Chapter 1

Jeevika sat on the mandap, her eyes distant as she recalled the whirlwind of events that had brought her to this moment. It felt like only yesterday when Abhiman had come to meet her for the first time. He had been calm and clear in his intentions, something that had both surprised and intimidated her. “I want to marry you,” he had said firmly, without hesitation. “I want a proper married life, nothing less. Just like the rest of my family, I expect us to live as husband and wife.”

His words echoed in her mind as he tied the mangalsutra around her neck, the weight of the sacred thread feeling heavier than she had anticipated. The pandit chanted his final blessings as Abhiman gently filled her maang with sindoor, sealing their union. “They are now married,” the panditji announced, his voice carrying a note of finality. “Go, seek the blessings of your elders.”

Jeevika and Abhiman rose together, the silence between them loud with the unsaid expectations that marriage held. They bent down before their parents, touching their feet and receiving blessings. Everyone seemed happy, and the house buzzed with the activity of celebration. The guests ate, laughed, and congratulated the newlyweds, but Jeevika felt strangely detached from it all.

Soon, the time for her bidaai came. This was supposed to be the emotional climax, the moment when every bride’s heart breaks as she leaves her family behind. But as Jeevika stood there, she felt strangely numb. The tears that she had expected didn’t come. It was only when she looked at her father’s kind, weathered face that her eyes began to well up. The thought of leaving him behind brought her to the edge of tears.

When she hugged her father, they both broke down. For a moment, the world around them faded, and it was just the two of them, their unspoken bond heavy in the air. Her stepmother came forward to embrace her, but Jeevika stiffened. She turned away, choosing not to acknowledge the woman who had always been cold and distant. She ignored her step-sibling as well, including the so-called friend who stood there, more envious than emotional.

Finally, she was led to the car that would take her to her new home. Abhiman walked ahead, exchanged a few reassuring words with her father, and promised to take care of her, to never let her be sad. It was a promise that sounded noble, yet Jeevika couldn’t help but feel uncertain. How well did they really know each other?

She climbed into the car, her mind swirling with exhaustion. Tears still fell down her cheeks as she processed the weight of the day. Abhiman handed her a box of tissues, his gesture more practical than comforting. The silent ride stretched on, and the fatigue from the long day, the crying, and the emotional stress began to take its toll. Without realizing it, Jeevika’s head found its way to Abhiman’s shoulder, and she fell asleep, her breath steadying in rhythm with the car’s gentle movements.

After some time, the car pulled up in front of Abhiman’s house. He looked down at Jeevika, still sleeping peacefully, her face soft and innocent in slumber. For the first time, a small smile crept across his face. “She looks like an angel when she’s sleeping,” he murmured to himself, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I can’t wake her up."

Without a second thought, Abhiman stepped out of the car, cradling her in his arms. He carried her bridal style towards the main door, where his family waited eagerly for their arrival. As soon as they saw him, the teasing began.

“Oho, bhai! Shaadi ke pehle hi joru ka ghulam ban gaye ho!” his younger brother, Veer, teased, his grin wide as he took in the sight.

“Bhai, I didn’t expect this from you,” his younger sister, Riddhi, added with a playful smirk. The rest of the family chimed in, their laughter filling the air.

The noise stirred Jeevika from her sleep. She blinked her eyes open, confused at first by the unfamiliar surroundings. Then, to her shock, she realized she was being carried in Abhiman’s arms, with everyone staring at them. Her face flushed red, and she turned to him quickly, whispering, “Please… put me down.”

Abhiman didn’t respond at first, his expression unchanged. He held her a little closer, ignoring her quiet plea. But when she looked up at him again, her eyes wide with embarrassment and discomfort, he relented. Gently, he set her down, but not without keeping her close, his hand still holding hers firmly as if to remind her of their bond.

The post-wedding rituals passed by in a blur of customs and traditions. Jeevika, though overwhelmed, managed to follow along as best as she could, her nerves making her more cautious with every step. Soon, the long day came to an end, and the elders announced that everyone should retire for the night. Tomorrow would be their grand reception, and there was much to prepare.

“Riddhi, beta, take Jeevika to Abhiman’s room. She must be tired,” Abhiman’s mother, Seema, said kindly.

Riddhi nodded and led Jeevika upstairs. As they entered the room, Jeevika was greeted by the overwhelming scent of fresh flowers. The entire space had been meticulously decorated for the wedding night, the bed covered in petals, the air thick with unspoken expectations.

Riddhi gave her a knowing smile. “Sit down, bhabhi. Bhai will be here in a couple of minutes.” She left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Jeevika sat on the bed, her heart racing. She clasped her hands together tightly, trying to steady her breathing. This was the moment she had been dreading. Despite everything, despite the wedding, the rituals, the blessings, this part of the marriage made her feel the most vulnerable.

The room was silent, save for the soft flicker of candles, and Jeevika waited nervously for Abhiman to return.

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