My heart weighed heavy as I grappled with the knowledge of what had transpired on my sister's wedding night. There was no place for shame in Rukhsat's heart; she had nothing to be ashamed of. It was Arjun, her husband, who should bear the burden of guilt and shame. How could he have resorted to violence on such a joyous occasion?

The embarrassment and self-blame in Rukhsat's eyes were misplaced, and it pained me to see her in such a state. She deserved love and happiness on her wedding night, not cruelty.

Driven by the need to console and support Choti, I watched her rush out of the dining room. In that moment, I couldn't care less about Maharaja Angad's rules or the potential consequences of my actions. All that mattered was being there for Rukhsat in her time of need.

As I moved to follow her, my heart filled with a sense of urgency. Choti needed me, and nothing else mattered. However, as I approached the far end of the hall, my feet halted on their own accord. I found myself standing there, listening to the conversation between Angad and Arjun, unable to pull myself away.

I hear Angad say, "What did you do? I told you yesterday not to do anything in anger that damages your relationship beyond repair, and what did you do? Tell me you did not hit Rukhsat because she is not only your wife but my younger sister too now!"

The realization that Choti had been subjected to such violence on her wedding night made my blood run cold. I can't fathom how anyone could justify such an act. And as mad as I am at Rajkumar Arjun, a part of me is also happy that my Husabnd thinks of my little sister as also his little sister.

I hear Rajkumar Arjun say, "Bhai, I don't know how it happened. I ended up getting really drunk because of Devraj, and at first, I thought that drinks would help me calm my anger. But the rage just kept on building, and I don't even remember most of what happened last night. I am really ashamed of my actions."

My heart ached for Rukhsat and her husband, knowing that their wedding night should have been a time of joy and celebration, not marred by violence. I still cannot understand how Rajkumar Arjun could have allowed himself to get so out of control. Why was he drinking on his wedding night in the first place.

"Arjun, I understand that sometimes a woman needs to be put in her place, especially with a headstrong wife like Rukhsat. But remember, you are the man of the house now, and it's your duty to maintain discipline and respect within your family" Angad said.

Angad's words filled me with outrage. The idea that a woman needed to be "put in her place" was infuriating. I had always believed in equality and respect within a marriage, and this toxic advice was a slap in the face to those principles. I understand the world that we live in thinks men are superior, but i had always thought that the man I would be with will not be like others.

Angad starts talking after a brief pause and says, "Arjun, you must apologize to Rukhsat for your momentary lapse in judgment. But also make sure she understands that her role is to obey and respect her husband without question. Women need a firm hand to keep them in line."

At this moment I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The notion that a woman should blindly obey and submit to her husband went against everything I believed in. My heart ached for both Rukhsat and myself, trapped in a marriage where such beliefs were upheld.

"I will, Bhai. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right", Rajkumar said agreeing with his brother's, my husband's beliefs.

"Good. And remember, as the man of the house, it's your duty to protect and discipline your wife. She's your wife now, and you must assert your authority", Angad said.

My anger and frustration reached a boiling point. I cannot fathom how Angad was giving his younger brother such toxic advice. The very idea of "disciplining" one's wife was deeply disturbing to me.

I had long forgotten about everything else that has happened and my mind kept fixating on how toxic my husband is.

Arjun stormed away without even acknowledging my presence. His footsteps echoed through the palace halls, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was going to confront Rukhsat. My heart ached for my sister, who had endured such a painful ordeal on her wedding night.

But I had no time to dwell on her situation, for as I turned to leave, Angad's voice cut through the air like a whip.

"Hayat!" he called out, a mixture of amusement and irritation in his tone.

My heart raced with a combination of fear and anger. Fear of being caught eavesdropping and anger at the toxic beliefs I had just heard him express. I hesitated but finally turned around to face him.

Angad was leaning against the ornate archway, a half-smile playing on his lips. He had been aware of my presence the entire time, and it was evident that he wasn't pleased with my eavesdropping.

"You have quite the inquisitive nature, my dear wife," Angad remarked, his voice dripping with condescension. "Spying on your husband and his brother, are we?"

I bit my lip, frustration and anger bubbling within me. How could he be so nonchalant about the beliefs he had just expressed? "I overheard your conversation,  Maharaj. I can't believe you condone such actions and thoughts."

Angad pushed away from the archway and walked toward me, his expression hardening. "This is how royal families work, Hayat. There are traditions and expectations, and I won't have you question them."

I shook my head, unable to contain my anger any longer. "I won't be a silent participant in this, Maharaj Angad. What happened to Rukhsat is unacceptable, and I won't tolerate such behavior in our marriage."

His response was a scoff, as if my objections were trivial. "Rukhsat's situation is different, and Arjun will learn from his mistakes. But our marriage, Hayat, will follow the traditions and customs. You will obey."

The intensity of our argument grew, the room feeling like a battlefield of clashing wills and values. I couldn't accept the oppressive beliefs he held, and I couldn't stand by while such ideas were perpetuated.

My voice rose with fury. "Angad, I won't let you control me like this. We should be equals, not oppressor and oppressed."

Angad's anger flared, and he reached out, grabbing my arm with a forceful grip. Pain shot through me, but I met his fierce gaze with unwavering determination.

"You will submit to my authority," he declared, his voice laced with dominance. "You are my wife, and you will obey me."

I couldn't back down now. I yanked my arm from his grasp and took a step back, our eyes locked in a fiery battle of wills. "I won't let you turn me into a puppet in this archaic play. We should be partners, not tyrant and subject."

Angad's voice lowered, his tone dripping with authority as he stared directly into my eyes. 

"Hayat, I've had enough of your defiance. You will not question me in front of others, and you will certainly not challenge our traditions."

As Angad took a step closer, his towering presence seemed to engulf me. His voice, a low, authoritative rumble, reverberated through the room. "You will be silenced when I deem it necessary, Hayat. I am the head of this household, and you will show respect."

Fury ignited in my eyes, and I refused to yield. "Respect can't be commanded, Angad. It's something that should be earned, not imposed."

In response, Angad's hand darted out, capturing my arm with an unyielding grip. His unwavering gaze locked onto mine, and there was no room for negotiation. "You will find your place, Hayat, and I will not tolerate insubordination, especially from my own wife."

My breath caught at his touch, a whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. Anger fought with a tantalizing sense of submission that sent shivers down my spine. I swallowed hard, my determination unwavering. "I won't be subjected to control, Angad."

 I yanked my hand again and tried to walk away before this argument escalates further but I am quickly and harshly pulled back by strong arms. My back is being crushed into him and I feel his hands finding their way to my exposed waist. He wraps his hand around my waist and with his other hand, he pulls my braided hair to a side and bends his neck down to  my ear. 

With steely resolve, Angad whispers in my ear, "You will yield when it serves your interests and our family's welfare including Chandgarh. Consider this a lesson, one you should learn quickly."

I know what he means by that. My obedience is what is going to keep my home, Chandgarh safe. He knows that my home is my weakness and he plans to fully exploit it. I go limp in his hold and all the fight and resistance flows right out of me. I am sure that he can feel the change in me because his hold is no longer harsh as if to try and hold me from leaving but more to support me as if, I will fall otherwise. 

Angad's stern words served as an unmistakable warning that disobedience would not be tolerated. My heart raced, torn between my desire to challenge these oppressive traditions and Angad's clear threat.

He turned me around and my mind is so confused by his threat that I do not realise when he leans in to kiss me. Unlike our past kisses, I was not resisting, neither was I kissing him back. I was just standing there.  

He breaks the kiss, looking satisfied with himself because he knows he has crushed a part of me today.