Artful Deceit & Love

35. Defiance

Happy reading!

Mridula's POV

"Be on your best behavior!" He said with a slight warning as the car slowed down near a homely looking Haveli.

"I could say the same for you." I snapped back at him. This whole journey was excruciating for me. This man didn't utter a word after that...not a single word. And on top of that he ignored me when I asked him about the duration of the journey.

I glared at him once before stepping out and he didn't seem to be surprised at all.

I made sure to shut the door a little stronger than needed to convey my point. He came around the car and stood beside me with a grim look. He stared down at me once before resting his palm on the curve of my waist. I frowned at him but before I could ask him to let go, I heard Raavi's voice.

"They are here!" She yelled as she dashed down the steps of the front porch to where we were standing.

Oh, he was pretending!

I smiled at Raavi while digging my nails in his palm. He eyed me with anger before masking his expressions but still he didn't let go. And because of his arm around me, I couldn't move ahead and greet her with a hug. Even Raavi noticed this and smiled even more widely.

She led us through the steps to a beautifully decorated entrance. This man had still not left me but the only difference was now he was holding my hand. What does he want...for me to slash his arm with a knife?

We were about to enter when we heard Shanta Masi's voice asking us to stop by the threshold of the door.

"Let me welcome you both properly!" She started as she stopped in front of us with an Aarti thali in her hands.

"After all, this is how Manna would have welcomed her daughter-in-law." I felt his grip tighten around my wrist and I stopped myself from whimpering in pain. I glance at him through the side to find him in a calm expression.

I looked at their smiling, happy faces and that's when it drew on me that this is really happening. It is not a dream. I am his wife!

But only on paper...I tried to console myself!

I tried my best to smile as I felt him loosen his grip on me as Sneh walked to and greeted me with a tight hug.

"I thought we would all welcome you in one of those vibrant dresses of yours!" Sneh whispered as she helped them in.

Well, that plan of mine had failed epically. I had thought that both Shanta Masi and Uday would hate seeing me in that. But she complimented and he on the hand wanted to see me in an even shorter dress!

So, I dropped that plan and stuck to wearing traditional clothes that I found in the closet after the wedding day.

"It makes you look like a pop of liveliness in Bhai's boring dull life." I couldn't help but giggle at her words. I felt his attention on me but I chose to ignore it.

"I like you!" She grinned at my compliment as we made our way to the living room.

It was a small room but very vibrant. It had perfectly carved wooden furniture and murals on practically every wall. And even the windows had colorful stained glass windows.

"You might be tired from the journey..." Shanta Masi said as she forwarded a glass of refreshments.

She couldn't be more correct. I had the most quiet travel partner in my life!

I nodded as she continued, "You rest and we will meet at dinner..."

"But we want to talk to our new Bhabhi." Raavi interrupted her. And I flinched slightly at the title she used for me. It felt like someone poured ice cold water on me!