His Little Wife rituals

author..

To be continued

Early Mornin

Anvika getting ready in her room

Sunita Sharma (fl mom)

Avnika, come! Look how beautiful this saree is — you’ll look just like a bride!*excitedly*

Anvika Sharma

Ji, Maa*nervously*

She clutches the edge of the yellow saree, the weight of the gold embroidery heavy in her hands

Anvika Sharma

**Is this what I’m supposed to want? I feel like a guest at my own life…**

Anvika Sharma

Anvika Sharma

*Looking herself in the mirror*

Raichand Haveli

The Ceremony Begins

Guests crowd around, the priest chanting. Avnika and Rivan sit beside each other, eyes not meeting.

Vandana Raichand(ml mom)

She looks like a doll, doesn’t she? So obedient.*softly*

Kamini Raichand(ml aunt)

Obedience can’t hide weakness. Beauty fades. A wife must handle things. Not just sit and nod.*loud enough to be heard*

Vandana Raichand(ml mom)

She’ll learn. She’s young*tight smile*

Kamini Raichand(ml aunt)

Mmm. Let’s just hope she learns fast..

Post Ceremony

Rivan Pulls Avnika Aside

Rivan Raichand

You looked beautiful. But stop being so nervous — it irritates me*touches her cheeks*

Anvika Sharma

I… I wasn’t trying to—

Rivan Raichand

You’re mine now. You don’t have to try. Just do what I say. Always.*stares at her*

Anvika Sharma

Jii.. *swallowing*

Rivan Raichand

If someone tries to poison you against me… don’t listen. Not even my family*holding her chin*

Anvika Sharma

Poison…?*confused*

Rivan Raichand

Just remember what I said.

Rivan Raichand

*left from there*

after few days

The Courtyard- Haldi ceremony begins

The women gather, dressed in bright yellows and reds. Traditional songs play. Avnika sits quietly, eyes lowered, as turmeric paste is applied to her cheeks.

Anvika Sharma

*picks a lotus*

Anvika Sharma

Kamini Raichand(ml aunt)

Avnika bitiya, don’t look so scared. This is a happy occasion. Smile a little — or are you too shy even for that?*fake *

Sunita Sharma (fl mom)

She’s just nervous. She’s always been like this*nervously*

Anvika Sharma

...*seeing them*

after haldi

An elder gives Avnika a kalash (sacred pot) to carry and walk around the courtyard — a tradition to test the bride’s grace and balance

village women

Careful, Avnika. Don’t let it drop. It’s considered… a sign

Avnika walks slowly. Her hand shakes. The crowd watches. Just as she nears the final step—

Kamini Raichand(ml aunt)

Look! Her foot—!*loudly mocks*

The pot slips. Clatters to the floor. Silence

village women

That’s a bad sign. Very bad*whispering*

Vandana Raichand(ml mom)

It Was just a mistake—*frowning*

Kamini Raichand(ml aunt)

Or a warning. Maybe she’s too delicate for this family’s weight. We need someone strong, right?*sweetly*

Avnika’s eyes fill with tears, head lowered.

Anvika Sharma

*tears flowing*

Rivan pulls her aside roughly behind the house

Rivan Raichand

You embarrassed me.❄️

Anvika Sharma

It was an... accident...*whispers*

Rivan Raichand

You think people care about accidents? They only remember shame. Control yourself — or I’ll do it for you❄️❄️

Rivan Raichand

This marriage is happening. But don’t forget — I can make your life heaven… or hell.*leans forward*

Inside the House

Kamini Raichand(ml aunt)

She cracked. Just a little. A few more pushes… and she’ll fall. Completely

Narayan Raichand(ml uncle)

We need Rivan to start doubting her. Once his faith shakes… we introduce our girl

Kamini Raichand(ml aunt)

Soon, our girl will walk into this house. Not as a guest. As the Raichand bride*eyes glittering*

To be continued

I Never wanted to be anyone’s bride. I wanted to wear a stethoscope, not sindoor. But maybe fate doesn’t care about what girls like me want. Maybe fate only listens to those who scream loudest. And I’ve forgotten how to scream.