Chapter Twenty Two
Ria's POV;
I woke up to the sound of chirping. My eyes fluttered open, the faint golden morning light piercing my lashes. For a moment, I was disoriented-until I realized I had fallen asleep on the balcony swing. The cool breeze brushed my skin, making me shiver.
Slowly, I rose and walked to the balcony railing. There, perched delicately, were the tiniest birds-brown feathers glistening under the morning sun. Almost instinctively, I extended my hand. To my surprise, they hopped on.
"Good morning," I whispered softly, my lips curving into a rare, genuine smile.
The birds chirped back, as if answering me.
I looked at them, fragile yet fearless, and whispered, "Pata nahin, aaj ka din kaisa hoga.
.. par tumhari yeh chhoti si mulaqat, mere din ke saare bojh halka kar gayi.
"
(I don't know how my day will go, but this little interaction will make up for anything bad I might face today.)
My heart felt lighter. Slowly, I let them fly free. I watched them disappear into the blue sky, waving until they were gone.
But as soon as the silence returned, the weight of reality pressed back onto me. I had accidentally slept on the balcony, and my body was cold and stiff. Hugging myself, I whispered, "A warm shower will fix this."
Inside, the steam from the shower unfurled like a cocoon, thawing my chilled bones. By the time I walked out, wrapped in a towel, I felt fresher-like maybe, just maybe, I could face today.
I opened the closet and pulled out the outfit Avantika had given me for the prayer: a deep maroon lehenga choli embroidered with golden threadwork. Heavy yet graceful, it shimmered softly under the light. Carefully, I draped the dupatta over my head.
At the mirror, my hands moved with routine precision.
My hair, now dried, was styled into a neat low bun adorned with jasmine gajra.
I picked up the sindoor box, my fingers trembling slightly, and filled the parting of my hair.
The streak of red glowed like fire against my forehead.
Married woman. The reflection staring back looked every bit the perfect wife-yet inside, I felt empty.
I look like his wife, but I am far from it.
No kohl. No heavy makeup. Just a touch of lip gloss. And still, the mirror whispered back: You are beautiful, Ria.
Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and stepped out, preparing myself mentally to face whatever taunts or humiliation the day might bring.
---
The mansion was unrecognizable. Every corner dripped with festivity-garlands of marigold and roses, shimmering diyas lining the corridors, and bells tied at every doorway. The air smelled of incense and sandalwood.
Avantika was everywhere, her voice soft yet commanding, as she directed the staff. She looked ethereal in a pastel green sari with delicate pearl work, her dupatta glistening in the morning light.
From a corner, I saw Aavyan slip behind her, circling his arms around her waist. She gasped, blushed, and turned to scold him, but he only laughed, pressing his forehead against hers.
I froze. Not with jealousy-but with yearning. With hope. I smiled at how adorable they looked.
Will I ever be this happy in my marriage? I whispered inside, my lips curving sadly. And then silently, I prayed, God bless their marriage. Always keep them like this.
Quietly, I slipped away to make Dadaji's tray of milk as i took it up to his room.
---
I knocked. A soft, "Come in" echoed from inside.
"Good morning, Dadaji," I said brightly as I entered, setting the tray on his bedside table.
"Good morning, my child," he smiled, his eyes lighting up as he looked at me. "You look beautiful today."
I twirled playfully, the lehenga flaring around me. "And you look ever so handsome, Dadaji."
He chuckled, accepting the glass of milk. To my surprise, he gulped it down in one go. I laughed softly, covering my mouth.
Instinctively, I bent to touch his feet. But he stopped me, his hand hovering protectively. "Betiyaan pair nahi chhuti, beta."
(Daughters don't touch our feet, child.)
Tears stung my eyes instantly. The words-so simple, so warm-dragged me back to another time, to Papa saying the same with a gentle smile.
"Why are you crying, beta?" Dadaji asked, concerned.
I shook my head, wiping quickly. "Papa used to say that too. It reminded me of him."
His expression softened. "Do you miss your family?"
My throat tightened. "Yes, Dadaji... very much. I haven't seen them in a long time."
I wanted to scream that Aansh had trapped me here, that I didn't even have a phone to call them. But I swallowed the pain.
"You can visit them whenever you like," Dadaji said simply. His voice was a balm to wounds I didn't even realize were bleeding.
Tears slipped free as I hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Dadaji."
"Stay happy, beta," he whispered, patting my head like Papa used to.
---
Later, I nearly bumped into Avantika in the kitchen.
"I'm so sorry, Bhabhi," I stammered.
"It's okay, Ria," she said warmly, her smile reaching her eyes. "You look stunning today."
"And you look gorgeous," I replied, making us both laugh softly.
"Can I do anything to help?" I asked.
"Yes," she said after a thought, "could you put fresh garlands in the temple?"
"Of course, Bhabhi."
I walked to the prayer room, removed my sandals, and sat before the majestic idol of Goddess Durga, who radiated power and protection. Covering my head with my dupatta, I folded my hands.
"Maa, give me the strength to endure whatever life throws at me. Let me never bow to cruelty. And... keep both my family and in laws safe."
---
By the time I finished, two priests had arrived. Mother-in-law Gayatri and Damini aunty hurried to greet them, their faces stretching with false sweetness. Avantika bent respectfully to touch their feet.
I stepped forward too, lowering my head-only for Damini aunty's nails to dig into my arm as she yanked me back.
"Outsiders shouldn't participate in our family functions," she spat, her voice dripping venom.
"Aunty, you're hurting me," I whispered, trying to free my arm.
"That's enough, Maa!" Kritika's sharp voice cut through, as she descended the staircase. "Let Bhabhi go!"
Damini's lips curled cruelly. With one final shove, she threw me to the floor. My palms scraped against the marble, pain shooting up, but it was nothing compared to the humiliation burning inside me.
Avantika rushed to help me up. The priests looked away, awkwardly silent. No one dared speak.
I whispered to myself, Don't let her break you, Ria. Don't. Covering my head with my dupatta again, I steadied myself and stepped into the prayer room.
I stood beside Ishita, who gave me a reassuring smile, and my heart warmed for a moment.
The prayers began. Avantika and Aavyan led together. Gayatri and my father-in-law next. Damini and Vikrant followed, smug in their unity.
And then-
"Ria, beta, come forward," Dadaji's voice rang.
I froze. Everyone turned. I hesitated, but his gentle nod made me step closer.
Just as I folded my hands, one priest asked softly, "Child... aren't you married?"
The world stopped. My throat locked.
"...Yes," I whispered.
"Then your husband should be beside you. A married woman must lead prayers with her spouse," the second priest added firmly.
Laughter erupted-Damini's sharp cackle, Gayatri's smirk. Their poison filled the room.
And then, silence.
Dadaji's voice was steady, proud, and unyielding. "Panditji, her husband is Aansh Rathore."
The priests stiffened. Their eyes widened, then softened. Both of them bowed slightly, their hands folding in respect.
"Forgive us, beti," one said. "We did not realize. You are indeed his wife."
My eyes widened. "Please, don't apologize. You are my elders. Don't embarrass me by folding your hands."
The priests exchanged a look, then smiled. "Such wisdom in such a young heart. May your marriage be blessed."
My chest swelled-not with pride, but with something deeper. For the first time, in front of everyone, my place as Aansh's wife had been acknowledged.
I closed my eyes, raised my hands to the Goddess, and began the prayer.
And though my voice trembled at first, as the words left my lips, they carried something stronger than faith-a quiet peace.
---
I know it's quite slow but bare with me as this is a slow burn. Please vote and comment????