Unwanted [COMPLETED]

Chapter 2

Nandini

I woke up the following morning disoriented and with a slight headache.

Finding myself in an unfamiliar room, I feel a jolt of fear, and I immediately sit up. But the very next second, it dawns on me that I'm sleeping on a sofa in the corner of my husband's room.

A husband who has made it clear that he won't accept me as his wife.

A wave of pain washes through me as I recall Vikrant's words from last night. As I pondered on them last night, I initially felt anger. I was angry at him for marrying me when he didn't want to accept me as his wife and also for killing my hope of getting a loving family after being unloved by my parents my whole life.

I waited for him to step out of the bathroom so I could ask him why he ruined my life in such a way, but when he did, I could not utter a single word, let alone ask him anything. I remained silent and watched him slump on the bed and promptly fall asleep.

For a moment, I was even tempted to leave this house. I didn't want to stay here for a second longer after what Vikrant said to me.

But then, I realized I had nowhere else to go. I knew my parents wouldn't take me back now as they had finally gotten rid of me. I didn't have much money either, so I would also be unable to find a place to rent.

I feel my eyes welling up as I gaze at Vikrant sleeping soundly on the bed.

I'm unable to fathom why this keeps happening to me. I had hoped that after being unwanted by my parents my whole life, I would at least get a loving husband who would make me feel wanted.

But I was wrong.

I have entered another relationship in my life where I'm just a burden, unwanted as I have always been.

I close my eyes, letting the tears slide down my cheeks.

Unable to control my sobs, I run to the bathroom, not wanting Vikrant to see me like this if he wakes up.

Once inside, I close the door and slump against it.

I give myself a few minutes to cry. To let my angst pour out. Taking care not to make too much noise.

After a while, when my eyes dry up, and my head feels heavy, I stand up straight and wash my face.

"You'll not cry anymore, Nandini. You have borne this your whole life. You just have to take one day at a time and keep moving on till you become independent," I say, looking at myself in the mirror on the wall above the sink.

Why did he marry me if he didn't want to accept me as his wife?

That question has been plaguing my mind since last night, and I want to confront Vikrant about it.

But I can't bring myself to do it because I have never been good with arguments and confrontations.

Being an introvert, I have always kept my communication with others to a minimum. In fact, I only talk with the people with whom I'm comfortable enough.

And that had only been Vivek. Other than him, I had no one else with whom I could share my problems and worries.

"And now, Vivek is also not with me," I whisper, my eyes tearing up again.

But I immediately wipe them this time, willing myself to be strong.

I can't just keep wallowing in my grief. I need to do something to get out of this situation.

Last night, after thinking about what Vikrant said and what I need to do next, I decided to get a job first, continue my studies, and move out of this house after saving enough to afford a new place.

I don't want to continue living under the same roof with a husband who will never accept me as his wife.

Yes. The first step would be to get a job.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, strengthening my resolve as I think about what I must do to move away from this mess and start a new chapter in my life.

*****

Vikrant

Taking a towel from the cupboard, I'm about to enter the bathroom to get ready for the day when I see Nandini stepping out.

She seems to have freshly showered. Her wet hair clinging to her face almost makes me walk to her and tuck those stray strands behind her ear.

Almost.

Without any makeup on her face, she looks mesmerizing.

I had not looked at her properly during our wedding and in the room last night, so I only noticed the innocent quality on her face now.

And her eyes.

Those deep pools of hazel made me stare at them, wanting to discover her hidden secrets.

She averts her gaze from me, and my reverie breaks. Returning to my senses, I grit my teeth, annoyed at myself for staring at her.

After what Myra did to me, I vowed never to let any girl affect me in any way.

Never again. I decide, wanting to smack myself for getting distracted and start to saunter towards the bathroom.

But I stop when a question crosses my mind. I glance at Nandini sitting in front of the dressing table and getting ready.

"Won't you ask me why I married you when I don't want to accept you as my wife?"

Her silence has been pricking my conscience since last night.

She has not said a word to me. She has not thrown any tantrums, shouted at me, or berated me for ruining her life.

She seems to have silently accepted that I'll never accept her as my wife, which has surprised me.

I had expected her to demand some answers from me as any other girl would have done.

"I wanted to ask you last night, but then I realized it doesn't matter anymore," she replies.

She doesn't even look at me while saying that. Her whole focus is on the mirror as she brushes her hair.

I frown, slightly baffled by her calm demeanor. I had expected tantrums, tears, and anger. Not this calm and even nonchalant attitude.

But then, I shrug, feeling relieved at not having to justify my actions. Not that I would have bothered to give her any reason, but it is relieving that I won't have to bear her tantrums and tears.

So, nodding at her reply, I enter the bathroom to get ready for the day.