The morning after the wedding, Kashvi's eyes were swollen and red. She hadn't slept all night—only cried, silently, endlessly.
She stepped out of her room and slowly walked toward the hall downstairs. Ved's grandfather was sitting on the sofa, reading the newspaper.
Kashvi walked up to him, greeted softly, "Good morning, Dada ji," and bent down to touch his feet.
"May you always remain blessed and happily married, my child," he said warmly.
Then he looked around.
"Where is Ved? Is he still sleeping?"
Kashvi hesitated, fear flickering in her eyes.
"N-no, Dada ji… he—"
Before she could finish, Ved's voice cut in smoothly.
"I'm here, Dadu."
Ved walked in with a gentle smile on his face and wished his grandfather good morning.
"Stay happy, my children," his grandfather said cheerfully, blessing them both.
Then he continued,
"You both must be exhausted after all the wedding rituals. Why don't you go out somewhere together today? A little outing will freshen your moods."
Kashvi was about to say something when Ved interrupted calmly,
"Alright, Dadu. We'll go."
Turning toward Kashvi, he added in a formal tone,
"Be ready by seven. I'll send Gaurav (his assistant) —he'll pick you up from home."
His grandfather frowned slightly.
"Why should Gaurav pick her up? You will go yourself. She is your wife—whose responsibility is that if not yours?"
Ved nodded without argument.
"Alright, Dadu. I'll come myself. Now I'm leaving for the office."
With that, Ved walked away. Kashvi quietly returned to her room.
Ved's parents had divorced when he was very young. Since then, his grandfather had raised him alone—he was Ved's family, his parents, his everything. That was why Ved never disobeyed him.
Back in her room, Kashvi sank into thought.
If Ved hates me this much… then why did he marry me at all?
And who is this Anvi… the one he mentioned last night?
Just then, her phone rang.
Kashvi answered hesitantly.
"H-hello… Mom?"
"Is everything fine there, Kashu?" her mother asked sharply.
"I don't want any mistake from your side that could offend Ved or his grandfather. Do you know how difficult it was to get your marriage fixed into such a wealthy family? We can't let this golden opportunity slip away."
Her mother's voice was cold—greedy.
Without saying a word, Kashvi ended the call.
She sighed to herself.
It's still quite some time before seven. I should go to the kitchen and make lunch today. At least it'll help pass the time.
Kashvi went to the kitchen and helped the staff prepare lunch. Later, she went to her grandfather-in-law and said softly,
"Dada ji, I cooked today's lunch myself. I hope you like it."
He smiled and walked to the dining table. Kashvi served him with nervous hope.
The moment he took the first bite, his face lit up.
"Wow," he exclaimed happily.
"This is truly delicious, my child. I must admit—it's been a long time since I've eaten such good food."
Then he said warmly,
"Pack some lunch for Ved as well. I'll ask the driver to deliver it to his office. He'll be happy too."
At the mention of Ved's name, Kashvi hesitated for a moment. But seeing Dada ji's hopeful expression, she nodded quietly and packed the lunch.
Even if her heart trembled… she chose to obey.
To be continued..