Tara's Pov

I was awakened by a loud, insistent knocking on the door-sharp enough to jolt me straight out of sleep. My heart thudded as I sat up abruptly, the unfamiliar room swimming before my eyes.

For a moment... I didn't know where I was.

My gaze drifted around slowly-walls adorned with flowers, the faint scent of marigold and roses lingering in the air. My brows knitted together.

"Where am I...?" I whispered, my voice dry, almost foreign to my own ears.

And then it hit me.

Marriage.

My eyes widened, the reality crashing into me all over again. I pushed the blanket aside and hurriedly got out of bed, only to wince sharply. A dull ache shot through my neck.

"Ah..." I hissed, pressing my fingers to it. Sleeping in one position the whole night clearly hadn't been a good idea.

But then-another thought crept in.

I froze.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, I turned my gaze toward the other side of the bed.

Untouched.

Perfectly smooth. Not even a crease.

My breath hitched.

That meant...

He hadn't come.

A strange feeling settled in my chest-something between confusion, disappointment... and a quiet, unspoken humiliation. I didn't even know what I had expected. Still, the emptiness beside me felt louder than any answer.

The knocking came again, louder this time.

I forced myself to move, gathering whatever composure I could, and walked toward the door.

As I opened it, Maa ji stood outside, her face softening into a warm smile the moment she saw me.

"Beta, why did it take you so long to open the door?"

I lowered my gaze instantly, my fingers tightening around the edge of the door.

"Woh... Maa ji, I was in deep sleep. I'm sorry."

"Oh, beta," she chuckled gently, waving it off, "there's nothing to apologize for. You are a new bride. It takes time."

I nodded silently, still unable to meet her eyes.

Then she asked, casually but observantly, "Has Rishabh gone outside?"

My throat felt dry.

"I... I don't know, Maa ji."

For a brief moment, her eyes lingered on my face-as if trying to read something beyond my words. But then she simply smiled again.

"Alright. Now get ready. Your first rasoi ritual has to begin."

"Yes," I replied softly.

She left, and I closed the door, leaning against it for a second longer than necessary.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to get ready.

-

I chose a light red saree-the only one suitable for the occasion. The blouse was slightly deeper than I was comfortable with, and it made me frown at my reflection.

"It looks weird..." I muttered under my breath.

But I had no other option.

So I adjusted it as best as I could, wore my mangalsutra, applied sindoor with slightly trembling fingers, and did a minimal touch of makeup.

Before stepping out, I pulled the pallu over my head... and then over my face.

Completely.

The world instantly turned hazy.

"Great..." I muttered internally.

I could barely see anything.

Honestly, I don't know how women manage this. And who even made this rule? If a bahu can't show her face to her father-in-law and jeth, then they should be the one to look away. Why should I walk around half-blind?

Hmph.

Carefully, I stepped out of the room and began making my way downstairs.

And by some miracle-or perhaps sheer luck-I didn't fall.

Though I came dangerously close. Twice. Maybe thrice.

Managing the saree itself was a task... and now this veil on top of it?

Should I hold the pallu? Or watch my steps? Or make sure I don't trip?

Before I could decide, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Beta, is everything okay?"

Maa ji.

"Yes..." I whispered.

No. Nothing was okay.

If I fell today, it would not be my fault. It would be this veil's fault.

"Go, beta. Take blessings from everyone."

I nodded.

Looking down, I spotted Dadi ji's feet first. I bent down and touched them.

"Bahurani," she said, her tone laced with amusement, "get used to waking up early. Your saas won't come knocking every day."

A faint smile tugged at my lips despite everything.

"I'm sorry... it won't happen again," I said softly, playing the role expected of me.

Then I moved to Papa ji.

"Always be happy, beta," he blessed.

This time, my smile came naturally.

I then took Maa ji's blessings.

"May you always remain suhagan."

A strange warmth spread in my chest at her words.

Just as I straightened, Maa ji said, "Go and take blessings from your Jeth ji."

My steps faltered.

Still, I moved forward.

Lowering myself, I reached out to touch his feet-

But before I could, a firm hand wrapped around my wrist.

I froze.

"What happened, Vikram?" Dadi ji asked.

"She is the Lakshmi of this house," he replied calmly, his voice deep yet composed, "and I don't let my goddess kneel."

My breath caught.

His grip on my wrist wasn't harsh... but it was firm. Grounding.

And for some reason, a strange shiver ran through me-from my wrist to the rest of my body.

I couldn't see his face through the veil... but my eyes fell on his hand.

Strong. Veins running across it like coiled lines-almost like a serpent.

Oddly enough... it didn't look unpleasant.

It looked... captivating.

Then, as if realizing something, he released my wrist abruptly.

The absence of his touch felt just as noticeable.

"Beta, come. Let's prepare for your first rasoi," Maa ji called.

I nodded and followed her to the kitchen.

-

Inside, I stood awkwardly for a moment, still unsure whether to keep the veil on.

Maa ji seemed to notice.

"You can remove it here, beta."

Relief washed over me.

I quickly pulled it back, inhaling deeply as if I had been holding my breath all this while.

"Finally..." I thought.

She asked me what I could cook, and after I told her, she arranged everything for me.

Slowly, I began.

Cooking had always been something I found comfort in. And today... I needed that comfort more than ever.

Time passed.

About an hour later, the sweet dish was ready.

Even I had to admit-the aroma was rich, inviting... almost perfect.

Maa ji walked in, already praising it before even tasting.

"Wah, beta... it smells so good."

A small, genuine smile formed on my lips.

As instructed, I first offered it to God, then plated it for the family.

Pulling the veil over my face again, I carried the tray to the dining area.

One by one, I served everyone.

Then Dadi ji spoke, "Where is Rishabh?"

Silence.

Thick. Noticeable.

For three seconds, no one spoke.

Then Papa ji said casually, "He must have gone out. You know, Maa... he came to the village after years. Probably went to meet friends."

Dadi ji sighed, accepting it.

But inside me... something tightened.

What kind of person is he?

He got married... and just left? Without even informing?

He hadn't even met me once.

Not even once.

"Irresponsible..." I muttered internally.

Dadi ji took the first bite.

I couldn't see her expression through the veil.

She stayed silent.

My heart dropped slightly.

If it was bad... she would've said something, right?

Then slowly, others began tasting.

And compliments followed.

"It's really good."

"Very tasty."

"Perfect sweetness."

Relief washed over me like a soft wave.

Dadi ji simply nodded.

Papa ji smiled.

Maa ji looked proud.

And...

Jeth ji said nothing.

Not a word.

A small knot formed in my chest again.

Did he not like it?

Before I could think further, Dadi ji called me forward.

I stepped closer, a little nervous.

She handed me two golden bangles.

"For you."

My eyes softened.

"Thank you..." I whispered, taking her blessings.

Then Papa ji gave me an envelope.

I held it carefully, not daring to open it.

Maa ji gifted me a necklace set.

I thanked her too.

And then...

It was him.

My steps felt heavier as I approached.

He hadn't even said anything... so why would he give me anything?

But he stood up.

And walked toward me.

My grip tightened unconsciously.

He stopped right in front of me.

Then, without a word, he reached into his pocket... and took out a pair of anklets.

Delicate. Beautiful.

I blinked in surprise.

"This is from me," he said.

That's it.

Just that.

No expression. No praise.

Nothing.

A strange mix of emotions swirled inside me.

I wanted to ask-

If you didn't like the food... then why this gift?

I wanted to refuse.

Because somehow... I felt like I didn't deserve it.

But my hands wouldn't move.

My voice wouldn't come out.

I just stood there... frozen.

Then Maa ji placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

A silent encouragement.

Gathering a little courage, I slowly extended my hand.

He placed the anklets on my palm.

Our fingers didn't touch this time.

And before I could even look up-

He turned.

And left.

Just like that.

Leaving me standing there... stunned, confused...

And strangely aware of a silence that felt heavier than words.