His Replaced Bride! A Bahu’s Duties!

“A Bahu’s Duties are to take care of their household, Despite the Hate they get from them in return for their care.”

Siya wasn’t one to sit idle. If she was going to be a part of this family, even as an unwelcome one, she would earn her place.

She spent the morning in the kitchen, helping the chefs prepare lunch. The head cook, an elderly man named Bhaskar, looked at her hesitantly.

Bhaskar (Elderly Man)

Madam, you don’t have to do this.

Siya Mehta (FL)

I want to. (Siya smiled softly)

Despite their uncertainty, the servants guided her through the process. Siya wasn’t a professional cook, but she had learned enough from her mother to prepare a simple meal.

And so, when lunch was served, Siya personally carried the dishes to the dining table.

The entire Rathore family was present. Virat sat at the head, his father and uncles discussing business, while Devika sat in her usual place, sipping her water gracefully.

As Siya placed a bowl of dal in front of Devika, her mother-in-law barely spared it a glance.

Devika Rathore (Virat’s Mother)

What is this? (she asked)

Siya Mehta (FL)

Dal Tadka, Maa. (Siya replied politely)

Siya Mehta (FL)

I helped prepare it.

Devika Rathore (Virat’s Mother)

(A cold chuckle escaped Devika’s lips)

Devika Rathore (Virat’s Mother)

Did I ask you to?

Siya stiffened but remained composed.

Virat Rathore (ML)

Just eat, Maa. (Virat, who had been silently observing, finally spoke)

Devika’s lips pursed, but she picked up the spoon, taking a single bite.

A beat of silence.

Then she placed the spoon down harshly.

Devika Rathore (Virat’s Mother)

Too much salt. 😡

Siya’s heart sank.

Bhaskar (Elderly Man)

(Bhaskar, the head cook, immediately stepped forward)

Bhaskar (Elderly Man)

Madam, I personally supervised—

Devika Rathore (Virat’s Mother)

Are you questioning my judgment? (Devika shot him a glare)

Bhaskar (Elderly Man)

(The old man hesitated before bowing his head)

Bhaskar (Elderly Man)

No, madam.

Siya felt a lump form in her throat. She had tasted the dal herself, it was perfectly fine. But she realized now that it didn’t matter.

Even if she did everything perfectly, Devika would never acknowledge it.

Siya Mehta (FL)

(Siya lifted her chin and met her mother-in-law’s gaze)

Siya Mehta (FL)

I’ll be more careful next time.

Devika Rathore (Virat’s Mother)

Yes, you will. If you insist on acting like you belong here, you better learn to be perfect. (she smirked)

The humiliation was sharp, but Siya refused to break.

She simply nodded and stepped back, not letting Devika see how much the insult stung.

But she didn’t miss the way Virat was watching her, his gaze lingering a little too long, his expression unreadable.

That night, Siya stood on the balcony of her guest room, gazing at the night sky.

The cool breeze brushed against her skin, bringing a strange sense of calm.

Virat Rathore (ML)

You did well today.

Siya Mehta (FL)

(Siya turned abruptly)

Virat leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, watching her. His voice was neutral, but there was something different in his eyes tonight something less cold.

Siya Mehta (FL)

(Siya raised an eyebrow) You mean I survived your mother’s insults?

Virat Rathore (ML)

(A ghost of a smirk touched Virat’s lips) That too.

Siya Mehta (FL)

(Siya exhaled, shaking her head)

Siya Mehta (FL)

I told you before, Virat. I didn’t choose this marriage. But I won’t let anyone walk over me either.

Virat studied her for a long moment. Then he pushed off the doorframe and turned away.

Virat Rathore (ML)

Let’s see how long you last.

And with that, he walked away, leaving Siya alone.