|| BOUND WITHOUT LOVE||🥀

part-6

[Scene: The plane lands, and Arav and Ishani make their way through the airport, carrying their bags. Ishani is still adjusting to the idea of being in a new country, her mind racing as she tries to process everything. The bustling airport seems overwhelming, and just as they step into the arrival area, something unexpected happens.]

[Suddenly, a beautiful girl with long, flowing hair and dressed in a stylish outfit runs toward them, her face lighting up the moment she sees Arav. Without hesitation, she throws her arms around him, hugging him tightly.]

Girl: (excitedly) Arav! I missed you so much!

[Ishani freezes in place, her eyes widening in surprise as she watches the scene unfold. The girl clings to Arav with a familiarity that makes Ishani's stomach twist uncomfortably. She stands there, holding her suitcase, unsure of what to say or do.]

Ishani: (to herself, confused) Who... is she?

[Arav, slightly taken aback by the hug, gently pulls away, a small smirk on his lips.]

Arav: (coolly) Hey, Sarah. Didn’t expect you to be here so soon.

[Ishani’s eyes narrow as she watches the two of them, trying to mask the sudden discomfort stirring inside her. She hadn’t imagined being greeted like this in a foreign place—especially not by a girl who seems so close to Arav.]

Sarah: (glancing at Ishani, then smiling) Oh, I didn’t realize you were bringing someone. Hi, I’m Sarah!

[Ishani forces a polite smile, still caught off guard.]

Ishani: Hi... Ishani. Nice to meet you.

[Sarah beams, but Ishani can’t shake the uneasy feeling as she looks between Arav and Sarah, wondering just what she’s walked into.]

Sarah's POV:

I spot Arav from a distance, and my heart skips a beat like it always does. It’s been months since I’ve seen him, and I run to him without thinking twice, wrapping my arms around him like it’s just us, like always. But as I pull away, my eyes land on her—his wife.

I knew this day was coming, the day I’d meet her. This whole arranged marriage thing he’s been forced into. But seeing her in person? It’s... different. She’s standing there in a traditional Indian saree, looking like she’s stepped straight out of some old-fashioned movie. Seriously? That’s who Arav’s stuck with? She’s the complete opposite of me.

I glance her over quickly, judgment bubbling up before I can stop it. She doesn’t belong in Arav’s world. Not in the one we built together back in the States. The way she’s dressed—so traditional, so out of place here—it just doesn’t fit. I can't help but think this marriage is as ridiculous as it looks right now.

I introduce myself, trying to keep the judgment out of my voice, but I can tell Arav notices. His expression shifts slightly, almost... guilty? As if he knows what I’m thinking, and maybe even feels bad for her.

For a second, I feel something strange—like I shouldn’t be so quick to judge. But then I remind myself: I’m the one who’s been with him all this time. Not her.

And a mentally smirk will appear that what’s gonna happen with her next.

Ishani’s POV:

Who is she?

The moment that girl came running toward Arav, I knew something was off. The way she threw herself into his arms, the familiarity, the ease... it made my chest tighten. I just stood there, clutching my suitcase, feeling like an outsider in my own marriage.

She’s beautiful, that much is obvious—tall, confident, effortlessly stylish. Everything about her screams “this is Arav’s real world.” I can feel her eyes on me, judging me. I can practically hear her thoughts: What is this girl doing here in her traditional clothes, looking like she doesn’t belong?

And honestly? Right now, I feel like I don’t belong either.

When she says her name—Sarah—it hits me. This is her. The girl Arav didn’t mention by name, but I knew there was someone. The way she looks at me, I can tell she knows about the marriage. But she doesn’t see me as his wife. Just some stranger who’s intruded on her life.

I force a smile, trying to hide how uncomfortable I feel, how small I suddenly feel in this airport. It’s not like I wanted this either. I didn’t ask for this marriage. But now I’m here, standing between him and a part of his life I know nothing about.

I glance at Arav, wondering what he’s thinking. For a moment, I swear I see something flicker in his eyes—regret? Guilt? But then it’s gone, replaced by that same cool, unreadable look he always wears.

Well, if they think I’m going to back down or disappear quietly, they’re wrong. I’ve been thrown into this life, but I’m not going to shrink just because she’s everything I’m not. I’ll stand my ground, even if it feels like I’m standing alone.they don't know what planned for myself.

[Scene: Arav's house. They step inside, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words after the encounter at the airport. Sarah waves goodbye and heads to her car, leaving Arav and Ishani standing in the doorway.]

Arav: (turning to Ishani, voice firm) She doesn’t matter now. That’s all in the past.

Ishani: (crossing her arms, a defensive tone) Why are you telling me this? I don’t care about your past, Arav.

[With that, she strides into the house, her heart racing, but refusing to show any weakness.]

Arav: (clenching his jaw, frustration bubbling to the surface) No one ever talks to me like that.

[He rushes after her, moving quickly to pin her against the wall, the suddenness catching her off guard. His grip on her arm is tight but not painful, just enough to hold her in place.]

Arav: (his voice low, intense) Listen, I don’t care how you act with other people, but you can’t be like this with me. I’ve been tolerating you since the wedding, and just because you’re my wife now doesn’t mean you own me. Got it?

[Ishani's breath catches, and a single tear escapes down her cheek, startling her. It’s the first time anyone has spoken to her like this, and it’s overwhelming. His fingers leave marks on her skin, a physical reminder of the moment.]

Ishani: (voice trembling) Let go of me, Arav.

[As he releases her, she picks up her luggage, her heart aching, the weight of his words sinking in. She retreats to her room silently, the sobs building inside her as she closes the door. Alone in her space, she allows the tears to flow, feeling the sting of reality crashing over her like waves.]

Ishani’s POV:

What just happened?

I close the door behind me, leaning against it as I try to catch my breath. My heart is pounding, and my mind is racing. I can’t believe he just did that—pinned me against the wall, talked to me like that. No one has ever spoken to me in such a harsh way, and I’m still reeling from it.

He thinks he can just assert his control over me because he’s my husband now?

I wipe the tear from my cheek, angry with myself for letting it slip. I didn’t ask for any of this. I didn’t want to be forced into this marriage, and I certainly didn’t want to be treated like I’m some possession he can command.

But deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that he’s right about one thing—I’ve been acting like I’m untouchable, like I can brush off everything he throws at me. Maybe I’ve been too stubborn, too proud. But I refuse to let him think he can intimidate me.

I’m not going to cower. I am strong, and I won’t be broken by his arrogance.

Taking a deep breath, I walk over to my suitcase, grounding myself. I need to remember who I am. I won’t let his words define me. I may be stuck in this marriage, but I won’t be a silent participant. I’ll find my voice, and I’ll stand my ground.

I will not let him or anyone else make me feel small. This is my life, and I will navigate it on my terms.

With newfound determination, I decide that tomorrow is a new day. I’ll face Arav again, and this time, I’ll be ready.

To be continue....