The car navigated through the dense forest, darkness enveloping Samyuktika. She clutched the patka and chunni tightly, her burned hands aching. Fear crept in as her mind raced with questions. Where was Ekansh taking her? Why so far from civilization? The trees blurred together, their branches resembling skeletal fingers.
Samyuktika's breath came in short gasps. The guard's impassive face reflected in the rearview mirror. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice trembling. The guard's eyes met hers, but he offered no explanation.
Panic set in. Was she in danger? Was Ekansh's intention sinister? The forest grew denser, shadows deepening. Samyuktika's heart pounded.
Suddenly, the car slowed. A massive iron gate loomed ahead. The guard keyed in a code, and the gates swung open, revealing a sprawling mansion. Samyuktika's eyes widened in wonder.
The mansion's grandeur took Samyuktika's breath away. Towering spires and intricate stonework adorned its facade, illuminated by soft floodlights. As the car pulled up to the entrance, massive wooden doors swung open, revealing a lavish foyer.
Crystal chandeliers refracted rainbow hues across marble floors. A sweeping staircase curved upward, disappearing into the darkness above. Portraits of stern-faced ancestors lined the walls, their eyes seeming to watch Samyuktika.
A butler, impeccably dressed, greeted her with a bow. "Welcome, Mam. Your quarters are prepared."
As Samyuktika stepped into the mansion, her foot came down on shattered glass. Sharp shards pierced her skin, and blood began to seep out. She winced, pain shooting through her foot.
Unsteady, she took a few steps forward, her vision blurring. Suddenly, her knees buckled.
Just as she was about to collapse, a maid rushed to her side, catching her. "Ma'am, careful!" the maid exclaimed.
A deep, familiar voice cut through the haze. "Welcome, Mrs. Rai. How was your grah pravesh ceremony?" Samyuktika's gaze lifted to meet Ekansh's sardonic smile.
He stood on the staircase in front of her, wearing a black T-shirt and the same Adidas trousers . Sarcasm dripped from his tone.
Samyuktika's eyes narrowed, pain and anger mingling. "You know exactly how it was," she spat.
Ekansh's smile widened. "I do. And I must say, the burned hands and bloody feet make a lovely addition to your wedding attire."
The maid gasped. Samyuktika's face burned with humiliation.
Tears brimmed in Samyuktika's eyes as Ekansh approached, hatred burning in his gaze. "Solitude," he commanded, his voice cold and detached. The maid and guards swiftly departed, leaving Samyuktika alone with Ekansh.
As the last footsteps faded, Ekansh's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "Welcome to hell, my dear unwanted wife." Samyuktika's tears spilled over, streaming down her face. Ekansh's eyes flashed with contempt, his expression twisted in disgust.
"You're mine now, bound by law and family duty," he sneered. His words cut deeper than the glass that pierced her foot. Samyuktika's heart shattered, her soul crushed by Ekansh's cruelty.
"How can you be so cruel?" she whispered, her voice trembling. Ekansh's smile twisted further. "Cruel? You have no idea what cruelty is. You'll learn." With that, he turned to leave, disappearing into the darkness.
"Ritika will attend to your wounds," he called back over his shoulder. "Don't bother trying to escape." The sound of his footsteps faded, leaving Samyuktika alone in despair.
Samyuktika fell, holding her bloody foot and crying silently. Netra, the maid, rushed to her side. "Ma'am, let me help," Netra said, gently lifting Samyuktika into a sitting position.
With careful support, Netra guided Samyuktika to a nearby room. The bed, covered in crisp white linens, beckoned.
Just as Netra helped Samyuktika onto the bed, Doctor Ritisha arrived. "Doctor ma'am, she's injured," Netra explained.
Ritisha's expression turned concerned. "Let me examine her." Samyuktika nodded, tears still streaming down her face.
Ritisha began examining her foot, her touch gentle. "We need to clean and dress this wound." Netra handed Ritisha medical supplies, assisting her quietly.
As Ritisha tended to Samyuktika's wound, Netra's sympathetic gaze met Samyuktika's. Samyuktika felt a sense of relief wash over her, surrounded by kind faces.
Doctor Ritisha finished dressing Samyuktika's wound and packed up her supplies. "You'll need to rest and keep this clean," she advised.
Samyuktika nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Doctor."
Ritisha smiled kindly and exited the room.
Samyuktika turned to Netra, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Netra," she whispered.
Netra smiled softly. "You're welcome, Ma'am."
Samyuktika's gaze dropped, her voice barely audible. "Please leave me alone now."
Netra hesitated, concern etched on her face. "Ma'am, are you-"
Samyuktika's eyes pleaded. "Please, Netra."
Netra nodded sympathetically and quietly exited the room, closing the door behind her.
Samyuktika sank into the pillows, exhaustion and despair washing over her. Ekansh's cruel words still echoed in her mind.
Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Why?"
Her pov
Why did I agree to marry him?
Lying in my grandmother's hospital room, watching cancer ravage her body, I made a desperate choice.
Mahendra, Ekansh's father, offered a deal: marry Ekansh, and he'd cover my grandmother's medical expenses.
My parents were gone, and I was only 22, a simple school teacher with no means to afford the life-saving operation.
Mahendra's words echoed: "Marry my son, and I'll save your grandmother's life."
I agreed, trading my freedom for her chance to live.
Now, as Ekansh's cruelty sinks in, I wonder: Was survival worth this?
Tears fall as I recall my parents' love and my lost dreams. The door creaks open. Netra enters with a gentle smile.
"Ma'am, would you like some tea?"
I nod, grateful for her kindness.
But Ekansh's words still haunt me:
"Welcome to hell, my dear unwanted wife."
End
I took a sip of the warm tea, feeling its soothing comfort spread through my parched throat. Netra's thoughtful gesture brought a fleeting sense of peace.
As I sipped, my gaze wandered around the opulent room. Ekansh's family's wealth was evident in every detail, from the intricate carvings to the plush carpets.
But beneath the luxury, I sensed a prison.
My thoughts drifted to my grandmother, fighting for her life in the hospital. I hoped Mahendra would keep his promise.
The tea's warmth dissipated, leaving a hollow feeling.
Netra broke the silence. "Ma'am, do you need anything?"
I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "No, thank you, Netra."
Netra nodded sympathetically. "Rest, Ma'am. I'll be outside."
With that, she slipped out, leaving me alone with my turbulent thoughts.
The room's silence enveloped me, punctuated only by the ticking clock.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside.
My heart sank.
Ekansh?
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