Minister's Possession

Chapter Ten

Veena couldn't help but stare at herself in the mirror, noting the unusual way her sari had been tucked today. It was much lower than how she usually wore it. She tugged at the pleats on her shoulder, trying to cover her belly button, and decided she would re-drape the sari in her usual manner. Before she could act on her thoughts, the door to her room banged open. At the entrance stood the old woman, glaring at Veena.

"Listen, child, your husband will be here any time now. Golu just informed me that he saw Vinaay at the Sarpanch's house. Stop wasting time and come out," the grandmother scolded Veena. Without giving her any time to respond, she pulled the girl along with her to the open area.

"Dadi... shouldn't I prepare food or snacks?" Veena asked in a small voice, not wanting to appear desperate by standing at the door waiting for him. She looked at the old lady, her eyes brimming with tears. "I... can I please go inside?" The grandmother studied Veena's face for a moment, trying to understand the reason behind her tears. All she found was the wall the girl had placed around herself. Sighing at her failed attempt to bring the husband and wife closer, the grandmother nodded, giving Veena permission to go inside.

Once in the safety of the kitchen, Veena let her tears flow freely. She felt guilty for disappointing the grandmother and wished she could explain the situation. Minister Vinaay had not married her out of love, affection, or even as part of an arranged marriage. Her father had given her to him as a gift, treating her like a mere object. It was Minister Vinaay's generosity that he didn't treat her as an object but as a human being, marrying her even after learning about the sexual assault she had endured. Veena felt, and believed, that Minister Vinaay deserved better—someone like Ambika, who had everything she lacked.

As Veena wiped her tears, she heard the murmur of voices growing louder outside. The arrival of her husband, Minister Vinaay, was imminent. Her heart sank at the thought of facing him, feeling unworthy and inadequate. The kitchen, with its familiar smells and warmth, felt like a temporary refuge from the harsh reality of her life.

Vinaay's voice resonated through the walls, firm and authoritative, a stark contrast to the gentleness Veena yearned for. She could hear the grandmother speaking to him,  Veena's hands trembled as she busied herself with preparing tea, the clinking of cups and saucers a desperate attempt to drown out the tumult of her emotions.

The door creaked open, and Veena stiffened, her back turned to the entrance. She knew it was him. Vinaay stood in the doorway, his presence commanding yet distant. He watched her for a moment, a frown creasing his forehead.

Veena didn't dare turn to face him. Her self-loathing suddenly transformed into anger, anger at him for vanishing without informing her. Vinaay stood still, staring at the back of her head before his eyes traveled down. His gaze widened at the sight of the deep back of her blouse and the curves of her body. His breath hitched in his throat, and he gulped hard, unable to tear his eyes away from the soft caramel skin of her waist.

"What are you wearing?" His voice came out much harsher than he intended. "Is this kind of blouse even allowed in the kingdom, let alone in v..." Before he could finish, the grandmother interrupted from behind.

"Oh, it is, son!" Pushing Vinaay aside, the grandmother entered the kitchen and went straight to Veena, who still hadn't turned towards her husband. "It's a warm day today, and I wanted Veena to be relaxed, so I had this blouse made especially for her." She gently made Veena turn towards him. If Vinaay's eyes had widened before, they were about to pop out now. Veena looked nothing less than a nymph, if such beings existed. Her hair was wet, draped over her left shoulder, wetting the red blouse she wore. The deep cut of the blouse showed a hint of her cleavage and cupped her moderate bosom more tightly than necessary. His eyes traveled down, pausing exactly on her belly button. The grandmother cleared her throat and smirked, breaking his trance.