It all happened so fast. This morning, I didn’t know my life was about to change forever. By the end of the day, I was married. And not to a stranger, but to someone who had been a part of my family – my sister-in-law. Yes, the same woman I called "bhabi" just hours ago was now my wife. Confused? Let me tell you how it all unfolded.

One year ago, my elder brother married Avantika. Their wedding was a joyous occasion, and life seemed perfect. My brother worked in Italy, while my parents and I stayed back home. I was a carefree university student, busy with my studies and friends. Avantika quickly became an essential part of our family. She wasn’t just my brother’s wife; she was like a sister to me and a daughter to my parents. My mother treated her like her own child, teaching her recipes and taking care of her with love. Avantika, in turn, adored my parents and cared for them deeply.

Two months after their marriage, my brother’s work demanded that he return to Italy. He didn’t want to leave so soon, but his career and responsibilities called. Despite his reluctance, he left, promising to stay in touch every day. And he did. Life carried on, though we all missed him terribly.

Then one day, a phone call shattered our world. It was from my brother’s colleague in Italy. The man on the other end hesitated before delivering the news: my brother had passed away in a tragic bus accident. The words hit me like a thunderbolt. How could it be true? I had spoken to him just that morning. My legs gave way, and I collapsed, unable to process the reality.

Breaking the news to my family was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. My parents were devastated. My mother’s cries echoed through the house, and my father, a man who had always been our pillar of strength, broke down. Avantika’s grief was unbearable. In an instant, her dreams of a happy married life were snatched away. She was now a widow, burdened by a loss too great to bear.

Days turned into weeks, but the sorrow lingered. Avantika stayed with us, as she had nowhere else to go. My parents treated her like their own daughter, trying to ease her pain. But her hollow eyes and quiet demeanor spoke volumes about the depth of her sorrow. She was family, and we couldn’t imagine our lives without her.

One day, my parents made an unexpected proposal. They suggested that I marry Avantika. At first, I was shocked. How could I marry my brother’s wife? But they believed it was the only way to give her a chance at a new life, to shield her from society’s harsh judgment and provide her with support.

Reluctantly, I agreed. And so, here I am, standing on the rooftop, grappling with the weight of my new reality. Avantika waits for me in the wedding chamber, and I’m left wondering what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable, and this journey is one I never expected to take. But for Avantika’s sake, I’ll face it head-on.