ishani's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with admiration and longing. Her eyes locked onto his, searching for a glimmer of validation.

"Tumne kabhi haar nahi maani , kabhi apne sapno se compromise nahi kiya. Kaash ye baat main bhi seekh paati tumse”

Aashvika let out a short chuckle, shaking her head. "Di, strong hone ka matlab ye nahi ki dard nahi hota. Bas dikhate nahi hain," she muttered, her voice softer than usual.

Ishani looked at her, her eyes glistening. "Kaash hum tumhare liye kuchh kar sakte…I'm sorry aashi humari wajah se tumhe bhi ye sab jhelna pad raha hai" she admitted, her voice breaking at the end.

Aashvika turned to her, a rare seriousness in her usually mischievous eyes. "Di kab tak aap khud ko blame karengi…aapki galti kabhi thi hi nahi….aur aapki wajah se kuchh nahi hua hai" she said, squeezing Ishani’s hand reassuringly.

She sighed. "Achha chhod ye sab… tujhe late nahi ho raha office ke liye?"

Aashvika’s eyes widened as realization hit her. She bolted upright. "Arey baap re! Main toh bhul hi gayi!"

Ishani shook her head, watching her sister scramble around the room, grabbing her bag and slipping on sandals.

"Achha bye, Di!" Aashvika called out, already halfway out the door.

Ishani chuckled. "Aaram se, Toofan Express!" she teased, shaking her head as she watched Aashvika dash down the stairs, nearly bumping into a chair on the way.

Inside his room, Garv stood before the mirror, fixing his tie. His reflection stared back at him—calm, composed, and unreadable. His routine was precise, every movement calculated. Discipline was the foundation of his life, and there was no room for distractions. A tiny voice interrupted him.

"Papa…"

Garv paused, his hands stilling. He turned toward the doorway, where a small figure stood, rubbing her sleepy eyes. Ruhi, his little angel, was wrapped in an oversized nightshirt, her messy curls falling over her forehead. She looked like she had just woken up.

His stern gaze immediately softened. "Good morning, angel."

Ruhi stepped closer, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt before looking up at him with the kind of wide, hopeful eyes that could make anyone surrender.

"Aap shaam ko jaldi aaoge na, please?"

Garv arched his brow, amused by her unusual request. "Aisa kyun? Aapko kuchh chahiye kya Ruhi"

Her little lips curved into a dramatic pout as she tugged at the edge of his shirt. "Mujhe ghumne jaana hai!"

He let out a sigh, picking up his wristwatch and securing it around his wrist. "Dadi ke saath chale jao Ruhi ya Chachu ke saath."

Ruhi's eyes widened in disbelief as if he had just said the most offensive thing.

She huffed, crossing her tiny arms over her chest. She sighed dramatically

"Nahi! Hume sirf aap ke saath jaana hai! Please?"

She tilted her head, blinking up at him with those big, round eyes, her ultimate weapon. It was the same look that had always made him weak.

Garv exhaled in mock defeat, shaking his head slightly. "Theek hai, bachcha. Papa jaldi aa jayenge."

Ruhi’s entire face lit up like a festival, and before he could react, she lunged forward, wrapping her tiny arms around his waist.

"I love you!" she declared against his chest, her voice muffled but filled with pure joy.

Garv picked her up, cradling her small frame against his chest. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I love you too angel," he murmured, his deep voice carrying warmth.

Ruhi giggled, resting her head against his shoulder. Garv smirked, tapping her nose lightly.

Satisfied, Ruhi beamed, her tiny hands clutching his shirt as if securing her favorite person in the world.

Garv entered the dining area, his presence calm and commanding as always. Without saying much, he pulled out his chair and sat down.

"Good morning beta" Vaidehi greeted, placing a bowl of fruit beside his plate. "Aaj kuch zyada thake hue lag rahe ho."

Garv offered a polite nod. "Good morning maa Bas woh raat der tak paperwork tha."

Dhruv, biting into a buttered toast, chimed in, "Bhai aap thakte nahi ho itna kaam karke?"

Garv ignored the teasing, dived into his breakfast.

Just then, tiny footsteps came padding down the hallway. Everyone turned as Ruhi entered the dining, this time fresh from a bath, dressed in a soft pink frock with two ponytails bouncing on her shoulders. Her cheeks were still rosy from the towel rub, and her eyes sparkled with mischief and excitement.

"Dekho kaun aa gaya!" Dhruv cooed, opening her arms.

But Ruhi had only one destination.

"Papa!" she squealed, racing toward him

Garv turned just in time to catch her as she leapt into his lap. Her arms looped around his neck without hesitation.

"Dadi aapko pata hai aaj shaam ko Papa mujhe ghumane le jayenge!" she announced proudly.

Vaidehi looked at her lovingly “Arey waah, matlab humari gudiya aaj enjoy karegi”

Garv looked at her, brushing back a damp strand of hair from her forehead. "Achha chalo abhi nashta kar lo."

Ruhi beamed. "Papa, mai chocolate milk lungi."

Vaidehi, already anticipating it, passed the glass to her. Ruhi took a long sip, then turned to Garv again, whispering as if it were a secret only meant for him, “you're the best Papa”

Garv raised an eyebrow. "And you're my lucky angel"

He smiled, placing a protective hand on her back as she leaned into him, secure and smug in her father's arms. The whole family watched quietly for a moment because for all his silence and strictness, Garv Rathore was at his softest when Ruhi was in his arms.

Dhruv chimed in, feigning hurt, “Ruhi, chachu ko ignore kar rahi ho kya?”

Ruhi turned her head dramatically, crossing her arms. “Aap ne kal promise kiya tha mujhe Kinder Joy dilane ka… par aap khud khaa gaye.”

A beat of silence fell over the table before Dhruv gave a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his neck. Every family member stared at him like he had committed a grave sin.

Vaidehi narrowed her eyes. “Sach mein, Dhruv?”

Samaira jumped in with full drama, “Sharam nahi aayi? Bechari bacchi ki chocolate kha gaye?”

Dhruv rolled his eyes and reached over to lightly smack the back of her head. “Chup kar yaar, badi aayi gyaan dene.”

Samaira huffed, flicking her hair back. “Hone do shaadi. Aane do bhabhi ko… fir batati hu main bhi.”

Dhruv looked as if praying for patience, then turned to Ruhi with a dramatic sigh. “Achha baba, sorry. Chachu ko maaf kar do. Dekho na, maine aapke liye yeh bada wala pack liya.” He pulled out a jumbo pack of Kinder Joy chocolates from behind his chair like a magician.

Ruhi’s eyes widened in wonder, her pout vanishing instantly. “Yayy! I love you, chachu!” she squealed, hugging him tightly.

Vaidehi chuckled, sipping her tea. “Abhi to koi bohot naraz tha…”

Ruhi grinned innocently, clutching the chocolate to her chest. “Par ab nahi hoon, Dadi!”

The whole table burst into laughter.

As the sun began to dip behind the ghats of Banaras and the gentle ripples of the Ganga sparkled in the golden hour, while the cool breeze carried the soft scent of incense and marigolds. People wandered along the steps some offering prayers, others simply soaking in the serenity.

Among them, Garv in his charcoal kurta, sleeves rolled up, watching Ruhi giggle as she chased pigeons. His usually stern face was a little more relaxed, thanks to the peaceful surroundings and his daughter’s unfiltered joy, the only source that makes him soft.

"Papa, dekho na ye saari birds kitni pyaari hai" Ruhi laughed, twirling around.

Garv gave a soft smile, nodding. “Zyada bhaago mat, angel. Pani ke paas mat jaana.”

Just then, Dhruv approached, slightly breathless, his expression a mix of annoyance and mischief.

“Mummy bhi na…” Dhruv muttered. “Kya zarurat thi us chudail Aashvika ko bulane ki…”

Before he could finish, a sharp voice rang from behind.

“Khud ki shakal gorilla jaisi hai, mujhe chudail bol raha?” Aashvika stormed in with her usual dramatic flair. “Anyways, Hello bhaiya!” she added sweetly, turning to Garv with a sudden shift in tone.

Garv raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. “Hello.”

Ishani walked in right behind her dressed in a simple pastel salwar suit, dupatta fluttering with the breeze, her eyes calm and observant. She had met Ruhi before, but not Garv.

“Aashi, thoda soch samajh ke bola kar, kab kaha kya bolna chahiye” she said softly but firmly.

Dhruv grinned. “Hello Ishani di. Bas ek aap hi samajhdar ho. Pakka aapki ye behen adopted hogi warna aapki ek bhi quality nahi hai iske andar.”

Aashvika gasped. “Ye to main tumhare liye bhi keh sakti hu, Dhruv Rathore!”

“Excuse me!” Dhruv gasped, clutching his chest dramatically.

“Excused,” Aashvika shot back with a smug smile, flipping her hair.

Ruhi blinked up at both of them, then giggled.

“Offo Chachu, aap kitni overacting karte ho!”

Garv bit back a chuckle, watching his usually dramatic brother get roasted by his angel.

“Ye hui na baat! Aajao Ruhi, aap humari team mein ho na?” Aashvika extended a hand towards ruhi.

Ruhi took it instantly. “Hum dono ek hi team me!”

Dhruv narrowed his eyes at his favorite partner-in-crime. “Achha beta… ab party badal li tumne? Sahi hai.” He folded his arms with mock hurt. “Koi loyalty nahi bachi iss duniya mein.”

Ruhi, now standing beside Aashvika like a proud team member, mimicked his stance with her tiny arms folded. “Sorry Chachu.”

Everyone burst into laughter, even Ishani, who hid her smile behind her dupatta. Garv observed the scene quietly, his daughter was laughing freely, and strangely.

Garv’s voice broke the silence, “Chaliye, aarti ka time ho gaya hai.”

The group moved closer, and the sacred ritual of Ganga Aarti began. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of bells, the fragrance of incense, and the light from the flame that danced in the evening breeze. The energy seemed to envelop everyone as they stood devoted.

After the aarti, they moved towards the flame to receive blessings. The crowd had grown thicker, and the energy around them became tense as people pushed to be closer to the fire.

Suddenly, in the midst of the chaos, Ishani felt herself losing balance, her feet slipping as the crowd surged forward. Just as she was about to fall, Garv’s hand shot out, firmly grabbing her wrist. His touch was strong, a silent promise of protection.

“Aap theek hain?” he asked, his voice low, laced with concern.

Ishani quickly regained her composure, nodding with gratitude. “Ji, thank you,” she whispered, feeling the warmth of his presence linger even after he let go of her wrist.

Pandit ji, who had been watching the scene unfold with a knowing smile, spoke up, his voice soft but carrying the weight of divine wisdom. “Mahadev ne likhi hai kahani tumhari. Unka aashirvad tum dono ke saath hai,” he said, blessing them both.

The words lingered in the air, as if fate itself had brought them together. The peaceful evening and the blessings from the pandit felt like a quiet reminder that their journey was unfolding in its own time, though they were unaware of it.

Despite the sacred moment, both Ishani and Garv felt a sense of discomfort, unsure of what it meant for them.

********************************************

Follow @girllwrites

on Instagram for spoiler and updates 🎀