His Replaced Bride

Note: Adult content ahead, please skip if that makes you uncomfortable. Marked with a #

The house is unrecognizable. Glittering fairy lights snake along the walls, balloons float lazily across the ceiling, and the air is filled with the scent of roses and the laughter of twenty girls, all gathered to celebrate Janhvi's bachelorette. Aanya truly outdid herself with the decorations, transforming the living room into a shimmering wonderland of pinks, whites, and golds.

I'm on my third drink—a fruity cocktail Aanya insisted I try—when she clinks her glass against a fork, commanding everyone's attention.

"Ladies, I have a surprise!" Aanya announces, her grin so wide it could split her face. "This night is about Janhvi, but let's make it unforgettable for all of us."

The girls cheer, their excitement palpable. I have no idea what Aanya's planned, but judging by the mischievous gleam in her eyes, it's something outrageous.

"I present to you... your entertainment for the evening!" she declares dramatically.

The front door swings open, and in walk two men in sleek black suits, carrying speakers. Their confident strut and knowing smirks are enough to send the room into a frenzy. As they set up their equipment, one of them begins unbuttoning his shirt, revealing chiseled abs beneath.

"Wait... are those... strippers?" I whisper to Aanya, wide-eyed.

She grins. "Yup. You're welcome."

"Aanya!" I hiss, half-laughing and half-mortified.

"Relax, Jeea. It's harmless fun!" she says, pushing a drink into my hand.

The music starts, loud and pulsing, and the strippers begin their routine. The girls cheer and scream as the men gyrate, their shirts tossed aside, revealing more of their perfectly toned bodies. I laugh nervously, trying to blend into the background, but Aanya has other plans.

When it's time for lap dances, the strippers make their way through the crowd, stopping at each girl. The room is filled with laughter, shrieks, and playful banter. I'm trying to avoid eye contact when one of the men stops in front of me, his hand extended.

"No, no, no," I say, shaking my head quickly. "I'm good, thanks."

"Oh, come on, Jeea!" Aanya protests, nudging me forward. "It's just a dance. You've had a few drinks—live a little!"

The other girls join in, chanting my name. Flustered, I sigh and throw up my hands. "Fine, but just for a second!"

"I heard you've been a naughty girl." He whispers and I laugh, clearly drunk.

The man grins and begins his routine, moving closer until he's practically in my lap. The girls cheer as I sit there, half-laughing and half-mortified, my cheeks burning.

And that's when I feel it. A shift in the air.

I look up and see Dhruv standing in the doorway, his gaze locked on me. He's furious—his jaw clenched, his eyes dark with anger. My stomach twists as I freeze, the reality of the situation crashing down on me.

The man who's currently sitting on my lap senses the situation and thankfully gets off.

"Later, babe." He winks at me and I cannot tear my eyes away from the stoic figure of my husband standing in the doorway.

He walks towards me with slow, measured steps. Like a predator walking towards its prey.

He doesn't say a word. Instead, he strides across the room, grabs my hand, and pulls me to my feet. The room falls silent, the girls exchanging awkward glances as he leads me out of the living room and into the kitchen.