The Heart Wants What It Wants
Life
The opulence of the Bhati Haveli always felt like a gilded cage, but for me, it was more like an executioner’s block.
We come from royalty—our ancestors ruled the sun-drenched, golden sands of Jaipur. Today, my father, Shankar Bhati, and mother, Urmila Bhati, maintain that grand legacy in Jaipur through sprawling businesses and endless high-society galas.
To the world, we are the picture of perfection. But behind the carved marble arches, our household is fractured by whispers, ancient superstitions, and a terrifying secret.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*looks at herself in the mirror, takes a deep breath staring at her features*
I am Arpita Bhati. I am 29 years old, dark-skinned, slightly chubby, and painfully below average by society’s suffocating standards. I am the daughter who is hidden in the shadows of family photos.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Didi...!!!
*chimed in*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*turns towards her, smiles*
Ladoo...
And then, there is my younger sister, Ambika.
Ambika is twenty-seven, breathtakingly beautiful, brilliantly educated, and possessor of a sharp, razor-like wit. She is the crown jewel of Jaipur. Every wealthy family, every arrogant business heir, and every socialite mother wants Ambika as their daughter-in-law.
Yet, despite the cruel comparisons forced upon us by society, Ambika is the air I breathe. Our bond isn't just sisterly; it is sacred. We would willingly step into fire for one another. And the Lord knows, I have already walked through hell.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Maa is calling you downstairs. Dinner is ready.
*smiles*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
Hm. Just a minute.
*said kissing her forehead*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*nods, leaves*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*takes a deep breath, turns to stare at her profile*
When I was just six years old, trapped in the grip of an ancient, illegal village ritual back in our ancestral lands, I was forced into a child marriage. My groom was a 17 year old boy. But as we walked around the sacred fire, during the seventh phera, the boy collapsed and died on the spot.
I was six. I was holding a piece of marigold garland, completely clueless, as people screamed.
From that day on, I was branded a panoti—cursed. The quiet murmur that followed me through the years was simple yet deadly: Whoever marries Arpita Bhati will die.
My parents buried that truth deep within the earth, terrified of the scandal. But they didn't hide it out of love for me. No, they hid it because of a rigid tradition—Ambika cannot be married off until I, the elder daughter, am settled. To them, I am nothing more than an obstacle standing in the way of Ambika’s grand, high-society match. They desperately want to pass my "curse" onto some unsuspecting family, just so they can finally showcase their prized daughter to the world.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
I will not let it burn Ambika. No matter what it takes.
*determined*
The quiet clinking of silver cutlery against fine bone china was the only sound echoing through the grand dining hall. The air was thick with tension, heavily scented with jasmine and tension.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*sat across from Arpita*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*picking at her food*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
*wiped his mouth with a linen napkin*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
*cleared his throat*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
Arpita.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*looks up, anxious*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*gulped, lowered her gaze further*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
Tomorrow evening, the Rathore family is coming to see you. They are bringing their eldest son.
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*eyes fixed on Arpita with a sharp, calculating glint*
A heavy wave of disgust washed over both Ambika and me. We both knew how this script played out. A family would arrive under the pretense of meeting the elder daughter, only to catch one glimpse of Ambika and immediately shift their interest, shamelessly asking for her hand instead. It had happened five times already.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*jaw clenched*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*opened her mouth to speak*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*gently nudged her foot*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*looks at Arpita*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*shook her head*
Don't, my silent look begged her. Don't make it harder on yourself.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*lowered her head, giving a mute, obedient nod*
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*sighed*
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
A nod is not enough, Arpita. Look at you! Tomorrow, you will wear the maroon chiffon. it covers your frame better and doesn't make your complexion look so dull. And for heaven's sake, keep your mouth shut unless asked a direct question.
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
Urmila is right, The Rathores are old money. They respect tradition. When you serve the tea, lower your eyes. Walk like a daughter of Jaisalmer, not like a girl burdened by her own weight. Smile, but just enough so your face doesn't look so harsh.
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
And keep your wrists covered with the dupattta, If they ask about your past, your schooling, or your childhood in the village, you let us speak. You know nothing. You remember nothing. Do you understand me?
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
Yes, Ma. Yes, Papa.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
But Maa—
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
Ambika, We are doing it for her. She has been rejected more than ten times. Do you not want your sister to settle down? Huh?
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*lowered her gaze, fist clenched*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
A proper lady knows her place in a room, Arpita.
*said while standing up*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
We have given you the best life possible despite... everything. Do not ruin this for your sister. If this family rejects you, Ambika’s youth will keep fading while she waits for you to clear the path.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*fist clenched*
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*stood up as well*
Go to your room and apply that turmeric paste I sent up. Your skin looks atrocious. Make yourself presentable for once.
They walked away, their footsteps echoing down the long, empty hallway, leaving behind a silence that felt heavier than lead.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
I swear to God, Didi!
Ambika Bhati (FL)
If they have said one more word against you, I will..run away. With you!
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
It's not that easy....The village is big enough. We cannot escape.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*stood up, leaves*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*staring at her*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Should I tell her about Viran?
*mumbled*
Secret
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Should I tell Didi about Viran?
*whispered to herself*
Just then, her phone vibrated sharply against the wood.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*flinched, instantly sliding the phone off the table and muting it before her parents could hear*
She quickly ducked into the shadowed corridor near the courtyard, pressing the phone to her ear.
Viran Rai
*playful tone*
Hey, sweetheart. You didn't call me the entire day. Huh? Forgot about me already?
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*breathing ragged*
Viran. Have you prepared our passports?
Viran Rai
I—it's almost done, honey. Don't worry. I've prepared your passport. It's just a matter of time before we get your sister's passport too.
A heavy weight lifted off Ambika's chest. A small, soft smile graced her lips as she leaned her head back against the wall.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Thank you, Viran. Thank you so much.
Viran Rai
Thank me by action.
*smirks*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*blinked, smile faltering slightly*
Huh?
Viran Rai
*chuckled softly into the receiver*
You know what I mean... a kiss can settle down a lot of things. I'm not asking for much, am I?
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*shifted uncomfortably, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders*
Viran... I told you. Not before marriage.
The line fell completely dead silent. Seconds stretched like endless hours, the stillness heavy and suffocating.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Viran? Are you... are you angry?
Viran Rai
*heavy sigh*
Fine.
Viran Rai
If that is what you want. But once we leave for Italy, you'll marry me immediately. Understood?
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*blushed*
Yes.
Viran Rai
Good girl. I have to go now. Take care, sweetheart.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
You too.
She whispered, and a few seconds later, the call disconnected.
I gripped my phone tightly against my chest, waiting for my heart to stop thumping wildly before I slowly began walking upstairs toward my room.
Seven months. It had only been seven months since my entire world shifted on its axis.
I met Viran seven months ago. He lived and worked in Italy, but Rajasthan was his hometown, and he had come back to settle some family property. Back then, I wasn't even allowed to step outside the haveli without three guards and a driver trailing behind me like shadows. Our first meetings were nothing more than lingering eye contact across crowded corridors at art exhibitions or high-society gatherings where my parents paraded me around like a prized trophy.
Then, he found me. A quiet friend request on Instagram. I remember the flutter in my chest when I clicked 'Accept.'
What started as late-night, hidden text messages quickly turned into secret, heart-stopping meetings. I would sneak out through the old servant quarters while the rest of the haveli slept, just to see him for twenty minutes in the dark alleys of Jaipur. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was falling deeply, helplessly in love with him.
And Viran loved me too. He wanted to marry me, to take me far away from this gilded prison.
But the reality of our world was a cruel, unyielding wall.
Viran didn't come from old money. He didn't have royal lineage, a grand title, or centuries old ancestral lands. My father would sooner shoot him dead than let him hold my hand.
And even if by some miracle my parents overlooked his background, there was the unshakeable, agonizing rule of our household: The younger sister cannot marry before the elder sister.
Didi had to be settled first. But how could she be settled when my parents treated her like a cursed burden?
I couldn't just leave her behind to suffer their cruelty alone. I couldn't leave her to carry the weight of their resentment.
So, my mind was made up. The plan was clear, risky, but absolute. I was going to run away, but I wasn't leaving alone—I was taking Didi with me. Viran had promised he would arrange both of our passports and take us straight to Italy. From there, away from Papa's reach, away from the vicious rumors of Jaipur, we could finally live. I would marry Viran, and Didi would finally be free.
I paused at the top of the staircase, looking toward Didi's dimly lit room down the hallway.
I let out a quiet sigh. The passports were still taking time, and Viran was still working on Didi's paperwork.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Just a few more months...
*clutching her phone against her chest*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Just hold on for a few more months, Ambika. You're going to save yourself... and you're going to save your sister...
Confession
The next evening arrived far too quickly.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*got ready strictly*
She draped herself in a heavy maroon outfit, trying her best to smooth down the fabric over her curves. As expected, Urmila stood by the doorway, nagging about her looks, complaining about the drape of her shawl, her muted skin tone, and how she was carrying herself.
When Arpita was finally called out to the grand living hall, her hands were trembling slightly as she held the tray of tea. Sitting on the plush velvet sofa was Shubh Rathore, the eldest son. The moment he looked up and caught sight of Arpita, his expression faltered slightly. Beside him, his parents exchanged a quick, knowing look, their eyes scanning Arpita with cold evaluation.
A moment later, Ambika stepped into the hall to assist her sister. Beside Shubh sat his younger brother, Harsh.
They all sat together, sipping tea and light snacks. The atmosphere was formal, heavy, and carefully calculated.
Vikram Rathore
*cleared his throat*
Vikram Rathore
Shankar ji, We are thoroughly impressed with your family and values. We are ready for the wedding. However... we have one condition.
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
*gulped, smiling*
Sure, Vikram ji. Please, Go ahead.
Vikram Rathore
The wedding will take place only if it is a double alliance. Arpita will be wedded to our elder son, Shubh, and Ambika will be wedded to our younger son, Harsh. We want both daughters of the Bhati family in our home.
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*froze*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
*froze*
Shankar looked deeply conflicted, his eyes darting between Vikram and his daughters. The Rathore family was legendary, well-known, respected, immensely powerful, and possessors of immense wealth and status. An alliance with them would solidify the Bhati legacy for generations.
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*looked at her husband*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*face turned visibly pale*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*stomach churned violently*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*trying to say something*
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*shot her a lethal, warning glare*
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
Why not? Sure! It would be even better! What could be a grander blessing than giving both our daughters into such an honorable family?
Arpita and Ambika exchanged a sharp, horrified glance. The terrifying reality slammed into them.
Minutes later, after the traditional pleasantries were wrapped up, the Rathore family finally departed. The moment the grand double doors closed behind them, the silence in the haveli shattered.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
Maa! You can't do this! Not with Ambika! Please, I beg you, listen to me!
*burst out, stepping forward*
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
Arpita, stop your nonsense! You are turning 29 soon! Ambika is 27! You girls are getting old! If we don't act fast, no decent family will ever come for you again. Not for you—and because of you, Ambika’s prime years will be wasted too!
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
But Maa—
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
I don't care what you think!
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*turning her back on Arpita*
Ambika... Ladoo... look at me. Harsh is a very nice man. He is well-mannered, educated, and handsome. That family treated us with so much respect. Please, my child... say yes for everyone. Say yes for your father's honor.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*stood there, staring at her*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*stepped in front of her sister*
Maa, you are forcing her—
Before Arpita could finish her sentence, Ambika let out a choked sob, turned around, and bolted up the marble staircase.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
Ambika!
*called out, immediately running up the stairs after her*
Shankar Bhati (Fl's Father)
*let out a tired sigh*
Don't worry, Urmila. They are still naive. They don't know how the real world works. It is our duty as parents to set them up in good, powerful families so their future remains secure.
Urmila Bhati (Fl's mother)
*nodded slowly*
I know, Shankar. Everything I do, I do because I want our daughters to be safe and happy.
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*curled up on the edge of the bed*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*shaking with silent, violent sobs*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*rushed across the room, wrapping her arms around Ambika's trembling frame*
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
Ladoo... hey, look at me. Don't cry, please. Don't worry. We'll convince them, okay? I won't let them force you into this. I'll take the blame, I'll decline the offer, I'll—
Ambika Bhati (FL)
*pulled back slightly*
Ambika Bhati (FL)
Dii...I... I love someone else.
Arpita Bhati (Fl's sister)
*froze completely in her place*
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