Request: Those who have read the sequel: Anaisha, please let us not give any spoiler for the new readers. Lets keep everything entertaining and maintain the suspense. So, please no spoilers from here on.

Thanks...

Anahita waited almost half the night until sleep engulfed her. She slept with her head against the bed-post and the next morning found herself half fallen to the ground. Her body was stiff and her head felt heavy; a feeling she got used to by now.

"My dearest Anahita."

Her gaze shot towards the door, and her heart skipped a beat.

❝Chup Mahi Chup Hai Ranjha
Bole Kaise Ve Na Ja
Bole Kaise Ve Na Ja
Aaja Aaja ❞

Asif stood at the entrance of the door, carrying a tray in his hand. Anahita froze, too afraid to feel excited to see him. He tilted his head to the side, his handsome face having the gorgeous dimpled smile. Even his eyes twinkled, like in real. Taking the support of the bed-post, she slid up. Her knees feeling weak. She swallowed softly,

- "A—Asif."

❝Bole Kaise Ve Na Ja

Bole Kaise Ve Na Ja
Chup Mahi Chup Hai Ranjha
Aaja Aaja ❞

"Yes, my love. Good morning." He walked in, and gestured towards the tray, - "Look what I brought for you. Breakfast in bed."

Anahita clenched the bed-post tightly. He placed the tray on the bed and stepped closer.

"I have made it on my own and I will feed you by myself." He radiated happiness.

Tenderly, he moved aside loose locks from her face. She closed her eyes, a peaceful smile formed on her lips.

"My dear, you are looking adorably stunning." Asif leaned in for a kiss. Anahita inhaled inaudibly. She opened her eyes and their gaze met. She shied, looking away.

"Anahita, I love you."

She glanced back at him, into his kind eyes, - "I love you too, Asif. And, I will always love you."

"Forever?" He whispered against her lips.

"Beyond forever, if that is possible." She responded and closed her eyes, slowly parting her lips.

❝Ni Main Rajj Rajj Hijar Manava
Ni Main Khud To Russ Murjhava

Ho Ni Main Rajj Rajj Hijar Manava
Ni Main Khud To Russ Murjhava ❞

A loud bang on the door made her jolt up. Anahita stared at the canopy as shrill giggling filled the room.

"Wake up, Dulhan Rani. How much will you sleep?"

"Let her be, Gauri. Don't you know, bechari was awake the entire night." The other barked, and then the rest burst into a pearl of laughter. Their voices and their presences annoyed Anahita, but she held the lava inside her.

The women came to her and snooped around. Some were even pointing at her luggage and wondered out loud if she had enough gold with her.

"Cha! There is not even a dent on the bed." One expressed her disappointment.

"And, oh, no wrinkles on the sheets. Tsk, Tsk."

"Yes, the milk is also untouched."

"Haww! Her husband does not desire her."

There was a collective gasp. Anahita sat up straight, but before she could yell at them, Abhaiveer walked in.

"Do you all not have better things to do than these stupid things? They do not suit on educated women. Now, leave." He gestured with his arm. As the girls scooted out of the room, Anahita looked gratefully at him. He acknowledged her with a nod.

"I hope you did not have any trouble adjusting to your new bed?" He asked, walking towards the cupboard. As he passed by her, she got a whiff of cigarette smoke and a tinge of alcohol from him.

"No." Anahita said meekly. The question should be about her new life now.

Abhaiveer observed her, - "Do you want to rest some more?"

She shook her head.

He took out a Kurtha and pajama, then looked at her, - "See, we will have to perform some rasams together, but you can say no if you do not want to. This marriage does not interest me, anyway. Forgive me, but the thought that I married a much younger woman disgusts me."

Anahita looked at him. Disgust was a strong word. She knew this went against his principles, but she wanted to be selfish here. At least, he was better than Daamodar.

Abhaiveer placed his clothes on his arm, - "So, do you want to use the washroom first?"

She lowered her head and shook it in a no.

Dhani had arranged all her mistress's belongings in the wardrobe that had been emptied for her. She questioned her for what to wear, whilst Anahita sat on the bed caressing the photographs she had brought with herself. Her eyes watering again, as she scanned the letters they had exchanged. All were written by him. She brought her fingers to her face and closed her eyes. His smell, and presence still lingered on them.

❝ Ve Mera Dola Ni Aaya Dola
Ve Mera Dola Ni Aaya Dola

Ve Mera Dola Ni Aaya Dola
Ve Mera Dola Ni Aaya Dola❞

A knock at the door alerted them. Anahita quickly stuffed everything into a burgundy atachi. As Dhani opened the door, she shoved it with her feet under the bed.

Her mother-in-law walked in, followed by two female servants who carried a bridal saree and jewellery with them. The woman had straight poise and a no-nonsense look on her face.

After Dhani nudged her, Anahita placed the dupatta on her head and bowed to touch her feet. She stopped her and smiled with kind eyes. Her gaze fell on the bed and she frowned. Gently, she moved Anahita aside and walked up to the bed. She eyed the full glass of milk, and perfectly made white and maroon velvet bed-sheet; Dhani had done it in the morning.

"Abhay wasn't here?"

"No!"

The woman turned to face her, - "And you are okay with it?"

Anahita darted her gaze away, then back at her, - "It was his wish."

"Have they not taught you how to answer your elders, Anahita? Well, now you are Manyata Singhaniya's bahu, learn the etiquettes."

Of course, Iravati trained Anahita to be a perfect lady and daughter-in-law, but she didn't want to respect a judgemental woman.

Manyata sighed and motioned the maids to place the belonging on the bed.

"Abhay got this kanchivarum silk saree for his bride. Wear these and come down for breakfast. Soon, ladies will come to see you." She spoke in a stoic tone and haughtily walked out.

Once everyone had left, Dhani inspected the classic and elegant silver shaded ivory saree with glee. She gushed how beautiful it was and how Anahita will look gorgeous in it. Anahita could only think of Abhaiveer's words from earlier today, - "Forgive me, but the thought that I married a much younger woman disgusts me."

It didn't hurt that he thought this way. It was just she saw no point in dressing up for someone who was least interested in her. Fortunately.

"Dress for yourself and not to impress anyone." Her friend motivated her.

Anahita showered, and Dhani helped her with the elaborate saree and the diamond and pearl jewellery set. She had her waist long hair left open, but tidy. Anahita bluntly refused to wear anything on her hand other than those gold bangles and her ring. Dhani doesn't force her, she passed her sindoor box and surma.

The Haveli was bursting with people. Servants scurrying around, chattering women, children of relatives running all over the place. Few maids and butlers stopped to greet Anahita. Dhani had to keep reminding her, or she adjusted the pallu over her head. They were guided through the hallway, which was silent except for the tinkling of her Anahita's heavy silver anklet. On her way, she stopped and eyed the full-length portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. Abhaiveer seemed to be patriotic. She kept looking at it until Dhani tugged on her hand.

The hallway opened into the dining hall. It was vast. The centre of attraction was mahogany twelve seater dining table draped with silk and satin cloth. Abhaiveer was seated on the head chair with his mother by his side. The chair next to him was empty, and the rest were filled with their relatives. Everyone stopped with whatever they were doing and quietened. Anahita lowered her head and cautiously walked towards her seat.

Abhaiveer picked up his cutlery, and he stilled upon seeing her. Manyata gulped and glanced nervously at her son. She noticed him clench the spoon.

"Beta, she chose this—" she muttered to him.

Anahita had just pulled her chair when he banged the silverware on the plate and it cracked a bit. She drew back her hand, startled by the sudden clanking. Abhaiveer eyed her, while she looked back cluelessly. He pushed back his chair and held her arm.

"I need a moment with my wife." He pulled her.

Anahita didn't understand what she did to offend him. Neither, she had imagined a jolly, sensible and respectable person like him to react this way. He took her to their room, and through a small door that she thought was locked.

The room smelt of lavender incense, and was sparkling clean. There was a single bed, some toys and beautiful decorative pieces. Anahita glanced around until her eyes rested on a monochromic portrait of a woman clad in saree. It had the similar design as the one Anahita wore; it was the same. She turned her head and met Abhaiveer's angry stare.

"I did not know. I swear. Your mother got me this." She said, shaking her head. Abhaiveer continued to look at her. Gradually, his facial features softened. The ice-cold look in his eyes melted, and he unclenched his fists.

"Of course." He rubbed his forehead, - "I am ashamed I over-reacted." He gave her an apologetic look.

"It is fine. It is natural to react, yet to maintain your chivalry." She smiled a little. It seemed like ages.

He smiled too. Just like their interactions before. Awkwardness of this marriage would eventually melt, Anahita hoped.

Oops, Manyata did Anahita wrong *sigh*

How was the Chapter, my lovelies? Drop your thoughts in the comments, pretty please. And don't forget to vote, guys!!!

Precap:

The ambience of the college was still the same, but it pricked Anahita. She recollected her moments of happiness as she glided down the fleets of stairs, and then when it shattered. Anahita stopped at the end and was about to take a step when someone clad in a saree stood next to her. She got the whiff of their familiar perfume and turned her head to face the woman.

"Nausheen!"- She said in a small voice.

The sullen look on her face made it appear longer than it really was. Her eyes reflected sadness from Anahita's. Instantly, she too felt hot tears in her eyes. Anahita blinked couple of times. Her friend wasn't able to keep her emotions and she leaped forward, taking her in a bear hug.

Anahita clenched her fingers, trying hard to not cry as Nausheen sobbed in her ear. Taking a moment, she reciprocated to the embrace.

"How are you, my jaan." Nausheen whispered.

Anahita's throat felt constructed, she swallowed the painful lump and managed to promptly

nod.

"How—is—"

Nausheen broke apart, - "Bhaijaan?"
Anahita looked away.

"He has requested me to not tell you, where he was going?"- She wiped her nose from the corner of her pastel pink silk saree, - "But I can't—"

"Then don't. Just tell me if he is fine."

Nausheen closed her eyes, shaking her head, - "He isn't..."

Stay Tuned for the next update, my sweeties *Lots of Love* *Hugs and Kisses*