It was early Morning, the sun was yet to rise but a woman was already dressed up. She dressed up in a white Saree and walked out of her small house, which was apparently given to her by her in-laws after her husband died 2 years ago.

She cleaned up her bedroom and walked out of the house.

She was 17 years old when her parents married her to Sarpanch's son as they owed some money to him. She cried whole night, requesting her parents not to marry her like this but they were helpless.

Soon, she got married and luckily her husband was a good man. He even allowed her to study further and he was about to talk to his parents about this but unfortunately, he died in an accident that day while returning from work. Her life changed for worst that day.

The society started blaming her for her husband's death. She started living the life of a widow, waking up before sunrise, doing all the household work single-handedly, wearing white clothes, walking barefoot, sacrificing all the happiness.

She realised that sun was about to rise so she walked barefooted towards the main haveli where her in-laws live.

She reached the house and filled some water from the well.

She walked inside the temple and prayed a little and then headed towards the kitchen to heat water for everyone's bath and to cook breakfast.

The family wasn't huge but still many people lived under the same roof. Her father-in-law's brother, Keshav and his wife, Reeti lived with them, they were sweet in nature. They always felt sorry for Anika by the way she was treated by others family members. Keshav was a government worker so most of the time, he's out in the city while his wife, Reeti always try to help Anika. They had one son, who was studying in the city since 3 years and Anika only met him once on her wedding.

Then there was her mother-in-law's sister, Parul and her husband, Devrath. They also lived with them as Devrath lost all of his property including house in gambling so Anuradha helped her sister and brother-in-law and asked them to live with them. They were money minded people and hates Anika. Anika doesn't like the way Devrath looks at her but she ignores it as no one would believe her.

Anika started preparing breakfast when Reeti entered the kitchen. She smiled while looking at Anika and Anika touched her feet. She blessed her.

R- Be happy always.

A- Kaki, I've prepared the breakfast. You go and sit and I'll bring it.

Reeti nodded her head and cupped her face.

R- Did you eat?

A- Kaki, I told you that I'm not allowed to eat before 6 pm. I can only eat once in a day.

R- And I told you that you don't have to spoil your life like this. You're so young, Anika. You have your whole life ahead of you. You can always run away from here. Me and your Kaka will help you. You can complete your studies in the city along with Rudra. We will take care of everything. They'll not let you live peacefully like this, beta.

Reeti said while caressing her head and Anika's eyes filled with tears.

A- I...I...can't... Kaki, already maa-papa are getting taunted Because I got widow within one month of my marriage and if I run away, these people won't let them live.

Anika burst into tears and Reeti hugged her with teary eyes.

Suddenly they heard a loud voice.

An- WOW! SO MUCH DRAMA IN THE EARLY MORNING. BY THE WAY, WHAT WERE YOU TWO DISCUSSING? PLANNING TO KILL US OR WHAT LIKE YOU KILLED MY SON.

Anuradha shouted at Anika.

R- Bhabhi, What are you saying?

Anuradha glared at Reeti.

An- Noone asked for your opinion. Anyways, are we going to get breakfast today or not?

Anuradha said angrily and Anika immediately nodded her head. Anuradha rolled her eyes and left.

Reeti helped Anika to bring the breakfast to the table.

Everyone was already settled at the dining table and Anika started serving breakfast to them.

Parul scrunched her nose in disgust after looking at Anika.

P- Didi, did you make sure that this bad omen hasn't poisoned our food?

Parul said while joking and everyone laughed. Parul smirked while looking at Anika and her eyes got filled with tears.

Anika wasn't allowed to sit with them or stand near them.

An- Anika, go wash all the clothes.

Anika nodded her head nad left with teary eyes.

MUMBAI

A man is in a meeting with some business associates. He's the most successful businessman of India. He is none other than Shivaay Singh Oberoi.

B1- Mr. Oberoi, this is a huge land. It can be very beneficial for our factory. We can set up our factory there. The owner is selling it at cheap rate and we can find workers also easily.

Shivaay looked through the file and nodded his head in understanding.

Shivaay's finance department head spoke breaking Shivaay's chain of thoughts.

F- But sir, it's there in village and village people are so illiterate.

A peon was serving coffee to everyone and by mistake, the coffee fell on Finance department head's coat. He stood up in anger and slapped the peon.

F- How dare you? Do you even know the cost of this? If you even sell yourself, then also you can't pay the price.

The peon was shivering in fear.

P- I'm.... s...or...ry....s...ir...

F- You...

Shivaay was now fuming in anger.

S- ENOUGH. MR. ABHI, IF YOU DON'T KNOW TO RESPECT OTHERS THEN YOU DON'T DESERVE A JOB IN OBEROI INDUSTRIES. A JOB DOESN'T DESCRIBE A PERSON LIKE YOUR JOB DOESN'T DESCRIBE YOU.YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT VILLAGE AND HOW FILTHY THEY ARE SO LET ME TELL YOU, ITS JUST YOUR FILTHY MIND. VILLAGES ARE ROOTS OF OUR COUNTRY SO RESPECT THEM. AND WE DON'T NEED YOU HERE SO YOU'RE FIRED. OUT.

Shivaay shouted angrily and the man left.

Shivaay helped the peon to stand up.

S- Are you okay?

The peon nodded his head and thanked Shivaay. Shivaay smiled at him and the peon left.

Shivaay settled back in his chair with a smile.

S- So gentlemen, I accept the project and I'll personally deal with this project so I guess I'm going to the village.

Shivaay smiled and the business partners shook his hand.

The meeting got over and he smiled.

Suddenly his phone started ringing. He answered the call with a smile

S- Hey Mom.

Jhanvi smiled at his cheerful smile.

J- Wow! You're sounding happy. What's the matter?

S- Yeah! I just finalised a deal.

J- That's good. Congratulations.

S- Thanks Mom.

J- I wanted to tell you that I fixed your date with my friend's daughter. Trust me, she's very nice.

Shivaay groaned in irritation.

S- Mom, you know that I don't want to get married right now.

J- Shivaay.

S- Im sorry mom. I can't meet her. Anyways, I'm leaving the town in 2 hours for some business work and I don't know when I'll be back. So bye.

J- Shivaay.....

Before Jhanvi could speak, Shivaay disconnected the call with a chuckle.

Hello everyone.🤗🤗

Here you go with the next chapter.😁😁

What are your views about Anika?🤔🤔

What are your views About Shivaay?🤔🤔

How was it?😊😊