Bound By Fate

Chapter 9

The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the cream colored curtains of the lavish bedroom, bathing the room in a warm golden glow. Outside, birds chirped merrily in the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Kapoor Mansion, announcing the beginning of a new day.

Slowly, Preeta's eyes fluttered open.

For a brief moment, she simply stared at the unfamiliar ceiling above her.

The intricate chandelier.

The expensive wallpaper.

The elegant furniture.

Everything looked so luxurious that she almost forgot where she was.

Then her gaze drifted toward the large king sized bed a few feet away.

Ranbir was still asleep.

His face looked calmer than it had the previous day. The hard lines on his forehead had disappeared, and for a fleeting second, he looked like a man free from pain.

Preeta lowered her eyes.

Only yesterday, she had become his wife.

Not because he had chosen her.

Not because they loved each other.

But because fate had forced them together.

Her fingers instinctively touched the mangalsutra resting around her neck.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

Yesterday morning...

She had left home as Preeta Malhotra.

Today...

She had awakened as Preeta Kapoor.

A wife.

A daughter-in-law.

Yet neither title truly felt like hers.

She remembered every word Ranbir had spoken before going to sleep.

"This marriage exists only on paper. Don't expect anything from me not love, not affection, not a husband."

The words still echoed painfully inside her heart.

Quietly wiping away her tears, she sat up from the thin mattress she had laid on the floor the previous night.

Her back ached slightly.

She smiled bitterly.

"I'll get used to it."

Careful not to wake Ranbir, she folded the duvet neatly and placed it in one corner of the room.

Her grandmother had always taught her something.

"No matter how troubled your heart is, never leave your responsibilities unfinished."

Those words gave her strength.

Picking up her neatly folded saree, she quietly entered the attached bathroom.

The cold water running over her face helped calm her racing thoughts.

A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a simple peach colored cotton saree with a thin golden border.

She tied her long black hair into a loose braid before applying a tiny streak of vermilion along the parting of her hair.

She stared at her reflection.

The sindoor.

The mangalsutra.

The glass bangles.

Everything reminded her that her life had changed forever.

Taking a deep breath, she whispered to herself,

"No matter what happens... I'll fulfill every responsibility that comes with this marriage."

With one last glance at the sleeping Ranbir, she quietly opened the bedroom door and slipped outside.

The corridors of Kapoor Mansion were silent.

Only a handful of servants were already awake, dusting the furniture and replacing yesterday's flowers with fresh lilies and roses.

The moment they noticed her, they stopped working.

"Good morning, Young Madam."

Preeta offered them a warm smile.

"Good morning."

One elderly maid looked surprised.

Most members of the Kapoor family rarely greeted the staff first.

Preeta even folded her hands politely.

"I hope I didn't disturb your work."

The maid smiled.

"Not at all, Madam."

Preeta continued walking until she reached the family temple.

The fragrance of sandalwood incense filled the air.

Fresh marigold garlands decorated the marble altar where beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha stood.

A smile finally appeared on Preeta's face.

For the first time since arriving at the Kapoor Mansion...

She felt at peace.

She picked up a small brass lamp and carefully poured fresh oil into it before placing a cotton wick inside.

With trembling fingers, she lit the flame.

The tiny light flickered gently before glowing brightly.

Preeta folded her hands.

Closing her eyes, she silently prayed.

"Dear Lord Krishna..."

"I don't ask for an easy life."

"I only ask for strength."

"Strength to accept what I cannot change."

"Strength to protect this family."

"And strength to never let me regret the sacrifice I made yesterday."

A lone tear escaped her eye.

She quickly wiped it away.

Just then

"Preeta!"

The sharp voice shattered the peaceful silence.

Preeta immediately opened her eyes and turned around.

Standing at the entrance of the temple was Neha Kapoor.

Her face carried the same stern expression as always.

Preeta hurried toward her.

Without hesitation, she bent to touch Neha's feet.

"Good morning, Mother"

Neha stepped back before her fingers could reach.

"Don't."

Preeta froze.

Confusion clouded her face.

Neha folded her arms.

"I told you yesterday, I am not your mother."

"You will address me as Mrs. Kapoor."

The words pierced Preeta's heart.

For a second...

She had allowed herself to hope.

Hope that perhaps marriage would finally give her the motherly affection she had missed all her life.

Instead...

That hope disappeared almost instantly.

"I'm sorry... Mrs. Kapoor," she said softly.

Neha nodded curtly.

"If you've finished praying, you should be in the kitchen."

Preeta blinked.

"The kitchen?"

"Today is your first morning as the youngest daughter-in-law of the Kapoor family."

"It is our tradition that the new bride prepares breakfast for the entire family."

She glanced briefly at the burning lamp.

"Prayers are important."

"But responsibilities come first."

Preeta immediately nodded.

"I understand."

"The head chef already knows what everyone likes. He'll guide you."

Neha turned to leave before stopping once more.

"And Preeta..."

"Remember one thing."

"In this house..."

"Mistakes are never overlooked."

Without waiting for a reply, she walked away.

Preeta looked once more at the tiny flame dancing inside the brass lamp.

She folded her hands before Lord Krishna.

"Please..."

"Help me make a good first impression."

Taking a deep breath, she adjusted the pallu of her saree and walked toward the kitchen.

She had no idea that the breakfast she was about to prepare would become the first step toward changing the hearts of the Kapoor family... one meal at a time.

The Kapoor Mansion's kitchen was already alive with activity.

The sound of sizzling butter echoed from one corner while vegetables were being chopped on another counter. Several maids moved gracefully between the large marble worktops, carrying trays of fresh fruits, milk, and spices.

The aroma of freshly ground cardamom and roasted cumin filled the air.

As soon as Preeta stepped inside, every servant paused.

They all turned to look at the new daughter-in-law.

The head chef, an elderly man with silver hair and kind eyes, immediately folded his hands.

"Good morning, Young Madam."

Preeta smiled warmly and returned the greeting.

"Good morning."

"You don't have to call me 'Young Madam.' My name is Preeta."

The staff exchanged surprised glances.

The chef smiled kindly.

"Very well... but old habits are difficult to change."

Preeta laughed softly.

"I understand."

The chef opened a small notebook.

"Mrs. Kapoor informed us that today you'll prepare breakfast. Shall I tell you everyone's preferences?"

"Yes, please."

He adjusted his glasses before reading.

"Dadaji enjoys stuffed paneer parathas with homemade yogurt."

"Dadi prefers soft vegetable upma with ginger tea."

"Mr. Kapoor never starts his day without black coffee and the morning newspaper."

"Mrs. Kapoor likes vegetable poha with roasted peanuts."

"Ayush loves aloo parathas."

"Miss Rhea prefers grilled vegetable sandwiches with fresh mango juice."

Preeta listened carefully, memorizing every preference.

Finally, she asked the question she had been waiting to ask.

"And... Ranbir?"

The chef smiled knowingly.

"Young Master Ranbir keeps things simple."

"He likes lightly buttered vegetable sandwiches."

"And masala tea."

"No sugar?"

"One spoon."

Preeta nodded.

"I'll prepare everything."

The chef blinked.

"Everything?"

She smiled.

"Yes."

The chef hesitated.

"Madam... there are many dishes."

"You don't have to do it alone."

"But I want to."

"This is my first morning here."

"I want everyone to feel cared for."

The old chef smiled with admiration.

"As you wish."

For the next hour, the kitchen became a place of laughter and teamwork.

Instead of giving orders, Preeta worked beside the servants.

She kneaded dough herself until it became soft and smooth.

She carefully rolled each paratha before placing it onto the hot pan.

The butter melted instantly, filling the kitchen with a rich aroma.

She stirred the vegetable poha gently, making sure every grain remained fluffy.

The upma simmered perfectly.

Fresh coriander was sprinkled over every dish.

She personally brewed the ginger tea.

Then she prepared Ranbir's sandwiches exactly as instructed.

Simple.

Neat.

Lightly toasted.

Not too much butter.

The head chef watched quietly.

"You cook beautifully."

Preeta smiled.

"I learned because I had to."

"My mother passed away when I was born."

"I grew up helping in the kitchen."

The old chef's eyes softened.

"No wonder your food carries warmth."

One by one, every dish was arranged carefully.

Finally...

She poured black coffee into a porcelain cup.

Placed the morning newspaper beside it.

And carried everything toward the dining room.

The dining hall slowly filled with members of the Kapoor family.

Dadi arrived first.

Preeta immediately bent to touch her feet.

"Bless you, child."

"Thank you, Dadi."

Grandpa arrived next.

Although still reserved, he gently rested his hand on Preeta's head.

"Be happy."

Those simple words filled Preeta with quiet joy.

Ayush entered moments later.

"Good morning!"

He bent to seek his grandparents' blessings before noticing the dining table.

"Whoa!"

He inhaled dramatically.

"Sister-in-law..."

"Did you make all this?"

Preeta nodded shyly.

"I hope everyone likes it."

Ayush rubbed his hands together.

"I already like it."

Rhea laughed as she entered.

"You haven't even tasted it yet."

"I can smell greatness."

Everyone laughed.

Soon Mr. Kapoor and Neha took their seats.

Neha examined every dish carefully.

She tasted a spoonful of poha.

Without looking at Preeta, she simply said,

"It is acceptable."

Coming from Neha, that almost sounded like praise.

Just then footsteps echoed down the staircase.

Ranbir.

He was dressed casually in a navy-blue polo shirt and cream trousers.

Seeing him dressed so comfortably surprised Preeta.

She had assumed he had already left for work.

Ayush grinned.

"No office today?"

Ranbir shook his head.

"It's my day off."

Dadi smiled happily.

"Good."

"Then you'll finally have breakfast with your family."

Ranbir sighed.

"I wasn't planning to."

"But you're here now."

"There are no excuses."

He knew there was no winning an argument with his grandmother.

With a resigned smile, he pulled out a chair.

Preeta immediately reached for the serving bowl.

"I'll serve you."

Ranbir raised a hand.

"No."

His voice wasn't loud.

But it was firm.

"I can serve myself."

Preeta quietly withdrew her hand.

"I'm sorry."

Ranbir filled his own plate with only a sandwich and a small serving of poha.

He picked up his cup of tea.

"This should satisfy Dadi."

He took a sip.

Then a bite.

His eyebrows lifted almost imperceptibly.

The sandwich...

Was surprisingly delicious.

The vegetables were fresh.

The seasoning was perfect.

Even the tea tasted exactly how he liked it.

Without realizing it...

He took another bite.

Across the table, Ayush noticed.

A mischievous smile spread across his face.

"Sister-in-law..."

He spoke with his mouth full.

"This is amazing!"

Rhea laughed.

"It really is."

"I don't remember enjoying breakfast this much."

Ayush raised a finger dramatically.

"I officially declare our new sister-in-law the second-best cook in the Kapoor family."

Rhea tilted her head.

"Second?"

"Who's first?"

Ayush looked toward Neha.

"Obviously Chachi."

"I still want to live."

The dining hall erupted with laughter.

Even Mr. Kapoor chuckled.

Neha shook her head.

"You children are impossible."

Despite herself...

The corners of her lips lifted slightly.

Preeta lowered her eyes modestly.

"I'm just happy everyone likes it."

Everyone...

Except one person.

Ranbir remained silent.

He placed his cup on the table.

His eyes briefly met Preeta's.

For just a second...

She thought she saw something soften in them.

But it disappeared almost instantly.

He pushed his chair back.

"I'm done."

Dadi frowned.

"You've hardly eaten."

"I've had enough."

Without another word, he walked away.

Preeta watched him disappear down the hallway.

The smile on her face slowly faded.

She had cooked with all her heart.

Yet...

The one person she wished would appreciate it...

Had walked away without saying a single word.

Dadi gently placed a comforting hand over hers.

"Don't lose heart, child."

"Some wounds take time to heal."

Preeta forced a small smile.

"I'll wait, Dadi."

Even if it took a lifetime.