HOUSE OF LIES

6

Nandani’s hands shook as Rajveer snatched the phone from her grip. She froze in fear, her heart pounding in her chest, unable to find her voice.

Rajveer stepped closer, his presence suffocating. “Who were you talking to, biwi?” His voice was low, but the danger in it made Nandani’s blood run cold.

Her face paled as fear tightened her throat. It felt like the devil himself was standing before her. “N-no... nobody,” she stammered, trembling uncontrollably.

Rajveer, calm yet commanding, settled down on the sofa, his legs spread apart as if he owned the world. He casually scrolled through her phone, then lifted his eyes to meet hers.

“You called your parents,” he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. “I know you don’t have the courage to tell them about our marriage yet. That’s fine—we’ll meet them soon anyway. But... did you call that good-for-nothing boyfriend of yours?” His tone sharpened, an eyebrow raised in suspicion.

Nandani’s heart dropped. “I—I—” she stuttered, unable to form the words, fear gripping her tight.

“What did you do, biwi?” Rajveer’s voice was steady, but the threat in his words was unmistakable.

Nandani couldn’t say anything, too scared to speak.

“Nandani, I’m asking you something.” His voice grew louder, and she flinched. “I promised I wouldn’t touch you without your consent, but don’t test my patience. I’m not a saint, and you know that. Why did you call him?” His voice was filled with anger now.

“I just wanted to clear things up,” she whispered, her voice shaking with every word.

“Clear things up?” Rajveer leaned forward. “What exactly were you trying to clear up?”

“I... I wanted him to know that I’m married now,” Nandani said, her voice barely audible.

Rajveer’s eyes darkened. “Oh, he knows,” he said coldly. Nandani’s world shattered. Her boyfriend already knew about her marriage... and yet, he had moved on, quickly finding comfort in another girl.

Rajveer’s voice cut through her shock. “Biwi, I may let this slide for now, but if I catch you talking to him again, I won’t be so kind. Next time, I’ll spank you so hard you’ll regret it.” His voice was filled with authority, leaving no room for argument.

Nandani’s mind was spinning. She couldn’t believe what was happening. Before she could react, Rajveer got up and walked towards the bed. “Sleep here,” he ordered, his voice firm.

“I don’t want to,” Nandani said softly, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, biwi. Come to bed,” he commanded, his voice rising. The sharpness in his tone made Nandani flinch, and she hurried to the bed, lying as far from him as possible on the very edge.

Nandani’s POV:

Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this? First, I get kidnapped, then forced into a marriage with my best friend’s brother. I suspected my boyfriend was cheating, but to know that right after learning about my marriage, he’s already with someone else... Nandani’s thoughts raced, and her heart ached. Why God? Why me?
Author’s POV:

Nandani lay under the covers, quietly sobbing, when she felt strong arms wrap around her and pull her close. It was Rajveer.

“Sleep, biwi,” he murmured, his voice deep and drowsy.

Nandani didn’t fight him. She felt broken, and somehow, in his arms, she felt a strange sense of safety. Her emotions flooded her, and she started crying again, but this time, it was quieter, softer.

Rajveer held her tighter, his embrace firm yet comforting. He kissed her forehead gently. “Just give me some time, baccha. Everything will be okay,” he whispered, running his hand through her hair in a rare moment of tenderness.

Despite everything, Nandani’s heart ached less in that moment, though her mind was still a whirlwind of confusion and pain.

They both slowly drifted off to sleep in each other’s embrace, tangled in the complicated emotions that bound them together.