WARNING : Abuse and trigger scenes present. Read with risk and get ready for an emotional suspense thriller journey with tissue boxes
[Started on 2020, Rewritten and Republished on 2024]
"I married you, but that doesn't mean you can control my life...
Note: From this chapter get ready with tissue boxes
The morning sun streamed into the room, causing Kritika to whine and squint. Fluttering her eyes open, she adjusted to her surroundings and gasped upon realizing she was naked under the sheets. Her mind replayed the events of the previous night, and she blushed, feeling a surge of gratitude for having a perfect partner like Aditya. Glancing around, she noticed Aditya was missing.
Where did he go? she wondered. She tried to get up but yelped in pain from the lower part of her body. Using the wall for support, she made her way to the washroom to freshen up.
Deciding to wear a floral maxi dress instead of a saree to conceal any marks, she smiled broadly at her reflection and applied sindoor to her maang.
As she descended the stairs, a shy smile spread across her face, anticipating playful teasing from the family. However, when she reached the living room, she saw everyone except Aditya and Mithali.
"Good morning, everyone," Kritika greeted, but was met with silence, causing her to frown.
"Do you see the time, Kritika?" Swetha asked sternly. Kritika blushed deeper and shook her head.
"Then look at the clock now and see the time," Swetha shouted, making Kritika jump. She turned to the left and saw it was 8:45.
"That means you are late today, isn't it? Do you have any reason for that?" Swetha asked, arms crossed.
Kritika searched for Aditya to support her, but he was nowhere to be found.
"And what are you wearing? Is this how a daughter-in-law should dress?" Swetha asked harshly, making Kritika tear up.
"Well, ma..."Slap.
Kritika cupped her cheek, looking at Swetha in shock. Tears started spilling from her eyes."Don't you have any shame to behave like this? First, getting late, and then wearing some ugly dress. Is this how a daughter-in-law should behave? Answer me," Swetha demanded. Kritika looked down, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Now go and prepare everything alone. No one will help you. Go," Swetha pushed her.
Kritika clung to the wall, closing her eyes against the pain in her abdomen. She walked slowly to the kitchen, whimpering.
Ignoring the burning sensation in her abdomen, Kritika began making breakfast. Within five minutes, she prepared a few rotis and Aditya's favorite palak curry. She carried the dishes to the table where everyone was waiting.
"What is this?" Janaki asked.
"Um, breakfast," Kritika managed to say.
"Only this much?"
"Ye-yes," Kritika stuttered.
"And who will make the rest? Me?" Swetha asked coldly.
"Ma, I was unwell. That's why," Kritika answered weakly.
"Wow, what a lie," Swetha said sarcastically.
Just then, laughter echoed in the room. Everyone smiled at the scene, except Kritika, who was shocked. Aditya and Mithali were talking and laughing.
"Did you guys enjoy?" Janaki asked. Mithali blushed, and Aditya winked at her.
"Yes, aunty, a lot," Aditya said seductively.
"What are you doing here? Go and prepare juice for my children," Swetha ordered. Everyone resumed their conversations, ignoring Kritika, who struggled with each step.
"What happened to everyone? Why are they behaving like this?" Kritika cried as she poured the juice.
She returned to the living area and served the juice. She hoped Aditya would look at her, but he didn't, which broke her heart.
"Aunty, is this our breakfast?" Mithali asked, pointing at the dishes.
"Yes, beta. What can we do? The queen can only prepare this much," Swetha mocked, looking at Kritika. Aditya walked over to her.
"What is this, Kritika? Why did you only prepare this much? This won't be enough for us," Aditya shouted. Kritika looked at him helplessly. He took her to a corner and pinned her against the wall.
"Adi-Aditya, you know ma slapped me," Kritika said, crying. "So what should I do? She slapped you because you did something wrong," Aditya replied.
"I was in pain, Aditya."
"Every girl feels pain, but that doesn't mean you neglect your duties," Aditya yelled and walked away. Kritika watched his retreating figure in shock.
"Guys, I've ordered food from a restaurant. No need to eat this," Aditya announced, looking at Kritika with disgust. Everyone left the room, leaving Kritika alone.
She took the food she had made especially for Aditya and began to eat it, not wanting it to go to waste.
"Why are you behaving like this, Adi? Please don't do this anymore. I can't handle it," she murmured.
---
The Singhanias ate their lavish meal while Kritika watched from the stairs. They talked and laughed, and what pained her most was Aditya's closeness with Mithali. She feared losing Aditya but found solace in believing he loved her.
"Kritika," Swetha called loudly, and Kritika went down.
"Yes, ma?"
"Clean everything. We are going out and will return only by night. You have the responsibility of the house," Swetha ordered.
"Can I come with you?" Kritika asked hesitantly.
"Then who will look after the house?" Janaki snapped.
"Janaki, we're getting late. We need to get ready," Swetha said, and everyone left, ignoring Kritika.
Kritika hurriedly cleaned everything and went to their room.
"Aditya, can I come with you guys?" Kritika asked, hoping he would agree.
"Didn't you hear what Ma said? I can't disagree with her," Aditya replied, picking up his phone and car keys.
"Adi, are you ready?" Mithali asked, smiling brightly as she interrupted them.
