24 ~ I Hate You Kiss #3
"Besharam," she muttered under her breath, looking at me as if I'd committed some unforgivable crime.
(Shameless.)
I simply raised my eyebrows, completely unbothered.
She clicked her tongue, turned around, and walked away in a huff.
When I glanced toward Kartik again, he was still staring at me in complete disbelief.
For once, the Monster looked speechless.
I couldn't stop my smug smile.
I love provoking seema Chachi.
.
.
.
After taking a shower, I changed into a simple blue saree.
Today was my Pehli Rasoi.
Another ritual I had never imagined performing like this.
I wasn't interested in rituals.
I wasn't interested in pretending to be the perfect new bride.
But apparently, everyone expected me to participate. So I would but on my terms.
I stood before the mirror, gently drying my hair with a towel.
My hair was still damp, falling over my shoulders in loose waves.
The saree was looking beautiful on me. Hugging my every curve.
To be honest I found myself so hot in this saree. I can see my mole on my bare waist.
I was fixing a strand when I noticed his reflection behind me.
Kartik.
He stood behind me, already dressed looking at me in the mirror.
His eyes fixed on my reflection. His gaze roamed from my head to my toes, slow and deliberate. It lingered on my waist, tracing the curve where the saree clung to my skin and stopped at my waist on my mole.
He bit his lower lip.
My stomach twisted.
My hands froze in my hair. My breath caught in my throat. My entire body went rigid under his scrutiny.
How dare he look at me like that when he was the one who left me just to take a call from that girl? The audacity of him.
I turned, "Meri taraf is tarah dekhna band kijiye," I said, my voice sharp.
(Stop looking at me like that.)
He didn't stop and took a step closer.
"Kaise?" he asked, his voice low and rough. He leaned closer, his breath fanning against my ear.
(How?)
I clenched my eyes shut.
I couldn't breathe.
And then I heard the click. I opened my eyes.
He was fastening his watch as if he hadn't just been looking at me like he wanted to devour me.
I stared at him in disbelief.
He left the room and I heaved a sigh of relief.
Why did his gaze make me nervous?
Why did I feel those ridiculous butterflies whenever he looked at me for too long?
I pushed my hair back irritably.
"Get a grip, Chahat."
I went downstairs.
Dadi was already in the kitchen, instructing the staff when she noticed me.
"Chahat!"
Her eyes briefly fell toward my head. I knew she was about to mention the pallu, but she stopped herself and smiled instead.
"Bohot sundar lag rahi ho."
(You look very beautiful.)
I smiled and walked toward the counter, getting straight to work. Within minutes, the aroma of milk, cardamom, and saffron filled the kitchen as I prepared the kheer.
Cooking had never made me nervous. I knew I was good at it.
Yet today, my gaze kept drifting toward Kartik.
Why did his opinion suddenly matter?
He took the first bite. His expression remained unreadable for a moment before a faint smile touched his lips. His eyes met mine, but he said nothing.
I immediately looked away.
"Bahut acchi bani hai, Chahat," Dadi praised warmly.
(Very well made, Chahat.)
Soon, everyone blessed me, followed by gold bangles, coins, and ancestral jewellery.
I returned to my room, still carrying the faint warmth of Dadi's praise with me.
The moment I opened the door, I stopped.
My luggage had finally arrived from home.
My clothes, books and all the little things I'd been missing were neatly packed inside the suitcases.
A strange sense of relief washed over me.
At least one thing felt familiar.
I immediately began unpacking some of my books, arranging them on the shelf.
From tomorrow, I'm going to college.
The thought alone lifted my mood.
I had spent enough days trapped in rituals, expectations, and this unfamiliar house. I needed my routine back. My studies. My own life.
Suddenly my phone beeped.
It was unknown number.
My eyebrows furrowed as I opened it.
Leave my Kartik alone.
Your marriage doesn't give you any right over him. He is mine.
He was mine before you came into his life, and he'll remain mine. Don't mistake that wedding ring for ownership.
Stay away from him, or you'll regret it. You have no idea what I'm capable of.
My eyes widened.
For several seconds, I simply stared at the screen.
To be continued...
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