Samyuktika headed to the bathroom, Netra's instructions still echoing in her mind. As she entered, she was met with a stunning reflection. Her wedding attire sparkled, accentuating her beauty. But her gaze drifted to the tears welling up in her eyes.
Every word Ekansh had spoken cut through her like a dagger. "A marriage of convenience," "trapped," "gold digger." The venom in his voice still lingered.
She felt a lump form in her throat, and before she knew it, tears streamed down her face. But something shifted within her. Laughter bubbled up, a desperate, hysterical laughter. She laughed at the absurdity of her situation, at the cruel fate that had bound her to a man who didn't love her.
The laughter consumed her, shaking her entire body. Gasping for breath, she stumbled towards the luxurious bathtub, her bruised and bandaged legs protesting with each step. She managed to lower herself into the cool, inviting water.
As the cold shower cascaded down, Samyuktika let out a sob, mingling with her laughter. The contradictions swirled around her - the beauty of her wedding attire, the pain of Ekansh's words, the absurdity of her situation.
In that moment, she was lost in a vortex of emotions, struggling to find her footing in a world that seemed determined to pull her under.
Samyuktika's body shook as she sobbed uncontrollably, the cold water cascading down her face mingling with her tears. She pleaded with God, her voice cracking.
"Why, God? Why must my life be so cruel? You took my parents from me, leaving me alone and vulnerable. Now, my grandmother, my only remaining family, lies on her deathbed. And to make ends meet, I'm forced to marry a man who doesn't love me, who sees me as nothing more than a pawn in his game of power."
She thought of Ekansh, his words still searing her heart.
"A cruel mafia lord, with no empathy, no compassion. What have I done to deserve this fate? Was I not worthy of love, of happiness?"
Her cries echoed off the bathroom walls as she begged for answers.
"God, please...please help me. Give me strength to endure this. Save my grandmother, please. Don't take her from me too."
As she wept, memories flooded her mind: her parents' smiles, her grandmother's warm hugs, and the countless nights spent struggling to make ends meet.
The water began to warm, but Samyuktika's heart remained icy cold, frozen in pain and despair.
Suddenly, she felt a presence outside the bathroom door. Netra's gentle voice called out.
"Ma'am, are you alright? Do you need anything?"
Samyuktika quickly composed herself, wiping away tears.
"I'm...I'm fine, Netra. Just give me a moment."
"Leave me, Netra. I need some time alone," Samyuktika said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Netra hesitated, concern etched on her face. "But, ma'am, are you sure? You shouldn't be alone right now."
Samyuktika's gaze met Netra through the slightly ajar door.
"Please, Netra. Just go."
With a reluctant nod, Netra retreated, closing the door behind her.
Samyuktika's facade crumbled. She slid deeper into the warm water, submerging her tears.
In the silence, her thoughts swirled.
How did her life become so tangled?
Was escape even possible?
The water began to lose its warmth, mirroring Samyuktika's fading hope.
As Samyuktika emerged from her thoughts, a droplet of vermilion from her hairline fell onto her hand, its vibrant red stark against her pale skin.
She stared at the tiny, glistening droplet, a symbol of her marriage to Ekansh. A marriage that felt like a prison. A marriage that suffocated her.
The vermilion drop seemed to mock her, reminding her of the vows she'd made.
"Forever bound to him," she whispered, her voice laced with despair.
With a trembling finger, she touched the droplet, feeling the sticky texture.
As she gazed at her reflection, the vermilion smear on her hand seemed to blur, merging with her tears.
In that moment, Samyuktika realized: This marriage was her reality. But would it define her?
Samyuktika stepped out of the bathroom, her wet lahenga clinging to her legs. She discarded it, relieved to shed the reminder of her wedding day.
Netra had left a set of comfortable clothes on the bed: a soft, white cotton top and loose-fitting pants.
Grateful for the thoughtful gesture, Samyuktika changed into the new clothes, feeling a sense of liberation wash over her.
As she settled into the plush bed, the cool fabric soothed her skin, a gentle respite from the emotional turmoil. Her gaze fell upon the wet lahenga, now a crumpled heap on the floor.
She felt a pang of guilt, knowing her grandmother would have wanted her to cherish the moment, not mourn it.
But the weight of her reality crushed any joy. Ekansh's words still echoed in her mind: "You're just a means to an end."
Samyuktika's eyes welled up again, but she fought back tears. No more crying. She needed strength. For herself. For her grandmother.
Samyuktika surrendered to exhaustion, her eyelids growing heavy. She sank into the plush bed, the softness enveloping her weary body.
As she drifted off to sleep, her mind quieted, temporarily escaping the turmoil. The silence of the room wrapped around her, a fleeting solace.
Hours passed, and the darkness outside gradually gave way to a soft, predawn light.
Samyuktika slept on, unaware of the new day's arrival. But her peace was short-lived.
In the Rai Niwas
Nisha asked her husband, Mahindra, "Why did you choose Samyuktika specifically for Ekansh?"
Mahindra's eyes gazed into the distance, recalling the fateful day.
"I was heading to my car when my wallet fell. It contained vital medicines and a substantial amount of cash. Samyuktika returned it to me, and I was grateful."
Nisha listened intently.
"The next day, I visited the hospital where my friend was admitted after an accident. That's where I saw Samyuktika, desperate to save her grandmother's life. The doctor demanded 20 lakhs, which she couldn't afford."
Mahindra's voice filled with conviction.
"I decided to marry her to Ekansh, helping her while securing a suitable match for our son. Her character and selflessness impressed me."
Nisha's expression softened, understanding Mahindra's motivations.
"You did it out of kindness," she said.
Mahindra's face hinted at deeper emotions.
"Yes, and to ensure Ekansh's future. Samyuktika's integrity and compassion make her an ideal partner."
Mahindra's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't you help Samyuktika when her hands burned in the temple?"
Nisha's gaze dropped, guilt written across her face.
"I thought she was faking it," Nisha admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought she was a gold digger, using Ekansh for our wealth."
Mahindra's expression turned stern.
"Why would you think that?" he pressed.
Nisha's shoulders sagged. "Her returning your wallet seemed too convenient. I didn't want her deceiving Ekansh."
Mahindra's face softened, understanding Nisha's motivations.
"But you were wrong, weren't you?" he asked gently.
Nisha nodded, tears welling up. "Yes, I was. She's genuinely struggling. I feel terrible for doubting her."
Mahindra wrapped his arms around Nisha.
"We'll make it right," he promised. "We'll support Ekansh and Samyuktika."
"But the point is, Ekansh hates our presence," Nisha said, her voice laced with concern.
Mahindra's expression turned somber. "I know, dear. He's been distant lately."
Nisha's eyes welled up with tears. "It's more than that. He feels suffocated by our constant interference."
Mahindra's face fell, realizing the truth in Nisha's words.
"We did it to protect him," Mahindra said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Nisha's gaze locked onto Mahindra's. "Protect him from what? From living his own life?"
Mahindra's shoulders sagged, the weight of his actions settling in.
"Maybe we've been too controlling," Mahindra admitted. "We need to give Ekansh space."
Nisha nodded, determination etched on her face.
"We'll back off, let him breathe. For his happiness, and ours."
Mahindra's eyes clouded, his voice heavy with regret.
"I'm regretting that I couldn't make it up with Nalini," he said, his words barely above a whisper. "I never cheated her, but she misunderstood. And Ekansh... he thought I never cared."
Nisha's expression softened, compassion filling her eyes.
"What happened, Mahindra?" she asked gently.
Mahindra's face twisted in pain.
"I was lost in myself, in my ambitions. I pushed Ekansh to perfection, very hard. He hates me for it."
Nisha's hand reached out, comforting Mahindra's.
"You did it out of love, wanting the best for him," she reminded him.
Mahindra shook his head.
"Love? He thinks I only cared about my business empire. That I sacrificed our family for success."
Nisha's voice was steady.
"No, Mahindra. Ekansh knows you love him. He's hurt, but he'll understand."
Mahindra's eyes searched Nisha's, seeking hope.
"Do you think... he'll forgive me?"
Nisha's expression filled with conviction.
"Of course, he'll forgive you, Mahindra. Ekansh loves you, and he wants a relationship with you."
Mahindra's eyes welled
up, hope flickering to life.
"I've missed him so much, Nisha. I want my son back."
Nisha's arms enveloped Mahindra, holding him close.
"We'll get through this together," she whispered.
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