A Bond Of Intellect

Chapter -1

A wedding was taking place. Two couples sat for the rituals, dressed in traditional attire. Riti, wearing a red bridal dress, sat beside Evan, who wore a groom's outfit. A pandit recited mantras. After completing the ceremony, they prepared to depart. Riti cried in her father's hug.

Riti sat in the car beside Evan, lost in thought. Memories of her parents' words flooded her mind: "Listen, beta, we want you to become a doctor. This marriage is for your own good. Your husband is a professor; he'll help you prepare for your entrance exams. It's a highly educated family."

Back in the present, Riti's thoughts swirled: "I agreed to this marriage for my family's sake, but what's next? What does my future hold?"
Her thought breake when
the car stopped in front of a big house. Riti felt very nervous. Her mother-in-law, Shivani, opened the car door with a smile. "Come, dear, we have arrived at your new home."

When Riti heard this, her heart felt heavy, and some warm tears came into her eyes. Shivani said softly, "No, dear! Don't cry. We are also your family now." Shivani hugged her.

As they entered the home, Shivani instructed, "Ruhi, take her to Evan's room. Go get changed and have some rest, okay?" Shivani gently patted Riti's head, showing loving care.

Riti's heart sank when she heard Evan's name. "Oh no! I don't want to go to his room. He looks terrifying, like a demon. What will he do to me?" she thought.
Ruhi opened the door, smiling warmly. "Here you are. Your suitcase is inside. You can change now." Ruhi left, and Riti took clothes from her bag and went to the washroom to change.

Overwhelmed, Riti cried, taking extra time in the washroom. Meanwhile, Evan arrived around 1 a.m., got clothes from his closet, and changed into a T-shirt and trousers.
As he heard noise from the washroom, he move to side to see and found Riti stepping out, wearing a long kurti with loose trousers.

Riti and Evan's eyes met, but she quickly looked away, nervous and unsure of what to do next. Standing beside the bed, she felt shy and scared.

"It's late, go to sleep," Evan said in his deep voice.
It was her first time hearing his voice,
Riti hadn't moved. "What's wrong? Why are you still standing?" Evan asked.

"W-where will you sleep?" Riti stammered, fidgeting.

"Of course, on the bed," Evan replied firmly.

"Th-then where will I?" Riti asked, scared.

Evan sighed. "Listen, I understand. I didn't want to  discuss this tonight since it's late , let me clear things, we're married now. Our mutual goal is simple: you become a doctor, and I'll teach you. We don't have a choice."

Riti asked, "Why share a bed if we won't...you know?"

"Because we're married," Evan said firmly.

Riti hesitated. "How can I trust you won't touch me?"

Evan's voice remained calm. "Even if I or you sleep on the couch, I'll still be in the room  if I want  to do anything then I can do even if i sleep at couch so I think it's better this way. Now, sleep. It's late."

Riti lay down at the bed's edge, covering herself with sheets. Evan settled in beside her, and they both drifted off to sleep.

In the morning, Riti's sister in law, Ruhi, woke her up. "I know it's early, but you have to get ready since you have to leave with Evan," Ruhi said.