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Arushi's POV (past continued)

The whole night I was not able to shut my eyes for a minute. Everything seems shattered. Even after those harsh words that Vikrant spoke I still cannot believe it was the same Vikrant who cared so much for me in the past few months.

It was early dawn when Vikrant walked back into the room. I hadn't even changed my bridal dress I know I might be looking like an alien now with this tear stained face and messed up hair but I dont want to show him this vulnerable state of mine.

I took my outfit for the day and walked straight into the washroom to freshen up. Even if I look at him I can sense my eyes welling up. If he really dint want me he could have told me before the wedding we could have come up with some solution but instead he showered me with all the affection and care.

I dont know why I dont want to believe on his words. But my mind is forcing me to get back to reality.

'Wake up Arushi its all over....its the end of your dream. He just faked around you for 2months all men are the same. Stop hoping for a happy marriage its just an illusion' with every drop of water flowing down my body my mind screamed back at me.

I walked out of the washroom in a simple red chudidar because I am not a saree person.

Vikrant sat on the bed resting his head on the headboard he stared back at me with those emotionless eyes. I wish I could read this fake face earlier.

As I sat infront of the dresser my eyes fell on the vermilion box. I could only reminisce the moments of last night when Vikrant filled my hairline and how happy I was. Hardly 12 hours and I am in a totally different mind state.

"Please apply it and do the acting for a few hours infront of my family. We will be going back to my apartment after breakfast. You will not have to do all this there. You can live like you want." he said maybe after sensing my gaze on the box.

"Even if you wouldn't want I will apply it. Marriage maybe a joke for you but not for me I am your wife and I know my duties and responsibilities." I snapped at him. how can he say me to act infront of his parents. He is my husband and they are my family. He should be the one applying it to me now instead he wants me to apply it just to show it to his parents. I hate you Vikrant I hate you for this heartless statement of yours. Its hurting me real bad....really very bad.

Tears threatened to fall of my eyes but I cannot let them.

'You are strong Arushi dont let him affect you so much. Get a grip on yourself.' I kept repeating it in my mind.

I dressed up as fast as I could and walked out of the room. That place was suffocating me.

It was hardly 7.30 no one had woken up yet. A few workers were cleaning the house and a lady maybe in her early 50's or late 40's was preparing for breakfast.

"Good morning mam" she wished me as I went to the refrigerator to get some water.

"Good morning....and Its Arushi dont call me mam please." she just nodded.

"Though I dont know how to cook can I help you with anyother work?" I asked her.

"No beta its ok...I will finish it and then you can cook for your pehli rasoi(The first dish cooked by the bride at the in-laws house)."

Oh God It seriously slipped out of my mind. Mom had asked me to learn to make a sweet atleast but me being me had no time for it.

I still had time before everyone woke up. So I saw some youtube videos to make some sweetdish.

Finally I made the most simple sweetdish...Kheer. It tasted pretty good. Priya Mom was happy when she saw me cooking already.

Everyone was having their breakfast happily but I guess Vikrant couldn't digest even the happiness of others let alone spoiling my happiness.

"Mom me and arushi are moving back to my apartment today itself."

"But Vikrant you were suppose to stay here for a week atleast. I had told you earlier right. Arushi is a new bride how can you take her back there so soon." Mom said with so many wrinkles on her forehead.

"Yes Vikrant you can't. Stay here for a week then no one will stop you." Dadaji spoke.

"No Dadu....I cannot I have obeyed to what you wanted so now please I want to go back." He said and walked away leaving his breakfast half way through.

Everyone sighed in disappointment. I too felt sad because I did not want to leave them and go right on the first day of marriage. I thought of talking to him.

"Vikrant why are you behaving like this....what is wrong with you?" I questioned him walking into our room.

"Behave like what?" his voice as cold as ice.

"You know what I am talking about....ever since last night you are acting so wiered and what is so necessary to move into your apartment today itself?" I couldn't control my raging anger so I just yelled out loud.

"Just shut up dare you yell at me like that....and about going back did you forget your very own lines? You are my wife so you better know your duites and responsibilities. Just obey as I say and better be ready with your luggage." he was dangerously close to me and his gaze made me tremble.

He walked out of the room leaving me in tears. Be strong Arushi you always knew marriage can only give you pain but still you pushed yourself in it so better face the consequences now.

My train of thoughts came to a halt when my phone rang. It was mumma. I wiped my tears and cleared my throat to sound happy enough. I can't tell her anything it's not even 24hours to my marriage and everything already seems broken.

"Hello baccha....how are you? " mumma asked with such a happy chirpy voice.

'I am not fine mumma I want you now I want to cry hard on your lap.' my mind screamed

"I am fine mumma How are you? " I asked sounding as happy as I could.

"I am good. I hope you remember you have to be here with Vikrant for Pagphera(a ritual where the girl goes back to her maternal house first time after her marriage) today."

"Mumma I dont think I'll come today we are shifting back to Vikrant's apartment today. Is there any problem If I come tomorrow?" I asked her because I did not want to ask Vikrant to go there today after what he spoke few minutes ago.

"Its ok beta you can come tomorrow its not a problem."

After talking to her for a while I started packing the few cloths and things that were out.

In the next 2 hours we had reached the apartment. The place which I had changed for us for our new life the place where he promised to keep me happy forever.

'Everything was a lie Arushi. A big fat lie. You are such a fool you fell for his trap.' my mind mocked at me.

I started unpacking and placing my stuff in the wardrobe. I never realised it was already night. I went out to find the dinner already on the table. Maybe he remembers that I dont know to cook.

We ate in silence without even sparing a glance at eachother.

When I was back in the room he came there took his night wear and was about to walk out.

"Where are you going now?" I questioned him.

"You can have this room for yourself I dont want to be here with you."

Great now he has a problem to stay in the same room as well. Why did you even marry me if this was the case.

'To use you and play with you just like Rakesh did with Mahima' my mind taunted at me

No never....I will never let him use me for his pleasures....never Its better to die rather than to be a play doll for him.
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The next day I woke up early and made some light breakfast. I can atleast make some toast and omlet.

I saw him walk out of the other room in his business suit. Thats when I remembered that we were suppose to go to my home today and I forgot to inform him.

"Vikrant we have to go to my home for pagphera ritual today can you please try and act infront of my parents for a few hours." I said mocking his tone and his face went pale.

"I have an important meeting I can drop you and come there after the meeting." he said digging into his breakfast.

"Ok then....I will get ready and come in a while."
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The whole drive was a silent one and after about an hour we reached my home.

"Please come as soon as you can to play along in this acting that you have started." Though I did not want to say the last part I said it and walked out even before he could reply back.
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It was already 9 but there was no clue of Vikrant's where about's. I have been keeping mumma calm saying he might be busy and will be here soon but now my anger was boiling to its peak.

Though he did not want this marriage couldn't he even come here for a day just to keep up to my parent's.

I was really pissed off. I decided to call him but on the second ring he disconnected the call. What the hell...how can he do this. Can't he even message me or receive my call.

I couldn't wait anymore. Somehow I convinced mumma papa that he might be busy so he couldn't come and went back to his apartment with a driver.

I saw his car parked in the basement which only meant that he was at home but couldn't come to my parent's home even for a few minutes.

My anger knew no bounds now. I am sure my eyes are raging red.

I rang the door bell once... twice... thrice expecting him to atleast open the door but he dint. Is he fine or is he not well? I wondered while opening the main door with the spare keys I had.

As I opened the door I saw the worst scene of my life.

A girl was on Vikrant kissing him senselessly while Vikrant sat their doing nothing but holding by her waist.

•••••

"Aa...ru...shi" I heard Vikrant speak in a meek voice. His eyes were half open and his lips quivered.

I instantly stood up from my spot keeping his hand on the bed which I had been holding since a long time. A tear dropped down my eye seeing him in this condition and remembering that horrible day.

"I'll ca..ll the doct..or" with trembling legs I somehow managed to almost run out and inform the doctor.
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"He is out of danger now Mrs.Shergill he has slept now due to medicine effect but will wake up soon." the doctor informed me.

I informed Naina about vikrant and she said they would be here in a few minutes.

•••••••••••••••

I hope you guys liked it.

There are few more parts of the past that are to be revealed.

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