Abhimanyu regretted the words the moment he said them. He saw Uttara's face turn blank. Instead of arguing, as she usually would, she turned around quietly and laid down on her side of the bed, sniffling.

Abhimanyu stood frozen for a second, not believing that he had said that to her. He didn't mean it.
He wanted to apologize, but didn't know what to say. She was really hurt this time.

"Uttara-", Abhimanyu started, but she held her hand out, signaling him to stop.
She raised her head, her eyes were red and puffy. "Now, I don't want your false apologies Rajkumar Abhimanyu", she said in a sharp voice. "I am not interested in what you have to say."

Rajkumar Abhimanyu?
She hadn't called him that since their marriage. She never spoke to him in this tone of formality. And for some reason, it hurt.
Abhimanyu wanted to talk to her, but understood that she needed her own space. He quietly went towards the bed and laid down beside her.

He stared at the ceiling, wondering how to apologize to her. He cursed his anger. He was wrong to have spoken to her in that manner. She is his wife, but he can't take his anger out on her like this.

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Uttara woke up early in the morning. She rubbed her eyes groggily and stretched. Her vision cleared and she saw her husband laying down beside her.

She remembered his words last night and couldn't help but feel angry. She had enough. Over these two months, she tolerated his annoyance and rude behavior, but not anymore.

She got out of bed, and dressed in decent clothes, before heading out of the chambers. She did have to go to the treasury today, but first she needed to cool down. She needed some time to herself.

She entered the vast royal gardens of the palace. She found the perfect spot to sit down.
There was a pond with fish swimming in it. It was surrounded by tall dense trees. A sight to soothe the sore eyes.
She sat down on the cool, wet grass and pulled her knees to her chest, and hugged her legs.

She sat there staring at the pond, contemplating her life, as her fingers subconsciously plucked the grass. She always believed that Rajkumar Abhimanyu had a good side, a soft spot somewhere, but now she wasn't so sure. She always gave him a benefit of doubt but this time he had crossed the line. She hadn't expected his words to hurt so much, but they did.

Being indifferent was one thing and what he said was another. Unwanted. That's the last thing any girl wants to feel in her marital home.
She was well aware that he hadn't accepted her yet, but being called unwanted was the last straw. She never expected him to be so inconsiderate.

She was lost in her own thoughts and self pity that she didn't hear footsteps approaching her.
"Bhabhi", a voice called. "You are here?"
Uttara looked up to see her brother-in-law. "Oh I am sorry", she quickly apologized and stood up. "I wasn't aware that you come here."
"Oh no worries", Srukriti said. "Usually no one is here at this time, so I was curious when I saw someone, so I just came to check."

Uttara nodded and sat back down in the same position as before.
Kriti observed her for a moment before sitting down beside her.
"Is everything alright bhabhi?", he sounded mildly worried. "Are you unwell? Should I call for the rajvaidyaa?"

Uttara smiled at his concern and shook her head. "There is no need for that. I am completely fine", she reassured him. "I just wanted to clear my mind before going to the treasury."
Kriti nodded. "Did something happen? Did Bhrata say something?", he questioned.

Uttara looked up at him, shocked. "How do you know?"
Kriti chuckled. "I know my brother well. He seems very cold and hard on the outside, but he is definitely soft on the inside."
Uttara frowned. "So calling one's own wife unwanted is considered softhearted?", she questioned angrily, not able to stop herself.
Kriti looked shocked and then angry. "Bhrata called you unwanted? I shall definitely talk to him", he stated.

Uttara widened her eyes and shook her head. "No Rajkumar, don't", she requested. "I don't want him to think that I am involving someone else in our personal matters."
Kriti was convinced. "I understand", he said. "But don't forgive him easily bhabhi. He shouldn't take you for granted."

Uttara smiled. She felt good talking about it to someone. They proceeded to have a lighthearted friendly conversation.

She was glad to have found a friend within her marital family. Suthanu jiji was there, but she was in Dwarka.
Kriti however, is going to be at Indraprasth.

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Uttara entered the treasury, still sulking. She sat down on her chair with a thud and started furiously scribbling the records on her parchment.
Draupadi watched her from afar, wondering what could have troubled the usually cheerful girl.

She walked towards her slowly and stealthily, but her powerful aura was making her presence known. Uttara looked up to see Mata Draupadi.
Uttara stood up hastily and joint her palms in respect. "Mata--"
"Putri, is there anything that is troubling you?", she asked worriedly.

"No Mata, nothing like that........", she started.
"If it was nothing, my putri wouldn't be looking so angry", Draupadi interrupted.

Uttara turned her face away not meeting her eyes.
Draupadi placed her palm on Uttara's cheek and made Uttara face her.
"What is wrong?", she asked concerned.

Usually, Uttara refrained from telling Mata Draupadi anything. But not this time.
"Arya..", she spat the word out as if it were poison.
Draupadi couldn't help but chuckle. Uttara looked at her, shocked.
"He is just like his father", she explained. "Arya Arjun was just as indifferent during the early days of our marriage."

"Mata, I can tolerate indifference", Uttara explained. "But he said that I was unwanted here." Uttara's voice sounded strained and tears brimmed in her eyes.
Draupadi smile faded and her face turned serious. "He said that. You don't worry, dear. All he needs is a good scolding from me."

Uttara shook her head. "No mata. Don't. I won't forgive him or talk to him until he realizes his mistake on his own."
Draupadi understood what Uttara wanted. She nodded her head in agreement. "If you say so, putri. Let him understand on his own."

Draupadi silently prayed for her son to understand his mistake and ask for forgiveness.