हक अपनी ज़रा सी जान पे

तुझे पहली नज़र में ही दे दिया

तेरा कुछ भी नहीं मैं ये बोल के

बना सब कुछ मेरा तू बैरियाँ

बैरियाँ बैरियाँ बैरियाँ

बैरियाँ बैरियाँ बैरियाँ

I woke up to the faint light of dawn filtering through the curtains, momentarily fear clenched my heart, then it hit me-I was married. The realization sent a chill through me. Turning my head, I saw my husband lying still, his back towards me.

The memories of their first night flooded back, making her chest tighten with a mix of confusion and hurt. Why had he behaved that way?

He had ignored me completely. Not a word, not a glance. I was left to navigate the awkwardness alone, feeling more like an intruder than his bride. I tried to remind myself that perhaps he needed time, but it was difficult to shake off the sting of his coldness.

I turned my attention back to him, unable to help myself. He was undeniably handsome, almost like a Greek god. His cheeks were stubble, and I found myself wanting to trace the roughness with my fingers. His jaw was sharp, his black hair looked like silk, and his neck, partially exposed by his t-shirt, was veiny and long. His muscles bulged through the fabric, hinting at the hard work he must put in at the gym.

My cheeks flushed as I realized I was checking him out.

Hey bhagwan,

My admiration mingling was with the hurt from last night. How could someone so perfect in appearance be so distant and unapproachable?

Quietly, I got up, wrapping my dupatta around myself. I needed some fresh air to clear my head. I stepped out onto the balcony, the cool morning breeze brushing against my skin. As I looked out at the sunrise, I felt a mix of determination and sadness. This wasn't how I had imagined my marriage would start. I had envisioned a partnership, a journey we would embark on together. Instead, I felt alone, isolated by his indifference.

But I wouldn't let this break me. If he required time, I would give it to him. I have to be strong, and I was determined to find a way to bridge the gap between us, no matter how wide it seemed now. I don't know why he behaved the way, but I'm determined to make it work. To find the reason and cure it. I watched the sun slowly rise, casting a golden glow over everything, and made a promise to myself: I wouldn't give up on us. Not yet.

Sighing, I went back inside. I was a new bride. My mother had told me not to wander around like a lost puppy; it wouldn't look good.

Shaking off my thoughts, I grabbed one of my sarees from the top of the pile and headed to the bathroom. Before my shower, I put my mangalsutra on the small table beside the bed. It has some smudged sindoor on it. After showering, I got dressed in the vibrant red saree, the traditional attire of a newly wedded woman.

I stood in front of the dressing table, meticulously putting on my bangles, earrings, and vermilion that symbolized my new status as a married woman. As I adjusted my bindi and smoothed down my hair, I felt a sense of determination rise within me. This was my new life, and I would face it with dignity, grace & a happy mind.

Ready to go downstairs, I unintentionally glanced towards the bed and froze. My husband was awake, and his eyes locked onto me. His gaze was intense, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach and making me squirm under its weight. For a second, my heart stopped beating. This was the first time I ever had eye contact with any male.

I quickly looked away, my heart racing. Without saying a word, I turned to leave the room, but his voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Stop."

The heaviness and huskiness in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. I turned slowly, facing him but avoiding direct eye contact.

"Ji?" I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. He sat up, his eyes never leaving mine. "Come here."

My body obeyed his command instinctively. I walked toward the bed & stopped near the end, but I couldn't bring myself to look back at him. I thought he might finally address what happened last night, but my hope was shattered with his next words.

"What's your name?"

I stayed rooted to the spot, stunned. My heart broke a little hearing him.

Was he serious?

He didn't know his own wife's name? The realization cut deep. I had his name printed on my palms, yet he didn't even know mine. Slowly, I turned to face him. He was sitting up in bed, watching me intently.

His disheveled morning look made my heart flutter, and his messy hair seemed to invite me to fix it.

"I asked you something," he repeated, his hoarse morning voice pulling me from my thoughts. I tilted my head confused, then realized he was serious.

"N-Noor," I whispered. In the silence, my voice was barely audible, but he heard me. He took a deep breath, nodded, and looked away. Without another word, he got up from the bed and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Confusion and hurt mingled within me as I stood there, not knowing what to do. Taking a deep breath, I resolved not to let this moment define my day. I had responsibilities and a new family to meet. Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath to control my heart.

This is momentary.

I told myself. This is not the future. Every marriage has a little problem. It seems like I, too, have, but it doesn't mean I'll stop even before trying.

At least he didn't force himself on me like the men in my village used to. I have heard many stories of men raping their wife and calling it their right.

At least my husband didn't do anything. Instead of all this, he respected my parents. I have seen him touching my parent's feet. He never raised his voice while talking to my parents. I have seen my other brother in laws insulting their father-in-law always. Raising voice and looking at their wives' family with a very disrespectful way.

In this case, I haven't seen anything. On our engagement, I saw him touching my parents' feet. It made me respect him. At that moment, my heart skipped a best.

For me, my parents are my top most priority & knowing they got the respect, they actually should make my heart skip a beat. I felt something for my husband at that moment. My thoughts broke when I heard the shower turning on.

I sat on the sofa, not knowing what to do. My thoughts drifted to my mother, who used to pick clothes for my father. He would wear them happily, a simple gesture of their bond. Smiling at the memory, I decided to do the same. Maybe it would help break the ice between us.

I walked to his closet and opened the wardrobe. Hundreds of shirts hung neatly inside, causing my mouth to drop open in disbelief.

Who keeps this many shirts in their wardrobe.

Shaking my head, I picked the first shirt I saw-a dark blue one. I placed it on the bed with matching pants and stood there, unsure of my next move.

Should I stay or go?

He hadn't said anything about going downstairs together, but I thought it might be a good idea to go together.

But then again, there wasn't much good happening between us. If I stood there waiting, he might misunderstand.

Lost in my thoughts, I found myself walking out of the room, deciding to explore the house instead. Seeing the house for the first time in daylight, I couldn't help but admire its beauty.

It was as elegant and warm as his family. As I descended the stairs, I heard voices and followed them, hoping to find some familiar faces. I was almost at the bottom of the stairs when I saw my mother-in-law approaching. Her eyes widened when she saw me wandering around alone on the first day of my marriage. She hurried over to me, concern evident in her expression.

"Noor, beta, are you alright?" she asked, her voice gentle yet worried.

"Ji aunty," I replied, trying to sound confident.

"Wo bas, I thought I'd explore a bit."She gave me a reassuring smile and took my hand.

"Noor beta, what are you doing here and that too alone? Where is Siddhart?"

My mother-in-law's voice was low. I bit my lips, not knowing what to say. I stared at her, feeling the weight of her questioning gaze.

"G-Good morning, Aunty," I stammered, my head down and cheeks burning with embarrassment. I tried to hide it to change the topic, and somehow, I managed to divert the conversation.

She chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to cut through my anxiety.

"It's not Aunty anymore, Beta. You can call me Mom or Maa as Siddhart, Veer, Adarsh & Aakriti.

I smiled softly and nodded, grateful for her warmth. But before I could say anything more, she asked about Siddhart ji again. I thought for a minute, deciding to tell her I didn't know when I heard his deep voice from behind me.

My heart raced as Siddhart Ji's voice broke through the tension. She titled her head to see him approaching us. He was facing my back, so I couldn't see him. His mother face has s instantly a sense of relief washed over her. His presence seemed to melt away the awkwardness that had surrounded her moments ago.

"Good morning, Ma," Siddhart ji said and greeted his mother affectionately, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"I was just taking a call when she walked out."His voice rough, but with a hint of softness in them as his eyes were on his mother, she had been eyeing me with a mix of concern and curiosity, & then redirected her attention to Siddhart ji

"Ah, there you are! I was just asking Noor where you were."Siddhart ji chuckled lightly, but I caught the slight glance he gave me before focusing on his mother again.

"Sorry Ma, I should have let her know," I couldn't help but admire how smoothly Siddhart ji handled the situation, diffusing the tension with his easy charm. He acted like nothing really happened.

Nothing happened, actually.

I stood in place, looking down at my feet, feeling the weight of numerous gazes on my back. The light whispers and murmurs around me were drowned out by the thudding of my heart in my chest.

I felt a gentle hand clasp mine, and I looked up to see my mother-in-law smiling sweetly at me. Her warmth was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile back, even in my nervous state.

"Aab niche aahi gye ho tum dono to Noor, aap mere sath chalo. Kuch rasme baki hai avi," she said, her voice kind and reassuring.

(Now that you both have come downstate, Noor come with me. You still have some rituals left)

I nodded obediently, about to take a step toward her when a voice interrupted us.

"Wait."

My heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. Why did it have to be so...attractive? I bit my lip, trying to suppress the flutter of emotions that arose whenever he spoke.

"Maa, you go. I have some work with Noor. She will be right back,"

he continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. My name from his mouth sounded-different. My mother-in-law gave him a curious look but nodded and turned to leave, her trust in her son evident.

What about me?

I watched her retreating figure, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. The surroundings seemed to grow quieter, the attention shifting back to us. I finally turned to face him, my husband. His eyes, dark and intense, bore into mine with an unreadable expression.

I quickly tore my gaze away from him, not able to handle the heavy & unreadable expression.

He stepped closer, his presence commanding and overwhelming. "Come to the room." he said, his eyes same, emotionless making me finch. But truth to be told, he wasn't doing anything that should scare me. Or was he?

He swiftly turned around and walked to the room. I stayed in my place. The second sentence he said to me was this. Taking a deep breath, I, too, climbed the stairs.

I stood at the threshold of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. Siddhart ji stood near the bed. He invited me inside with a curt nod, his expression as unreadable as ever.

I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the room that was now to be our shared space. Siddhart Ji closed the door behind me and walked over to a small table by the bed. He picked up a small, intricately wrapped package and turned to face me, his face devoid of emotion.

There was no warmth in his gaze, no hint of the tenderness I had secretly hoped for one in my husband's eyes. "Here,"

he said, holding out the package to me.

"This is for you." I hesitated for a moment before taking the package from his hand. My fingers brushed against his, but he didn't react, his demeanor as impassive as ever. But on the other hand, my heart skipped a beat.

I glanced at the package, and my curiosity piqued." What is this?" I whispered, looking up at him.

"Open it," Siddhart ji replied simply, his eyes now on me, looking into my eyes. The pair of blue eyes that I hadn't seen before ever were focusing solely on me.

I looked away & carefully unwrapped the package, my fingers trembling slightly. Inside, I found a beautiful pair of payal, silver anklets adorned with delicate bells. The intricate craftsmanship took my breath away.

I looked up at Siddhart ji, searching for any sign of sentiment in his eyes, but his expression remained neutral. Taking a deep breath, I decided to ignore him & wear this one. Unknowingly, it was his first gift from him.

Sitting on the edge of our bed, I couldn't help but smile as I admired the delicate Payal now adorning my ankle.

Sidharth ji had given it to me without a word, his face as unreadable as ever. The intricate design caught the light, making it shimmer with each movement.

I traced the patterns with my fingers, feeling a strange mix of joy and excitement. I always have loved jewelries and payal, bangles & jhumkas have always been my weakness.

I was adoring them, the tiny bells in them when I felt an intense gaze on me, I glanced up to find Sidharth ji watching me intensely, his blue eyes filled with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher.

This was the same man who had ignored me on our wedding night, who had barely acknowledged my presence since, and who had only just asked my name today. Yet now, he had gifted me this beautiful Payal. I felt a swell of hope and a touch of affection despite his cold demeanor. As his wife, who has decided to make this out work, I accepted it wholeheartedly.

Who will deny these?

But this gesture, however small, felt like a crack in his emotional armor. I don't understand him. He is confusing to me. I looked up at him only to see his eyes on my leg, but he was lost somewhere.

But it was his gaze. The gaze he was looking at me with had me look away. A shiver runs through my body at the look, and I cleared my through.

"Thank you, bahut sunder hai ye"

I whispered. To which his eyes looked up at me for a second before looking away. At that one second, it looked like he was looking into my soul.

He just then nodded at me & walked to the door.

"Chaliye, sab wait kar rhe hoge"

Saying he stood at the door & then I noticed he wasn't wearing the clothes I took out for him.
________________________________________

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