Mine To Hold

Chapter 1

Naina's POV:

Returning to studies after few months is difficult, very difficult, especially if in these few months you've had an arranged marriage and are trying to get settled in your new family and new life. Getting married after my graduation was something I have been told would happen from a very young age and so I was prepared but what I wasn't sure of was the kind of family I might get.

My husband's family is very supportive and dedicated when it comes to studies and although I was not sure if I would be allowed to do my Master, my in-laws encouraged me to complete my Masters and do anything I want. Despite being in India, my in-laws are so forward thinking and they really do believe and make me believe that I am their daughter instead of their daughter-in-law. I had known my husband for eight months before we tied the knot. Hence, our courtship was also not too long.

Karthik and I did talk on a daily basis but in between my exams and last semester of college, there wasn't much time that we would normally get. Whenever we talked it would usually be about our days, or sometimes him helping me with my studies or talking about the wedding shopping which believe me neither of us found fun or interesting for that matter.

Getting married at 22 is not something I ever wanted but I don't regret it, atleast not yet. It's been just a month to my marriage and I am still trying to get used to this newly married life and the new responsibilities that comes with.

There's an age difference of 4 years between my husband, Karthik and I. Karthik is a professor at a private university which was founded by his grandfather. Karthik and I had an arranged marriage but during the courtship period of eight months we became comfortable with one another and eventhough I won't say we are madly in love, we sure are on the path of it. I mean arrange marriage often does lead to love and companionship, right?

I was married as soon as my undergraduate was completed since I had time before I would have to return to studies for my Masters. Getting admission was not a huge deal for me due to two reasons:

1) I have good grades and I have always been a very sincere student.

2) My in-laws own one of the best private university in the country.

Although, I would never want to get admission just due to my relationship with them, my marks alone were enough for me to get admission. It is very difficult to get admission in Singhania Institute of Arts and Commerce, but I did it based on my capabilities only. My admission process was during my courtship period and it was kind of awkward to see my fiance and my future father-in-law taking my interview with few faculty present. I already told Karthik that I would really prefer if dad and he did not interfere in my admission and leave it upto others since I don't want any favours and I am happy he acknowledged it.

Tomorrow is my first day of the college and to say I am nervous would be an understatement. I did my undergraduate from another college, another city altogether and none of my friends are doing their Masters from here, hence it's a start over for me. I just know that I don't have to be worried about anything since Karthik will be there and even though I won't go on declaring my relation with him to others, just knowing he is here, is enough for me to stay calm and composed.

Karthik is 6 feet tall compared to my 5"6' height. The first time I saw him, the immediate image of that hot young professor that we all have in college reflected in my mind. The one who attracts female population and is very friendly and smiley but on conversing I realised how reserved Karthik really is. He has dark brown eyes and his jet black hair, and accompanied with his formal clothes and thick glasses, it can make any girl swoon over his looks. Even after knowing each other for eight months and staying together for one, I haven't managed to open him up or see his carefree side often. There definitely are times when I would see him act his age but most of the times he is that matured person who is too serious to have fun but nonetheless I like him for all the respect and care he has given me.