VANYA'S pov

After the puja, Twisha led me to the backyard, which had now become my favorite spot.

The fountains, the lotus flowers, and the white pigeons fluttering around—it was all so peaceful and beautiful.

She handed me a plate of prasad with a playful smile. "Eat something here first, as you have to cook lunch!"

I froze, mid-bite, giving her an incredulous look __Are you serious?

She burst out laughing, tapping my hand lightly. "No, no, Baisa, don’t worry. You don’t have to cook for the whole village, just for the family."

Relieved, I continued eating. The prasad was delicious, and I couldn't help but mentally praise myself—and of course, Tara agreed.

Maa Sa had suggested I prepare a traditional Rajasthani thali, so I did my best, with help from the other women since I was still new to the kitchen.

Cooking was a challenge, but I was determined to make it right.

Once everything was ready, I nervously made my way to the dining hall.

I was caught off guard when Dadi Sa asked me to sit beside Rudransh and serve him.

My heart skipped a beat, and a flush spread across my cheeks. His presence was overwhelming—his strong, captivating body, his scent... everything about him made my heart race.

I served him everything, carefully leaving out the lehsoon chutney—Maa Sa had mentioned he didn’t like it.

To my surprise, Dadi Sa insisted I feed him first. She smiled warmly, making me feel like I was part of the family.

With trembling hands, I took a small bite of the food and fed it to him.

Hey someone please take a pic.. please take pic where is my phone now.!!

Throughout the meal, I waited for Rudransh to say something, to ask for more... but he didn’t.

The others praised my cooking, but he said nothing. Honestly, it didn’t bother me as much as I expected. I tried not to take it personally.

After lunch, I retreated to my room, too tired to do anything else. I lay down for a nap, hoping the exhaustion would let me sleep. But the sound of knocking soon pulled me awake.

I opened the door to find Tara standing there, surrounded by five or six women in heavy lehengas and jewelry, and I surprised by seeing one of them carrying a plate of herbs.

They entered and placed everything on the table, and left.

Tara closed the door behind her with a mischievous grin. "It’s good you slept, Baisa," she said, teasing. "Rudransh Bhai Sa isn't going to let you sleep tonight."

I blushed hard, my nerves tingling.

She winked at me. "Today, Bhai Sa will see your beauty . Let me make you ready like the queen you are."

I didn’t protest. Tara led me to the snangriha, where I bathed in scented oils, the fragrance surrounding me like a dream.

When I emerged, she had me dressed like royalty, every detail perfect.

I couldn't help but admire myself in the mirror.

When we returned to my room, I was stunned by how it was decorated—like a honeymoon suite.

Tara made sure I ate something light, teasing me about needing energy for the night.

She mixed some herbs into a glass of kesar milk and explained its "importance"—how it would make Rudransh more... interested to do it.

My stomach knotted with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

She left me with one last wink, leaving me alone in the center of the bed, feeling like a stranger in my own body.

For hours, I waited. But still, no sign of him.
I felt restless, more hungry now, and my nerves were on edge.

Then, finally, I heard footsteps. He was here. My heart leapt.

I sat up straighter on the bed, nervously adjusting my veil as I caught a glimpse of him through the fabric.

Oh my god—green eyes, broad shoulders, his trimmed beard, veins running down his hands... Everything about him was magnetic, pulling me in.

He walked past me, heading straight for the changing room. He wanted to change first. I swallowed, unsure of what to expect.

My thoughts raced as I debated what to say when he returned. Should I introduce myself more? Ask him about his day?

But when he finally came out, dressed in a black T-shirt, it didn’t hide his powerful abs from eyes of pervert like me.

He walked right past me, not even acknowledging I was sitting there. I blinked, confused.

Didn’t he see me?

He sank onto the couch, his back to me. Did I do something wrong? Did he noticed me staring at him and now he is mad?? Had I stared at him like a fool?

I gathered my courage and called out, almost too quietly, "Rudransh Ji?"

When there was no response, I tried again, louder this time. "Rudransh Ji, are you awake?"

Still nothing.

Frustration bubbled up, and I called out again, louder this time.

But then... nothing.

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself to check if he was even asleep. I reached out, my fingers brushing against his shoulder. But in an instant, he jerked up, startling me.

I flinched, heart racing.

He looked at me, his eyes unreadable. "Go to sleep," he said, his tone cold, dismissive.

But that didn’t sit right with me. I sat up straighter. "Did something happen?" I asked again, my voice trembling with a mix of confusion and worry.

The words seemed to cut through him, and in an instant, his eyes blazed with anger. His next words felt like a slap to my face. “Yes! You happened!”

I flinched, the anger in his voice catching me completely off guard. My mind raced, but I couldn’t speak.

He took a step closer to me, his presence overwhelming, and his words hit like daggers.

“You’re the single misfortune that stole my peace. Why did you marry me? For money? I could have given you that without ruining my life. Do you have any idea what you've done to me?”

I could barely breathe. His words rang in my ears, every sentence sharper than the last. I felt like I was drowning in them.

I wanted to speak, to defend myself, but the lump in my throat made it impossible. The tears were threatening to spill, but I fought them back.

He took another step forward, his voice lowering but still full of venom. “This face... I don’t want to see it. If I don’t lift this veil, I don’t have to look at you, right? Then I won’t lift it for the rest of my life. It feels like a curse to be tied to you.”

Each word felt like it was piercing me deeper. My hands trembled, and I had to clasp them tightly in front of me, trying to hold myself together.

My heart broke as I fought to keep the tears at bay. The way he spoke, the venom in his voice—it felt like he hated me with every fiber of his being. I had never imagined this day would come, not like this.

"Just... stay away from me," he added coldly, before turning and walking out of the room without even sparing me a second glance.

The door slammed shut behind him, and I was left standing there, my breath shallow, my chest tightening as the room felt like it was closing in on me.

The silence was deafening. I had never felt more alone in my life.

I didn’t know how long I stood there, my body shaking from the weight of his words. They kept echoing in my head, replaying over and over. You’re a curse. I don’t want to see you.

And yet... despite everything he had said, something inside me still longed for him. The hurt was unbearable, but a small part of me couldn’t help but wonder—was this really the end?

After some day...

Maa Saa had returned to Jaisalmer days ago. She had come here to welcome me, but now Baapu Saa and Twisha need her there too.

Rudransh went with her to see her off, and he hasn’t come back yet. It didn’t bother me at all—he wasn’t really with me even when he was here.

Since that horrible, unsettling night, he hadn’t once stepped into my room. The memory of it still gives me shivers.

My life here, though, has otherwise settled into a rhythm.

I wake up early in the morning, heading straight to the snangriha to start my day. I’ve quickly learned about the herbs and oils used in our baths, all part of the beauty essentials here.

Afterward, I offer my prayers in the puja room, then head to the kitchen to check on breakfast preparations, as well as the food for those who come here to eat. I no longer keep a long veil, yet the respect I receive as Baisa is touching.

Once I’m sure all is in order in the kitchen, I take tea and breakfast to Dadi Saa’s room and make sure she takes her medicines.

I cherish these moments with her—she may seem strong on the outside, but she has a gentle heart, and I enjoy being in her company.

In my free time, I’m gradually understanding the way things work in this village.
Tauji and I often discuss matters concerning the artists and peasants.

Tejveer, my devar saa, is beyond wonderful.
He’s respectful, playful, and calls me Bhabhi Maa, which brings out a motherly warmth in me. He even provides me with books, which have become my best companions.

Tai Saa is… well, a bit of a mystery. She enjoys teasing me over the smallest mistakes, but I’ve learned to handle her with calm patience.

And then there’s Tara, my closest friend here. I love her dearly; we share almost everything. Yet, there’s still a void inside me that I can’t share with anyone—not even with her—because I don’t fully understand it myself.

I talk to my parents almost every day. I miss them so much but keep this emptiness I feel hidden. I don’t want them to worry about me.

So, life goes on, and I’m finding my place here. I truly am. Yet… there’s something that still feels off, something missing, and I don’t quite know what it is.

In a week, it will be our one-month anniversary. Most girls dream of this time after marriage, but my reality feels far from any dream.

This morning, Dadi Saa told me that Rudransh is returning today. He’s coming back to take us to Jaisalmer, where a party is planned for our anniversary—our reception.

I felt nothing; I know he’s only doing this out of duty.

I was lost in thought until Tara came in, saying, “Baisa, Bhaisa is here. Dadi Saa is calling you.”

I adjusted my veil, remembering his order not to show him my face. If that’s what he wants, then so be it.

I entered the hall with some maids, who brought sweets, tea, and snacks for him. They set everything on the table and left.

I stood behind Dadi Saa. She looked like she might ask about my veil, but Rudransh spoke up first.

“Dadi Saa, everything is arranged. Pack your things; we’ll leave for Jaisalmer tomorrow morning.”

She nodded, and I took my chance to excuse myself, saying I had to check on dinner.

After everyone finished dinner, I gave Dadi Saa her medicine and warm milk, then finally went to my room.

I felt a spark of excitement as I picked up the history book on Bagru village that Tejveer had lent me.

I changed into a light saree, settled on my bed, and got lost in the book. The history of Bagru was fascinating, and it pulled me in completely.

But a knock on the door snapped me out of my reading. The knock was firm, bringing me back to the present.

As I sat on the bed, lost in my thoughts, there was a quiet knock at the door. It was Shanti, one of the maids. I looked at her questioningly.

She handed me a small envelope, bowing slightly. “Hukum asked me to give this to you,” she said.

I blinked, surprised. “Rudransh Ji sent this?”

She nodded, then slipped away, leaving me alone with the mysterious envelope.

I returned to the bed, my heart pounding slightly with curiosity. Carefully, I opened it, wondering what could possibly be inside.

What..??