章 42: Chapter 42: Receptions and Revelations
Anupriya and Abhimanyu walked hand in hand through the grand hall, their steps echoing in the quiet that had settled after the heated exchange. As they ascended the stairs to their private quarters, Anupriya's emotions were a whirlpool of gratitude, relief, and an unfamiliar sense of belonging. She stole glances at Abhimanyu, her heart swelling with newfound affection for her husband.
As the door to their room clicked shut behind them, Anupriya turned to face Abhimanyu. The weight of the evening's events lingered in the air, but his reassuring presence began to dispel her anxiety.
"Thank you, Abhimanyu," Anupriya said softly.
Abhimanyu's expression remained neutral. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I did that because by insulting you, they were insulting my family."
Anupriya didn't say anything more. A pang of sadness welled up inside her at his words, a stark reminder of the complex nature of their relationship.
Later that evening:
Abhimanyu's parents had organized a grand reception for the newlywed couple. The mansion buzzed with activity as guests began to arrive, filling the space with laughter and chatter.
In Anupriya's room, Ayesha was helping her get ready, instructing the stylist and makeup artist but avoiding direct interaction with Anupriya as much as possible. When the stylist and makeup artist left, the tension between the two women became palpable.
Anupriya hesitated, then spoke, "Ayesha, are you still angry with me?"
Ayesha's eyes flashed with hurt. "Does it even matter? Our friendship holds no meaning to you. You just used me to get close to my brother. You and your brother betrayed my trust."
"No, it's not like that," Anupriya protested.
"Then just say once that you were forced into this marriage. I will help you out," Ayesha challenged.
Anupriya's eyes filled with tears. "No, you can't help me anymore. It's my family's fault, so I have to repay their debt myself."
Tears started falling from Anupriya's eyes, and Ayesha, despite her anger, felt a surge of empathy. She hugged Anupriya tightly, both of them hurting from the actions of those they cared about.
At that moment, Abhimanyu knocked on the door. "Everyone is waiting. We don't have the whole night," he said, his tone impatient.
Startled, Anupriya and Ayesha quickly composed themselves. Ayesha helped Anupriya fix her makeup, and they walked out of the room together. Abhimanyu was stunned by Anupriya's beauty.
She was wearing a maroon saree with diamond jewelry. Her hair was styled in a messy bun, and the traditional symbols of a married woman—sindoor, chura, bindi, and mangalsutra—added the finishing touches. She looked breathtaking, a vision that made Abhimanyu momentarily forget his earlier frustration.
At the Reception:
The grand hall was transformed into a scene of opulence, with chandeliers casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests. As Anupriya and Abhimanyu made their entrance, all eyes turned to them, admiration and curiosity evident in the gazes of those present.
Abhimanyu held Anupriya's hand firmly, leading her through the crowd. He introduced her to various family members and friends, each interaction a delicate balance of politeness and formality.
Throughout the evening, Anupriya felt the weight of the scrutiny, but Abhimanyu's presence by her side gave her the strength to endure it. She noticed how he would occasionally glance at her, a mix of pride and protectiveness in his eyes.
At one point, Abhimanyu's college friend, Raj, approached them with a mischievous grin. "Well, well, Abhi, you certainly didn't mention how stunning your bride is," he teased.
Abhimanyu smiled slightly. "Some things are best left as surprises."
Raj turned to Anupriya. "How are you finding married life so far?"
Anupriya smiled politely. "It's been an adjustment, but I'm grateful for Abhimanyu's support."
As the evening progressed, Anupriya found herself more at ease, especially with Ayesha occasionally stepping in to help her navigate conversations. The bond between the two women, though strained, showed signs of mending.
Later that night:
As the reception wound down and the last of the guests departed, Anupriya and Abhimanyu found themselves alone in their room once more. The night had been exhausting, but also a step towards establishing their place in the family and society.
Anupriya began to remove her jewelry, the weight of the evening lifting bit by bit. Abhimanyu watched her for a moment before speaking.
"You did well tonight," he said, his tone softer than before.
"Thank you," she replied, meeting his gaze. "It was… overwhelming, but I'm glad it's over."
They shared a moment of quiet understanding, the complexities of their relationship slowly untangling.
"Are we going to share the bed?" Anupriya asked, her voice hesitant
Abhimanyu's eyes narrowed slightly. "Please stop this daily soap crap. The bed is big enough for two people to sleep comfortably, so why create all this drama? And anyway, we are husband and wife. If you want to play hard to get, then find someone else because I am not interested."
Anupriya became speechless, feeling a pang of hurt at his harsh words. She climbed onto the left side of the bed to sleep, and Abhimanyu took the right side.
Without a word, Abhimanyu placed a big pillow between them. Anupriya mumbled under her breath, "Now who's pulling daily soap crap?"
"Did you say something?" Abhimanyu asked sharply.
"No, nothing. Just good night," Anupriya replied, her voice small.
"Tomorrow we will visit your parents for the padhphere ritual and let them know about the situation," Abhimanyu informed her, his tone firm. "And good night."
"Thank you," Anupriya whispered, turning to face away from him.
As they lay there, the room was filled with a heavy silence. Each lost in their own thoughts, they began to drift off to sleep, the complexities of their relationship casting long shadows over their future together.
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