𝐃𝐇𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐈 𐙚

"Why are you still here? Everyone is waiting downstairs! Anvita bring her in five minutes" Dad yelled at us and left.

"Haash! I thought uncle heard everything!" Anvita said.

"I know really! My life has more Dhumtana than Indian serials" I said as my heartbeat accelerated.

"Now let's go otherwise he will come again."

"Yeah!"

Anvita and I left the room, my father's stern warning still echoing in my mind. As we walked toward the mandap, everyone's gaze fell upon me.

I felt like a prized possession on display.

Reaching the altar, I stood beside Daksh, our eyes locking in a silent challenge. Daksha has changed his clothes and wore a sherwani

"Aur der laga deti toh main bhi bhag jata," Daksh whispered

(If you had caused more delay I too would have run away)

"Toh maine roka tha kya?"

(So did I stop you?)

Our bickering remained between us, hidden from the watching crowd.

The pandit began the rituals, his voice chanting ancient mantras.

"Ganesh Vandana," he intoned, and Daksh and I exchanged garlands.

As I placed the garland around Daksh's neck, our eyes clashed. His gaze held a hint of mockery

Next, the pandit handed Daksh a small vessel of sacred water.

"Panigrahan Sanskar," he announced.

Daksh poured the water over my hands, our fingers touching briefly. I jerked mine back, as if scalded.

The pandit proceeded with the Agni Parikrama, guiding us around the sacred fire.

Our silent battle raged on, hidden behind forced smiles. As we exchanged vows, Daksh's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"I, Daksh Kashyap, take you, Dhvani, as my wife..."

His eyes locked onto mine, the challenge clear.

"...to love and cherish, till death do us part."

I echoed the vows, my tone steady. Yet, I knew this marriage was a facade. A contract, not a commitment.

The rituals concluded, and the pandit declared us husband and wife. As Daksh placed the mangalsutra around my neck.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

── .✦

The wedding celebrations had concluded, and now it was time for my vidaai – the emotional goodbye. But it wasn't for me.

My father wrapped his arms around me, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Take care of yourself," he whispered, his voice trembling.

I hugged him back, my heart heavy.
Don't worry, Papa, I thought, I'll be back next year.

Anvita flung her arms around me, "Dhvani, take care!" she exclaimed.

I hugged her tight.

"I will, Anvi. Don't worry."

Sara aunt and Shikhar uncle, Daksh's parents, smiled warmly.

"Let's go to our house now," Sara aunt said.

With that, they settled into their car. Daksh and I got into his car, the silence between us palpable.

As we drove away, I turned to wave at my father and Anvita. Their faces blurred into the distance.

Daksh's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He seemed angry, but his expression remained stoic.

I suddenly remembered Advait, the man I was supposed to marry. A pang of guilt hit me, and I quickly pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

"Release him now," I said, my voice firm.

I cut the call, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. But my relief was short-lived, as Daksh's voice cut through the silence.

"What did you just say? Release who?" he asked, his eyes narrowing in confusion.

I looked at him, wondering kitni hai panchayat isse.

"Advait, my groom," I said

Daksh's eyes widened in shock, and he slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a sudden stop.

"What have you done?" he exclaimed.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the consequences. "I had him kidnapped to avoid the wedding, but you came and everything changed," I said

Daksh's face was a picture of shock and anger.

Daksh's eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a warning tone. "What if he get to know that it was you who kidnapped him?"

I scoffed, a confident smile spreading across my face. "He won't remember anything. He'll never know."

Daksh's expression changed from shock to disgust. He shook his head, his eyes filled with disbelief. "You're unbelievable," he muttered, his voice barely audible.

Without another word, he started the car again, his movements abrupt and angry. I felt a pang of unease as I realized that I had underestimated Daksh's reaction. I had thought he would be angry, but I hadn't expected him to be so disgusted.

Offoo!!!  I forgot my clothes and my Tofu too.

"Wait stop the car!" I said but Daksh ignored me.

"Oh Mr. Katkat" I said and he glared at me.

"Oops! I mean Mr. Kashyap, Tumhare kaan mein hadtaal hai kya??" I said irritated and he stopped the car.

(is there a strike in your ear)

"What's your problem?" He said.

"I forgot my Tofu!" I said my eyebrows furrowed.

"Tofu? What now what is that?"

"Tofu my baby!"

"What!! You—you have a baby?" His eyes widened in disbelief. Offoo! Ye kuch alag hi samjh raha hai.

(He is understanding something else)

"I mean my teddy and my clothes and other things too. I forget to bring it. Let's go back!"

"Are you serious we have come half of the way and you're telling me to go back? I'll send someone they will bring your thing's tomorrow" He said leaving no room for arguments.

I didn't utter a word and just glared at him.

"Itni aankhein badi mat karo bahar aajyengi"

(don't make your eyes so big, it will come out)

"Apni zubaan nahi car chalao ab" I said shifting my gaze away from this man"

(don't drive your tongue, drive the car)

I gazed out the window, my thoughts drifting.

One year.

Just one year.

Then I'd be free.

── .✦

As we pulled up to Daksh's grand house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The mansion loomed before us, its opulent facade a testament to the family's wealth and status.

As we stepped out of the car, Daksh's parents arrived behind us, their faces beaming with smiles. "Dhvani, chalo beta," his mom said, beckoning me towards the house. (Dhvani, come, child)

I forced a smile onto my face, feeling like a pawn in a game I didn't want to play. Daksh stood silently beside me, his eyes fixed at some point in the distance. As we approached the front door, a lady who looked like a house help answered the bell.

"Sheila, jao Tara aur Aditya ko bulao," Daksh's mom instructed her.
(go call Tara and Aditya)

The lady, Sheila didi nodded and scurried off, leaving us standing in the foyer. Daksh's mom turned to us, a bright smile on her face. "Dhvani, Daksh, dono yahi ruko, mai aati hu."
(Dhvani, Daksh, both of you wait here)

Daksh's dad nodded and followed his wife into the house, leaving us standing alone. I let out a soft sigh, feeling like I was in for a long and dramatic evening.

Just then, a girl maybe Tara who looked like she was in her early twenties appeared at the door. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. "Bhai, what is this?" she asked.
(Brother, what is this?)

Daksh just sighed, his expression irritated. The girl's eyes landed on me, and she looked like she had just seen a ghost. Another guy appeared behind her, presumably Daksh's brother Aditya. "Bhai, aap toh shaadi attend karne gaye the na! Ye shaadi karke kaise aagye?" he asked, his voice full of confusion.

(Brother, you were supposed to attend a wedding, not get married! How did you get married?)

Daksh's dad appeared, his expression stern. "Tum dono chup raho, sab bata denge."
(You two be quiet, I'll explain everything)

I stood at the door, feeling like a spectacle as Daksh's siblings stared at me in shock. I forced a smile onto my face, trying to play the part of the happy bride. After what felt like an eternity, Daksh's mom returned with a pooja thali, followed by the lady

Sheila didi, who carried a kalash filled with rice. She placed it near my feet, and I went through the motions of the ritual, fake-smiling the whole time. Daksh stood silently beside me, his expression stoic. I appreciated his silence, grateful that he wasn't making a scene.

As the ritual came to an end, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. But I knew that this was just the beginning of a long and dramatic night. As I finally stepped inside the  house, the opulent decor and the curious stares of Daksh's family members made me feel like an outsider.

Tara, Daksh's sister, couldn't contain her excitement. "Now tell us, how did this happen?" she asked

Daksh's dad cleared his throat and began to explain the events that had led to our impromptu wedding. As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment. I had never intended for things to go this far.

'Behtar hota agar mein khud shaadi se bhaag jati'  I sighed mumbling to myself.

When Daksh's dad finished speaking, Tara let out a squeal of delight. "Omg!" she exclaimed, giggling.

I smiled at her. She seemed like a sweet and bubbly person, and I couldn't help but like her.

"Tara,can  you give her your clothes for tonight? She forgot to bring hers" Daksh said

Tara nodded, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I had been worried about what I would wear for the rest of the evening. "Go, Dhvani, and get some rest. You must be tired. And tell me if you want anything and Daksh you! Meri beti ko kuch ulta sidha mat kehna samjhe?" Daksh's dad said.

(Don't trouble her)

Chalo iss gadhe ke parents toh acche hai!

(This donkey has such a nice parents)

His mom nodded in agreement, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was indeed tired, and the thought of getting some rest was heavenly. Tara held out my arm, beckoning me to follow her. "Come, bhabhi, I'll give you whatever you're comfortable with."

I smiled at her, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her kindness. As we walked towards her room, I couldn't help but wonder at the strange turn of events that had brought me to this place.

Tara took me to her room, chatting excitedly as we walked. As we entered the room, she began to rummage through her closet, pulling out comfortable night wear.

As I took the outfit, I felt like I had found a friend in her.

"You look beautiful, bhabhi," she said, hugging me tightly.

I smiled back at her "Thanks for this clothes, I'm dying to change this heavy lehenga"

Tara chuckled "Then let me take you to bhai's room– I mean your room"

"Yeah" I sighed.

I trailed behind Tara, my arms laden with clothes, as we made our way from her room to Daksh's, nestled at the far corner of the hallway.

As we reached the door, Tara turned to me with a warm smile. "Okay, bhabhi, you go inside. I'll go now." I nodded, my gaze drifting to the closed door.

A shiver ran down my spine as I thought, How will I be able to live with him in the same room for a whole year?

With a deep breath, I pushed the door open, and a sliver of light from the hallway spilled into the room. I stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the new surroundings. The door creaked softly shut behind me.

As I looked around, my heart skipped a beat. The room was a far cry from what I had expected. The walls, floor, and furniture – everything was draped in an ominous blackness. It was as if I had stepped into a horror movie set. I froze, my breath caught in my throat.

"What is wrong with him?"

Just then, the bathroom door swung open, and Daksh emerged, wearing nothing but a towel slung low around his hips. My gaze instinctively drifted to his chiseled torso, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. My trance was shattered by Daksh's amused voice.

"Biwi ji, Sharam achi chiz hai kiya karo!"

(Wifey, You should have some shame)

I shook my head, trying to compose myself. "Ye baat mujhe kehni chahiye, Mr. Kashyap." (This is something I should be saying to you.)

Daksh raised an eyebrow.

"You must have forgotten that you have someone to share a room with. Put some clothes on next time," I said, trying to sound stern.

Daksh chuckled, his eyes never leaving mine. "It's my room; I can do whatever I want." He strolled over to his closet, his towel-clad hips swaying with each step. I felt a flutter in my chest, which I quickly suppressed. What was wrong with me?

As Daksh disappeared into the bathroom, I let out a slow breath. I was irritated, but my heart still racing from the sight of him shirtless.

I didn't know he was that attractive.

"Chiii! shut up Dhvani" I pushed the thought aside, reminding myself that I was here to fulfill a duty, not to get distracted by Daksh's chiseled physique.

── .✦

𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐒𝐇 𐙚

I closed the bathroom door behind me and let out an sigh. I was so embarrassed that Dhvani had seen me in just a towel. But I had to maintain my cool, show her that I didn't care.

It was my daily habit to shower and come out in a towel, but now that had to change. I couldn't let her see me like that again. I took a deep breath and pushed aside my embarrassment. I quickly put on my clothes, trying to shake off the feeling of vulnerability.

As I opened the bathroom door and stepped out, I saw Dhvani seated in front of the dressing table, struggling to remove hairpins from her hair. She was muttering to herself, her brow furrowed in concentration.

I cleared my throat, announcing my presence, and sat down on the couch, opening my laptop. I tried to ignore her, pretending she wasn't even there. But I could sense her gaze on me, feel her eyes boring into my skin.

Suddenly, she spoke up, her voice laced with annoyance. "Cant't you see? I'm struggling here"

I snapped my head up, my eyes locking onto hers. "What do you mean?" I asked, my tone neutral.

Dhvani continued to struggle with the hairpins, her fingers fumbling with the delicate pins. "Thodi help karoge toh tumhari height kam hogi kya?"

(Will helping me make you any shorter?)

I raised an eyebrow, a wry smile spreading across my face. I was taken aback by her sharp tongue, but I wasn't going to let her get under my skin. At least, not yet.

I leaned back into the couch, my eyes never leaving Dhvani's reflection in the mirror. "I'm busy," I said, my tone detached. "Can't you do it yourself?"

Dhvani's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she didn't respond. Instead, she continued to struggle with the hairpins, her fingers moving clumsily. I watched her, a mix of amusement and irritation warring inside me.

Just as I was about to look away, her hands slipped, and a hairpin clattered to the floor. She muttered under her breath, her frustration palpable.

Without thinking, I pushed myself up from the couch and walked over to the dressing table. "Here, let me," I said, my voice softer than I intended.

Dhvani's eyes widened in surprise as I gently took the hairpins from her hands. Our fingers touched, I ignored it, focusing on the task at hand.

As I began to remove the hairpins. I didn't meet her gaze, instead focusing on the delicate pins and the soft, dark hair that cascaded down her back.

The silence between us was palpable, the only sound was the soft clinking of the hairpins as I removed them. I couldn't help but notice the way Dhvani's hair smelled, like a mix of flowers and something sweet.

As I finished removing the last hairpin, Dhvani's hair tumbled down her back, a rich, dark cascade.

Then, without a word, I turned and walked back to the couch.

I heard Dhvani's soft voice behind me. "Thank you."

I ignored her, not acknowledging her gratitude. Instead, I focused on my laptop screen, pretending to be engrossed in my work.

Dhvani didn't press the issue. I heard the rustling of clothes, and then she disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

I let out a slow breath, my eyes drifting towards the bathroom door. I couldn't believe I had let my guard down, even if it was just for a moment. I need to maintain my distance.

As I waited for her to emerge from the bathroom, I couldn't help but wonder what she would look like in something other than that heavy lehenga. The thought was fleeting, and I quickly pushed it aside.

Why the hell I'm thinking that?

The bathroom door opened, and Dhvani stepped out, wearing simple pajamas, which was Tara's. Her hair was still loose, cascading down her back.

She looked...different, more relaxed, without the heavy lehenga weighing her down.

"Mr. Kashyap" She said and I looked up.

A look of mock horror crossed her face. "Whose idea was it to design the interior of this room?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Mine," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I know I'm talented, no need to tell me."

She rolled her eyes, a look of exasperation crossing her face. "Your talent is god-gifted," she said,  "Please return it to God."

I scoffed, feeling a sense of amusement at her teasing. But then she continued. "Mujhe laga hi itna bhayankar design ka idea aap jaise bhayanak Insaan ko hi aa sakta hai," she said.

I felt a surge of mock offense, my eyes widening in indignation. "Aur tum jo mental hospital se bhagi hui patient lagti ho?" I shot back, trying to sound offended. "Maine kuch kaha?"

Dhvani chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Whatsoever," she said, shaking her head.

I grinned internally, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having been able to rile her up.

I watched with interest as she strode towards the couch, a pillow and comforter in her hands. "Get up from the couch," she said

I smirked, thinking so she's smart enough to sleep on the couch without me telling.

Nice.

I closed my laptop and stood up, making room for her to spread out the comforter and pillow.

"Good, you're sleeping on the couch without me telling you," I said

Dhvani raised an eyebrow, "Oh hello, it's for you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're sleeping on the couch."

"Oh, hello Mrs. Kashyap," I said, trying to sound suave. "It's my room and I'll sleep on the bed. You sleep on the couch"

As I told Dhvani to sleep on the couch, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh, how generous of you," you're willing to sacrifice the comfort of the couch for me? I'm touched."

She walked over to the bed, her movements fluid. "But I think I'll pass on the couch, I'll take the bed, thank you very much."

She slipped into bed, her eyes locked on mine. "You can have the couch," she said, her voice sweet. "Or I'm sure you'll be very comfortable.... on the floor too."

How dare she!

I gazed at Dhvani, her serene face illuminated by the soft moonlight streaming through the window. She was pretending to be asleep.

So stubborn but Mrs Kashyap, I'm more stubborn than you.

I slipped into bed beside her, I whispered, "Then we have to share the bed. No option left." My voice was barely audible, but I knew she'd hear me.

Dhvani's eyes snapped open, and she sat up with a start, her eyebrows furrowed in a fierce scowl. "No! We can't," she exclaimed, her voice low and urgent.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her reaction. "Why not?" I asked.

Dhvani's gaze locked onto mine, "Because.,,..because it's not right," she stammered.

I chuckled, my eyes never leaving hers. "Not right?" I repeated, my voice teasing.

"We're adults, Dhvani. We can share a bed without any complications."

Dhvani's face turned a deep shade of pink, and she looked away, her jaw set in a stubborn line. I knew that look – it was her "I'm not backing down" expression.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her reaction. "Fine, suit yourself," I said, my voice neutral. "But just so we're clear, I'm not sleeping on the couch. I'm sleeping in this bed, with or without you."

I said, turning onto my side and closing my eyes.

── .✦

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𐙚

The darkness of the room was palpable, the only sound of the soft hum of the air conditioner. Daksh had turned his back on Dhvani, pretending to sleep, but she knew better. She saw the tension in his shoulders, the way his eyes flickered open every now and then.

Dhvani smiled to herself, a plan forming in her mind. "Fine, sleep," she, her voice barely audible.

"But you'll regret it."

With that, she settled in for the night, her eyes closing as she drifted off to sleep.

Hours passed, the silence of the room broken only by the occasional creak of the bed. But then, something changed. Dhvani's body began to twitch as she suddenly sat up in bed and started whispering randomly.

At first, Daksh didn't notice. He was too caught up in his own dreams, his own subconscious mind. But as Dhvani's whispers grew louder, more urgent, he began to stir.

He opened his eyes to find Dhvani sitting up in bed, her eyes closed as she blabbered on about something. Daksh's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight.

There was something unsettling about Dhvani's expression, something that sent a shiver down his spine.

"D-Dhvani?" he stuttered, "Are you o-okay?"

But Dhvani didn't respond. She just kept talking, her words nonsensical as she stared straight ahead, her eyes closed. Daksh's fear turned to confusion. "Is she sleep talking?" he wondered, his mind racing with possibilities. "Is that even a thing?"

But before he could ponder the question further, Dhvani's head turned towards him. Her eyes were still closed, but her face was twisted into a strange, unsettling grin.

Daksh's heart skipped a beat as he stared at her, his mind frozen in terror. "W-what..." he stuttered, his voice trailing off into silence.

Dhvani's grin grew wider, her lips curling up in a macabre smile. Daksh's eyes were fixed on hers, his mind racing with fear. He tried to speak, but his voice was caught in his throat.

"Hey bhagwaan, yeh kaisi chudail se shaadi karva di tune?" Daksh said dramatically.

(Oh God, what kind of witch did you make me marry?)

Suddenly, Dhvani's eyes snapped open, and she stared at Daksh with an unblinking gaze. Daksh felt a chill run down his spine as he stared back at her, his heart pounding in his chest.

Then, without warning, Dhvani's face returned to normal, and she looked at Daksh with a confused expression.

"Daksh?" she whispered, her voice soft and innocent. "What's wrong?"

Daksh's fear slowly gave way to confusion. What had just happened? Was it just a dream, or had Dhvani really been...whatever it was she was?

He shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "N-nothing," he stuttered. "Just...just a bad dream, I think."

Dhvani nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Do you want me to get you some water?" she asked, her voice soft.

Daksh nodded, still feeling shaken. "N-no," he stuttered.

Dhvani nodded, her expression softening. "What happened?"

"Nothing" He said and lay back down, his eyes drifting shut as he felt Dhvani's weight settle back into the bed beside him.

As he drifted off to sleep, Daksh couldn't shake the feeling that something was still off.

And then, just as he was about to fall asleep, Daksh heard a faint whisper in his ear. "I'm still here," the voice whispered. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Daksh's eyes snapped open, his heart racing as he turned to face Dhvani. But she was fast asleep, her face peaceful and serene.

Or was she? Acting?

Daksh's eyes narrowed and he stared at Dhvani, trying to see if she was really asleep or just pretending. But her chest rose and fell with a steady rhythm, and her face remained serene.

Daksh's gaze lingered on her face, searching for any sign of deception. But there was nothing. Just a peaceful, sleeping beauty.

"Shakal toh bholi hai lekin andar se lomdi hai!" He said.

(She looks innocent but is a vixen from inside)

── .✦

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 <𝟑!