Her Nightmare | 18+

| Embers of Emotions |

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PARINIDHI

Hatred was steering me down an unexpected path, one I never anticipated. The realization that I had forgotten my father's death anniversary fueled a storm of self-directed frustration.

After hastily showering, I draped myself in a simple white saree and adorned my mangalsutra before rushing to the living room.

The scene that greeted me there stirred a whirlwind of emotions within. Panditji was busy making preparations for the puja, and my father's portrait adorned with a garland stood prominently.

As everyone assembled in the living room, I sought blessings from my mother, touching her feet in reverence.

"May happiness always accompany you, Pari," my mother blessed me, her hand resting tenderly on my head.

Standing quietly by her side, I was taken aback when she turned to me and uttered, "Why are you still here, Pari? Seek the blessings of your husband."

Disbelief washed over me, leaving me momentarily speechless. How could my mother say such a thing?

As I stood there, the weight of my mother's expectations bore down on me like an oppressive force.

In her eyes, Devansh and I were the embodiment of marital bliss. Yet, I grappled with the stark contrast between this idealized image and the harsh reality of our tumultuous relationship.

Submitting to this facade felt like a betrayal of my own integrity, leaving me immobilized with uncertainty.

I couldn't bring myself to yield to the man who had once caused me such profound pain.

"Pari, where is your mind?" My mother's voice cut through my reverie, a mixture of disappointment and concern evident in her tone, reflecting the inner conflict raging within me.

Despite her usual warmth and empathy, my mother remained steadfast in her adherence to tradition and family values. For her, marriage was sacred, and the sudden news of my hasty union had left her deeply unsettled.

"Pari, why are you delaying my words?" my mother queried, and I immediately turned my gaze towards her.

She promptly averted her eyes, and I followed her line of sight, which landed on Devansh, engrossed in conversation with Mukul.

As my eyes rested on him, his gaze met mine, and our eyes locked, colliding in a momentary collision, followed by a sweet smile from him.

I remained expressionless, torn between my emotions, and stole a glance at my mother, whose determined expression indicated that she wouldn't relent until her point was made. Reluctantly, I took steps towards Devansh.

Each step felt like a crushing blow to my self-respect, and I blinked rapidly to stem the tears threatening to spill from my burning eyes.

As I took hesitant steps towards Devansh, his eyes bore into mine, a mixture of surprise and confusion swirling in their depths.

A conflicted smile danced upon my lips, acknowledging the irony of the moment. Despite my reluctance, I found myself unwittingly playing into Devansh's hands, succumbing to his unspoken desire to assert dominance.

Approaching him with a hesitant gait, I draped my pallu over my head, my hand reaching out tentatively towards the floor. It was not reverence that guided my actions, but rather a begrudging acquiescence to the customs that bound us.

As my hand neared Devansh's feet, he recoiled in surprise, his tone laced with irritation as he demanded, "What in the world are you doing?"

Standing my ground, I locked eyes with him and spoke each word deliberately, my voice tinged with restrained anger, "Seeking your blessings, by touching your feet."