Married to you ✔

7• Married

I sat on the bed with my face covered with veil. According to Nyonika aunty, it was their tradition. First of all, the heavy lehenga was troubling me so much and moreover inside the veil nervousness was eating me up. Sigh! But I had to follow these traditions.

I knew our marriage was just a deal but what if he tried to cross his line? He was a monster after all. This thought crossed my mind, only making me more nervous.

I just can't believe we got married.

As the door knob clicked open, I clutched my lehenga tightly. Sweat beads were forming in my forehead. No I can't let my guards down.

As he took slow steps towards me, my heartbeat raised. At one point I feared that he could almost hear it.

As he touched my veil to lift it up, my eyes automatically shut close. I felt the veil being removed but I didn't dare to open my eyes. I guess I just couldn't meet his eyes. But why?

I heard him sigh and I felt his finger tracing down my cheek, giving me goosebumps and I could feel my body stiffen.

"Nandini." He called my names a few times and then only I opened my eyes. I hate to admit this but he was looking more than hot in that sherwani with his upper two buttons unbuttoned.

I blinked my eyes and looked away from him. "I hope you remember our deal." He said after few minutes of silence.

"Obviously I know that." I said as I got down from the bed. Unzipping one of my luggage I took out a red color light kurti. Sigh! my grandmum strictly instructed me to only wear kurti and sari. It's so annoying but I was only gonna follow it till his parents were there.

His parents would be leaving the next week and till then I have to act like a sanskari bahu and an ideal wife. But no doubt I like his parents. I genuinely like them.

I took out my jewellery one by one and placed it in the dressing table. "Hey don't put it there." Manik, who had just come out of the washroom, said.

"There isn't any other place to keep them." I said in a matter of fact tone, looking around the room.

"But you can't keep it there." Manik contradicted.

"What makes you think I will do whatever you say?" I said, looking at him through the mirror as I slowly removed the bangles.

Manik came near me and tried to get hold of the jewellery, probably to throw them away. But I blocked his way. I stretched my hands sideway and blocked his way.

"Dare you touch them." I warned.

"You can't stop me." He said as he tried to push me away but I stayed still.

But his next move made my body completely numb. He pulled me closer by my waist and my breath hitched. I looked at him and he had already been looking at me.

My stupid heart had changed it's beating once again. Why does this monster affect me?

But I wasn't getting fooled like last time in his bathroom. I knew his intentions very well. I caught his other hand right on time which was just halfway away from the dressing table.

"Mr. Malhotra not this time." I said as I pushed him away from me and he made a bad face.

With a grumpy face, he laid down on the bed and I happily took out the rest of my jewellery.

Manik- 1
Nandini- 1

It's draw for now. I smiled and patted myself mentally. I took my clothes and entered the bathroom. After five minutes I changed and came out.

I looked at the bed and he had been sleeping peacefully. Should I sleep in the couch? But why should I? It is my room too and that bed is mine too. And it isn't like he is going to do something with me. So sharing a bed wouldn't be a problem.

I pushed him a bit. He groaned in his sleep before turning in the bed. I kept pillows in the middle just to make a barrier.

I then laid down, covering myself with the blanket. I couldn't help but think today had been a long day.

***
"Ow." The sound of someone wailing in pain woke me up. I opened my eyes only to see myself in an unfamiliar environment. And that was when realization dawned upon me "I am married."

I looked to the left to see Manik and all the pillows on the floor. That was when I realized I was sleeping in Manik's side of bed. I must have pushed him out of the bed but no regrets. He deserves it.

"You destroyed my sleep." Manik complained.

"It's a good morning." I said with a big smile as I sat upright.

"Nandinii you are so gone." He said before pulling me down by my hand. I gasped and shut my eyes close as I landed on top of him.

I opened my eyes slowly and raised my head to look at him. His eyes were so captive. I couldn't help but drown in them. Moments later I felt his hand tugging the few strands of hair behind my ears. He then traced his finger down my cheek, giving me jittery feelings.

"What is he planning to do?" This doubt struck my mind. I can't be fooled by him. Instantly I tried getting up but he tightened his hold on my waist and I ended up banging on his chest.

That was when we heard the door click. Now who's it? I turned my head towards the door only to see Nyonika aunty.

I looked at our intimating position and instantly I got up. "Umm aunty it's..it's-" I tried searching for words.

"Mum don't think otherwise." Manik said as he too got up. We looked at each other, totally flustered and Nyonika aunty burst into laughter.

"Oh come on you don't need to explain it to me. You both are legally married now and next time I wouldn't forget to knock." Aunty said before leaving, making me totally embarrassed.

But she again came back. "Nandini beta get ready few rituals are left to be carried out."

Few more rituals means few more troubles. Sigh! It's gonna be one more long day.

***