HOMECOMING

RAAYAN pov

I look at the girl sleeping in my arms, so peaceful and serene, and a huge smile spreads across my face. In that moment, I make a promise to myself—no matter what, I will never be the reason she sheds a single tear. I will protect her heart with everything I have.

The car comes to a stop, and the driver's voice breaks the moment. "We have reached the Rajshekawat mansion." I glance toward my newlywed wife, and my voice is gentle as I call her name.

"Anvi, Anvi, wake up. We're here."

"Five more minutes, please. It's so comfy here," she murmurs in a sleepy, almost childlike voice. A smirk replaces my smile as I watch her, my heart swelling with affection.

"You can sleep as long as you want in my arms. I'm not going anywhere, and I'm yours. But, dear, get up now. The whole family is waiting for us at the front door."

I see the realization hit her as she slowly pulls away from me, blinking in confusion. Her eyes meet mine, and I can't help but notice the softness in her gaze. She stares into my eyes for a moment, like she's trying to figure out where she is.

I lean in close to her ear, my lips grazing her earlobe, and her breath hitches. A thrill runs through me as I notice her reaction, and I speak softly, "I'm all yours to look at—at least, let's first go to our room, dear wife."

Her cheeks flush, and she stammers, "Yeah... you're mine. I mean... let's go." She quickly gets out of the car, flustered, and I can't help but grin.

We walk inside, and the warmth of my family's welcome surrounds us. Mom, Dad, and everyone greet us with wide smiles, and we take blessings from Grandpa and my parents.

Vivaan Bhai and Nidhi Bhabhi bless us together, and I watch as Vivaan Bhai pats Anvi's head, saying, "I'm your Bade Bhai now." The smile that lights up Anvi's face makes my heart tighten in the best way. I can't help but smile too. She nods in acknowledgment, and I'm struck by how deeply I feel for her in this moment.

As my eyes scan the room, I realise I haven't seen Abhi Bhai yet. I think he must know that, when you're married, blessings should be shared as a couple. Then my gaze shifts to the corner of the room, where she stands, almost like an afterthought—away from everyone, like she's invisible. I feel a pang of sadness. She doesn't belong there. She shouldn't be hiding in the shadows.

I catch her looking at me, and I nod in acknowledgment. She gives me a soft smile and mouths "Congrats." My heart aches a little seeing her struggle, but I smile back, trying to reassure her without saying a word.

Just then, I hear Anvi ask, "Where is Abhi Bade Bhai?" and her face falls. The smile that had been so bright just moments ago fades into something far more painful. I can feel the weight of it in my chest. It's hard to witness her pain, knowing she can't even stand beside the man she's married to.

I hear Mom answer, "He's busy with some work. He'll be back later," and she asks Nidhi Bhabhi to take Anvi to my room.

When everyone leaves, it's just Mom and me standing in the hall. I can't keep my thoughts to myself any longer. I turn to her with a deep sense of frustration.

"Mom, why can't we do something about her and Abhi Bhai? Every time I look at her, she's smiling and nodding like she's some servant. Bhai doesn't ask her to do any work, but she's given a room way at the back of the mansion—where even some of the servants don't stay—and she never troubles anyone. We don't even know her name, Mom. Why does she willingly stay in this place when none of you consider her Abhi Bhai's wife or the daughter-in-law of this family?"

Mom sighs, and I can see the sadness in her eyes. "Son, I understand. But that's not something we can just fix. Let me tell you something, though. As a wife, and someone who's been married for years, I can tell you that marriage isn't something to take lightly. I don't know how men feel, but I can speak for women. When they marry someone, and they truly see them as their husband, they don't just walk away from that. It's sacred. But nothing is more important than self-respect. And as a mother-in-law, I can consider her the eldest Bahu of this house, but she has to be seen as a wife first. And until that happens, there's not much we can do."

I stand still, looking down at the floor, my heart heavy with the weight of her words.

After our conversation, I walk into our room, only to find my dear wife already asleep on the bed. A soft smile tugs at my lips as I approach her. I kiss her forehead gently, feeling a warmth spread through me. Then I change my clothes, exhausted, and fall asleep on the couch, my thoughts swirling with everything I've seen.

so how was it ??

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