The plane landed in New York late at night.  Priya fell asleep halfway through the flight and stayed asleep until the plane bounced against the tarmac before jerking to a halt.  She looked over at Aman, who seemed like he hadn’t slept at all on the flight. He looked just as tired as she felt.  The voice of the pilot roared through the intercom thanking the passengers for choosing that airline.  Many of the passengers began to unbuckle their seatbelts and stood to gather their carryon luggage.  Aman stayed seated.

            Priya unbuckled her seatbelt, but stayed seated. She was seated in the window seat, so she couldn’t move until Aman stood up.  She just waited.  She watched as the other passengers crowded into the aisle, waiting to leave.  Priya turned to look out the window.  She had never been to America before.  The sight outside wasn’t impressive, just a few planes that had landed.  She was excited nonetheless.  She turned back to Aman and noticed that people had already begun to exit the airplane. 

            “Aman.” Priya said trying to get Aman’s attention. He was still buckled in. 

            Aman turned to look at Priya.

            “Aren’t we getting off?” she continued.

            “Yeah. Just a minute.” He unbuckled his seatbelt but didn’t stand up. 

            After the majority of the passengers exited the plane, Aman stood up and proceeded to exit.  Priya followed.  Once they got through the grueling immigration process, they left the airport and stood outside waiting with all their luggage for a taxi.  Priya absorbed the sights around her. She was in America!  She felt as excited as a child in a candy store.  Even though the night’s darkness made it difficult to see, Priya believed New York City was beautiful.   

            A taxi finally pulled up. Aman instructed Priya to sit inside while he helped the driver load the luggage in the trunk.  Priya was eager to see the sights through the window of the taxi as it pulled away from the airport, but fatigue got the best of her. She nestled into the seat and allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

            “Priya.” Priya heard someone whisper her name.  Her eyes fluttered open.  She noticed the taxi had stopped.  They must have arrived at Aman’s house.  She was clutching on to Aman’s arm.  As soon as she noticed, she immediately backed away.  Aman got out of the taxi and walked around to the other side. He opened Priya’s door and held out his hand. She took it as she exited the taxi. 

            “This is my house, well our house.” Said Aman gesturing to the mansion in front of them. 

            Priya mouth fell open.  She was used to the mansions in India, but Aman’s mansion was on a whole different scale.  He led her through the front door.  The house was dark, and Aman didn’t bother turning on any lights.  The main entrance itself took Priya’s breath away.  She took in the sight before her.  High ceilings, marbled floors, a grand staircase greeted Priya as she stepped inside.  Aman led her up the grand staircase.  He was too tired to give her an official tour of his house.  It could wait until tomorrow. 

            “Usually, I don’t have maids and butlers live here. I tend to like my privacy, and I’m hardly ever home. But I called them in before we left India, so they could prepare the house.” Aman explained as several of his butlers lifted Priya’s luggage up the stairs and down the hall. 

            “Prepare the house?” questioned Priya.

            “Yeah. Clean the house and make sure everything was ready for you.” Answered Aman. He led her down the hall.

            Priya wondered what he meant, but didn’t question him any further.  She followed Aman to a bedroom at the end of a long but dark hallway.  Aman opened the door and gestured for her to enter.  The room was larger than her room at home and had the largest bed Priya had ever seen in her life.  Everything anyone could ever need was in the bedroom. There was a seating area towards that side, complete with a couch.  A plasma screen TV hung from the wall.  An expansive walk-in closet and a rather impressive en suite bathroom could be found behind two of the three doors in the bedroom.  The third door led out to a terrace.  Priya noticed the bedroom had been specially decorated to look like a honeymoon suite.  Roses and even marigolds hung from the walls and the bed.  Aman had given his staff specific instructions not to spread rose petals on the bed. He didn’t want Priya to get the wrong idea.  He carefully watched Priya’s expression. She seemed elated. 

            “This is beautiful. This room is amazing.” Said Priya, still gazing at the flowers that adorned the room.

            “I’m glad you like it.  All your luggage has been placed in the closet.  Rest tonight. Unpack tomorrow.” Replied Aman. 

            He turned to leave, but he paused at the door.

            “Priya,” he started, “I’m sorry.”

            Priya looked at him, puzzled by his apology.

            “What for?” she asked hesitantly.

            “This marriage, the merger, making you come here, just…everything.” Aman looked away. He had felt guilty about their marriage throughout the entire flight to New York.  He knew Priya was a good person and wished he could’ve met her under different circumstances.  They could’ve become great friends. 

            “It’s not your fault.” Priya said quietly. 

            Aman nodded.  He was too tired to continue on with the conversation.  He turned to leave.

            “Aman,” Priya spoke up, “You’re leaving?”

            “Priya, this is your room.  Mine is on the other side of the house.” He said before walking out the door, closing it behind him. 

            Priya looked around the room again.  She was married. She was in the United States. And she was alone.  Truthfully, she had worried about the living arrangements, but she vocalized her concerns.  She and Aman were practically strangers.  Living in the same room as a stranger did not sit well with her.  She was happy Aman was considerate enough to let her have her own bedroom.  She would make sure to thank him in the morning, but right now, all she wanted to do was sleep. 

            The next morning Priya woke up early.  The jet lag still hadn’t worn off.  She wasn’t able to stay asleep long.  She took a long, hot shower before making her way to the closet where all her luggage was.  She rummaged through the largest bag, unpacking as she searched.  Finally, her eyes fell on what she was searching for, her new red sari.  It made from a comfortable, light fabric and had embroidery throughout.  She believed that wearing red, the color of a bride, would be appropriate for her first official day as a wife. 

            Priya quietly tiptoed down the stairs.  She was planning to surprise Aman with breakfast and didn’t want to ruin it by waking him up.  She found the kitchen, which was not hard to miss. It was enormous after all.  She set to work.  After three hours of hard work, breakfast was ready.  She was not sure how Aman slept through the sounds from the stove and the clatter she couldn’t help making in the kitchen, but she was glad he did.  She finished setting the table right as an elderly Indian woman entered through the back door.

            Priya was shocked the see her. The elderly woman hummed silently to herself as she unlocked the door and entered.  Priya had a notion to flee the kitchen and run straight up to Aman and warn him about an intruder in his house, but she knew that an intruder wouldn’t have a key to open the back door.  The elderly woman was so shocked when she saw Priya she nearly dropped the box she was holding. 

            “Who are you?” asked the elderly lady, placing the box on the kitchen counter.

            “I should ask you the same thing.” Replied Priya.

            “I’m the head maid here, Kamla.  I usually arrive around this time.  The chef should be here soon to prepare breakfast. Who are you?” The lady eyed the table where the breakfast Priya had already prepared was.   

            “I’m Aman’s wife, Priya. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I already made breakfast.” Replied Priya.

            Kamla’s eyes widened.  She moved forward and folded her hands. 

            “Namaste, ma’am. I didn’t realize you would be awake this early.  Aman sir told us he would be bringing his wife home with him from India. I’m sorry.” She continued to apologize profusely for addressing Priya so rudely.

            “Kamlaji, please. It’s alright.” Priya interjected. 

            Kamla was silent. She took a step back and waited for orders. 

            “Umm…could you contact the rest of the staff and give them the day off?” Priya asked hesitantly.  She wasn’t sure she had the authority to control Aman’s staff.  She hoped Aman wouldn’t mind. 

            “Yes ma’am.  Are you sure?” Kamla asked.

            “Yes. Thank you.” Priya replied.

            “Yes ma’am.” Said Kamla before turning to leave.  Priya liked Kamla. She was a sweet lady.

            Priya waited for Aman to wake up.  She thought about heading back upstairs to wake Aman up.  She didn’t want the food to get cold.  She decided it would be best to wake him up now.  She walked out of the kitchen.  As soon as she rounded the corner, Aman appeared. 

            “Good morning.” He said to her with a bright smile. 

            “Good morning.” Priya replied.  “I made breakfast to thank you for my room.”

            “It’s okay, Priya.  I just want you to be as comfortable as possible.” Said Aman as he walked over to the table.  Priya followed behind him.

            “Oh.” Was all Aman said once he saw what Priya had made.  Indian food. Aman hated Indian food for breakfast.

            “You don’t like it. I can make something else.” Priya swiftly turned back towards the kitchen, disappointed in herself. 

            Aman grabbed Priya’s wrist. 

            “It’s okay.  True. I don’t like Indian food for breakfast, but it looks great and I can’t wait to eat it.” He took a seat and started spooning the food on to his plate.

            “Won’t you join me?” Aman asked, pointing to the seat beside him.  Priya sat down and placed a few items on her plate.  She observed as Aman ate. 

            “Damn! This is great.” Aman smiled. 

            “I’m glad you like it.” Priya replied.  She couldn’t help but blush a little.  “But I promise I won’t make any more Indian food for breakfast.” She added with a smile.

            “Thank you.” Aman said, looking relieved. 

            “Aman...I um…I” Priya faltered.

            “What is it Priya?” Aman asked.

            “I gave your staff the day off today.” Said Priya, looking down.  Please don’t be mad, she thought to herself. 

            “Really?” Aman was surprised. “Well whatever you want. I don’t really mind, but since you gave the chef the day off, you’re going to have to make lunch and dinner for me.” Replied Aman with a smirk.

  Sorry sorry sorry!! I had some loose ends to tie up because school was ending. Then, I had graduation and graduation parties. I just didn’t have any time. I’m so sorry for not updating in forever!! How did you guys like the chapter? I know a lot didn’t happen, but still.  (Btw Priya’s sari is pictured on the right. Pretty, isn’t it?)

Please COMMENT and VOTE!!! Thanks for reading. Next chapter will be up soon.