The Cold Beast’S Bride
Lovely family morning
The golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the sheer white curtains of a beautifully decorated room in the Singhania mansion.
The birds were chirping outside, signaling the start of a fresh, beautiful day. It was the perfect, peaceful morning—well, perfect for everyone except Radha Singhania
Inside the room, eighteen-year-old Ananya Singhania was buried deep under a mountain of cozy blankets, snoring softly, completely oblivious to the world.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Walking into the room with her hands on her hips, looking at the clock which read 8:30 AM)
Ananya! wake up! Look at the time! Kumbhkaran ki behan, get out of bed right now!
Ananya didn't move an inch. She simply pulled the blanket tighter around her face, muffling her voice.
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(From inside the blanket)
Mummy... just five more minutes. The college hasn't even started yet. Let me sleep, please.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Marching forward and aggressively pulling the blanket away)
Five minutes? You’ve been saying 'five minutes' since seven o'clock! Look at you, you just finished school and you think you own the house? Get up, or I am fetching a glass of cold water!
Just as Radha was about to snatch the pillow from under Ananya’s head, Devraj Singhania walked into the room, holding a cup of morning tea and reading his newspaper. Seeing his wife in full angry-mother mode, he immediately took his daughter's side.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Smiling, stepping between Radha and the bed)
Oh ho, Radha! Why are you shouting at my princess so early in the morning? Relax, dear. Let the child sleep. She worked so hard for her board exams, she deserves some rest.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Turning her glare towards her husband)
Oh, great! Here comes the defense lawyer. Devraj ji, you are the one spoiling her! If she behaves like a dictator and does the exact opposite of what she is told, it’s all because of your pampering!
Ananya, seeing her father acting as her human shield, peeked out from behind his back, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Giggling, sitting up in bed)
Papa is right, Mummy! You should learn some patience from him. And you know what? Since you yelled at me to wake up, my stubborn heart is telling me to stay in bed for another hour!
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Gasps, pointing a finger at her)
See? Look at her attitude! You ask her to go straight, she will walk backward just to annoy me!
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Laughing heartily, sitting on the edge of the bed and patting Ananya’s head)
That’s my girl! She listens to everyone, but she only does what her heart says. Don't worry, princess. Go take a bath, and I’ll make sure your favorite breakfast is ready on the table.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Sighing dramatically, but a loving smile creeping onto her face anyway)
Both father and daughter will drive me crazy one day. Fine! But if you aren't downstairs in fifteen minutes, Ananya, I am giving your share of paranthas to the street dogs!
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Saluting jokingly)
Yes, Captain Radha! Moving at the speed of light!
As Radha walked out of the room, still muttering under her breath, Devraj and Ananya shared a quiet high-five, laughing softly.
The Singhania house was filled with warmth, love, and immense happiness.
After the playful chaos in Ananya's bedroom, Devraj walked downstairs into the kitchen, where Radha was busy flipping hot paranthas on the stove.
The cheerful smile on his face softened as he noticed an unusual air of worry surrounding his wife.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Turning around, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel)
Devraj, your family called us over. Honestly... I don't know why, but my heart is completely against going there today.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Sighing gently, setting his tea cup down)
To be frank, Radha, even I am not in the mood to go. But we don't have a choice. Dad called me himself and said it's something highly urgent.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Frowning, her eyes filled with anxiety)
I don't know what it is... but something just feels very wrong this time.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Walking up to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder)
You are just overthinking, Radha. It's just a regular family meeting.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Shaking her head, placing a hand over her chest)
Maybe... but my heart is racing. I feel a strange sense of uneasiness inside.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Smiling warmly to reassure her)
Don't tension take at all. We will just stay there for an hour, finish the meeting, and come right back home.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Looking up at him with hesitating eyes) Can we... can we leave Ananya behind? Let's not take her with us.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Confused) But why? Why shouldn't we take her?
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Voice cracking slightly)
I don't know... I am just feeling scared for her. My motherly instinct is telling me to keep her away from there.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Softly rubbing her arm)
Let it be, Radha. We are only going for an hour and we'll be back before you know it. I will personally take care of everything, so don't stress. Okay?
Radha reluctantly nodded, giving a half-hearted "Yes," even though her heart was still heavy with fear.
Just then, the sound of light, hurried footsteps echoed on the stairs. Ananya came bouncing into the dining area, looking fresh and radiating her usual bright energy.
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Grinning widely, looking back and forth between them)
My lovely Mummy and Papa! What secrets are being discussed here in such whispering, top-secret tones? Tell me too, please!
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Laughing at his daughter's dramatic entry)
Nothing top-secret, princess! We are going to your Grandfather's house for lunch today.
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Pouting slightly)
But why, Papa? So suddenly?
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Shrugging with a smile)
I don't know the exact reason either, we’ll only find out once we get there. For now, finish your breakfast quickly and get ready. We will leave right after.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Trying to hide her worry, forcing a bright smile for her daughter)
Yes, Ananya. And you know what? Right after we finish at Grandfather's house, we all will go out somewhere fun to hang out. How does that sound?
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Her eyes lighting up with pure excitement)
Seriously, Mumma?! Promise?
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Watching his wife and daughter share a warm moment, his heart swelling with immense love)
Looking at his beautiful family, Devraj felt incredibly blessed. But little did he know, Radha’s dark premonition was about to come true. This innocent family lunch at the grandparents' house was the exact place where the dangerous shadow of someone would cross paths with Ananya, altering their destinies forever.
The Dark Conspiracy
The atmosphere inside the grand hall of the old Singhania ancestral home was thick with suffocating tension. Unlike the warm, laughter-filled mansion of Devraj, this house felt heavy, burdened by secrets and greed.
Sitting in the main hall were Kailash Singhania (FL’s Grandfather) and Avantika Singhania (FL’s Grandmother).
Opposite them sat Sanjay Singhania (FL’s Uncle) and his wife, Meenakshi Singhania. Sanjay was sweating profusely, his face pale with a terror that ran down to his bones.
He had taken a massive loan from the most dangerous people in the territory—and in this underworld, failing to repay a loan didn't mean bankruptcy. It meant a brutal, unforgiving death.
But Sanjay was incredibly cunning and selfish. Instead of finding a honest way out, his twisted mind had already concocted a sickening plan to save his own skin.
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(Glaring at his son, his voice shaking with anger)
Have you actually thought of a solution, Sanjay? Or are you just planning to give us a heart attack with this endless tension?
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Immediately defensive, patting her husband's arm)
Oh, stop it, Papa! Don't yell at him. He already knows what to do.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
Speak up, son, tell us.
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Stammering, looking at his mother) M-Mom, actually... it's about...
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Cutting in, looking directly at Kailash and Avantika)
Look, Mummy ji, Papa ji... we have thought about this thoroughly. There is only one way to escape this massive loan and save Sanjay’s life. And that way is... marriage.
Both Kailash and Avantika gasped, completely shocked by her words.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
(In unison)
Marriage? How can a marriage solve this financial nightmare?
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(In unison)
Marriage? How can a marriage solve this financial nightmare?
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(With a sly, manipulative smile)
We have decided that if we get a daughter of this house married off to the right person, all our debts will be wiped clean in a second.
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(Slamming his hand on the armrest, furious)
Have you lost your mind, Meenakshi?! My granddaughter is far too young. Meera is barely 19 years old! She is not getting married right now, absolutely not!
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Swallowing hard, leaning forward nervously)
Papa... we aren't talking about Meera.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
(Frowning deeply, her sharp eyes narrowing)
If not Meera... then who?
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Dropping the bombshell, his eyes glittering with selfishness)
Ananya, Mom. I am talking about Ananya.
Avantika froze in absolute shock. Kailash’s jaw dropped, his eyes completely locked onto Sanjay, unable to believe what he was hearing.
Now, you must know that Kailash and Avantika loved Sanjay blindly. They belonged to an old, deeply patriarchal mindset where they believed that whatever the eldest son of the house does is always right.
Years ago, Devraj had seen the toxic nature and corrupt environment of this ancestral house and had decided to move out to live separately with Radha and Ananya.
Because Devraj chose his own path to protect his family, his parents deeply resented him and strongly disliked him. They showered all their love and property discussions on Sanjay, blindly trusting him.
But even for them, this proposal was shocking.
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(Voice dropping, laced with disbelief)
Do you even realize what you are whispering, Sanjay? Do you honestly think Devraj will ever agree to give his daughter’s hand away for your mistakes?
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
(Shaking her head, looking at Meenakshi)
I think both of you have completely lost your minds. Devraj worships Ananya. He will burn this city down before letting you barter his daughter!
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Smirking darkly, leaning back with absolute confidence)
We have planned everything out, Ma, Papa. Devraj won't have a choice. If you two stand firmly by our side and support us in this, everything will fall perfectly into place. Just trust us.
Sanjay’s words left a cold chill in the air, but the greed and fear inside that room were far stronger than any moral guilt. Avantika Singhania looked at her daughter-in-law, her face tight with worry and hesitation.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
Ananya has just turned eighteen a little while ago, Meenakshi! She is a child. How can you even think of throwing her into this fire?
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Suddenly breaking into fake tears, gripping Avantika’s hands dramatically) Then what do you want, Ma? Should I just watch them kill Sanjay? Those loan sharks will murder your eldest son, Ma! Do you want Sanjay to die?!
The mention of death struck pure terror into Avantika’s heart. Her face paled, and she instantly shook her head, her maternal blind-love taking over.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
(Scared, her voice trembling)
No! No, absolutely not! Nothing should happen to my Sanjay.
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Folding his hands, pleading desperately, playing the victim card)
Maa, Papa... you both have always stood by my side and supported me through everything. Please save me this time too. I just want to stay alive, please!
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(Deeply conflicted, looking down at his hands)
But you will completely ruin that poor child's life, Sanjay. Ananya has her whole future ahead of her.
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Leaning in closer, his voice dropping into a dark, manipulative whisper)
Papa, listen to me. Those loan sharks... they brutally murder the men who don't pay.
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
But the big boss, the man who is running the underworld... he keeps his wife like a queen! He treats his women with immense luxury. I have found out everything, I did my research! Ananya will live in a palace.
Avantika looked at Kailash, her hesitation completely vanishing under the fear of losing her favorite son. She turned back to Sanjay, her expression hardening.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
Then tell us, Sanjay... what do we have to do? What is your plan?
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(Sighing deeply, letting his old, toxic mindset win as he chose his son over his granddaughter)
Whatever happens now, Sanjay... we are standing right beside you. We will do whatever it takes to save you.
The conspiracy was sealed. The very grandparents who were supposed to protect Ananya had just traded her safety to cover up Sanjay’s crimes.
And right at that moment, the cheerful honk of a car echoed from the driveway outside. Devraj, Radha, and a smiling, completely unaware Ananya had just arrived at the ancestral house.
The Traitorous Feast
The moment the front door clicked open and Devraj, Radha, and Ananya stepped inside, the thick, suffocating tension in the hall vanished like magic.
Sanjay’s terrified face instantly transformed into a wide, welcoming smile. Meenakshi, Kailash, and Avantika all wiped the guilt from their expressions, masking their dark intentions with fake warmth.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Looking around, slightly surprised by the sudden gathering)
You called us over so urgently, Papa. Is everything alright? Is there any problem?
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(Laughing softly, waving his hand)
No, no! There’s no problem at all. We just realized we haven't seen you all in so many days, so we decided to call you over for a family lunch.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
(Leaning forward, acting hurt)
Exactly, Devraj. Can a mother and father not miss their own son and daughter-in-law without needing a specific reason?
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Smiling gently, feeling guilty)
I didn't mean it like that, Ma. I was just wondering...
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Interrupting, her eyes instantly locking onto Ananya with a calculative gaze)
Arre, look at Ananya! She has grown up so fast. She looks so beautiful and mature now!
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Stepping in protectively, smiling uncomfortably)
Oh come on, Didi, she is still a child. She has just finished school.
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Waving her hand dismissively)
No, no, look at her! She is already eighteen. When I was eighteen, I was already married and managing a household!
A sudden wave of uneasiness hit Radha. Meenakshi’s words felt bizarre and completely out of place.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Her tone turning slightly firm)
That time was different, Didi, and today's times are completely different.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Trying to change the subject, looking around)
Anyway, Sister-in-law, don't take tension about Ananya. By the way, where are the kids? I don't see Meera or any of the others around.
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Clearing his throat quickly)
Oh, they... they have just gone out for some important work. They must be on their way back.
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Proudly puffing her chest, looking at Radha)
My children are extremely hardworking, Radha. Look at them, they handle college and business work simultaneously. They never sit idle.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Radha remained silent, merely nodding with a quiet)
That's a good thing.
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Bluntly chiming in from behind, looking at her phone)
They haven't gone for any work, Uncle, Auntie! They have gone to Goa for a vacation. I just saw their posts and stories on Instagram.
An awkward, deadly silence fell over the room. Sanjay and Meenakshi’s faces turned pale.
Kailash Singhania (FL Grandfather)
(Frowning deeply, scolding her harshly) Ananya! Children should not speak when adults are talking. Learn some manners!
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Immediately defending his daughter) Papa, what did she say wrong? She only spoke the truth.
To avoid further arguments, Avantika quickly guided everyone to the dining area.
The conversation shifted to the dinner table as lunch was served. But the behavior of the grandparents and the uncle-aunt was incredibly bizarre.
Throughout the meal, Avantika and Meenakshi were completely focused on forcefully stuffing Devraj and Radha’s plates with food and sweets.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Holding his hand over his plate, breathing heavily)
Maa, please, stop. I absolutely cannot eat another bite. My stomach is full.
Avantika Singhania (FL grandmother)
(Scolding him lovingly but firmly)
You have come to your mother's house after so long! Stop throwing tantrums and eat!
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Piling another sweet onto Radha's plate)
Look at you, Radha, you are barely touching anything. Eat, eat! Have some sweets at least.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
"Radha felt too pressured to refuse. She quietly ate the sweet,"
While Ananya, suspicious of the over-enthusiastic hospitality, barely touched her food. She noticed how eyes were tracking every single bite her parents took. It felt deeply unsettling, but she kept quiet.
Once lunch was over, the family moved back into the main living hall. Devraj suddenly rubbed his temples, his head feeling incredibly heavy.
Devraj Singhania (FL Dad)
(Stumbling slightly as he stood up)
My head is spinning completely... I think we should leave now, Papa, Maa.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Feeling a strange, sudden dizziness washing over her body)
Yes... even I am not feeling well. Let's go home, Devraj ji.
Ananya’s eyes widened as she watched her parents sway on their feet.
Sanjay Singhania (FL Uncle)
(Stepping forward, a dark gleam in his eyes)
Why are you running off so soon, brother? Stay a little longer, there's still plenty of time.
Meenakshi Singhania (FL Aunty)
(Smirking slightly)
Yes, yes, Devraj ji, why are you in such a hurry? Just sit down...
Before Meenakshi could finish her sentence, Devraj’s knees buckled. With a heavy thud, he collapsed straight onto the hard marble floor.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Screaming in pure horror, dropping to her knees beside him)
Devraj ji! What happened to you?! Open your eyes!
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Rushing over, her heart racing with terror) Papa! Papa, look at me! What's wrong?!
Ananya looked up at her Uncle, Aunt, and Grandparents, expecting them to rush forward to help. But she froze.
All four of them were standing completely still, watching her parents drop like flies with dead, emotionless expressions.
No one called for a doctor.
Radha Singhania (FL mom)
(Gasping for air, trying to grab Ananya’s hand) Ananya... run...
But before Radha could even complete her warning, her body went completely limp, and she lost consciousness, slumping next to her husband.
Ananya Singhania (FL)
(Tears streaming down her face, trembling)
Mummy! Papa! Please wake up! Uncle, do something! Grandfather, call an ambulance!
As Ananya tried to stand up, the entire room began to spin violently. The faces of her treacherous family members started to blur.
Black dots rapidly filled her vision, suffocating the light. The food... they had drugged the food.
Ananya stared at her smiling Uncle and Aunt through her fading consciousness, realizing they had been walked right into a trap.
Within seconds, her strength completely vanished, and her eyes closed as she collapsed into absolute darkness.
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