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...
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Next morning, Kritika woke up to the sound of bustling activity downstairs. Rubbing her eyes sleepily, she noticed Aditya's absence from the bed. Wondering about his whereabouts, she glanced at her phone and saw that it was already 7:00 am.
Realizing she was running late, Kritika hastily got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. After a quick 20-minute shower, she emerged wearing a light yellow saree. With sindoor and mangalsutra in place, she headed outside after locking the door behind her.
As she reached the stairs, she was taken aback to see Aradhya and Kartik chatting and laughing with the family below.
"Aruu!" Kritika called out from the top of the stairs, grabbing everyone's attention. Aradhya smiled and stood up from her seat.
"Kriti, I was just..." Aradhya's words were cut short as Kritika missed the last step and began to fall, but a strong hand caught her just in time.
Opening her eyes, Kritika found herself face to face with Aditya, his arm securely around her waist. Both froze, feeling an unexpected tension between them. Kritika experienced unfamiliar sensations in her stomach as it was the first time a man had touched her like this. Aditya, on the other hand, was staring intently at her flushed face, equally taken aback by the encounter.
Their trance was broken by a cough, and they quickly moved away from each other, feeling embarrassed under the amused gazes of the family.
"Sorry for interrupting your romance, but this is a public place, not your bedroom," Swetha teased, causing both Kritika and Aditya to blush furiously.
"No, Mom, it's nothing like that. I just saved her," Aditya clarified, and Kritika nodded in agreement.
"Alright, enough of that. We wanted to discuss something, so I'm taking Aditya," Kartik announced, leading Aditya away.
"You girls can go to the pool area," Swetha suggested, and Kritika promptly dragged Aradhya away from the scene.
"So, how's married life?" Aradhya inquired over coffee.
"It's beautiful," Aradhya beamed, but Kritika interjected, "Like hell," her tone laced with bitterness.
"But I thought you guys had accepted the relationship," Aradhya said, puzzled.
"And why did you think something stupid like that?" Kritika retorted, her annoyance evident.
"Um, after seeing your closeness with jiju near the stairs," Aradhya explained.
"What's there in that? He just helped me," Kritika dismissed the notion. "Now, let's talk about you."
"Ahh!" Karthik exclaimed, clutching his stomach as he laughed uncontrollably on the bed. Aditya's recount of his and Kritika's argument from the previous day had him in stitches.
"Sorry, sorry," Karthik managed between laughs. "But I'm surprised to hear that the great Aditya Singhania was fooled by his wife."
Aditya shrugged, not particularly amused.
"Now, onto the main matter. Did you accept this marriage?" Karthik asked, his tone serious.
"No," Aditya replied plainly.
"Does that mean you're not ready to let go of your past?" Karthik probed.
"I already told you, Karthik, Samaira will be the only girl in my life, and no one can replace her," Aditya stated firmly.
"Okay, I understand, but can't you give Kritika her own place?" Karthik suggested.
"What do you mean?" Aditya asked.
"Well, I'm saying, you don't want to erase Samaira from your life, but Kritika is your wife. So, give her that place and try to move on, Adi," Karthik advised.
Aditya fell silent, contemplating his words.
"Remember, Adi, don't do something you'll regret later," Karthik cautioned before leaving.
"So, Aradhya, have you decided where to go for your honeymoon?" Priya inquired, causing Aradhya to blush.
"No, di," Aradhya replied shyly.
Karthik and Aditya entered the room and witnessed the scene.
"Why are you laughing, Kritika?" Karthik asked, noticing her amused expression.
"Ask your wife, bhai. She'll tell you," Kritika replied, gesturing towards Aradhya, who shook her head innocently.
"Oh, I just asked about your honeymoon plans," Priya clarified, realizing the misunderstanding.
"What? You guys are going on a honeymoon, too? Then I'll send Aditya and Kritika as well," Swetha announced, startling Aditya and Kritika."Mom, I think it's too early," Aditya objected.
"Yes, Swetha, Adi is right. They just got married, so let them get comfortable with each other," Gautam added.
"Okay," Swetha relented.
"Aunty, uncle, we're leaving. Ma will be waiting for us," Karthik announced, and everyone bid them goodbye.
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