Aankhon mein teri ajab si ajab si adaayein hain, dil mein teri

khataayein hain

"But Dadaji, we can have the wedding in Mumbai," I said, trying hard not to let my frustration show.

"No, it's final, son. The wedding will happen in Delhi," he replied.

I knew he wouldn't change his mind, so I found myself back in Delhi—the city where I was born and the city that haunted me with memories of everything I had lost. On the day of the wedding, all I wanted was for it to be over so I could focus on what I had planned next. I sat in the mandap, my mind elsewhere detached from people.

And then I saw her.

Samayra was walking down the aisle in stunning red lehenga. For a moment, something stirred in my chest, and I couldn't look away until Avani whispered, "Bhai, bhabhi ab aap hi ki hai. You can stare at her later." And I quickly looked away.

When she reached me, I held out my hand, and she took it without hesitation. Panditji started the mantras. To me, they were nothing more than empty sounds. When it was time to vow to protect my wife, I almost scoffed. Why make promises when no one would dare touch what's mine? From today, she is mine—Mrs. Samayra Oberoi.

On the way home, I noticed Samayra seemed tensed, almost as if she was having a panic attack. It reminded me of the day we went for shopping, the same happened that day too. I couldn't bear to see her like this. I gently placed my hand on hers to calm her down. She looked at me for a moment, her eyes meeting mine. I wanted to ask, What's troubling you, Samayra? But before I could speak, she turned away and stared out the window, lost in her own thoughts.

When we reached home, the whole family was waiting to welcome us. Everything was going well until I got a call from Vikram. "Sir, it's done. We did what you asked," he said. I hung up, feeling a cold satisfaction. I had promised myself that once Samayra stepped into this house, I would take everything from her brother. I didn't care what the contract said—I couldn't kill him, but I would still have my revenge.

As I walked toward my room, I saw Samayra sitting on the bed, tears streaming down her face. A part of me wanted to go to her, to wipe those tears away, but I forced myself to remember why she was crying. She was crying because of what I did to her brother. Did she even know what he had done to my family? To my sister? The thought made anger rise within me. She had made her choice, and I had done what I needed to do.

I changed and went to the study room, avoid sharing the room with her. Now that the wedding functions were over it was time to focus on my work, I worked non-stop for four hours. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Siddhant beta, tum abhi bhi yaha ho?" Chachi's voice called.

"Haan, Chachi. Woh thoda kaam tha," I replied.

"Kaam baad mein. First, go and change," she said firmly.

I nodded and went to the guest room to put on a kurta. Chachi mentioned that today was Samayra's pehli rasoi—her first cooking ritual. I didn't want to go, but for the sake of the family, I had to. Before heading downstairs, I made my way to my room, thinking she would probably be in the kitchen by now.

"You should knock before entering a room, basic etiquette, Mr. Oberoi," voice came as I enter the room. It was Samayra holding a Saree.

"This is my room, Mrs. Oberoi," I shot back.

"Well, this is my room too, Mr. Oberoi," she countered. I didn't respond and walked straight to the balcony. Then I looked back and saw her struggling with the saree, cursing the damn fabric. A small smile appeared on my face without me realizing it—she looked cute with her wet hair and the vermillion on her forehead.

She was looking into the mirror, still struggling with the saree. I walked up to her, and as I did, she froze, her back pressing against my chest. The smell of her hair surrounded me. She glanced at me through the mirror, then quickly turned to face me. Avoiding her gaze, I bent down to adjust the pleats of her saree.

When I finished, she turned back to the mirror, and a smile appeared on her face. Even if I tried to hate her, I couldn't deny how stunning she looked. But before she could say anything, I left the room.

"Good morning, bhai," Avani and Riaa greeted. I moved towards Dadaji, touched his feet, and sat beside him. After a while, Samayra came out of the kitchen, holding a tray. She served everyone, including me.

As everyone started eating, I glanced at Samayra, who was nervously rubbing her hands. I took a spoonful of the kheer and couldn't deny it tasted good. A thought crossed my mind—How would she taste? As sweet as this kheer? I quickly pushed the intrusive thought away just as Chachu exclaimed, "Wow, so tasty, bacha!" while looking at Samayra.

"Haan, Bhabhi, bahut tasty bani hai!" Avani and Riaa joined which made her happy.

"Bhai, aap Bhabhi ko kya doge? Itni achi kheer banayi hai," Avani teased, glancing at me. I looked at Samayra and replied, "Aapki Bhabhi ko kya chahiye, jab unhe itna accha pati mil gaya."

She rolled her eyes and whispered, "So full of himself," just enough for me to hear. That would be the last time she dared roll her eyes at me. Next time, if she even thought about doing it, she'd be moaning my name in a way that would leave her breathless.