The kitchen was warm, the soft clinking of utensils the only sound as I stirred the curry on the stove. The aroma of spices filled the air, but I barely registered it.
My body ached. My lower stomach felt like it was being wrung out like a wet towel, and my back was screaming at me to sit down.
I gritted my teeth, trying to focus. Just a few more minutes. Then I'll be done.
Today had been a never-ending rollercoaster of rituals, teasing, and pretending everything was fine. The elders had showered us with blessings, the women had pulled me aside with giggles and sly whispers, and the men had joked with Aditya about how his new life had begun.
It was exhausting. And through it all, I had hidden my discomfort like a pro.
But now, standing in the kitchen, wearing a simple loose kurti and leggings, my body finally started giving up on me.
I leaned against the counter, pressing my palm against my stomach, trying to ease the dull, constant ache. The painkillers had barely helped. Maybe I should've just skipped making dinner.
But no. I wasn't going to give anyone a reason to say "See? She's not even adjusting properly after marriage."
I wasn't weak. I wouldn't let a stupid thing like period cramps slow me down.
Taking a deep breath, I turned back to the pot, trying to ignore the way my vision blurred slightly from the exhaustion. That was when I heard his voice.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I stiffened.
Closing my eyes, I exhaled slowly before turning around. Aditya stood at the entrance of the kitchen, arms folded, his sharp eyes locked onto me like a hawk.
The way he was looking at me-half annoyed, half disapproving-sent a ripple of irritation through me. "Cooking," I answered simply, turning back to the stove.
His voice was flat. "Why?" I shot him a look. "Because that's what people do when they're hungry?"
His eyes narrowed slightly. "And no one else in this entire house knows how to do that? The maids? The chef? Hell, even I could order food."
I ignored him, stirring the curry. "I wanted to do it." "On your second day of your periods?" I froze.
Aditya let out a sharp breath, stepping closer. "Avni, you can barely stand properly. Your face is paler than usual, and you're moving like someone who's about to pass out."
I clenched my jaw. Why was he even noticing this much?
"I'm fine," I muttered, turning back. I should've known he wouldn't let it go.
A second later, he reached forward, turned off the stove, and grabbed my wrist in one smooth motion.
"Hey-" "You're not fine," he cut me off, his voice quiet but firm. "You're stubborn, but you're not fine." I swallowed.
The warmth of his fingers wrapped around my wrist sent a weird shiver through me. His grip wasn't tight, but it was enough to make me feel like he wouldn't let go unless I actually listened.
"I can handle this," I said, keeping my tone even. His jaw twitched. "You shouldn't have to."
For a second, I didn't know how to respond. Something about the way he said it-so effortlessly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world-threw me off.
I yanked my wrist out of his hold. "I don't need you to act like my knight in shining armor." His lips curled slightly. "Trust me, I have no interest in playing the hero."
"Then why are you interfering?" He exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose, as if I was the one being unreasonable. "Because you're being ridiculous. You're in pain, Avni. And instead of resting like a sane person, you're here acting like you have something to prove."
I clenched my fists. I hated that he was right. I hated that I was actually struggling and still being so damn stubborn about it.
But most of all-I hated that he noticed.
I took a step back, crossing my arms. "I don't need your concern, Aditya." He looked at me for a long second. Then-he smirked.
Not his usual arrogant smirk. No. This one was slower. More amused.
"I never said I was concerned," he said smoothly. "I just don't want my wife passing out in the kitchen. It'd be bad for my reputation."
I gasped. "The audacity-" He held up a hand, cutting me off. "Enough. Go rest."
I opened my mouth to argue again, but before I could say a single word, he did something completely unexpected. He grabbed my wrist again-and this time, he actually started dragging me out of the kitchen.
"Aditya!" I hissed. "Let me go-" "Not happening." I struggled, but he was annoyingly strong, pulling me toward the stairs.
The entire time, he didn't look even the slightest bit bothered, while I looked like a complete lunatic trying to escape his hold.
When we reached our room, he pushed open the door and practically shoved me inside. I stumbled slightly, turning around to glare at him.
"This is kidnapping," I accused. Aditya crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Call it whatever you want. As long as you're inside this room, lying down, I don't care."
I narrowed my eyes. "You do realize you're not my boss, right?" He smirked again. "No, but I'm your husband."
I opened my mouth to argue. Then-stopped. Because, technically... he was right.
A fresh wave of irritation washed over me. I pointed a finger at him. "I hate you." He just shrugged. "Noted."
I groaned, giving up. "Fine. Whatever." I turned, throwing myself onto the bed, my back hitting the soft mattress. And dammit-it felt good.
I hadn't even realized how much I needed this. I sighed, closing my eyes for a second, allowing the exhaustion to finally seep in.
A moment of silence passed. Then, I felt it. A shift in the air. I opened one eye.
Aditya was still there, watching me with an unreadable expression. "What now?" I muttered.
He was quiet for a second. Then- "...Get some sleep, Avni."
Something about the way he said it-so casual, so matter-of-fact-made my heart do a stupid little flip.
I ignored it. Rolling my eyes, I turned over, facing away from him. "Good night, Aditya."
I exhaled, staring at the wall, my body still aching but feeling oddly... warm. I hated him.
But maybe-just maybe-hating him wasn't as easy as I thought.
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