She woke up only to find wet towel on her forehead.
And she sees him standing near the window.
She stood immediately.
And he turns to face her: you had slight fever. I informed my mamu. He would be here in sometime.
Tejasswi:ahm.. no it's not needed.
Karan: It's okay. It would be relieving then.
She did not reply.

Tejasswi:you did not sleep?Because of me?
He smiles:yesterday I told you commitment. I would do everything for you which is within me. Which is possible for me to do. And this is not any big thing.
She looks on.

Karan: between it's early. You should sleep and rest for some more time.
Clock was striking 6 in the morning.
Tejasswi:no. I will get fresh.
Karan:but....okay if you insist.

After sometime...

She looks at him, who was laying on the bed. He was sleep deprived.
After very long time she have slept for straight 6 hours.
She was really fresh now but obviously she did not wanted him to take care of her all night. She did not wanted to owe anything to him.
All she could realise now was, he wasn't the bad person. Unlike her father and brothers, he wasn't a dominating person.
But now for her, he was just an opportunity.
He was the only way where she could come out of the cage. But did not expect him to be practical person, whose thoughts lived ahead than the generation.

He could feel her gaze, he looks at her.
Somewhere he felt guilty. As he thought she might be upset about his past. He should not have been Frank with her. Anil always suggested him to not to speak over some topics which could be concerning. But he is sincere always, no matter what. But that's the only trait he has!

She moved wiping her wet hair.
His eyes travelled along.
She was wearing a lavender saree with collar blouse with the bell sleeve.
There was no doubt that she was gorgeous.
But she looks different in every outfit that certainly makes him want to keep adoring her.
She stepped outside the room.
Karan:wait.. she shouldn't be taking bath over the head, when she was burning with fever all night.

Karan's dadi who was cooking breakfast along with servants looks at her.
Dadi: tejasswi.. why did you come here?
She moved and bent down taking her blessings.
Dadi bless her:Sada suhagan raho!
When vinay's mother Madhuri entered:oh the new bride's here.
Tejasswi looks at her.
Madhuri:did the night go well.
Tejasswi:it did..
She answered just like that, no drama of blushing or any.
Everyone including the servants looked at her,she had a straight face.
Madhuri:acchi baat hai. Saal hone se pehle bacche khilkaari sun ni bhi chahiye.
She did not reply.

Dadi:Today evening many women's would come for the welcoming party, who could not attend the wedding. You and Divya should again get ready as a bride. And I don't know if your husband's would even control or not?!
She teased but it had no effect on her. Madhuri pours water on the glass and looks at them.
Dadi: Tejasswi beta...
Tejasswi looks at her.
Dadi:Did you feel bad? I was just teasing?
Madhuri: what's wrong in that? Maa ji. You are again on the helpless drama of yours!
Dadi looks at her:you don't interrupt when I am talking to tejasswi. Also it's nothing to do with you.
Madhuri angrily moves out.
Tejasswi:Dadi ji.. I didn't feel bad.
When dadi hugs her. She was surprised by it.
Dadi:I can understand. You might be missing you family. Being a woman, I can understand you so well. On top of that you are the only daughter. Then I am sure you family would in similar feeling.

But how would she explain that her family wouldn't even have about her except her mom and sister-in-law.
Dadi:once the program is over I will ask Karan to take you home.
She did not reply.

While on the other side.
Divya looks at her husband who was sleeping now. Being a talkative person, she thought her husband would talk to her at least for 15 minutes but he just pounced on her. He was into the sex other than anything. But he isn't wrong, he was drunk and was not in his senses.
She looks at the mark on her neck. She hides it by wearing a necklace.
Something was broken inside her. To be honest he was the beast she could ever witness. Her eyes welled up but smiles.
She shouldn't be thinking this but to the fact this was what Marriage is for.. to give her husband a pleasure always. And she is sure, he would be very good husband.
Little did she knew that this was just the beginning.

Later..

Every men were sitting in the dining while new bride's were serving.
Tejasswi served to Ajay. He smiles at her.
And she passed to vinay and served him the curry. While Divya was serving roti to her father-in-law Avinash and Dada ji.
Vinay looks at tejasswi. His looks derived he was lustful.
He intentionally moved a bit. And he moved his hands to hold her knee.
Karan who just then entered:Tejasswi. What are you doing?you are unwell.
He actually saved her from the bad touch.
Vinay composed. He was nervous what if he was caught doing this act?
He should get his senses.
Tejasswi looks at Karan And All other too.
He grabbed the curry spoon from her.
Dada ji:what exactly happened? I find no harm in her.
Karan :she was down with fever.
Madhuri interrupts stepping from the kitchen. With the ghoonghat:papa ji maaf ki jiyega. But Karan beta it's just a fever but this is our home rules that daughter-in-laws should serve it. You can't be changing our home rules just because of the mere fever. And also you are here staying here till tomorrow. Let her do something for the family. Waise bhi Kal tho tum isse le jaane wale ho.
Karan: It's not just the fev...
She grabbed the spoon from him: I am okay now.
He just looks at her. Then he felt the gaze of vinay on him.
While others continued with the food. And vinay burned in jealousy. He was feeling so terrible, he felt Karan was showing off in front of him.
While Divya smiles at Karan and tejasswi.

When all women sat down to eat the food. Of course after the gents.
It was also the house rule ooof eating with the husband's left over plate.
Vinay's plate were dirty.divya couldn't eat. While everyone ate.
Divya sees Karan's plate which was near.
Obviously she believed eating with husband's leftover grows the relationship but but still she couldn't eat.
Tejasswi noticed her. She slowly pushed a new plate for her. Grabbed the plate.
Since Madhuri was busy talking with dadi. They did not notice.
And Tejasswi hid the  vinay's used plate under the chair next to her.
Divya looks at her. While tejasswi was eating like nothing happened and she served on to herself and ate it. Divya had a smile on her face. She was genuinely happy with the thought that someone really understood her.

When they were taking the utensils inside the kitchen.
Tejasswi stops with her steps.
Madhuri:did you see maa sa.It was not even a day Karan is already under her fist. I felt so shameful.
Dadi just smiled sipping a tea. It was many years, first time in her life she was witnessing a man respecting his wife, especially in this house. And how would she explain her dumb head daughter-in-law that it was basic right a women wants to feel.its also impossible to explain her, since her head is filled with grass instead of brain.

Divya placed her hand over Tejasswi's arm and smiled when tejasswi looked at her.

***

Divya and tejasswi were in terrace.
When Divya sees Karan who was talking with Ajay.
Divya:See Karan bhai sa is here. He is talking to Ajay bhai sa.
Tejasswi was looking at the flower tree which had bloomed many flowers. And some branches were falling over the terrace.
She sees him.thats when he looked at her.
He smiles at her.
Divya looks at them. She really felt to take off the evil eyes. Unaware of the fact that they already had one and it was none other than her husband.

Ajay teases him:bhaiyya. Nazar lag jayegi.
Karan looks at him.
Ajay:bhabhi ko.
Karan playfully raises his hand on him.

Karan:between where is Sanjay?
Ajay:sleeping like a dead
Karan smiles nodding his head:I never thought he would at least come to the wedding.
Ajay:I can assure it was your wedding too along with vinay bhaiyya's that why he came.and funny thing is he was looking around like if he don't know anyone.

Divya: Tejasswi.. you will be leaving tomorrow. I don't know why bhaiyya is so desperate to go tomorrow. Al least you could stay here for a week.
Tejasswi looks at her.
Divya:but promise me that you will meet me frequently.
She smiles a little promising her.

Karan sees Anil entering:where were you?
Anil:Sorry sorry.. I was caught up with some emergency patient. How's tejasswi?
Karan: she's fine as of now. Rest you should tell me!
Anil:okay.

***

Anil was testing tejasswi while dadi, Karan, divya and Ajay were standing there.
Ajay looks at Divya. Who was looking at Tejasswi.
She turns to him.
Ajay bend his head with a smile.
And she smiles back at him while fixing her dupatta on the head.

Anil: Tejasswi beta... Don't you eat well?
She did not reply
Anil:you do have mild fever. But you are very weak.you should eat well.
He turns to Karan:Karan from now on you should watch over her.
He felt the gaze of Divya and looks at her. Who was smiling at him. He smiles back.
Anil looks at Karan:are you even listening.
Karan:I am listening.

Dadi:I didn't understand when you came to me at morning. You should have told me that you were unwell.
Tejasswi sits.
Dadi:Karan at least you could have told me.
Karan:Sorry dadi.

Anil:take these tablets now.okay.
Dadi:Anil ji.. did you have breakfast?
Anil:Yes I did. But if you serve someone for me. I won't say no.
Dadi laughs:of course why not..?you are always welcome for that.
Anil moves following Dadi.
While Divya was about to step out but was blocked because Ajay was about to step out too.
She stepped back giving him the space.
While he smiles and dramatically move his hand ahead signing her to move first.
And she laughed seeing his action.
He turns to Karan and smiles moving out.

Karan gives her tablets.
She takes it.
Karan: you don't take food properly?
She did not reply.
Karan: it's okay I can't be asking you this now.

He suddenly asked:something is bothering you right?
She looks at him while sipping the water but controlled her inner emotions. He looks at her, but he didn't knew she was good in controlling her feelings.
Karan:you can tell me anything anytime.okay? So it doesn't mean you tell me now. Take your time.
And you rest for sometime. I will go meet mamu and come back.
He caressed her head and stepped out.
She wiped her tears which rolled down her cheeks.

***

Divya:Vinay ji... Can we gift something to Karan bhaiyya and tejasswi bhabhi?
Vinay looks at her:why?
Divya:they are going tomorrow. And I really get along with Tejasswi. She is so kind. So I want to gift them to making it memorable for them.
Vinay: there's no need for it.
Divya:Please please vinay ji. I really want to do it.
Vinay: Don't act like this in front of me. You are a grown woman and acting like a 5 year old.
She got silent. Something really hurt her.
Vinay:listen I am letting you off now, from next time I won't able to tolerate your such action!
He stormed out.

***

Both Tejasswi and Divya were sitting wearing a lehenga.
While the ladies there passing the comments. Like who has the good figure. Who had fair skin. Whose hair were pretty. Who had the bad body personality.Etc etc etc

Tejasswi didn't bother any of it.
While Divya was getting affected by it. She felt like both of them were kept for the sale.
Where as vinay didn't care what those ladies were praising about Divya.
But only could listen good things about Tejasswi.

While Karan was away from the home with Ajay and Sanjay. They were going in a car together.
Sanju: it's been so long time. That I am feeling awkward to even sit with you.
Karan:Shut up. You made this situation.
Ajay who was resting in back seat:but where are we going. We could have got vinay along.
Both turns:Shut up.
Ajay accepts:okay. I am Shutting up.

Karan:there was function at home. Where are you taking us?
Sanju who was driving turns to him:planning for some adventure tomorrow along with bhabhi's.
Karan:why I am going with you then?
Sanju:who will spend the money?
Karan looks at him:ohh..
Ajay:but why I am going along?
Sanju:I would need a labourer!!!
Ajay smack him from back:I am not going to do anything. I was very curious. What and all the ladies would comment today.
Karan turns to him realising,despite he told her he is going out.but this could make her feel alone.
Karan:hey ... Does this going to be serious.
Ajay:remember when our cousin Ram bhaiyya got married. Ladies at this particular function didn't leave a chance to taunt the new bride. So I was curious, because this time both the bhabhi's are pretty on their own way. But still what kind of remark they will make!!
Karan:I shouldn't be here then.
Sanju:no I can't let you go.
Karan: Tejasswi is already unwell.
Ajay:by now it would be all over. It's 8PM already.
Karan:ohh..
Sanju:I will apologise bhabhi for taking her husband along with me. Then we can have formal introduction as well.

***

Tejasswi was removing the jewelry.
And someone knocks.
She turns to find Sanju and Ajay.
Ajay:Can we come in.
They enters inside.
While Sanju had 2 types of flower bouquet.
Sanju:since I came here first you get to choose.
Tejasswi just looks at the bouquet.
Sanju:I am Sanjay and you can call me Sanju. Since I look similar to the new hero Sanjay dutt.
Ajay looks at him:Can you stop praising yourself?
Sanju:Yeh jal gaya. Don't listen to him.
He passes her a bouquet:Since you can't decide.

Ajay:bhabhi. I want to clear one thing. Till tomorrow you will see him and rest you won't find him. He goes invisible then 3 or 6 months you will see him.
Sanjay:you don't have to introduce me like that. Between for words we Ram, lakshman, Bharat and shatrugan.but you can only find Ram and lakshman.
Ajay:who are you referring as lakshman.
Sanju:myself.i can be your lakshman devar. Baaki dho duryodhan aur dushasan hai.
Karan hits him from behind:Shut up. That's a bad joke.
Ajay:the one who always lives out says he is lakshman. Can there be anymore good joke?
Tejasswi just looks at them. They had good bonding.
Karan:now don't disturb her move out.

Sanju:ok ok bye. Between bhabhi get ready sharp at 10 in the morning tomorrow.
Karan:okay bro..now go.
Sanju:he is so desperate to send us out.
Ajay: let's go.
Sanju:but I pity the girl whom you will marry.
Ajay:why so?
Sanju:just look at your face.
Ajay:you don't be jealous about my face.

Karan: that's Sanjay, he literally changes the surrounding. Even Ajay who is quite reserved end up speaking.
Tejasswi looks at the flowers. It was full of white roses.
Karan: did the function go well.
She who was lost in flowers for some seconds looks at him and nods.
Karan:I mean did anything happen?
She just nods in no.
Karan:okay that good then. Between tomorrow evening we will be leaving from here.
She nods.
He laughs a bit looking at her:kuch bol bhi liya karo.
She just looks at him:Ji..
Karan:sirf ji.
She didn't react anything.

***

Divya was feeling to cry. She couldn't take some of the taunts. She wanted someone dearly.
She looks at her husband who was laying on the bed without any worries.
Obviously she was the only and pampered daughter. Somethings are very new to her. She needed time to adjust with it. Especially she wanted her husband to show concern towards her.

That's when Sanjay and Ajay knocks the door.
Divya panicked and wipes of her tears quickly and plastered a smile on her face.

Sanjay introduces himself and gives her flower.he tried with some antics to which Divya laughed.
While Ajay just looks at her. He could differentiate. He could realise she was crying.
Of course it was the known thing.
He knew, despite having a past, Karan would respect and do everything to his wife. Because he respected women. No matter whatever the situation was!
While Vinay was straight opposite from him.
Sanjay:bhai sa is sleeping like a kumbhkaran.
She pretended to laugh.
Ajay: everyone's sleeping. Do you wanna join us? We are having small talks in terrace.
Sanjay:Yeah.. please. But don't let dada ji or my mother know about it.
Divya nods.

***

This day was their first rasoi.
Tejasswi and Divya together cooked breakfast.
And served to everyone.

Where dada ji and Avinash gave them the Shagun.
And later...

Tejasswi sees dadi and Madhuri talking with servant.
Tejasswi took a chance to exchange divya's plate.
Divya looks at her.
Tejasswi was eating her food.
But this is going to end today. She would be going today.
It was just the 2nd day after marriage. She was disliking her married life.

Sanjay comes there.
Dadi:Maharaj uth gaye.
Sanju:haa.. aapki kripa se. Bhabhi sa, you both are ready right.
Madhuri:you guys didn't take me out.
Sanju:ghoomne Jaa rahe hai. Antim darshan dene thodi na jaa rahe hai. I don't want anyone to stay unhappy or dumb throughout the journey.
Madhuri:maa ji do you see how he is speaking to me?
Dadi:I don't see any wrong in it.
Madhuri fake cries:I am just burden to everyone. Can you just not insult me in front of my daughter-in-law. Soon she will also start to disrespect me.

Sanjay just rub his ears:okay okay. I am sorry. Next time I will take you out
Madhuri:I will let you off this time. Divya serve him the food.
Divya stood to serve him.
Sanju:bhabhi sa you eat the food. With God's grace my hands are alright.
He serves on to himself.
He smiles blinking his eyes.
While she smiles a bit.
Madhuri: yesterday it was Karan. Today you. Don't change the rules.
Sanjay passing horrible expression:did I miss the drama yesterday? I love it when Karan bhaai sa do that. Dada ji go dumb then. I should have woken up early yesterday.
Madhuri:wait until dada ji throw you out from his properties.
Sanjay:I am good with Karan bhaai sa. He would give me pocket money's. I don't want property.
Madhuri:why are you singing Karan Karan? He isn't your own brother. One day he will show you your place then you will realise. Now I can even guarantee after watching how much he change within some hours for his wife.
Dadi:can you stop and continue to eat.

Divya looks at tejasswi. She was not even slightly bothered about it.
She gets to learn something from tejasswi. That's Ignore!

***

Tejasswi was wearing sea green Soft silk saree with collared half sleeve blouse.
Vinay looks at her from top to bottom.
He really couldn't take off his eyes from her. He was regretting his decision. And can't tolerate Karan's showoff.

Karan was pointing towards the camels at the dessert.
Tejasswi looks at him
Divya:wow camels.i really love riding in it.
Ajay:Do you want to..
Divya nods with smile
Sanjay : then I will go and call them.

Tejasswi sits on the near seats under the tent.
Karan:you want to take a ride.
Tejasswi:No.
Divya:Tejasswi. Please let's take a ride.
Tejasswi:I am not good with. I will watch you.
When the camels were set.
Divya turns to vinay:can I go?
Vinay just nods as he realised tejasswi would be alone.
As Karan was caressing over the camel and paying the man for the ride.

But to his disappointment. Karan returns and sits next to tejasswi.
Trio went on a ride.

While Karan: didn't you ever take the ride?
Tejasswi:I did. That's not fascinating to me!
Karan smiles:then what's fascinating to you.
She looks at him.
Karan:what do you really like doing?

"What you really like doing?" Sanskar used to ask everytime they met.
"I want to be your wife and I would like to do everything you want me to do"
She answered him like everytime

Karan:hey.. it's ain't that difficult!
Tejasswi:nothing special.
Karan:between you cooked a nice meal today. That's also a skill.
Tejasswi: that's not a skill.
Karan:it is.. not everyone cooks good food. Look at me I would end up burning everytime I tried.
She looks at him:you are a man. You don't need to do that. It's women's duty.
Karan jokingly:I didn't knew cooking has gender differences.
Tejasswi looks at him as he laughed. For a moment she was annoyed:why are you...
But controlled herself.
Karan:Yeh cheez tumhare papa ne sikhaya hoga. Shaqal se daaku lagte hai.
She looks at him.
Karan realised what he said:oh ... I shouldn't be....
Tejasswi:I did not mind.
Karan:ah .. at least let me know about the things you would mind.
She left out a breath : nothing sort off...
Karan:you did mind when I laughed. But tejasswi you should understand that you are going to lead your future with me. You shouldn't be saying this women's work. I would take advantage of it then.
She did not say anything.
She swings the hand fan as she was sweating. He noticed that she was still annoyed.
Karan grabbed the fan from her:I will cool you down.
She looks at him.
Karan:I mean I will swing the fan.
She looks at him, he was lot more similar to Sanskar. Which would of course make her life difficult.

Sanskar would always scream at her about the gender equality. He used to fight for the rights of every living being.
She knew she came at the end of his priority list, he prioritised his work. He loved watching people get their rights. Sometimes he would be very tired but still made sometime to meet her. That's the reason she loved him.

Karan was wating the trio ride.
If she tells him about Sanskar. Will he help her get justice to Sanskar?
Or will it turns opposite?

She was in a dilemma.
Yes, she was married. But it was the opportunity to get out of the cage. So that she could start to find what happened with Sanskar!!!
If she tells him this.
Will he be same? Or blame her for using him?

To be continued.....

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