I woke up in the Oberoi mansion, my eyes swollen from a night spent crying. It wasn’t Shivarth’s words that had broken me—I’d long stopped letting his judgments sting quite like that. No, it was my own quiet heartbreak, the weight of all the expectations I’d carried into this marriage, only to feel them slipping away. I wanted to believe I could make this work, that maybe there could be a new beginning for me here, something real. But how could that happen when my own husband barely looked at me as more than a stranger? I had survived three years in NYC, building my strength, my independence. I reminded myself that I didn’t need anyone—not Shivarth, not this family—to find my happiness. Yet, the ache in my chest made it hard to believe my own words.
I dressed carefully, choosing a red saree that I hoped would give me some courage, some power.
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But as I descended the stairs and caught sight of Shivarth, dressed in a matching red kurta, my heart gave an involuntary jolt. He looked handsome, but to me, he was still just kaala billa—a man I didn’t know, and maybe didn’t want to know. Ignoring his presence completely, I steeled myself.
We sat down for the wedding games, and as the ring-finding challenge began, I pushed aside every emotion, focusing only on the game. Tradition said the winner of the seventh round would "rule the house." Shivarth surprised me by being unexpectedly gentle, making me question my earlier resolve to keep my guard up. After the sixth round, we were tied, each with three wins, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on us.
As the seventh round began, the room filled with cheers. Almost everyone was calling out Shivarth’s name, and I felt a small sting from the sound, realizing I didn’t have that same support. Everyone wanted him to win, except for Samaira and Ayaan, who rooted for me. With their small but genuine encouragement, I felt the ring between my fingers and pulled it out. Victory was mine.
Everyone clapped, and one of Shivarth’s aunts, his chachi, laughed and announced, “Ab Shiv aur is ghar pe Anaya ki marzi chalegi!” I wanted to feel triumphant, but her words only made the emptiness inside me feel sharper. Was I really just here to play the role of "new bride," or did they actually want me here as part of the family?
Then, chachi mentioned my first rasoi—the ritual of preparing something for the family. My heart sank a bit, and I leaned over, hoping no one would hear, and whispered, “Chachi… merko bas maggie banani aati hai.”
But, of course, everyone heard. Laughter filled the room, and even Shivarth smirked, a hint of warmth in his eyes I hadn’t seen before. I felt my cheeks burn, and despite the embarrassment, I couldn’t help smiling too. For a brief moment, the loneliness in my heart softened just a little.
Shivarth's pov I couldn’t meet her eyes. Not after what I’d said. The guilt was like a weight on my chest, heavier every time I looked at her. When she came down, her eyes were swollen, like she’d been crying all night. I’d done that to her. That realization was like a punch to the gut.
Then came the wedding game. I didn’t care about winning; I wanted her to win, to rule over me and this house. It was the least I could do, to let her feel that power—maybe it would make up for the hurt I’d caused, even just a little.
Later, when I saw her heading to the kitchen with Chachi for the rasoi ritual, I slipped away and called Vivaan, hoping he could give me the push I needed to apologize. He showed up with that annoying grin, and, of course, Samaira and Ayaan joined in, teasing me like it was their mission to make me squirm.
Then, she returned with a tray in her hands, carrying a bowl of kheer. I never liked kheer, but somehow, seeing her make it made me want to try. I watched her come down with that bowl of kheer, her hands steady, face calm, though I could tell she was still holding back emotions. Vivaan, Samaira, and Ayaan were around me, not missing a single beat as they nudged me forward.
"Go on, Shivarth," Vivaan smirked, elbowing me. "You’re not afraid of a little kheer, are you?"
“Or maybe it’s the cook he’s scared of,” Samaira added with a mischievous grin. Ayaan leaned in closer, whispering, "You know, bhabhi made this kheer just for you, bhai. One taste, and you might just fall head over heels."
“Shut up,” I muttered, but my face was probably betraying me because they only laughed harder.
Anaya walked up and placed the bowl in front of me, her expression polite but a little guarded. “Here, try it,” she said softly, not meeting my gaze.
I took a small spoonful, expecting the usual bland taste I’d never been a fan of. But the first bite made me pause. It was… actually good. A little too sweet, but there was something about it that was… comforting.
"Wow, Shivarth, are you blushing?" Samaira teased, leaning closer, her voice dripping with amusement. "Just say it’s the best kheer you’ve ever had and give her the rasoi present already!"
I shot her a look. "I’m not blushing," I grumbled, trying to brush it off, but I could feel the heat creeping up my neck.
“Oh, come on!” Ayaan laughed, his eyes twinkling. “You know, bhai, just one compliment wouldn’t hurt. Unless you’re too much of a coward?”
Vivaan chimed in, “For a man who can handle anything, you seem terrified of a bowl of kheer and a beautiful bride.” He winked, nudging me again.
I finally looked up at Anaya, who was watching all this with an amused but reserved smile. She was about to turn away, but I reached out, feeling a sudden urge to say something. "Thank you… for this," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Everyone went silent for a moment, and then Samaira burst out laughing. “Well, it’s a start!”
Chachi appeared beside us, grinning from ear to ear. “So, Shivarth, what are you giving her as the rasoi present?” She winked, adding, “It better be something big for a kheer this good!”
Vivaan clapped me on the shoulder. "Come on, give the poor girl something nice—and then maybe throw in an apology, if you can manage it."
I took a deep breath, determined to do just that. But right now, I couldn’t get past the warmth I felt watching her laugh with everyone, her face lighting up just a bit more. Maybe the apology would come… right after I found my voice.
