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13. First night 🌚

Hey, my dear lovely readers 💕

Welcome to Shivi’s world đŸ€­âœš

My biggest sorry for the late update,  💕. I’ve shared the reason for the delay at the end of this chapter, so don’t miss it!

Along with a little twist, this chapter won’t just entertain you—it’ll make you fall in love with it.

The update is here, and it’s a long chapter, so get ready!

Here’s a little glimpse of this chapter—anger, emotions, fun, and a something more for you to discover yourself đŸ«Ł.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! 💖

ï»ż__________________________

Author Por

At that, he stopped. Turning to her, he leaned closer, his voice dropping into a husky whisper.“I am taking you to my room.”

Her lips parted in shock, her heart leaping against her chest. But before she could respond, his hand tightened—not painfully, but with a finality that silenced her protest. Without waiting for her answer, he resumed walking.

He held her with respect, knowing that if he loosened his hold, she would never come with him.

When he reached his chamber (room) door, Ekansh pushed it open with his free hand. The massive wooden panels groaned under their weight, and before she could protest again, he had already drawn her inside.

The door slammed shut with a resounding thud,  suddenly the world outside vanished. Silence filled the chamber.

Siya jerked her hand back, this time managing to free herself. They were only a step apart, so she quickly took a step back. Now they stood two or three steps away from each other.

They stood facing each other —not too close, not too far. It was the space where anger turned into fire, where silence became sharper than words.

Their eyes were fixed on each other, carrying within them a storm—fire and anger, pain and helplessness—all colliding in a silence too heavy to break.

“Why have you brought me here?” she demanded while starring in his eyes, her voice sharp with anger.

“I brought you here, Rani-sa
 to the place where you truly belong,” he said firmly, his gaze locked on hers. Then, taking a deliberate step closer, he lowered his voice to a cold whisper. “To our room.”

“This is your room, not mine,” she snapped, her voice edged with anger,  she added. “I will not stay here with you. I want my own chamber.” Her chest rose and fell sharply, each breath heavy with anger.

His eyes darkened. “It was your great desire to become my wife, was it not?” he retorted, his tone hard and unyielding he said, “Now you will share this room with me.”

“I never wished to be your wife, I hate you from bottom of my heart,” she shot back, her words burning with defiance.

“Then why did you agree to this marriage? Why did you choose me as your husband? Why didn’t you show your hatred before? Tell me!”  His words lashed out in anger, his eyes blazing as they bored into hers. She was standing at her place without getting affected.

She replied angry, but Her voice trembled with pain.  “Yes, I was excited, I was too happy for this marriage, but when I saw you at the mandap, I was shocked by my fate.”

She let out a bitter laugh, holding back her tears, she added angrily through gritted teeth, “That I am going to marry the very man I had never even wished to meet again."

“Then why did you marry me?”  His voice thundered louder than before, his expression dark and cold.

“I don’t want to talk to you. I just want to leave this room!”  she shouted, stepping toward the door.

But he caught her hand, jerking her back toward him—though still keeping a careful distance.  She struggled, trying to free herself, but his hold was unyielding. His burning gaze never left her eyes. Her jaw clenched with anger.

He leaned in closer, his voice a cold whisper. “You came here by my will, and against my will
 you will not take even a single step out of this room.”

Her voice was equally sharp, a whisper laced with fire, “And who are you to order me?”

His reply was firm, each word pressed like stone, “Your husband.”

Her anger flared, her eyes locked on his with searing intensity, “You are not my husband. I will never accept this marriage. I will never accept you.”

His gaze hardened, and said firmly, “That is why I have accepted this marriage
 and now, I will make this marriage your lifetime punishment.”

He straightened, his voice steady but cold, “"You know I never wanted to get married, but now we are husband and wife it happened—because of your decision.”

Siya let out a bitter laugh. “So all of this is my fault? If you never wanted to marry, then why didn’t you refuse for this marriage?” she taunted, her gaze locked on his.

Her chest rose and fell, each breath trembling with fury. “When I saw you in the mandap, all my dreams everything I had ever hoped for shattered into countless pieces.”

She cried, her voice breaking, her eyes shining with tears as they rolled down her face, yet she kept speaking, “The moment I took my first step toward you, I had already accepted the ruin of my life. In the pheras, people vow to walk together for seven lifetimes
 but I burned all my dreams and my life, in that sacred fire. When you filled sindoor in my hairline, that moment was unbearably painful for me, my soul cried even as the world around me rejoiced.”

Her words tore from her throat like a wound opening, tears flooding her face. Yet in those tears burned fire.

They remained where they stood, only a little distance between them, her hand still trapped in his grip. His hold was gentle but firm. All the while his eyes stayed fixed on her face, as if he were trying to read every tear, every scar in her heart.

She wiped her tears with her free hand, leaned forward, and hissed, and demanded breath coming hard and quick “And you call me guilty for everything. Why are you silent? Tell me if you hate me and this marriage so much, then why did you marry me?”

He blinked, jaw tightening. He stepped closer until only an inch of air separated them, and grinding his teeth, he whispered, “Yes—you are guilty. Guilty for everything. I want you to hate me endlessly. From the day I met you, my life has been changed. everything has been ruined, and you are the reason.”

“And one more thing,” he added, voice cold and steady, “you did not step toward me—you stepped straight into your hell.”

She snapped back with the same fierce fire. “Yes—I hate you boundlessly, and I always will. Everything in my life has been destroyed because of you.”

He drew in a slow breath, his tone chillingly calm, "I got you here for only. Why did you say yes to this marriage? Why did you marry me?”

“I will answer your question only when you answer mine,” she returned, matching his tone.

He started to say, “I married with you because.........." then suddenly he stopped. Silence crashed between them.

"If I tell her the truth that I got married because maa sa had made me swear, then she will hate my family forever. No—I will not let that happen. She must only hate me," Ekansh said in his mind.

Siya watched him, confusion and hurt mixing on her face.

He lifted his eyes, voice low and cold. “I do not consider it necessary to answer your questions.”

His jaw clenched hard. “That is not your concern.” With that, he released her hand and turned away, his back rigid as he strode out of the chamber.

Siya stood frozen, staring after him, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Her lips parted, but no words came. Tears welled and overflowed.

The moment the door slammed shut, she crumpled to the floor. Broken. Fragile. She hugged her knees and let the sobs tear free from her chest—loud, raw, unrestrained. These were not mere tears; they were pain, buried since last night, now pouring out like a flood.

Finally, away from the world, she could cry for herself. Between gasps, she whispered into the emptiness, “What was my fault that I had to suffer all this?”

Siya's Pov

A wedding day is meant to be a girl’s greatest day, the beginning of a life blossoming with joy—yet for me, it has only brought pain.

When one finds a companion, I found only ruin; when others find peace, I was only given trouble.

I never wished to meet him—it was fate’s cruelty that our paths collided. Why
 why did destiny bring him into my life?

“Aaaaaahhh!” The scream ripped through my throat, shaking the silence around me. My chest heaved, my eyes burned, and yet
 I hadn’t wanted to cry. I had promised myself I wouldn’t. But my heart betrayed me, echoing with pain so sharp it felt endless.

How
 how am I supposed to live an entire lifetime with this man?

“No
 no, that’s enough,” I whispered to myself, voice trembling as I wiped the tears running down my cheeks. “I will not cry anymore.”

I forced myself to breathe. I am strong. I will not surrender like this. Not to him. Not to fate. This marriage—yes, I agreed to it. But not for myself. For my family. For the people I love. And because of that, I will never regret it. Not for a second.

He accepted this marriage unwillingly, to punish me, to make my life hell but I will never accept this marriage, no matter what. Let him do whatever he wants; Let him burn his hatred into every word, every glance. I will never give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall.

"Ab hum aur apne assu nahi bahane wale unke waja se," I said aloud, my voice gaining strength with every word. "hum koi lachari bichari nahi hai jo apni kismat par roti rhe ab bahut ho gya."

“I will not shed another tear because of him,” I said aloud, my voice gaining strength with every word. “I am not some helpless woman who sits in a corner and weeps over her destiny. Enough. This ends now.”

I wiped my tears and took a deep breath. My body was still shaking from crying so much. I sat there in silence—not crying, not breaking. My tears were gone.

I realized why he hadn’t answered me. It was his way of taking revenge for our last two encounters. That’s why he left without a word.

Author Por

Another side

When Ekansh left his chamber, leaving Siya behind alone, his strides  echoed through the grand corridor. The silence of the palace was thick, broken only by the hard rhythm of his footsteps. His jaw tightened, he was too angry.

Suddenly, his steps came to a halt. His mother stood in front of him.

“Ekansh,” she said, her voice low but laced with tension and worry. “What have you done? From your face, from your behavior, it feels as if what you’ve done is not right.”

Ekansh stood before her, He didn’t answer. His gaze shifted to other side, jaw still clenched, his silence louder than any words.

“Ekansh, I asked you something,” she said again, searching his face. But he remained motionless, locked in silence.

Then she took his hand and pulled him along. He didn’t resist; he simply followed her. They walked out into the garden, where she released his hand and gestured for him to sit on a bench.

They sat side by side on the wooden banch.

She turned to him, her voice calm, her eyes carrying the weight of centuries of womanhood.

“Ekansh kisi bhi ladki ke liye uske sasural ka pehla din bahut hi zyada kathin hota hai. Us din vo apna ghar, pariwar, mitra sab chhod ke aati hai jinke sath usne apne jivan ke itne varsh bitaye hote hain.”She continued softly, “Us din ek ladki sirf ye hi nahi balki apne aap se door ho jati hai. Uske jivan ki sampoorn chije badal jati hain—uska pehnawa, baat karne ka tarika, rahan-sahan, uska ghar, pariwar, chamber, maano sampoorn jivan badal jata hai. Ye sab aasan nahi hota hai svikaar karna, sari chijo ke sath ghulna-milna. Har pal man mein bas ek tufan sa chal raha hota hai, vo andar hi andar apne man ke tufan se lad rahi hoti hai.”

(“Ekansh, for any girl, the first day in her husband’s home is the hardest day of her life."She continued softly, "That day, she leaves behind her house, her family, her friends
 everything she has known since childhood. She steps into a world that is completely unfamiliar. That day, her whole existence changes — her clothes, her way of speaking, her lifestyle, her family, even the very walls around her. Her entire life is transformed. And it is not easy to accept all of this, to blend into so many new things at once. Inside her, a storm rages — every moment she fights that storm quietly, alone.”)

Ekansh listened in silence, his eyes fixed on his mother’s face, searching the depths of her words and the truth glistening in her tearful gaze.

She placed her hand on his hand, and she said, her voice softening, "aap samajh rahe hai na ki hum apko kya samjhane ki prayas kar rahe hain. Vah pehle se hi bahut pareshan hai beta, aur ap dono ka vivah baki vivahon se alag hai. es baat ka yahsaas unhe bhi hoga. Auratein bina kahe bina sune, kaafi chize samajh jati hain."

(She placed her hand on his hand, and she said, her voice softening. “Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you, beta? Siya is already in deep pain. And your marriage
 it is not like others. She, too, feels the weight of that difference. A woman’s heart often understands more than words can reveal. She is suffering, Ekansh Do not add to it.” )

Ekansh pulled his hand free and rose to his feet, turning his back to her.

His voice calm, and  heavy with pain, "maa sa ham aap ki bat ko samajhte hain ki ye sab bahut kathin hai aur es samay vah bahut pareshan hai, prantu hum majgur hai hum pyar ka dikhava nahi kar sakte. Humne aap se kaha tha ki hum vivah nahi karna chahte prantu aapne hamari ek bat nahi suni aur hame majbur karke vivah kara diya."

( His voice calm, and  heavy with pain, “Maa sa, I understand what you’re saying. I know it is difficult for her, i agree she is suffering. But I cannot pretend. I cannot put on the mask of love. I told you before, I did not want to marry. Yet you did not listen. You forced me into it.”)

His mother stood and got strand beside him, her own voice breaking, "jo ho gya so ho gya prantu hame apne bete par puran wishwas hai ki aap hamari bahu ke sath kabhi kuchh galat nahi karenge aur na hi kuchh galat hone denge."

Hum jante hai aap apni galti sudharenge maa hai hum aapki aapse jada aapko hum jante hai," She said, gently placing her hand on his arm, her lips curving in a faint hopeful smile. Then she turned and left him alone in the garden.

(His mother stood and got strand beside him, her own voice breaking. “What’s done is done. But I have trust on my son. You will never do anything wrong with my daughter-in-law, nor allow anything wrong to happen to her.

I know you will correct your mistake A mother knows her child better than anyone else.” She said, gently placing  her hand on his arm, her lips curving in a faint hopeful smile. Then she turned and left him alone in the garden.)

She knew — he needed time by himself.

Ekansh’s POV

Never in my life I have felt so helpless.

I know she is troubled right now. But I wrote her that letter. I told her the truth. Still, she agreed for this marriage. This was her choice. Not my mistake.

The moment I was free from the royal hall, I went straight to her because I needed to talk—I needed answers to all my questions. I wanted to know why she hadn’t refused, why she hadn’t spoken up. That’s why I brought her to my chamber. But instead of getting answers, everything went wrong.

I felt angry, not because of her words, but because her tears were affecting me. Every tear made me restless in a way I couldn’t control. In my anger, I said things I shouldn’t have. But her shaky voice, filled with sorrow, shook me deeply. Why did it hurt me so much? Why did my heart ache at her pain? Why did her tears make me so restless? Why does her pain feel like my pain?

I hate her. She hates me too. Then why do her tears disturb me so deeply? Why did she look so innocent, so broken in that moment
 that I burned with rage at myself for not stopping this marriage?

She had a choice. She could have refused. But she didn’t. She chose this suffering. I could do nothing.

Maa sa was right — she is troubled, and that’s why she cried. Otherwise, she would have been standing tall, sword in hand, ready to fight. That’s who she is.

A true warrior never takes advantage of someone’s helplessness. So I will give her time. Time to breathe, time to settle. Until then, I will keep my hatred away from her.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the cold night air wash over me, filling me with a strange stillness.

“Let’s see what my unwanted wife is doing now,” I muttered to myself, before turning back toward my chamber.

I stepped into the room and froze at the sight before me. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, one leg folded beneath her, both hands resting in her lap.

She was crying — but not in the way of someone hurt. It was totally different. Her face showed no trace of hurt; Instead,  she cried the way a small child does: lips pushed out into a tiny pout, eyes overflowing with thick tears, and innocence radiating from every expression. The sight confused me. I blinked, completely unsure of what to do.

Slowly, I stepped closer. She was so lost in her sobbing that she didn’t notice me at all. I slid onto the bed beside her, careful not to startle her.

At the brush of my presence, she lifted her tear-filled gaze. She stared at me, blinking cutely like a small baby. Then, with wide, blinking eyes, a hint of mock anger flickered across her face.

"Kahi ye sagme me pagal to nahi ho gai," my unconscious mind said.

(" Has she actually gone mad due to trauma?" my unconscious mind said.)

“What happened? Are you crying because of me?” I asked softly. I didn’t know why those words came out of my mouth.

“Why would I cry for you? I hate you, understood?” she replied, hiccupping, but her tears didn’t stop. How could someone look this unbelievably cute while crying?

"Enka kiya bharosa pata nahi kiya hua hai, kahi unchi awaj me puchh liya aur ye aur jada rone lagi to," I thought to myself.

(“I don’t know what to do. What if I ask in a loud voice and she ends up crying even more?” I thought to myself.)

So I cleared my throat, lowering my voice as if speaking to a child. “Then
 why are you crying? Are you missing maa sa and baba sa?”

Her eyes were fixed on her lap, fingers nervously fidgeting with her bangles as tears streamed down her cheeks.

She didn’t answer—she just shook her head in no.

“Okay
 then is it your bhai sa right?” i asked again.

She nodded her head in no.

“Your bhabhi sa?” I tried again. Another no.

"Your friends," i tried again, but again she nodded her head in no, so cutely like a innocent child.

Frustrated, I raised my voice a little. “Then why are you crying?” My tone only made her sob harder, her hiccups longer.

"Ye kya kiya Ekansh, kiyo unchi swar me bola ab ye kaise chup hongi agar maa sa ko pata chala unki pyari bahu itna ro rhi hai to o veh yahi sochengi ki tune hi kuchh kiya hoga," my unconscious mind scolded me.

(“What the hell, Ekansh! Why did you raise your voice? Now how will she calm down? If maa sa finds out that her beloved daughter-in-law is crying so much, she’ll think you must have done something!” my mind scolded me.)

Aise muh banakar to Prisha bachpan mein roa karti thi, phir hum use godh mein ghumakar chupate the.

( the same face Prisha used to make when she cried in childhood. Back then, I would lift her into my arms and carry her around until she stopped crying.)

But siya is crying even more like a child now. Should I lift her too into my arms and spin her around until she stopped crying? No, I won’t.

Then how do I make her calm now?

“Listen
 don’t cry. You’ll fall sick. Then how will you fight with me?” I blurted, I had no idea what I was saying, unsure what else to do.

She started crying even harder. What the hell is going on with me.

“I’m crying here, and you’re talking about fighting with me?” she said in a childish tone while hiccupping, glaring at me with wide, angry eyes and heavy breaths.

“No! I didn’t mean that, I was saying don’t cry. I don’t know how to handle this. I have no experience in stopping someone from crying,” I admitted honestly, fumbling over my words.

It’s my first time—how could I possibly have experience?

Her next words took my breath away. My heart began to race, filling with restless unease.

“I’m crying for my love,” she said, lowering her eyes to her lap, her tone suddenly serious.

“What
 what did you say?” I stammered, my words failing me. Why my heart is reacting like this?

“I love my Moti so much. I miss her,” she whispered softly.

“Moti
 wait, that means she’s a girl?” Relief washed over me.

“No
 she’s not a girl,” she said, smiling faintly.

“Then
 who?” I asked impatiently.

"O hamari gaiya(cow) hai," she said, and her smile made the word sound like the name of the most precious thing in the world.

(“She’s our cow,” she said, and her smile made the word sound like the name of the most precious thing in the world.)

“A cow?” I stared in disbelief.

“You’ve been crying all this time for a cow?” I said in disbelief.

"Ye ladki sach me pagal hai kiya koi gai (cow) ke liye yaise rota hai," i said in my mind.

(Is this girl really sane? Crying over a cow?)

“How dare you call her a cow? Her name is Moti!” she said angrily, glaring at me with fire in her eyes.

She continued, her voice trembling with anger: “All of this is because of you. Because of you, I was so stressed that I couldn’t meet my Moti, and now I am missing her."

“You’ve gone crazy! Crying and now threatening me over a cow? You’ve caused me so much trouble!” I said, still i cannot believe that she was crying for a cow.

She stood up from the bed, wiped her tears, took a deep breath, and stared at me angrily like she was ready to kill me.

“How dare you call me crazy and my Moti a cow? I will not leave you now!” she shouted in full anger, her big eyes glaring at me.

I sat frozen on the bed, staring at her in shock. She looked too angry—and too cute—at the same time.

I couldn’t even understand what was happening.

She glanced around the room, then walked toward the table a short distance away. She picked up a steel glass, She lifted it high, ready to throw it at me. Alarmed, I jumped up from the bed and moved aside. The glass slipped and crashed onto the bed instead then glass fell on the floor.

Without pausing, she rushed back to the bed, grabbed the pillows, and began throwing them at me one after another with full force—like a complete madwoman.

“Rani sa, what are you doing?” I said while trying to catch the flying pillows. I am tolerating her so she is taking my advantage.

But she wasn’t done. Her eyes searched wildly until she spotted the water jug on the side table. She grabbed it and began marching toward me with fire in her gaze.

“Why are you coming toward me? And why are you starring me like this?” I asked in confusion.

"I will break your head! You trouble me too much! And I’ll break your face too!” she shouted, her voice trembling with rage.

"See i am tolerating you doesn’t mean you will do anything," i said, but she ignored.

“Vivah ki pehli raat hi bidhwa hona hai kya aapko?” I muttered while taking a step back.

(“On the very first night of marriage, do you really want to turn yourself into a widow?” I muttered while taking a step backward.)

But the moment I stepped backward, my foot landed on a glass. I lost my balance and fell flat on the bed with a loud thud.

As my back hit the bed, The bed creaked loudly beneath me. Thank God it didn’t break.

“Ha ha ha ha!” She burst out laughing. Her anger disappeared instantly, replaced by sudden joy.

I stayed frozen, lying on the bed, staring at her in shock.

“You’re making fun of me?” I asked in firm tone while waking up from the bed. At least she was laughing.

“No, this is your karma,” she said between loud peals of laughter.

“Rana sa, kahi kamar to nahi toot gayi?” she teased, still laughing uncontrollably.

(“Rana sa, did your back break?” she teased, still laughing uncontrollably.)

“What?  It's enough now! Stop laughing and go get fresh," i ordered in firm tone, otherwise she will just keep making fun of me here.

“Yes, I’m going,” she said with a mischievous smile. Then she took  steps closer toward me, her eyes narrowing as her voice turned sharp. “I will share this room with you only because of the family—not because you want it. Understood?”

With that, she turned and walked into the bathing room, leaving me speechless.

Finally, I let out a long breath and sat onto the bed.

This girl
 she isn’t just a girl—she’s a storm, a walking trouble. She’s been driving me insane, testing every ounce of my patience.

I’ve been silently tolerating her, and she’s taking full advantage of it.

Author Por

After some time, Ekansh was still seated on the bed. Both his feet touched the floor, his hands rested on either side of the bed, and his eyes were closed.

The soft sound of anklets and bangles stirred him. He opened his eyes and turned his head toward the bathing room. For a moment, he was mesmerized. His gaze froze on Siya, unblinking, unmoving, completely lost in her sight.

Siya walked toward the bed, her fingers busy fixing her hair, unaware of the effect she was creating.

Still She was in that red lehenga, with all her jewelry removed except for the red bangles, anklets, and mangalsutra. Her hair was unbraided, flowing freely, cascading down past her waist. The vermilion filling her hairline deepened her beauty, and her open locks framed her face perfectly.

She looked breathtaking.

When she finally lifted her head, she noticed Ekansh staring at her so intently. She paused, confused.

“What happened? Why are you staring at me like this?” she asked uncertainly.

Her words pulled him back to reality. His expression shifted, turning cold and firm. His eyes grew darker as he stared at her with a dominating gaze.

“Why would I stare at you?” he said sharply. Then, in a demanding tone, he ordered, “Come here.”

“What? And why should I come to you?” she shot back in a challenging tone.

“I said, come here,” he repeated, his voice firm, his index finger motioning her toward him.

“I will not,” she snapped, equally defiant.

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” he said coldly. “If I come to you, I’ll lift you in my arms and bring you here myself. And I don’t think you’ll like that.”

Siya’s heart raced wildly, a strange warmth spreading through her body.

"This man
 there’s no telling what he might do. He really could lift me up," she thought nervously.

She hesitated, then took a small step toward him, her eyes never leaving his. His gaze was unrelenting, fixed on her without a blink.

Step by step, she moved closer, her anklets barely ringing, her breaths shaky. Only two steps now separated them. Nervousness fluttered wildly in her chest, yet she stood firm, facing him. He hadn’t moved—still seated on the edge of the bed, still composed, as though waiting for her surrender.

Without warning, he parted his legs and, with a gentle force, tugged her between his knees, his finger hooking over the fabric of Siya’s lehenga at her waistband.

It happened too quickly, too unexpectedly. She didn’t even have time to grasp what he was doing. Stunned, she froze, her eyes wide, staring at him in disbelief.

She now stood between his legs while he remained seated on the bed, their eyes locked, They were only few enches away from each other.

“What the hell is this?” she burst out nervously.

His gaze fixed on her, but hers desperately trying to look anywhere but into them. His was noticing her every movement, while her chest rose and fell heavily with ragged, nervous breaths.

“From now onward, you will never wear red without my permission. Understood?” His tone was firm, dominating.

Anger flared in her. She lifted her gaze and shot back in a voice just as fiery and commanding, “Have you gone crazy? Do you even realize what you’re doing? And why would I not wear red? You are no one to me—you have no right to dictate what I wear. Understood?”

He rose to his feet, standing directly in front of her, though maintaining a slight distance between them. His tone was harsh, final. “Yes, I hate red now—because it was in red that you came to the mandap where everything was destroyed, where my entire life changed. From today, you will never wear red again.”

she snapped, grinding her teeth and glaring at him with burning eyes, “If red unsettles you so much, then hear me clearly—I will wear only red from now on.”

“Don’t you dare,” he warned, his voice low and commanding, his gaze locked onto hers.

“I will,” she shot back instantly, fire answering fire. “You can’t stop me. I will do whatever I want.”

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “If you dare wear red again without my permission, I will claim my right over you—by removing it with my own hands.”

Her lips parted in shock, her eyes blinking slowly in disbelief.

He watched her falter and smirked faintly, Leaning even closer, his lips hovered near her ear, though his body kept its distance. he whispered huskily, “Don’t take me for granted. If I say it, I’ll do it—decisively.”

When His warm breath touched her skin, sending goosebumps down her body. She trembled slightly under his effect.

“Yes or no?” he asked in the same husky tone.

She shook her head in no.

“Answer in words, Rani Sa,” he demanded, whispering again.

His closeness and breath clouded her senses. She couldn’t think, couldn’t understand what was happening or how to react. He knew it, and he was enjoying every bit of her helplessness.

With trembling lips, she whispered, “Yes.”

“Good girl.” he said in husky voice, Straightening, he stood tall in front of her again. She felt even more nervous now.

“I like the effect I have on you, Rani Sa. Your heart is beating too loudly,” he said with a smirk.

His words jolted her back into her senses. Anger burned in her voice as she replied, “I said yes not because you demanded it—I said it because I hate you so much. I cannot tolerate your touch, not even in my imagination.”

His smile deepened, sharp and mocking. “You claim to hate me, yet you tremble under my nearness, and your heart—your heart betrays you. It races for me.”

"How can I be affected by his presence? How dare my body betray me like this? The rage wasn’t only for him anymore—it was for myself," siya said in her mind.

“Fine, then. From now on, I’ll never wear red again in my life,” Siya declared, her tone sharp and defiant, her eyes locked onto Ekansh’s with a fiery challenge.

“I told you before—never without my permission,” he replied, his voice firm, steady, almost possessive.

“You don’t matter in my life. Understood?” she shot back, her words laced with anger.

“Oh, I saw that,” he said with a mischievous smile.

His smirking smile made her blood boil. Her chest rose and fell with anger.

How dare he mock me? Knowingly he did all those things, she thought furiously.

She turned her head away in irritation, but then her eyes caught something on the side table. An idea struck her, and excitement lit up her face.

Her next words nearly made him choke on his breath.

"hame suhagrat mnana hai," she whispered, lowering her lashes as if shy, her fingers nervously twirling the corner of her dupatta.

“I have to celebrate our wedding night,” she whispered, lowering her lashes as if shy, her fingers nervously twirling the corner of her dupatta.

Ekansh coughed, completely thrown off. “What? Have you lost your mind? Do you even know what you’re saying?” he asked in shock.

“Yes,” she murmured softly, her voice trembling, “I know exactly what I’m asking for.”

“Do you even understand what a wedding night means? You’re talking nonsense,” he said in disbelief.

“Ji, humein pata hai,” she replied shyly, her eyes still cast downward.

("Yes i know," she replied shyly, her eyes still cast downward.)

"Hamari taraf dekhiye, kiya bakwas kar rhi hai aap," he demanded, irritation lacing his tone.

(“Look at me. What rubbish are you talking?” he demanded, irritation lacing his tone.)

“Ji
 humein sharm aa rahi hai,” she whispered, biting her lower lip.

(“I
 I’m feeling shy,” she wishpered, biting her lower lip.)

Is she crazy, or is she trying to drive me crazy? Ekansh thought.

Without another word, Siya walked to the side table and picked up the glass of milk. She returned, standing just two steps away from him.He stared at her, utterly confused. Slowly, she lifted her eyes and, in a breathy voice, said, “This is our wedding night. We should celebrate it in our own way
 shouldn’t we, Rana sa?”

Before he could respond, she raised the glass to her lips and  began drinking the milk.He watched, shocked and lost, the soft curve of her lips brushing the rim of the glass, the delicate movement of her throat as she swallowed.

After a pause, when Siya lowered the glass, a mischievous smile on her lips. “Hamne pee liya hai
 ab yeh aapke liye hai,” she said, offering him the leftover milk.

(After a pause, when Siya lowered the glass, a mischievous smile on her lips. “I’ve had my share
 now this is for you,” she said, offering him the leftover milk. )

“What, I’ll never drink this,” he said bluntly.

“This is how I wanted to celebrate our first night. You have to drink it,” she insisted, her voice sultry now.

“Do whatever you want, but stop irritating me. I don’t want to say anything, otherwise Maa sa will blamed me only,” he replied, clearly annoyed.

She tilted her head, smirking. “Oh, so you’re doing all this because of Maa sa."

“No,” he growled, his voice low and rough. “What I did was my duty.”

He was about to leave for the garden when suddenly Siya grabbed his hand, and stepped in front of him, and pressed her palm against his chest. The push was firm—not harsh, but not gentle either.

He stumbled back onto the edge of the bed, both feet touching the floor. The bed creaked under the force.

Before he could react, Siya sat down on his lap, still holding the glass of milk.

His breath caught as her warmth pressed against him.

She cupped his jaw, her four fingers pressing one cheek and her thumb on the other, forcing his mouth open as she tilted his head slightly upward. Then, swiftly, she brought the glass to his lips and poured milk into his mouth.

It all happened so quickly, he had no chance to resist. He froze, shocked, but the nearness of her body, her fragrance, her daring touch—it overwhelmed him.

But he didn’t swallow that milk.

“Drink it—or I won’t release your cheeks,” she warned, locking eyes with him.

Their eyes locked—her gaze mischievous, his gaze intense and dangerous. he slid his arm around her waist Then, with a sudden pull, he gripped her waist and yanked her closer, their chests colliding. His heat seared through her thin fabric. Holding her that way, he finally gulped the milk.

Her heartbeat raced at the sudden intimacy.

“If your lips can make even leftover milk taste this intoxicating
” he whispered against her ear, smirking, his husky breath brushing her skin, “I can only imagine how sweet you must be.”

“W
 what do you mean?” she stammered nervously.

“I mean—if we’re going to celebrate suhagrat (first night), then let’s do it properly,” he teased with a smirk.

She leaned closer, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, “Yes, Rana sa
 you’re absolutely right.” Her hand slid slowly upward across his chest.

His mind went blank for a moment, lost in the rhythm of her touch, his heartbeat thundering.

Suddenly, she pulled away, freeing herself from his gentle grip.

He blinked, stunned, his eyes dark with disbelief.

“I like the effect I have on you,” she said, her tone playful, echoing his earlier teasing words. “Your heart is beating so fast."

Her proud giggle filled the room, and something inside him snapped.

His eyes darkened with anger. “Now you’re getting on my nerves. Don’t test my patience,” he warned in a rough and dominating voice.

Siya only smiled mischievously, her eyes sparkling with victory.

Ekansh said in his mind, "Why was this milk so delicious
 and why did I crave more?"

“Give me the glass,” he demanded, his voice firm and commanding.

“Why?” she asked, lifting her brows in defiance.

“I want to drink it,” he answered bluntly.

“I won’t give it to you. Just a moment ago, you said you didn’t want it,” she shot back, her tone dripping with challenge.

“Now I want. And that glass of milk was for me—so it belongs to me only,” he said, his gaze sharp and dominating as it locked on hers.

“But it’s in my hands right now. That means it belongs to me only,” she replied, her eyes flashing with the same fire.

His jaw tightened. “Don’t play with me,” he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

“King of Pratapgad,” she said pressing each word slowly, deliberately, her voice teasing yet fierce. “If you truly have the strength to endure me, then catch me
 and take this glass.” Her stare was steady, daring.

“You’re challenging me?” he asked, his tone husky, a dangerous lift of his brows adding weight to his words.

“Yes,” she declared boldly. “If you truly have the courage, come and take this glass from me.”

A smirk curved his lips. “Fine. Be ready to witness my strength
 and what I’m capable of.”

“Don’t be overconfident,” she warned, her voice a silken mix of taunt and caution, "It's not easy to win over me."

Ekansh took a step toward her, intent on catching her.

Siya tightened her grip on the glass and darted back, the soft chime of her anklets following her as she slipped behind a chair.

Ekansh’s smirk deepened. “Running won’t save you, Rani sa. In the end, you have to come to me,” he said, circling the table with slow, predatory steps.

She laughed softly, her eyes glittering with mischief. “I will never come to you. If you want this milk, you’ll have to catch me.”

With that, she ran to the other side of the room, and the chase began.

Around the chairs, across the table, from corner to corner—she moved with the swiftness of a bird, her lehenga brushing the floor, her laughter echoing like a taunt. Ekansh pursued with determination, his gaze locked on her every move, his breaths coming heavier with each step.

“Run, Rani sa, run as much as you want,” he drawled, smirking, though amusement flickered behind his dominating tone.

But she only raised the glass higher, teasing, “Catch me—otherwise I’ll finish it myself.”

Finally, she climbed onto the bed, clutching the glass to her chest like a prize. Ekansh paused, eyes narrowing as he studied her. Then, without hesitation, he bent down and tried to grab her from beneath the bed’s edge, his hand brushing against her ankle. She squealed, pulling back, her heart racing, but his determination only grew.

“Rani sa,” he growled huskily, “you cannot defeat me.”

She jumped down from the bed, Now she stood on one side, and he on the other. facing him from across. Then he took long step toward her. She turned away, her back to the bed, and hurriedly lifted the glass to drink.

Ekansh quickened his steps toward her. Siya tried to retreat in haste, but her foot slipped, and she nearly lost her balance. In two swift strides, he closed the distance in two strides, his hand seizing hers while his other arm wrapped firmly around her waist to steady her.

But in saving her from the fall, he lost his own balance.

“Aaah!” Siya gasped as they both toppled, crashing onto the bed with Ekansh falling over her.

The loud crack of breaking wood filled the entire room. Bracing himself, Ekansh pressed his palms against the mattress so she wouldn’t be crushed under his weight.Their bodies pressed against each other, and the closeness sent their hearts pounding uncontrollably. Their eyes met in shock, breaths colliding in the silence.

"Plang tod diya," Siya whispered in disbelief, her voice trembling.

“Bed
 broke,” Siya whispered in disbelief, her voice trembling.

Both glanced at the situation of the broken bed, It had split in the middle, and they sank together into the gap.”

“Wait, I’ll get up,” Ekansh murmured gently.

He pressed his palms on either side of her on mattress, trying to push himself upright. But the fragile bed gave another loud crack. Under his weight, it collapsed further, and he lost control—falling back onto her with sudden force. His lips directly landed on her cheek in an accidental kiss.

She gasped, startled by the accidental kiss. eyes widening, her heart hammering against her ribs. His chest rose and fell hard against hers, both of them shaken by the sudden closeness.

He lifted his head quickly, glancing away, unable to meet her eyes. After a few failed attempts, he finally managed to rise, then he extended his hand to help her.

She held his hand, trying to sit up—but the bed creaked and gave another jerk, sending her back flat against the mattress.

Ekansh let out a frustrated breath and leaved her hand. Placing one knee on the unbroken edge of the bed, She was starring at him in confusion, not understanding what he was doing. But His focus was absolute, yet her heart raced at the intimacy of the moment.

Then, without a word, he bent toward her. Sliding an arm beneath her knees and another around her back, he lifted her carefully into his arms.

Her breath caught as she looked up at him, completely lost in his gaze. He held her tightly in his arms, his eyes never leaving hers as he carried her away from the broken center of the bed. In that moment, it felt as if the world around them had vanished they were utterly lost in each other.

Ekansh’s foot struck the fallen glass of milk, and the sharp sound jolted them both back into their senses.

They blinked rapidly, faces burning with embarrassment, before Ekansh slowly set Siya down.

She steadied herself on her feet and nervously began straightening her clothes. He turned his gaze away, his own unease written across his face.

"Itna bhi bal nahi dikhana tha ki palang hi tod diya," she wishpered softly.

(“You didn’t have to show this much strength that you broke the bed,” she whispered softly.)

“This all happened because of you,” Ekansh shot back, his scolding tone betraying his nervousness.

“What did you just say?” Siya turned toward him sharply, her eyes blazing as she glared at him.

“I said the truth,” he replied firmly.

"Khud sandh ki tarah hain, aur humein bol rahe hain," she snapped back.

(“You’re like a wild bull yourself, and yet you’re blaming me,” she snapped.)

“You called me a bull?” he asked, anger flickering in his eyes.

“Yes—you are one! You broke the bed. How am I supposed to face everyone tomorrow?” she said, her voice tinged with panic.

“Yes
 what will everyone think tomorrow?” he echoed anxiously, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.

Seeing his nervousness, a mischievous smile curved her lips. "Yehi ki aap bilkul habshi sandh hain."

(Seeing his nervousness, a mischievous smile curved her lips. “Exactly—that you’re nothing but a lust-driven bull.”)

His eyes darkened, his voice dropping into a commanding tone as he took a step toward her. “You’re speaking far too much. Perhaps I should show you what desire or lust-driven bull truly means.”

“Wait—stop! Or I’ll break your head,” she warned, her voice trembling though she tried to sound strong.

“Sorry
” she whispered softly when their eyes met, her fear giving way to something else. He froze in place.

She quickly straightened her shoulders and said, “Why are you staring? Go and fix the bed.”

His brows rose in amusement. “Ordering me? Hmm,” he drawled in a husky voice.

“No, no—I only meant
 do something about this bed,” she stammered nervously.

Watching her fluster, a slow smile spread across his face.

“Why are you smiling? I didn’t crack a joke,” she said irritably.

Taking another step closer, his gaze locked on hers, he whispered with a smirk, “Rani-sa, just look at this bed. Do you really think something so broken can ever be fixed?”

Her eyes widened as she turned toward the bed. One thought crossed her mind: "If the bed is in this condition, what would have happened to me? He truly is a bull. Thank goodness I hate him."

As though reading her thoughts, Ekansh said teasingly, “Don’t worry, Rani-sa. If it had been you instead of the bed, I would never have let you break. After all, you are my wife—I’d take care of you.”

“What?” she gasped, whipping her head toward him in shock.

“Whatever you think, Rani-sa, it always shows on your face. How is that my fault?” he replied with a mischievous smile.

“I-I wasn’t thinking anything like that,” she stuttered nervously.

“Oh yes, you were thinking far ahead. I know,” he teased.

“I’ve got work to do!” she muttered, flustered, and hurried into the bathing room.

He watched her retreat with a satisfied smirk, clearly enjoying her reactions.

“I didn’t know she could get so scared,” he murmured to himself.

With a faint smile still lingering, he stepped into the garden attached to his room. The cool night air brushed against his skin, widening his smile. He lay down on his back on the ground, closed his eyes, and drew in a long breath, letting peace settle over him.

This girl is no less than trouble. In just one night, she’s turned my world upside down. How will i tolerate her entire life? he thought with amusement.

Then he muttered to himself, “Didn’t even get the milk, and in the process, the bed broke. What was in that milk that made it so tasty?”

Meanwhile, Siya stepped out of the bathing room, her pace hesitant as she looked around for him. But the room was empty.

A chill brushed her skin, and when she turned, she saw the curtains billowing from the open doors. Curious, she walked toward the garden and pushed them aside—only to be struck speechless.

Before her lay a breathtaking sight: moonlight spilling like silver over flowers, the cool night breeze carrying their fragrance, stars scattered across the sky. It felt like stepping into heaven itself.

“So beautiful,” she whispered, stepping into the garden.

Then her eyes found Ekansh. He was lying on the ground, asleep beneath the moonlight. Her gaze fixed to him, refusing to move. For a moment, she forgot everything else.

She went and sat beside him, studying him quietly.

“Your face is glowing in the moonlight, like a handful of sunlight powerful enough to banish all darkness. But in my life, you’ve only brought darkness,” she whispered softly, knowing he couldn’t hear her because Ekansh was sleeping.

“Sleeping like this, you look so innocent
 like the sweetest child in the world. But the reality is different—you’re cruel and heartless.” Her voice broke as tears welled in her eyes.

“You look so calm, so peaceful, while my life is trapped in a storm.”

Slowly, she lay down beside him, turning to face him. Her eyes lingered on his features, unwilling to look away.

I’ve waited years for my Rana-sa
 but now that I’ve met you, my heart refuses to believe you are truly him.

Her eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion, yet she kept watching him until at last, sleep claimed her.

Under the vast open sky, the two of them lay side by side, fast asleep in the quiet garden—far away from the world, lost in a rare, fleeting peace.

ï»ż_________________________

How was the chapter?

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My biggest apology for the late update

Since my college has started, I hardly get any time, and that’s why this chapter took so long to reach you all. Sorry for the delay!

But you know what the funny part is? Even though I’ve been writing in trains, buses, during breaks, and while doing chores, it still took me this long to finish. I hope you all will understand.

The next chapters will come sooner, and I won’t make you wait this long again.

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See you soon!

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