Chapter 53: chapter 53

    The car came to a gentle stop in front of the decorated main gate of Mehta Mansion, its arch wrapped in jasmine strings and fairy lights still blinking softly in the moon light. Rhea, now a newlywed, sat beside Amar — her eyes swollen from the emotional farewell, yet her hands still holding on to the warmth of her mother’s last hug.As Amar stepped out, he walked around and gently opened the door for her. Standing at the entrance was Kajal, her ever-smiling sister-in-law, holding a small silver thali with a kalash of water, rice grains, kumkum, and a diya dancing in the soft breeze.“Welcome home, Rhea darling” Kajal said with excitement, her voice brimming with warmth and care. She held Rhea’s hand and helped her out, shielding her slightly from the curious glances and cameras.Inside, Shikha, her mother-in-law, had already prepared the aarti plate. With practiced grace, she circled it around Rhea’s face, applying a small red tikka on her forehead. “Now push the kalash with your right foot, beta… gently,” Shikha instructed.Rhea looked down and saw a small copper pot filled with rice grains placed at the threshold. Trembling slightly, she nudged it with her foot. The grains spilled out — a symbol of prosperity entering the house.Next, she stepped into a shallow tray of alta (red dye), leaving her footprints as she walked in slowly — the first steps of a new daughter-in-law in the house. Every print she left behind felt heavy, symbolic, and sacred.From the corner, Ram, her father-in-law, stood with his phone angled just right. “Adi, Smitha, are you watching? See how graceful she looks. You’ve raised her well!” he said with a proud smile, live-streaming the moment for Rhea’s parents.Inside, the home buzzed with hushed voices and quiet excitement. Kajal walked beside Rhea the whole time, whispering encouragements, adjusting her dupatta, and brushing away stray strands of hair. She never left her side — not as a host, but as a true sister.As Rhea stood at the heart of her new home, she glanced around — unfamiliar walls, new faces, and a thousand expectations. But the soft squeeze of Kajal’s hand reassured her — she wasn't alone in this journey.Kajal made Rhea and Amar to sit and starts with other rituals and finally they took Rhea to Amar room, which was decorated with scented candles all over and the room was transformed into a fragrant haven of beauty and intimacy — a space that whispered romance and tradition in every corner. The soft golden glow of fairy lights danced on the cream-colored walls, casting gentle shadows that flickered like shy glances.A canopy of jasmine and rose garlands draped from the ceiling, cascading down around the four-poster bed that stood at the center like a throne. The bed itself was adorned with silk sheets in deep maroon and gold, embroidered with delicate paisleys. Scattered across the surface were fresh rose petals, their crimson color vivid against the fabric — a symbol of passion and the sacredness of the night.Above the bed, a netted drape of sheer fabric hung like a curtain of clouds, enclosing the space in a cocoon of privacy. At the foot of the bed, tiny clay lamps flickered gently, placed with care, giving the room an old-world charm.The air was heavy with the mixed fragrances of sandalwood incense and fresh mogra, their soothing yet intoxicating scent clinging to every object, every breath. Near the window, a silver tray rested on a small table, holding a bowl of warm milk with saffron strands, a few dry fruits, and a glass of rose sherbet — all arranged with symbolic reverence.Every detail, from the soft cushions embroidered with zari work, to the veil of flowers hanging from the corners of the ceiling, spoke of the sacred union that the night was meant to celebrate. It was a room not just decorated, but thoughtfully blessed — for two souls stepping into the most intimate chapter of their journey together. Kajal asks Rhea to sit at the centre of the bed and not to take off the veil. Rhea couldn't bare the heaviness and her head automatically drops down. Kajal takes it as her yes... And leaves the room. Rhea takes off the veil and starts to do some stretches by turning her head. She looks at the room decorated beautifully and clicks some pictures to keep it as a memories followed by some selfies. Her lehenga was so heavy that she plans to change into her pajamas, looking around the room she couldn't  find her baggage. Atlast she gives up the thought of changing her clothes. she gets into bed just like that, wrapping her dupata over her and goes fast asleep. Amar enters the room just then and is stunned looking at the petite figure sleeping in his bed. The lights glowing over her soft skin, makes her look like a goddess. Amar shakes off the feelings and goes near her....A Revenge....