What Lies Beneath

Chapter 3

I walked down the staircase slowly, tugging a strand of hair behind my ear as I pored over the small things from my new surroundings. The handrails hardly have any space which wasn't covered in decorations of flowers and petals. The walls on the other side were orchid studded and the floor seemed jeweled with stars on its surface.

My pace slowed down when the staircase ended, eyes met by the central hall of the mansion. It was huge, their walls were accomplished by the long windows and curtains on all sides of the hall. Its floor so shiny that was reflecting the exact opposite image of the chandelier hanging above it. Beneath there lies a lavish long sofa and a table in the center. Many decorative items surrounded the area with flowers that match the current decoration of the mansion, announcing the celebrations of the wedding and I gulped worriedly in realization of how far things have come.

There was a day when I came here asking for a job in their company. I was just a hard working girl with only aim to deliver my best in everything but who knows the tables gonna turn this harshly that I would end up living in this house as their family member, bound to follow my dad's words with a man as a husband who rather burn himself than seeing my face everyday.

Why even does all this happen?

"Misha! You came?"

The chain of my thoughts stumbled as a sweet voice of a lady called me from behind.

I turned and a smile appeared on my lips while looking at her cheerful face. She was smiling as well and approached me as I stood near the newel.

"Good morning, bhabhi*." I greeted hesitantly.
(bhabhi- sister in law)

"Good morning dear, how was your night? Did you sleep well?"

Comforting me in her presence, she patted my shoulder a bit. But those uncomfortable turns on that small sofa with my heavy dress came to my mind and I internally shook my head.

"Yes bhabhi." I replied with a smile.

"That's good, I was worried since half of your stuff hasn't arrived on time so you couldn't get to change your dress, but that's good you have rested well."

I simply nod with the same smile.

"I was just coming to call you down. It's too late and you haven't even had your breakfast. Come, I'll serve you quickly, you must have been hungry too, right?"

She held me by my hand softly and took me towards the dining area. She sat me on the chair but before she started serving I stopped her.

"Wait, bhabhi. Where's everyone?" Worry was evident on my face as I gazed her confused but instead, a sweet smile came in reply along with a chuckle as if I'd asked the most innocent question.

"Everyone has already had their meal Misha, it's only you who is left. Let me serve you, it's 10:30 already." She informed and started serving as I helped her with a few items.

"I'm sorry bhabhi."

"Why are you apologising? You did nothing wrong. Is waking late in the morning a crime?"

"I don't know... but I am not supposed to come late at least for today."

"That's totally fine Misha, we all know you were tired and in addition to that you bags were late too. And mom dad ain't gonna scold you if that's the case you're wondering."

A laugh escaped from both of us as she made the environment much lighter than my gloomy one.

"Where are uncle and aunt?"

"Ah, mom went to meet some of her friends and dad went to his therapist. And don't call them uncle- aunt, they're like your own parents now... so don't hesitate, okay."