Unbinding Tradition

128. Between His Rage and My Resolve 🔥

Hey meri pyaari readers,

Before you dive into this emotional rollercoaster of a chapter, I just want to share a little something from my end. Writing used to be simpler for me-earlier chapters would wrap up around 2500 words. But as this story grew, so did my characters... and now, a single chapter stretches up to 7000-8000 words! 😮

Yes, I know you all love the detailing, the dialogues, the slow-burn moments and the layered emotions-but trust me, writing this takes a lot of thought, time, and emotional energy. From plotting every tiny scene, to picking the right words that reflect every shade of feeling-each chapter is a full journey in itself.

That's why your comments and interactions mean the world to me. They are the reason I stay motivated, the reason I go that extra mile even when I'm tired. So please don't just read silently. Leave a small comment, tell me your thoughts, even if it's just a line or an emoji 🥺❤️

So today's target- 200- 250 comments!

ENJOY!!!

By evening, the Min family had taken their leave, heading toward the Jeon-owned farmhouse a few kilometers out of the village, where Jungkook had ensured every arrangement was made with utmost care-cushioned charpoys, brass water pots, lanterns lit in every corner, and the kitchen stocked for days. After all, hosting meant honour.

Back at Jeon Residence, calm slowly settled. The drums had faded. The courtyard returned to its usual rhythm-children running barefoot, women gathered on woven durries, their bangles clinking lightly as they shared betel leaves and murmured small talk.

The men lounged in the veranda, sipping chai, talking politics and crops, fanning themselves lazily under the now-muted twilight.

After what felt like days of endless movement, Tae finally sat down beside Sumi. Her breath came slow and deep, her shoulders a little slumped. She rested her head lightly against the wall behind her, letting the rustling sounds of bangles and casual chatter fill the silence.

Sumi- You're exhausted, aren't you? (she whispered softly)

Tae gave a faint smile, nodding slightly. Her hand unconsciously cradled her abdomen, almost protectively, though it wasn't a conscious gesture.

From the corner of the room, Jasoda Kaki's voice rang out with mild concern,

Jasoda- Sethani, your feet have swollen badly.

Tae glanced down. Her ankles had indeed puffed up, her veins slightly visible under the pale skin. The tight knot in her lower back hadn't let go since morning, and her body was screaming for rest.

Tae only hummed quietly, nodding.
She didn't have the energy to speak. A headache was brewing behind her temples, and her lids grew heavy.

Yet she sat there, spine straight, hands placed gently over her lap. She knew her comfort would have to wait. A house full of people didn't allow a woman to rest-not when she was the Sethani of the house.

Just then, one of the older women, Chand Kanwar, stirred the air with her voice-nonchalant, but just loud enough for the intended ears to catch.

"What happened yesterday... shouldn't have happened. Not in a festive home like this, right?"

Tae's fingers stilled over her pallu.

Jiminee, seated on the floor beside Sumi, froze too. Her eyes flicked toward the woman, then to Tae. Guilt flooded her chest again.

Another woman leaned in with a soft tsk. "Auspicious days... such bad tamasha in front of the guests. People will talk, you know. A house's prestige... it's not easy to maintain."