Beneath The Storm

Chapter-4:A Battle of Willpower

  The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the thick curtains of the room, casting a soft glow. Inaara stirred awake, feeling the weight of exhaustion in her bones. She opened her eyes slowly, her heart heavy with the memories of the night before. She got up from the bed and saw that the bed was empty. She went to the bathroom

Inaara stepped out of the bathroom, the warmth of the steam still clinging to her skin. Her movements were slow, hesitant, as if each step she took carried the weight of a new life she wasn’t yet ready for. She made her way to the dresser, where the mirror stood like a silent witness to the transformation she had to embrace. Her reflection stared back—newly wedded, clad in a soft  deep red saree(picture above), the deep red of the sindoor she had just applied stark against her parting hairline. The color was bold, almost too bold for her gentle features.

She sighed, her fingers brushing lightly over the streak of red on her forehead. It felt strange, this symbol of marriage—binding her to a family, to a man, and to a world she didn’t yet understand. Her eyes lingered on her reflection, taking in the slight tremor in her hands as she adjusted her saree, her fingers fumbling for a moment. She tried to force a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

The room around her was vast, far too grand for her taste. The walls were adorned with expensive paintings and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. The sheer elegance of the space felt suffocating, like it belonged to someone else, someone much more confident, much more in control. Yet here she was, trying to mold herself into something that would fit.

She stood still for a few moments, the silence of the room amplifying the sound of her own heartbeat. Her chest rose and fell with a deep breath as she pushed away her unease. Gathering herself, she turned away from the mirror, her face now a mask of calm determination, though her heart still fluttered with uncertainty.

With one last glance at the reflection of her changed self, she whispered softly to herself, “This is my life now,” and walked out of the room, ready to face whatever awaited her downstairs in her new home.
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She went to the temple inside the mansion for her morning puja. As she lit the diya and chanted the morning prayers, she felt a slight sense of calm wash over her. It was a small comfort in an otherwise turbulent sea.  She whispered softly, “Kanha ji please give me the strength to face whatever comes my way.”

Sangeeta found her after the prayers. “Inaara, today is your pehli rasoi—the first dish you will prepare for the family. You must cook something sweet.”

Inaara smiled gently. “Yes, Ma. Sangeeta take her to the kitchen. 
The kitchen was vast, almost like a mini-restaurant. Inaara felt a little lost amidst all the modern gadgets and high-end appliances. She noticed two staff members waiting for her. Sangeeta followed her in, observing her carefully.

"Do you know how to cook, Inaara?" Sangeeta asked, a slight hint of concern in her tone.

Inaara nodded, her smile steady. “Yes, Ma, I do.”

Sangeeta seemed reassured. “Good. They are here to assist you. If you need anything, just let them know.”

Inaara turned to the staff members. “Namaste, aapke naam kya hain?” she asked politely.
(Hello, what are your name?)

The  woman replied with a smile, “Deepti, madam. Aur yeh Praveen hain.”
(And this is Praveen)

Inaara nodded. “Nice to meet you, Deepti ji, Praveen ji. Which sweet does everyone like here?”