The Unwanted Bride

21 - Her Dharma, Yug

Typed: 19/12/2023
Chapter 21: Her Dharma, Yug

Author's POV:

When Khushi was getting out of her husband's car, she noticed he made no move to get out and help her. She gave him a look and Yug simply stared right ahead, gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. He had clenched his jaw, angry and aware of her eyes. "It's better I don't go inside. I don't know what would come out of my mouth for your parents. Father, specifically."

Yug and Samar were never a competition. Nobody could take Samar's psychopathic personality in Khushi's mind and nor Yug's integrity. However, Yug had this preciseness to his emotions, whether good or bad. Her husband's resentment had a proper reason, it wasn't baseless like Samar's. His patience, however, his patience even when he is angry is what makes Yug spine-chilling. Sort of like someone who plans the perfect murder and knows exactly how to get away from it—measured and closely watched execution. That was Yug. That is Yug.

She didn't insist he accompany her. She'd nodded, understanding where he came from and retrieved her bags all alone.

When they got home, Harsh looked pleased. He didn't say much but greeted Khushi awkwardly but warmly. He didn't hug her. He is a hugger but Khushi has always come across as a physically reserved person. Harsh maintains and respects that boundary. He'd just beamed at her with one of his genuine smile and welcomed her back. Khushi, overwhelmed with his reaction, could tell he missed her too, she'd simply returned the smile, asking him how he was.

Yug had watched the exchange with a slight guilt seeping into his veins. Not only his brother but his housemaid, Kamla had missed his wife too. Just to wrap his head around the situation—to process his emotions—he'd kept others away from his wife too.

It could be considered selfish but it was the kind of truth that sucks the air out of you. The kind that makes you feel gaslighted and forget things. The one that makes you lose your mind and believe the other person's lies because that sounds easier than to think.

Being her second husband didn't impair him. Her injuries—he wondered how many more wounds she has that he's yet to see—her past, the lie and being forced into accepting this new tag he received were unforeseen.

Yug wasn't prepared for it. And he certainly didn't want to dump all of his anger on her as he processed it slowly. Something he needed time to do, so he asked her to leave. Each day, for the past nine days, he'd thought of her. About her back, more importantly. The image haunts him.

It wasn't the thought that he wasn't Khushi's first anything that bothered him—in fact it was the last thing on his list of priorities—it was the changes in their relationship. He'd read books, five in total to help him understand and adapt his personality to live with someone who's been in an abusive relationship.

For the past few days, he tried to work on himself behind closed doors. Worrying, thinking about her, questioning himself, would she flinch away if I touched her? Does she have any trigger words? How do I make it better? How comfortable is she with things I do? It was important. It was—and is—important for Yug to know his limits with her.

No matter how great of a person he is, he is a man and she may resent them. He knows she doesn't hate him but he wondered if being with him physically and emotionally reminded her of Samar's wrath. He doubted himself and he didn't want Khushi around to deal with it.

But nine days were enough. Yug could no longer stay away from her. The house, the bedroom—it all seemed more of Khushi's than his.

It was after dinner, they were in bed for at least an hour and she had her back to him. He's got her all cuddled up in his arms. His right hand is under his head, working as a pillow while his left is wrapped around her stomach. Her hand's on top of his as they lay in silence, both aware that they're awake.