The Wedding Night

Meera adjusted her heavy dupatta nervously, her fingers tracing the intricate embroidery. The laughter and music from the wedding festivities still echoed faintly through the corridors of the grand house, but here in this room, silence reigned. This was supposed to be the beginning of her new life, yet it felt like stepping into the unknown.

Aryan entered the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. He carried himself with a quiet confidence, his suit still impeccable despite the long day. For a moment, neither spoke. Meera’s gaze flitted to the floor, unsure of what to say to this man who was now her husband.

“Hey,” Aryan said finally, his voice gentle.

“Hi,” Meera replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The silence stretched between them. Aryan, sensing her discomfort, walked to the small seating area by the window and sat down, giving her some space. “I know this arrangement is new for both of us,” he began. “And I don’t want you to feel pressured to… you know, act like we’ve known each other forever. We can take things slow.”

Meera looked up, surprised by his understanding. She nodded, managing a small smile. “Thank you,” she said softly. Aryan, let's be friend first, then we start as a couple.

Aryan looked at her eyes. She has a beautiful eye. He smiled at her. He liked the way she talked to him.

The night passed with tentative conversation about their families, their childhoods, and their favorite foods. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

The first few days of their marriage were a careful dance of politeness. Meera and Aryan treated each other with respect but maintained a distance.

Meera spent her mornings exploring her new home, getting to know the staff, and learning Aryan’s routines. Aryan, a software engineer, spent most of his time in his study.

One evening, as Meera prepared tea in the kitchen, Aryan walked in. “Do you need help?” he asked.

She looked up, startled. “Oh, no, I’m almost done.”

He nodded and leaned against the counter. “You’re settling in well?”

“Yes,” she said. “Everyone’s been very kind.”

Aryan and Meera started to have their coffee. He looked at her.

Aryan hesitated before asking, “I know you are missing your home a lot… But, Is there anything you miss from your old home?”

The question caught her off guard. “I miss my dog (Ayan),” she admitted. “I used to spend a lot of time with him. He follows me wherever I am going. I used to call him Chittu. I miss him a lot.”

Aryan’s expression softened. “Maybe we could buy one here. There’s plenty of space in the backyard and our house is also big.”

Meera smiled for the first time that day. “I’d like that.”

Aryan likes it when she smiles at him.

They were chatting for a long time... It was a great evening for them.

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