I barely took in my surroundings, throughout the journey. My mind was a jumbled mess, everything was happening so fast that I hardly had time to come to terms with what was going on.
Last night was the most exposed I've ever been, and I despise myself for it. I had never acted the way I did until yesterday, my desperation for happiness turned me into a crying mess in front of a man who doesn't give a fuck about this marriage.
I have pondered upon all sorts of outcomes, scraping off all my plans and dreams I ever had. I have to force myself every second to accept this new surprise journey of mine. All these thoughts alone make my hands clammy, it's scary, this uncertainty.
I close my eyes, taking in a deep breath. It is, what it is. And there's no escape. Period. And why am I even feeling depressed at all? Love was never something I anticipated. I can't expect what I can't reciprocate. The only thing I merely desired was loyalty and respect.
I glance over at Abhiraj, his sole focus is on the road, fists clenching tightly around the steering wheel, and as usual his hard face on. It's just strange how we don't know a single thing about each other but are made to spend our lives together as husband and wife.
Giving up on my melancholy thoughts at last, I glance out of the window and observe how black it is outside—it might be two in the morning. It was already three hours ago when Ivaan went to sleep.
"We are almost there. My relatives are also there since Dadi's health is constantly detoroiting. I hope you'll be able to handle the situation." He says while pulling in a street barely lightened with street lights. It seems as if it's leading towards an open area.
I stare into his eyes through the rearview mirror. My anxieties were already wrapping themselves up in knots as my stomach twisted uncontrollably. How would they react to seeing me as their Abhiraj's wife? Will they accept me? Will they ridicule or mock me, as everyone I encounter does? I give a cautious nod.
As we pull into the driveway, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation filling me. The night has placed a spooky mist over the surroundings, I am hardly able to make out the presence around the place.
I step out of the car cradling Ivaan in my arms while Abhiraj unloads the bags handling them over to the servants.
And as my feet touch the ground, I look up at the haveli standing tall before me. Its grandeur is truly awe-inspiring. The Haveli has a magnificent structure, with intricately carved arches and balconies adorned with delicate jharokhas. The moonlight is dancing upon the walls, casting shadows that seem to whisper secrets of the past.
The haveli stands as a testament to the rich history of Abhiraj's family.
"This is my Great-grandfather's hard work. "
I look at him, his face is slightly rosy from the cold air deceiving his intimidating aura in the minimal lighting.
"Now who all live in here?" I murmur softly.
" My grandparents. Dada ji controls the entire village and a few others, which is why they never came with us. He did not have the heart to leave the politics and his people." He says, briefly glancing at my face.
"Ohhh," I say awkwardly. I'mma little weak in casual talks and responses. Let's say my ability to hold exciting talks has been severely impaired due to my introvertness if that's even a word.
"Come let's go in. It's getting cold out here." He points out getting a hint of my situation. On cue, a gust of find batters against me.
"You're already sick from the entire trip, so let me hold Ivaan." Even before I could object, Abhiraj takes Ivaan from my arms. Though he is right, my body is completely drained.
We walk towards the entrance, the sound of our footsteps echoing through the quiet night. The cold air hitting my face calms my nerves.
Stepping inside, I am immediately enveloped by a sense of warmth and familiarity. The spacious courtyard lay before me, adorned with fragrant flowers and a bubbling fountain at its center. The soft glow of lanterns hung from the walls, casting a soft, inviting light that danced upon the marble floors.
I take a moment to appreciate the intricate details that adorned every corner of the haveli. The haveli seems to be frozen in time, preserving the traditions.
As I walk further into the haveli, I can hear faint whispers of laughter and the distant echoes of conversations. It looks as if people are still awake.
"This place is beautiful. The whole ambiance is filled with tranquilness." I couldn't help myself but say out loud
"I'll show you around tomorrow."
Nodding, I move forward Abhiraj follows me behind. I try not to stumble sensing his watchful eyes on my every step.
"Should we meet your parents first?" I ask curiously, slightly turning my head towards him.
"No need, I have already messaged them. We'll directly go to my room." My shoulders relax hearing his words. Even I don't have the energy to meet anyone, at this point, I am so tired that I can fall asleep on the floor itself.
"There, my room is upstairs." He mutters, pointing across the hall towards the stairs.
_______________________
As I lay peacefully in bed, in a deep slumber, a sudden loud knock on the door jolts me awake from my sleep. Blank and disoriented, I switch on the lamp glancing at Abhiraj, who is also stirring from his sleep.
"Who's there at the door at this time of the hour?" He grunts in annoyance. I give him a puzzled look, equally confused.
He rises from the bed, his footsteps echoing through the room as he makes his way to the door.
I can feel my heart racing, a mix of curiosity and concern flooding my mind. I get down from the bed and move towards Abhiraj, thankfully I am in decent clothes.
As Abhiraj opens the door, his brother Arjun stands there, his face etched with sorrow.
The atmosphere instantly changes, and a heavy sense of foreboding fills the room.
"What's going on, Arjun?" Abhiraj asks, his voice trembling with uneasiness.
"I'm so sorry, Bhai. Our grandmother has passed away."Arjun's voice is filled with sadness as he delivers the devastating news.
Time seems to stand still as those words hang in the air, the weight of words sinking into our hearts. Grief washes over us, and emotions swirl within me like a turbulent storm. Though I never had the chance to meet Abhiraj's grandmother, I can understand the pain and loss he is experiencing after learning the news.
Tears well up in my eyes, and I reach for Abhiraj's hand, trying to offer comfort and support.
"You both come down. Till then I'll take care of the arrangements to be made for the funeral." With that Arjun left.
I look at Abhiraj only to get struck by the heaviness of the emotions. His face has turned pale, his eyes welling up with tears. I immediately tighten my hold on his hands, as I felt them turning cold.
"Abhiraj," I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion, "I can't even begin to imagine how you're feeling right now. But please know that your family is here for you, to share your grief."
" She's gone. "
" Ishika," his voice fills with anguish, he looks around the room, "she was the pillar of our family, one of the few people I immensely loved. And now she's no more."
" I am sorry. " Tears slip down my cheeks, my hands trembling in his grasp.
He clears his throat. "We should go down. I have to look after the funeral preparations." And in a jiff, he pulls himself back together.
"Ishika," I look up at him to find his eyes blank. " My extended family will be present downstairs. Many of them were not invited to our marriage. They might pass some negative comments, but please don't take them to your heart. " Hearing the words I can't help but feel a pang of anxiety. I've always been aware of my short height and average appearance, and I have always worried about how I'll be received by Abhiraj's extended family. But this is a vulnerable moment, and I don't know how I am going to deal with it.
"Of course." I give him a tight smile. What else I could say?
The next few hours that followed were a blur of funeral preparations and tearful gatherings. As Abhiraj and his dad followed the rituals, their family mourned his grandmother's passing.
It's a bittersweet time, as I listen to the stories and try to piece together the image of a woman I never had the chance to meet.
As the funeral ceremony begins, in the morning. I get surrounded by Abhiraj's relatives.
Whispers and glances are thrown at me, and I can sense some judgment in the air. My heart sinks, but I try to maintain composure, reminding myself that this is a time for mourning and support. At least they aren't aiming them on my face.
Just as I'm about to leave for the kitchen, Abhiraj's bua ji comes to me.
"Beta where are you going? Come sit with us. There are other people to do the work. Even though the situation isn't the most pleasant one for the first meeting, at least we can talk a little and know about you."
" Okey. " I give her my compliance reluctantly.
We go to the living area where a group of ladies are sitting together gossiping about God knows what. Dread fills me realizing the situation I have got myself into.
I sit on the sofa along with Bua Ji, attracting the focus of every lady present in the hall.
"Beta ji you are the wife of our Abhiraj, Right?" One of the distant relatives of my husband asks.
" Yes."
" If you don't mind me asking, how did your family agree for our son? Don't take it your heart but if the daughters have average looks and dark skin, parents are a bit reluctant to get them married to a gora chitta munda (fair-skinned boy). I mean men are men. They might not say openly but they do desire to have a beautiful lady in their arms as their wife." I stare at her in shock. No sweet words. No sugar coating. She is directly spitting the facts on my face.
Before I could reply, a lady whom I remember being introduced as Abhiraj's chachi interrupts," What are you saying Arpana? Who will want to throw away such a good rishta? I have heard Tejaswini Bhabhi was the one who sent this proposal to her family. Why will they refuse to it? Especially when they are equally reputed family in their area. "
" Exactly Bhabhi I don't understand what had gotten into Tejaswini's head when she agreed for her. No offence but Inna Sundar bache ki shadi kisse karadi( who did she get her handsome son married to). Dusky skin and short height, what did she see in her? "
I have no words. I am shocked seeing the audacity of these women. How are they passing these snide comments in front of me?
I blink back my tears and excuse myself moving towards a more secluded place.
These words have usual occurrence in my life but they still sting. I always brush it off with a laugh and say that I like who I am. But how long can I ignore the fact that it's not liked by society?
"I am disappointed." I turn around only to find Arjun standing near the pillar.
"Sorry?"
"I said I am disappointed in my sister-in-law." He asserts.
" Nothing new. " I mutter to myself.
" Sorry?"
" Can I know the reason behind your disappointment?" I asked simply.
" Why didn't you reply back to those gossip mongers? They were so rude."
" Umm... because they are elder then me? " I say, confused by my own actions. Why didn't I answer them back? Is it because they are Abhiraj's relatives? Maybe.
"Seriously?" He raises his eyebrows in question.
I furrow my eyebrows at his expression.
What is with these brothers and their faces? Do they really think they can intimidate anyone with there hard expressions?
"I hate getting stuck in a drama. And no matter what I say, they are not change their mentality. Then why should I waste my energy uselessly. " I don't know why did I say it, but I did tell him the actual reason.
"Well, that's the other way of looking at the situation. By the way, I am Arjun Singh Rajvansh. Your husband's younger brother." He forwards his hand in greeting.
I hesitated for a split second and then reached out to meet his hand.
"I am Ishika, your brother's wife." I smile goofily, returning his words.
He laughs at my words.
"What's happening here?" Abhiraj's voice echoes in the large empty space, making me jerk at my place.
"Introduction session brother." He says casually like he didn't just called me out at my silence towards his relatives.
"Done?"
"Yeah... I guess."
"Leave."
"Okey."
I bat my lashes at their interaction. My forehead furrowing in annoyance.
"What shit the ladies outside are talking about?" He enquires me as soon as Arjun leaves.
"That how incompatible we are and whose family made the wrong decision about this marriage." I blurt out before my mind could even filter out the words.
Warning bells ring in my head. Why are you so dumb Ishu?
"Did they say all this to you?"
"Maybe..." I don't want any drama tonight, please. This situation is definitely not the most suitable one.
"Come with me." His jaw locks.
As we approach Abhiraj's distant relatives, who have been particularly vocal with their taunts, Abhiraj takes the lead.
He addresses them firmly but respectfully, his voice carrying a quiet authority.
"I understand that everyone is grieving, but this is not the time nor the place for hurtful comments," he asserts. "Ishika is my better half, and I expect her to be treated with kindness and respect. No one under this roof holds the right to criticize her or our family's decisions. Let's focus on honoring my grandmother's memory together since that's what we are here for."
His words hang in the air, creating a moment of introspection among the relatives. Some lower their heads in shame, while others offer nods of agreement. The atmosphere begins to shift, as empathy and understanding replace judgment.
I don't know what he actually feels toward me, but his this act calmed down many of my doubts.
Throughout the remainder of the time, Abhiraj was constantly present around me.
To be continued...
Hello Reader's.
Sorry for being a little late , actually my viva's are going today also I had one that's why did not get time to update the chapter.
So how was this chapter?
Don't you think those ladies were too much?
And why Didn't Ishika react more emotionaly towards those ladies words, wasn't she too casual with it?
Next update soon. Though my exams are starting from 20th December. But I'll do give the updates.
Please👇