The Silent Betrayal

16. Unknown Threat

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Taani was sitting in living thinking about her her life, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Karan’s voice.

"Hey, you Okay, you look so lost." he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern now, the playful teasing replaced with a softer tone.

Taani blinked, shaking herself out of her thoughts. "Yes, I....I'm Fine."she replied, though her voice lacked conviction.

Karan studied her for a moment before offering her a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry. Now this is your home too. Be comfortable. Gradually you will get used to this place."

Taani nodded, offering a small, uncertain smile in return. She appreciated Karan’s attempt to comfort her, but it did little to ease the confusion and unease swirling inside her.

As Karan turned to join Amaraya and the others, Taani stood in the middle of the room, her mind still racing. She had no idea what her next step was, or where she fit into this new world she had been thrust into. All she knew was that her life had changed, and there was no going back.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Archana approaching until the older woman gently touched her shoulder.

"Beta, tumhe kuch chahiye?" Archana asked softly, her warm eyes filled with concern. "Tum kuch pareshaan lag rahi ho. Take rest, you must be tired."

[Dear, do you want anything?, You look a little worried.]

Taani hesitated, biting her lip as she glanced around, not sure where she was supposed to go. She felt like an outsider in this house, even though it was now technically her home.

"Main...main bas soch rahi thi." Taani murmured, her voice shaky. She didn’t want to admit that she had no idea where to go, or worse, that she was too nervous to enter Abhimaan’s room.

["I...I was just thinking.]

Archana immediately understood her dilemma. The uncertainty in Taani's eyes, the hesitation—it all made sense. After all, she had married a man she barely knew, and now, she was expected to live with him. Archana’s heart softened at the sight of Taani’s discomfort.

Archana began gently, her hand still resting on Taani’s shoulder, "Main samajh sakti hoon ki tum kya soch rahi ho. Yeh rishtey kabhi kabhi samajhne main waqt lagta hai. Par ek baat yaad rakhna–kuch rishtey waqt ke sath ban jaate hain."

[I can understand what you are thinking. These relationships sometimes seem difficult to understand. But remember one thing – many relationships are built over time.]

She paused, giving Taani a soft, encouraging smile. "Both of you should give time to understand each other. And both of you have to give each other a chance."

Taani looked at Archana, her eyes widening slightly. There was a tenderness in Archana’s voice—a motherly affection that Taani hadn’t felt in a long time. She hadn’t expected anyone here to care about her feelings, but Archana was treating her like family. A lump formed in her throat, and she blinked back tears, trying to compose herself.

"Aap bikul meri taaiji ki tarah baat kar rahi hain." Taani whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

[You are talking just like my aunt.]

Archana’s expression softened even more as she cupped Taani’s face gently. "Beta, Abhi mera beta hai, aur ab tum bhi meri beti hi ho. Jab bhi tumhe meri zarurat ho, main hamesha tumhare saath hoon."