London

                                    

                                          
Samyukta's POV
It's been a week since I arrived here, and I haven't received any calls or texts from him, which is a relief. Plus, my brother arranged VoIP technology for my phone, enabling communication over the internet rather than through traditional networks. This makes it impossible for him to trace me.
Moreover, both of my families know that I won't be able to contact them often, nor will they be able to reach me easily since I'll be in camps in remote locations. Initially, they were worried about my safety, but I managed to convince them that the organization would take special care of us. I even hinted to my father-in-law that  Samrat bhai sa, has set up a security system for me. He was relieved and assured the family that I'll be safe.
The purpose of this exchange program was to create distance from him. I've made the decision to remove myself from his life entirely. This program is providing the much-needed time and space for me to move on.
It's painfully evident that he harbors jealousy towards his own family and holds a significant level of distrust towards me. He seems to believe that I have no genuine feelings for him and that I only married him for the sake of his family. How could he think such a thing? Doesn't he understand the importance of our relationship in my life? Is marriage something I would enter into lightly, solely because I admire his family? What if he doesn't reflect the qualities of his family that drew me to them? Would I truly be happy?
Unfortunately, I did fall into this trap of assuming that he would mirror the traits of his family. It was foolish of me to make such assumptions. I am solely responsible for the ruin of my own life and relationships. I deeply regret agreeing to marry him, regardless of any budding feelings I may have had at the time.
Marrying you is the biggest regret of my life, Abhimanyu Singh Rathore.
"So, all set for Istanbul?" Sakshi ma'am asked, appearing behind me.
Quickly wiping away the tears that had gathered around my eyes, I nodded and offered her a faint smile.
Currently, we were in the lounge of the Gynecology department at King's College. Ever since arrival, we've been undergoing training for the upcoming campaign in Istanbul. We'll be departing for there next week.
"Are you fine, Samyukta?" Sakshi ma'am asked, lightly gripping my right shoulder.
"Yes. Why?" I responded, a bit startled that she could sense my emotions despite my efforts to hide them.
"You've become so quiet. Last time I saw you was at your wedding, and you were all smiles, happy, and cheerful. These days, you seem as if all the colors have drained from your face. Is something wrong? Are your in-laws treating you well?" she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.
"My in-laws are some of the best people I've known," I chirped immediately, attempting to mask any hint of distress.
"And your husband?" her question pierced through me, plunging my heart deeper into despair.
"He's nice too," I murmured, my voice barely audible.
"Samyukta, if you don't want to say anything, it's fine. But you know you can tell me whatever you're feeling, and I'll be all ears anytime. Plus, this sudden exchange program—when I asked you to come over six months ago, you said you wanted to focus on your newlywed life right now and would come later. But suddenly you're here. All this..." she trailed off, her concern evident in her eyes.
"I'm fine, trust me! I really wanted to take up this program to improve my profile. Plus, everyone encouraged me. So here I am," I replied, attempting to reassure her.