Chapter 18: A New Beginning

Kiara’s POV

The ride to Reyaansh’s mansion felt like the longest journey I had ever taken. The car was quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the engine as it cut through the night air. I sat beside Reyaansh, my hand still resting in his, but the warmth of his touch no longer felt as comforting as it had earlier. Now, it was heavy, laden with an uncertainty I couldn’t shake.

The mansion loomed ahead, its grand gates opening as we approached. It was a sprawling estate, one that seemed to stretch endlessly into the night, with lights flickering from every window like stars suspended in the sky. The tall pillars and regal architecture were impressive, but it all felt distant and cold to me. I wondered how long it would take for this place to feel like home—or if it ever would.

As we pulled up to the front entrance, I saw his family waiting outside. His mother, father, and a few other relatives were all there, dressed in their finest, smiles plastered on their faces as they eagerly awaited our arrival. Reyaansh squeezed my hand gently before stepping out of the car, offering me a hand as I followed him out.

“Welcome to our home, Kiara,” his mother said warmly, her arms wide open as she embraced me. She was a tall, graceful woman with a soft smile, and I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of warmth at her welcome. But still, the nervous tension in my chest wouldn’t dissipate.

I managed a smile, returning the hug, but I couldn’t fully shake the feeling that I was about to step into a new world—one that was far removed from the comfort of my own home. Reyaansh’s family had accepted me into their fold, but I wasn’t sure if I could fit into the life they had planned for me.

---

As we walked through the grand entrance, the interior of the mansion was even more lavish than I had imagined. The marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with works of art that told stories of generations past. It was a beautiful home, but I couldn’t help but feel like an outsider, like I didn’t belong.

Reyaansh’s father led us to the grand living room, where the rest of the family had gathered. The atmosphere was warm, and there was an air of celebration as everyone took their seats. I tried to settle into the environment, offering polite smiles and small talk as we sat down.

Reyaansh’s mother glanced at me with a knowing look, as though she could sense my discomfort. “Don’t worry, Kiara. You’ll get used to it here. It’s a big change, but you’re part of this family now,” she said kindly.

Her words should have been reassuring, but I still felt the weight of everything—my family’s expectations, Reyaansh’s silent presence beside me, and the growing uncertainty about what the future held. I had always been independent, always found comfort in the familiar, but now I was being thrust into a new world, one that demanded my acceptance without question.

---

Later that evening, Reyaansh and I were led to the guest room, which was, in itself, a suite large enough to be its own apartment. The bed was large, draped in silk, and the room was decorated in deep, calming tones. But as I stood at the threshold, I couldn’t shake the unease that settled in my chest.

Reyaansh walked in behind me, closing the door with a soft click. He turned to face me, his eyes soft but distant. “This is our home now,” he said, his voice low. “You don’t have to worry. We’ll figure this out, together.”

His words were kind, but they didn’t alleviate the uncertainty that hung in the air. I looked around the room, trying to find something familiar, something that could anchor me in this moment, but all I saw was unfamiliarity. The opulence of the room, the quiet hum of the mansion, and the echo of footsteps in the distance reminded me that I was in a place that wasn’t mine.

Reyaansh stepped closer, his presence both comforting and overwhelming. “I know this is a lot to take in,” he continued, his gaze intense as he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. “But I promise you, I’ll be here. You’re not alone.”

I nodded, grateful for his words, but still unsure. "I don’t know if I’m ready for all of this," I admitted quietly, the vulnerability I had been hiding surfacing in my voice.

Reyaansh paused, his eyes searching mine. For a brief moment, the walls between us seemed to fade, and I saw something in his gaze that I hadn’t noticed before—a quiet understanding, an acknowledgment that we were both in this together, even if we didn’t yet know what this meant.

“Take your time, Kiara,” he said softly. “We have time.”

I wasn’t sure what the future held, but in that moment, I realized that whatever came next, I would face it with him by my side.

---

Reyaansh’s POV

As Kiara stood before me, her unease still evident in the way she hesitated, she finally said, “I’m going to change.” Her voice was soft, almost unsure, but I simply nodded, giving her the space she needed. She picked up a small bag from the corner of the room and walked toward the washroom, closing the door behind her. The faint sound of water running echoed in the silence of the room.

I sat on the edge of the bed, unbuttoning the top few buttons of my sherwani to relieve the tension building in my chest. The events of the day replayed in my mind—the rituals, her hesitant yet radiant smile, the way her eyes darted nervously during the ceremony. Everything about her was... different. And that difference was unsettling in a way I couldn’t quite define.

When she stepped out of the washroom, my thoughts came to an abrupt halt. She was wearing a fluffy white nightdress, loose yet adorably fitted, with pastel accents that made her look impossibly innocent. Her hair was slightly damp, framing her face in soft waves, and she had swapped her bridal jewelry for a simple look, leaving her skin glowing under the warm light of the room. My breath hitched. For a moment, I forgot where I was or what I was supposed to do.

Her look~

She looked at me, her cheeks turning a faint pink as if she knew the effect she had. “Your turn,” she said, gesturing toward the washroom, her voice small but steady. I cleared my throat, trying to compose myself. “Right,” I muttered, standing and heading toward the washroom. As I closed the door, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

---

When I returned to the room, dressed in my comfortable cotton T-shirt and pyjamas, the sight before me brought an unexpected smile to my lips. Kiara was already fast asleep on her side of the bed, her body curled up slightly under the plush blanket. Her face was peaceful, her lips slightly parted as she breathed evenly. She looked... angelic. It was a stark contrast to the poised and nervous woman I had seen during the wedding.

His look~

I walked to my side of the bed, careful not to make any noise that might wake her. As I settled down, I made sure to keep a respectable distance between us, not wanting to invade her space. The bed was large enough for both of us to sleep comfortably without crossing any boundaries.

I lay back, staring at the ceiling, the events of the day still vivid in my mind. Despite my usual composure, Kiara was managing to unearth emotions in me I hadn’t allowed myself to feel in years. She was unpredictable, innocent yet strong, and completely unlike anyone I had ever met. And now, she was my wife.

My eyes flickered back to her sleeping form, and I felt a strange sense of protectiveness wash over me. I wanted her to feel safe, to feel at home, even in this new and overwhelming environment. But how could I make her feel that way when I wasn’t entirely sure of my own feelings?

With a sigh, I closed my eyes, willing my thoughts to quiet down. The soft sound of her breathing filled the room, lulling me into a sense of calm I hadn’t expected. And just like that, sleep came, pulling me into its embrace beside the woman who had already begun to unravel my carefully constructed walls.