‼️IMPORTANT ‼️
Hey everyone!
If you've been following me on ScrollStack, you already know about the slight shift in updates. For those who don't, here's the deal:-
ScrollStack is currently five chapters ahead of Wattpad. The next update there will be Chapter 11, while here on Wattpad, we're moving to Chapter 6 next.
From Chapter 11 onward, the book on ScrollStack will become paid. That means Wattpad readers can still enjoy the chapters for free.
Now, here's how updates will work: I'll aim to post two chapters at a time on ScrollStack.
So you'll (Wattpad readers can also get two chapters a week) If certain targets are met (which I'll share with you), I'll update twice a week on wattpad too. If the target isn't reached, you'll only get one chapter a week-or possibly none, depending on the response.
So, keep this in mind as we move forward. For now, enjoy the current update.
इश्क़ का रंग सफ़ेद पिया
ना छल ना कपट ना भेद पिया
सौ रंग मिले तू इक वारगा
आतिश होया रेत पिया, रेत पिया
The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this charged, intimate moment. I could barely breathe as I watched him, my emotions swirling, mixing with confusion, gratitude, and respect.
Once the payal was secure, Siddharth ji looked up at me, his gaze locking onto mine. There was a softness in his eyes, for a second,something that made my heart skip a beat until it turned emotionless again.
"Perfect,"
I couldn't stop staring at him. Sidharth ji was still kneeling in front of me, his expression unreadable as he slipped the payal back onto my ankle.
My heart was a storm of emotions I couldn't quite grasp-gratitude, confusion, a hint of something that made my cheeks burn, but above all, a softness I couldn't deny.
Why was he doing this?
Just last night, he ignored me completely, making me feel like a stranger in my own marriage. It was as if my presence didn't matter to him, and that hurt in ways I didn't expect.
But today, this unexpected act of care, however brief and subtle, left me bewildered. I wanted to understand him to decode this silent support, but Sidharth Ji was like a closed book, and I didn't have the key to read him yet.
My heart fluttered in ways it shouldn't have for a man who hadn't spoken more than a few polite words to me.
My mind swirled with questions. The warmth of his hand still lingered on my ankle, a touch that felt more like a promise than a duty.
But a promise of what?
I wasn't sure. I looked down, my cheeks flushed, unsure if it was right to feel this way. There was a growing softness in me for him, a gentle pull towards the man who kept surprising me in the smallest ways.
It scared me.
When he stood up, his face was calm, composed as always, but there was a flicker in his eyes-a flicker that made me wonder if he felt any of this too. Before I could gather myself, he turned away and sat on his chair, and I was left there, staring at his side profile, feeling the silence stretch between us.
I wanted to say something, but the words tangled in my throat. My fingers nervously played with the edge of my saree, my mind still reeling from his unexpected gesture.
Why did he kneel before me in front of everyone?
Why did he choose that moment to step in?
His silence weighed on me more than his words ever could. He seemed so distant, yet his actions spoke of a closeness I didn't understand. I was still lost in my thoughts, trying to piece together the puzzle that was my husband, when Maa's excited voice broke through the thick silence.
"Bahut acha bana hai, Noor," she said warmly, her smile genuine.
"Yeh tumhara pehla din hai, aur tumne kamaal kar diya."
(The food is very delicious, Noor. It's your first day, and you've done an amazing job.)
I blinked, momentarily startled as I snapped out of my daze. The warmth in Maa's words spread through me, easing the knots of tension in my chest. I looked around, noticing the approving nods and smiles from the other family members.
Even dadi, who I have seen rarely smiling till now, seemed pleased. I managed a small, shy smile, my heart swelling with relief and a quiet happiness that I had done something right.
This acceptance, however small, felt like a balm to the anxiety that had been simmering inside me since I walked through these doors. It was strange to feel so seen, especially after the awkward start.
"Thank you, Maa," I murmured softly, lowering my gaze out of habit, my voice barely audible over the hum of conversation that resumed around the table.
The house was bustling with noise as everyone gathered now focused on completing the breakfast. I tried to focus on the conversation around me, but my thoughts kept drifting back to that moment.
I was still adjusting to being here, surrounded by such luxury, by people who spoke and moved like they owned the world. It was intimidating. I felt so small, like I didn't quite belong. Yet, there was a warmth to it all that I couldn't ignore, a sense of family I was slowly beginning to understand.
Suddenly, gifts started coming my way. First, Bua-ji handed me a diamond necklace, so dazzling it could light up a whole room.
Then came a designer handbag from Anu (Siddharth's cousins, sister & the only sister of Rajvardhan household), one of those fancy brands I'd only seen in magazines.
Chacha-ji brought out a pair of bangles, glinting with emeralds, so beautiful they seemed like they belonged in a palace. My heart raced, overwhelmed by the extravagance.
While my dever, Adarsh, brought a cute bracelet with my intimate engraved on it.
"Yeh sab mujhe?" I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.
(All this for me?)The weight of their generosity felt too heavy. I wasn't used to such grand gestures. My mind was in a whirl-how.
Could I accept these?
Was this how things worked here?
I nervously looked around, trying to gauge if I was doing something wrong, but everyone just smiled at me warmly. It was supposed to be welcoming, but it felt... intimidating. I couldn't help but step back a little, clutching the edge of my saree like it was a lifeline.
"Mujhe... main kaise le sakti hoon?" I hesitated, glancing at Sidharth ji for some sort of cue.
(I... how can I accept this?)
"Aapne itni pyari kheer banai hai beta. Ye to bas hamari taraf se chota sa gift hai"
(You have made such a tasty kheer. This is just a gift from us)
Chacha ji said. His eyes were soft like he was talking to his own daughter.
I again looked at my husband only to see that he was already watching me, his expression calm, almost unreadable. For a moment, I wondered what he thought of me-was I being silly?
But then, he gave me a slight nod. It was so subtle that I almost missed it, but it was enough to ease the knot in my stomach. It was like he was telling me it was okay, that I could do this. That tiny gesture felt like an anchor, something solid in this sea of unfamiliarity.
Taking a deep breath, I accepted the gifts with a small, grateful smile.
"Thank you," I said softly, still feeling the awkwardness but also a bit more at ease. As they showered me with gifts, I touched their feet again, seeking blessing.
I have seen my bhabhi doing the same. But at my house we didn't gift her the whole million rupee things but it was Maa & Papa who gifted them. This is how it happened in my house back then.
But here everything was so expensive, so... grand. I could hardly believe they were all for me. I tried to keep my composure, offering small smiles and nods, but inside, I felt overwhelmed. The luxury, the affection-it was all so new, and I didn't quite know how to handle it.
My fingers brushed the edge of the saree, feeling the delicate threads, while my thoughts kept drifting back to Sidharth ji. I took a quick glance of him to see him taking a bite of kheer I prepared. I was hopeful that he would say something, but that never came.
Just as I was beginning to feel a little settled, Sidharth ji's phone rang, slicing through the chatter. I watched as he answered it, his face growing serious. There was something about the way he spoke, low and urgent, that made everyone fall silent.
"Mujhe jaana hoga, emergency hai," he said, in his hard, manly voice slipping his phone back into his pocket. He stood up, fixing his shirt. His breakfast was half eaten, but it looked like he was habitual of this as there wasn't any emotion on his face.
(I have to go, it's an emergency.)
"But Siddharth, tumhe Noor ko Maayke le jaana hai rasam ke liye!" Maa quickly chimed in, her voice laced with concern.
(But Siddharth, you have to take Noor to her parents' house for the ritual!)
"I'll be back in an hour or two, Ma," he replied firmly, sparing me a brief glance before hurrying off.
(I'll be back in an hour or two,)
Maayke. The word alone brought a rush of warmth, the thought of seeing my parents again making my heart skip a beat. I couldn't help but smile, excitement bubbling up inside me.
I couldn't help but smile, excitement bubbling up inside me. I was going to see my father, I know it just been 24 hours bur still. I felt excited.
I gathered the gifts, one by one, trying to keep my emotions in check. Each item felt heavy in my hands, not just because of their worth but because of the weight of expectations that came with them.
As I took everything to my room, I kept wondering if this was what my life would always be-surrounded by luxury? My life which use to revolve around my small family & their need. My studies, dreams, but most importantly, my father, but now it was the exact opposite of what I have always been.
But I shouldn't complain, right? Because this decision is of my father. And even though I don't know how to feel this, I know the fact in the back of my mind that this was the action needed on time. Or simply my fate.
Carefully, I placed the gifts on the bed, each one more dazzling than the last. I couldn't believe all of this was now mine. It felt like I was in someone else's dream. Because for someone who comes from an orthodoxic background with a fixed budget to spend on month. Someone whose entire life was about rules & teaching. Someone who was taught to behave a certain way because I was a girl, this lifestyle wasn't in my dream.
As I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my saree, I noticed it-my neck was bare. I wasn't wearing the Mangalsutra.
My heart sank as Chachi's earlier scolding replayed in my head, her harsh words biting like cold wind.
"Kaise bhool gayi main..." I whispered to myself, guilt creeping in.
(How did I forget...)
I lightly touched the spot where the Mangalsutra should be, feeling a pang of regret. It was such a simple thing, but forgetting it made me feel so small, so out of place. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to shake off the sting of Chachi's words.
It was okay, I told myself. Mistakes happen. What mattered was that I was trying. And then, I remembered how Sidharth Ji had stepped in earlier. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to shift.
I was lost in my thoughts. There was a knock on the door, and Maa's voice of seeking permission came in. I was about to go to open the door, when the door creaked open, and Maa walked in, her face glowing with a gentle smile.
"Noor, beta, sab theek hai na?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with warmth.
(Noor, dear, everything is okay, right?)
"Ji, Maa," I nodded, managing a small smile.
(Yes, Maa.)
She looked at me with such kindness that it made my heart feel lighter.
"Noor, aab tum tayyar ho jao," she said, walking in with a gentle grace. She scanned the room, her eyes lingering on the Mangalsutra in my hand.
"Tumhe Maayke jaana hai na, pag phere ki rasam ke liye."
(Noor, dear, get ready. You have to go to your parents' house for the ritual.)
I nodded, feeling a mix of happiness and satisfaction. I couldn't quite put my finger on what was changing, but there was a quiet hope building inside me. Again.
"Ji, Maa,"
I replied softly, nodding as I folded the saree carefully.
(Yes, Maaji.)
She touched my face lightly, her eyes brimming with affection.
"Tumhare liye sab kuch hamesha sahi hoga, Noor. Tumhaare jaisa pyara bahu toh sabko milna chahiye."
(Everything will always be right for you, Noor. Everyone should have a sweet daughter-in-law like you.)
I nodded, touched by her words, grateful for the moment. Maybe this was just the beginning, a small step towards something better. I didn't know what the future held, but for now, I was content with these small moments of warmth and kindness.
Saying this, Maa walked out to give me some privacy to get ready. My own mother used to say that I will have mother figure like mother in law but still she again said we haven't seen the future & we don't know what they hold for us so be prepared for anything.
By which she meant my in-laws something, sometimes my husband. When she used to say that, I never paid attention because marriage wasn't on my list. But here I'm. Married at 23 with a man who is more than a decade older than me.
But is it going to make me put efforts any less? No. Because I have already promised my father to work this out & I will.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my saree. The delicate fabric hugged my frame, and I gently straightened the pleats, making sure everything was just right. My fingers fumbled for a moment as I picked up the Mangalsutra I had forgotten earlier.
Its weight felt familiar yet new as I carefully fastened it around my neck. I took a deep breath, letting the cool metal rest against my skin. It felt like a small reassurance, a silent promise I had almost overlooked.
I glanced around the room, taking in the space that was now mine, too. Sidharth ji's bedroom was exactly what I would have expected of him-every detail in place - no clutter, no mess. The large bed was neatly made, the sheets crisp and perfectly tucked in. The walls were a deep, calming shade, adorned with minimalistic art that spoke of elegance and restraint.
A few of his pictures hanging on the wall. In these, he looks very young but the same, emotionless. I frowned at the picture.
Is he like this from his childhood? Emotionless?
Everything had its place. Everything was in order, just like him.
The room smelled faintly of his cologne, a rich, musky scent that filled the air with a sense of quiet strength. There was a small study corner with a dark mahogany desk and a sleek laptop resting on it, papers neatly stacked beside.
A few medical books lined the shelves, their spines straight and perfectly aligned. Everything about the room screamed discipline and control, from the polished floors to the meticulously arranged furniture.
It was a reflection of Sidharth ji himself-commanding, precise, unwavering.
I noticed the balcony next, a small sanctuary separated by sheer curtains that fluttered gently with the breeze. Stepping out, I found myself in a cozy, private space that felt like a world of its own.
There was a jhula in one corner, its plush cushions inviting and soft, afeeling the gentle breeze brush against my face. It was quiet here, a soft contrast to the structured and composed world inside.
I ran my fingers over the jhula's cushions, feeling the softness beneath my touch, and let my eyes drift to the view beyond. The sky was painted with hues of dusk, and for a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to sit here in the evenings, lost in my thoughts, away from everything.
Just as I was settling into the calm, the door creaked open, and I turned, my heart skipping a beat. Sidharth ji stood at the doorway, looking as if he'd just stepped out of a dream.
He was dressed as he left, but now, the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong forearms that spoke of quiet strength. His hair was slightly tousled, and his blue eyes, sharp and focused, landed on me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.
I couldn't help but stare. There was something about him at that moment-his presence commanding yet so effortlessly put together. He carried an air of quiet confidence, like he knew exactly who he was and didn't need to prove it to anyone.
The faint scent of his cologne reached me, mingling with the cool breeze, and I found myself unable to look away.
He looked... different. He was striking, in a way that made my pulse quicken-a mix of sharp features, serious expression, and that hint of something unreadable in his eyes.
There was no denying the magnetic pull he had, even when he was just standing there, taking in the space, taking in me. For a moment, I forgot where I was, lost in the sight of him.
I blinked, trying to pull myself together, feeling my cheeks flush slightly under his gaze. It was like he filled the room, his presence wrapping around me, leaving no room for anything else.
I cleared my throat, willing myself to look away, but my eyes betrayed me, lingering on him longer than they should have.
I was behaving like a beshram
(Shameless)
Sidharth ji's expression remained neutral, almost unreadable, as if he hadn't noticed the way I was looking at him. But then again, he always seemed like the type who noticed everything. His eyes were fixed on me, which didn't move even when I looked away.
He took a step forward, and I felt the air shift slightly, his calm yet authoritative aura wrapping around me, making the space feel a little smaller, a little more intimate.
"Chale?" he asked. His voice was calm and steady, yet there was an undertone, a coldness that made me aware of every little detail in his presence.
I nodded, trying to find my voice as we started walking, feeling his gaze on me. The hallway downstairs was quiet.
As I stepped down, I took the bunch of my saree plates to walk down. The saree pallu was equally heavy, which was making it hard for me to handle & with jewelery I was wearing!! I tried walking down slowly, but my leg tangled in the heavy saree pallu, causing me to lose my balance.
Just as I was about to fall, Sidharth Ji's hands caught me. His touch was firm and warm, his fingers pressing gently against my bare waist to steady me. I felt his large hands, and my heartbeat skipped a beat.
The warmth of his touch made me shiver, and I blushed, feeling suddenly aware of his closeness.
He quickly pulled away, leaving my bare waist & adjusted the pallu, lifting it so it wouldn't catch on the stairs. But now, all my attention was on the tingling sensation on my bare waist.
This was his first touch.
The way he touched the fabric and guided me was gentle, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest.
I was used to handling things on my own, and this kind of attention was new to me.
As we continued down the stairs, I felt the pallu pulling heavily again. I was about to lose my balance again, but this time, Sidharth ji reached out and carefully held the edge of the pallu in his hand , lifting it slightly so I could walk more easily.
It was like he was walking around the whole house, holding saree pallu. And if the inner embarrassment wasn't much, I spotted Anu trying to pacify her crying baby. Her smile widened as she looked at us while I looked away. I don't know if he noticed or not, but the crimson red of embarrassment creeped on my neck to my cheeks.
His action made my heart race, and my cheeks tuned a deeper shade of red. The feeling of him jist behind me, holding it so I doesn't fall, was something I had never experienced before.
Coming from a traditional family, where such personal help from a man was rare, I was both surprised and touched by his actions. The way he helped me, so thoughtfully and tenderly, made me feel cherished in a way I had never known.
Each step we took together felt more intimate, and I found myself smiling despite my embarrassment, feeling a sweet shyness & connection in his caring gesture.
As we approached the car, Sidharth ji held onto my pallu, carefully gathering the heavy fabric so it wouldn't drag or catch on anything even after we weren't on stairs anymore.
The guard and maids watched us, their eyes wide with surprise. I felt my face flush red with embarrassment, acutely aware of their stares. The way he held the fabric made me feel shy, especially with the guard and the maids watching us. Their stares were making me even more self-conscious.
I wanted to tell him to let go, but I knew that if he let go of the pallu, I might stumble again.
Sidharth ji remained completely composed, his face serious and unaffected by the attention. Showing no sign of the discomfort I felt. His calm demeanor and steady grip made me feel both protected and awkward, caught in the middle of this maybe unspoken care?
I was left feeling shy and flustered, unsure why this simple gesture was making me feel so self-conscious.
He guided me to the car and opened the door for me. As I settled into the passenger seat, he carefully draped the pallu over my lap, making sure it was neatly arranged.
He didn't say anything or change his expression, but his silent attention made me blush even more.
After I was settled, Sidharth Ji closed the door and walked around to the driver's side. As he started the car and we began our drive, his quiet care and the way he managed the pallu left me feeling a mix of warmth and shyness.
His actions were making me confused. And even in just twenty-four hours of marriage, I know one thing.
That my husband was a mystery of some unspoken words which I needed to solve.
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How was it?
Siddy is my new crush now😭 Tedha hai par mera hai.
Thoughts about Sidharth? Noor?
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