Chapter 7: chapter 7

Anushri's PovThe morning air was tinged with a bittersweet feeling as Amey’s parents prepared to leave for their village. I stood by the doorway, watching as they packed the last of their bags into the car. My mother-in-law wrapped her arms around me in a warm embrace,“Take care of yourself, beta,” she said, her voice tender. “This is your home now. Make it your own.” Her words wrapped around me like a soft blanket, offering both comfort and responsibility. her smile gentle yet a little sad. She whispered words of encouragement, telling me to make this house my own and that she hoped I would always feel welcomed here. I nodded, trying to ignore the heaviness settling in my chest. With a final wave, they climbed into the car.Amey’s father placed a reassuring hand on Amey's shoulder, nodding silently but with a kindness. They exchanged glances with Me and amey, each unspoken word carrying their quiet wishes for us as a couple. We took blessing. For a moment, I felt a pang of sadness; this parting was unexpectedly emotionalAs the car finally pulled out of the driveway, I stood at the threshold, watching until it disappeared from sight. The silence that filled the house felt louder somehow, amplifying the reality that it was just the two of us now. I glanced over at Amey, who stood quietly beside me, his face unreadable, once full of laughter and life, now seemed vast and strange, filled with unknowns I couldn’t yet name.____After few day's Anushri’s POVThe day after Amey’s family left for their village, the house settled into an unfamiliar silence. There was an emptiness I couldn’t explain, a stillness in the air that made my heart feel heavy.I had barely started adjusting to this new life, this new role, and now it was just Amey and me in the house. The reality of our marriage felt more tangible, and I couldn’t deny the nervous excitement of getting to know him better. He had been polite and kind, and I had begun to believe that maybe we could make this marriage our own.But from the day my laws has left, I was beginning to sense something different. Amey seemed distant, like he was keeping himself away from me. He’d hardly said a word and each time I tried to engage him in conversation, he would give short replies, his face expressionless.Later in the evening, I decided to bring him some chai in the living room, hoping it would be a good opportunity for us to talk. He looked up as I entered, his gaze unreadable.“Thank you,” he murmured, accepting the cup but not meeting my eyes. The silence stretched uncomfortably between us until, finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.“Is…is everything okay?” I asked softly, trying to ignore the tension coiling in my stomach.He took a deep breath, setting down his cup, and finally met my gaze. There was a hardness in his eyes I hadn’t seen before, an unfamiliar distance.“Anushri,” he began, his tone measured. “I think we need to have an honest conversation.”I felt a shiver run down my spine as he continued.“I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve been a bit…distant,” he said, pausing as if searching for the right words. “The truth is, I didn’t choose this marriage. I agreed to it because my parents wanted it. They believed this was the right path for me, and I didn’t want to disappoint them, Actually I don't..means I'm person who don't believe in love and all. I only focus on my life on my career”His words felt like a blow to my chest. I stared at him, feeling like the ground was slipping away from beneath me. “So…you don’t want this?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. Means that day he lied, he gave me fake hopes Amey looked down, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “It’s not that simple. I respect you, and I’m willing to make this work for the sake of our families. But…romantic love or companionship…it wasn’t something I was searching for."A silence fell between us, heavy and painful. The hope that had slowly begun to bloom in my heart now felt shattered, leaving behind an ache I hadn’t expected.“So, what are we, then?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Just…two strangers living under the same roof?”He sighed, his face softening just slightly. “I don’t know. Maybe we can find a way to make this arrangement comfortable, even if it’s not the relationship you might have dreamed of. I don’t want to hurt you, Anushri. I just want to be honest.”I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. I could see he was being sincere, but it didn’t take away the sting of his words.“Thank you for being honest,” I managed, forcing a small smile. “At least…I know where we stand now.”He looked at me, his expression almost apologetic. “I don’t want you to feel trapped or unhappy.”“Neither do I,” I replied, looking away to hide the tears forming in my eyes. “Maybe we can find our own path in this…one step at a time.”He nodded, "I just want to be honest. I could have said you that night but I really don't want to make you upset please try to understand.. Even I don't want to hurt my parents either... you're still so young you find someone you can go I won't stop you from going I will respect your every decision" his gaze steady but distant, and I knew that the road ahead was so difficult I really didn't thought I wish I couldn't have said anything I wish I have be quite I really don't want to listen this.. I try to hide my tears and went directly to the room.I felt a mix of anger, sadness, and oddly, relief. At least now, I knew where I stood. It wasn’t the fairytale beginning I had hoped for, but perhaps, somewhere along the way, we would find a way to coexist in this marriage. I wanted to feel the love. Love after the marriage but now there is no hope, just have to live for our parents sake.