chapter two

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"Sometimes the bad things that happen to us are just the beginning of the good things to come."

                           Day 1

Shivani and Daksh went to each family member to receive their blessings. It was time for the bride to leave her home and go to her husband's house. Shivani performed the ritual of throwing rice behind her into her mother's dupatta. Her family members cried and wished her happiness. Shivani sat in the car with Daksh, and they headed to his house.

There was a pin-drop silence in the car. Shivani, usually a chatterbox, was uncharacteristically quiet. She was lost in her thoughts when the driver announced, "We are home, sir." Daksh opened the car door and slammed it hard. Shivani followed him, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach.

As they reached the entrance of the house, Kavya was waiting with a thali in her hand. "Lift your veil, Shivani," she instructed. Shivani stood still, feeling a cold sweat break out on her forehead. Daksh glared at her and angrily lifted the veil himself. Kavya's shock was palpable as the thali slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor.

"What is this?" she gasped, her eyes wide.

Daksh stormed into the house, explaining everything as Kavya followed. "How could they do this to us? Aren't they ashamed of themselves? How could you marry her, Daksh?" Kavya's voice rose with every question.

"Mom, to save our reputation, I had to do it," Daksh replied through gritted teeth.

Kavya turned her fury on Shivani. "Ay chori, you knew everything, didn't you? Did you do all this for money? Answer me!"

Tears welled up in Shivani's eyes. She remained silent, knowing her sister was to blame. Kavya declared, "No rituals will be done. Everyone, go to your rooms."

Daksh headed to his room, Shivani trailing behind him. She entered and sat on the bed while Daksh went to the washroom. When he emerged, he saw Shivani lost in her thoughts. He strode over and pulled her close, his grip tight and unyielding.

"Don't expect anything between us. Our marriage is just a compromise. I'll divorce you in three months. Don't sleep in my bed; you don't deserve it. Get away from me," he spat out.

Shivani nodded, her heart breaking. She went to the balcony and sat in a corner, crying silently over the betrayal by her sister.

At 7 o'clock in the morning, Shivani was awakened by the sun's rays on her face. She headed to the bathroom without locking the door. Daksh woke up and began checking his phone for his meeting schedule. As Shivani started bathing, she wrapped herself in a towel when she was done. She was about to put on her clothes when Daksh opened the door, making her flinch and fall into his arms.

For a moment, their eyes locked, and time seemed to stand still. Daksh came to his senses and let her fall. Shivani stood up, avoiding his gaze, and Daksh excused himself, leaving the room.

After ten minutes, Shivani emerged, dressed in a red saree that accentuated her curves

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After ten minutes, Shivani emerged, dressed in a red saree that accentuated her curves. She wore a bindi and a pair of jhumkas. Daksh froze, unable to take his eyes off her. She looked at him, confused, as he continued to stare until Kiara, Daksh's sister who had just returned from abroad, entered the room. Kiara hugged her brother, and Daksh hugged her back.

"Kiara, go downstairs. I'll be there in 15 minutes. Take Shivani with you," Daksh instructed.

Shivani followed Kiara downstairs, where Kavya grabbed her roughly. "Ay chori, go make food for everyone, quickly," she ordered. Shivani nodded and went into the kitchen, preparing various traditional Indian dishes. In less than 30 minutes, she was done.

The family gathered at the dining table, waiting for the food. Aakash, Daksh's father, asked, "Where is the food, Kavya ji?"

Kavya replied, "Wait, your daughter-in-law is bringing it."

Shivani served everyone, including Daksh. Kavya took a bite and spat it out. "Who cooks such salty food? Are you trying to kill us?" she exclaimed. Daksh excused himself for the office. Kiara winked at her mother, having secretly added extra salt to the food to sabotage Shivani. Kavya pushed Shivani into the kitchen. "Go wash the dishes. Didn't your mother teach you anything?"

The Raichand family didn't keep servants, believing everyone should do their own work-or rather, to make their daughter-in-law do it all. Shivani completed all the household chores silently, with Kavya and Kiara making extra messes for her to clean. Exhausted, she finally went to her room and collapsed on the bed.

That evening, Daksh returned home and entered his room. He was shocked to see Shivani sleeping on his bed, her sari disheveled, exposing her swollen feet and part of her belly. His heart raced as he realized how beautiful she looked, even in her exhausted state. He felt a pang of sadness but couldn't understand why.

Daksh lay on the sofa, watching her as he fell asleep, thoughts of her filling his mind.

Please vote and comments guys it will really motivate me to write more.

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Aisha❤

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