Chapter - 13
As the car stopped in front of the Rathore Palace, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The mansion was enormous, its grandeur reminding me just how much of an outsider I was in this world. My hands fidgeted nervously in my lap, but I quickly composed myself when a young woman opened the car door.
She smiled softly, her eyes kind. "Bhabhi, come this way. I'll help you."
Her words were gentle, but they didn't ease the weight in my chest. I stepped out, careful not to trip, and followed her silently. Behind me, I could feel his presence—my husband's. He hadn't said a single word to me since the ceremony, but the air around him felt heavy, commanding
As we entered the palace, an older woman welcomed us at the entrance. She performed aarti with a calm, practiced grace, her eyes flickering between us. She then turned to another elderly woman who stood nearby—Dadi ji, I guessed.
"Maa," she said, "let's do the rest of the rituals tomorrow. Everyone is tired. Tonight, we should rest."
Dadi ji nodded in agreement, and She looked at the young woman beside me and said, "Anaya, take Siya to her room."
The girl turned to me with a reassuring smile. "I'm Anaya. I'll show you to your room, Bhabhi."
I followed her up the grand staircase, my steps hesitant. With each step, my heart raced faster. The palace was so vast and unfamiliar, and I felt small, insignificant.
"This entire floor belongs to Aarav Bhai," Anaya said, glancing back at me as we reached the third floor. "No one enters without his permission."
Her words sent a chill through me. What kind of person had I married? What kind of life awaited me here? Memories of my tauji and taiji flashed in my mind—their harsh words, their punishments. What if he was like them? I tried to shake off the thoughts, but they clung to me like shadows.
Finally, we reached a door, and Anaya opened it. "Goodnight, Bhabhi," she said with another warm smile. "I can't go any further."
I nodded, too tired and nervous to speak. She left, and I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. The room was... suffocating. Everything was black—the walls, the furniture, even the curtains. It felt cold and empty, devoid of life.
I moved around, hoping to find something that felt familiar or comforting.
I opened one door and found a walk-in closet.
It, too, was black—rows of neatly arranged suits and ties, all dark and intimidating.
I quickly closed the door and tried the next one.
The bathroom was just as stark, with black tiles and fixtures.
I stepped back into the room, overwhelmed by the oppressive darkness. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, and I couldn't breathe. Desperate for air, I walked out onto the balcony.
The cool night breeze brushed against my skin as I stared up at the stars.
"Mom, Dad," I whispered, my voice trembling, tears pooling in my eyes.
"Why did this have to happen to me? Why couldn't I just be happy?
" I paused, gripping my mangalsutra tightly.
"He's so rude. What if... what if he turns out like Tauji and Taiji?
What if he treats me the same way they do?
" My heart felt heavy with fear as I thought about the possibility.
The stars twinkled faintly, offering no answers, and I felt more alone than ever.
Suddenly, a sound from inside the room made me freeze. My heart raced as I turned back, stepping in cautiously. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. My breath hitched. He was here.
I stood frozen, unsure of what to do. The minutes dragged on, each one heavier than the last, until the door finally opened. He stepped out, wearing nothing but a bathrobe. My cheeks burned, and I quickly looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
He walked to the closet silently, his presence filling the room. Moments later, he emerged dressed in a plain T-shirt and Track pants. I was still rooted to the spot, unsure of how to act or what to say.
His cold eyes flickered toward me. "Change your clothes," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I nodded quickly, moving to search for my bag, but I couldn't find it. Panic gripped me. Where were my clothes? What would I do now? My hands trembled as I tried to figure out how to ask him without upsetting him.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice cutting through the silence.
"My clothes... I can't find them," I stammered.
He didn't seem surprised. Picking up the phone, he made a quick call. After a moment, he turned to me. "Your clothes haven't arrived yet."
I bit my lip, unsure how to respond. Before I could think further, he walked into the closet and returned holding a folded T-shirt and a pair of track pants. "Wear these for tonight," he said, his tone unexpectedly calm.
I hesitated but took them. "Thank you," I whispered, retreating to the bathroom to change.
When I returned, wearing his clothes, I felt even more out of place.
The T-shirt was too big, and the track pants kept slipping.
I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, unsure where to go or what to do.
My eyes wandered to the large bed, but I couldn't bring myself to lie there.
How can I? I thought. It didn't feel right.
After a moment of hesitation, I grabbed a pillow from the bed and started walking toward the couch.
Just as I reached it, a sharp voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Where do you think you're going?"
My heart leapt, and I turned around slowly. He was standing there, his eyes fixed on me. His voice wasn't exactly shouting, but it was loud enough to make me nervous.
"I—I'm going to sleep on the couch," I stammered, my voice trembling.
As soon as I said it, he began walking toward me. Panic set in. Is he going to punish me? Just like Taiji used to? My mind raced with worst-case scenarios. I instinctively took a step back, clutching the pillow tightly.
He moved faster than I expected, closing the distance between us. I froze as he grabbed my hand firmly but not harshly. I flinched, bracing myself for pain, but instead, he gently guided me back toward the bed.
"Sit," he said, his tone calm but firm.
I obeyed, sinking onto the edge of the bed, unsure of what was coming next. He stood in front of me, his expression unreadable.
"Let's get one thing straight," he said, his voice steady. "This bed is big enough for both of us. We can sleep comfortably without bothering each other. But if you're uncomfortable, I'll sleep on the couch."
I stared at him, stunned. Did I hear that right? I didn't expect him to say something like that. "No," I replied quickly, shaking my head. "It's your bed. Why would you sleep on the couch?"
His lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes still held their usual intensity. "If a king lets his queen sleep on the couch, what kind of king does that make him?"
I blinked at him, confused. King? Queen? What is he talking about? I didn't dare ask, though. He seemed calm now, but what if I annoyed him with too many questions? What if he got angry? So I nodded hesitantly. "We'll both sleep on the bed," I whispered.
He nodded once and moved to his side of the bed, lying down without another word. I followed his lead, lying on my side as far from him as possible.
The room fell silent, but my mind was anything but quiet. Why didn't he yell at me? Why didn't he say anything cruel? I couldn't understand it. Maybe he was tired today. Maybe he'd punish me tomorrow.
And what about his family? I thought, tears pooling in my eyes. They'll definitely punish me. I know they blame me for everything. Why does it always have to be me, Shivji? Why can't I just have a moment of peace? How will I live here all alone, surrounded by people who don't want me?
I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts swirling. Somewhere in the middle of my worries, exhaustion took over, and I drifted off to sleep without realizing it.