The next morning, I woke up in a room that didn't feel like mine.
For a few seconds, I stayed still, staring at the ceiling. The bed was larger than I was used to. The curtains were unfamiliar. Even the light falling through the window felt different.
Then reality settled in.
I was married now.
And this-this was 'my' room.
The thought made my throat tighten. I turned on my side and exhaled slowly.
I was alone.
After the rituals, the endless faces, the chants that blended into each other, my body had given up. I hadn't wanted conversation or congratulations. I hadn't wanted sympathy either.
I had wanted silence.
And for the first time since the wedding, I had it.
I got out of bed and walked to the window. Sunlight fell on my face, sharp and warm, pulling me fully awake.
I removed my robe and stood in front of the mirror. I looked at myself and understood, clearly, that this was the beginning of a new phase of my life. I let out a slow breath, took a bath, got dressed, and prepared myself for whatever came next.
A soft knock broke my thoughts.
"Do you need help?" Divya asked gently.
"No," I replied. "I'm done."
She paused. "Yesterday was exhausting. Today is the last ceremony. After that, it'll be just you and your husbands. No guests."
I let out a short, bitter laugh.
"I already have three husbands, Divya. That's more than enough people for one lifetime."
She smiled, patient as ever. "Give it time. You'll enjoy it."
"I won't," I said.
"Shhh," she whispered, glancing at the door. "Someone might hear. There are so many guests in the house."
In that moment, she didn't sound like my friend.
She sounded like my mother.
"You too will get something in return, right?"
She didn't hesitate.
"So why complain?"
How to tell Divya that a child has some expectations from your parents. She don't have parents, how will she understand this. My parents have always loved her like their own daughter, but having born to parents who aren't loving feels painful.
"Women here have married multiple men for generations," she said calmly. "It's normal. It's respected. Managing several husbands is considered strength. Having children with multiple men is respected too-because no man is denied a child."
Her tone softened. She now sounded like my father. Who only talk in soft tone when he wants me to do something for him.
"In Delhpur, women give birth and are treated as if that's all they're meant for. Here, women are never alone."
She looked at me steadily. I could have said thousand different things but I stayed quiet because answering her will not change my situation.
"Don't hate this system without understanding it."
She thought her every word is making sense to me.
"Men are never alone," she continued quietly. "Women always are. Judged, corrected, abandoned. This system isn't perfect-but for women, it's kinder than the world you came from."
She took my hand.
"I'm not asking you to love it. Just don't reject it before you live it. The choice is still yours."
She knew that choice wasn't mine. But she just wanted to make her words sound aesthetic.
Maybe it was in my destiny, people who were close to me had no idea or respect for my choice.
Knock. Knock.
Kaveri appeared at the door.
"Everyone's waiting. The ceremony is about to begin."
My stomach twisted.
Divya smiled. "Finally! A fun one. Honeymoon order. Twins versus Karan."
"Together?" I asked, eyes widening.
She shook her head immediately. "Only if you want. Saying no is respected here."
Her words were meant to calm me.
They didn't.
The ceremony hall was bright and warm. Too warm. Smiles greeted me like I belonged, like I had always been part of this place.
My mother-in-law gently guided Arun and Varun to my sides, placing their hands in mine.
My heart started racing.
Though they were twins, the difference was obvious. Arun's excitement was open, almost childlike. Varun smiled too, but carefully-as if he was still adjusting to the role.
Karan stood across the room, composed as ever. When our eyes met, he smiled softly and mouthed that I looked beautiful.
They led me to the largest chair.
"It's just a game," Karan whispered as he helped me sit. "Relax. Enjoy."
All three men stood at the centre.
"This ceremony," my mother-in-law announced cheerfully, "will decide who goes on the honeymoon first, second, and third with Aayna."
Cheers filled the room.
She turned to me. "Would you prefer the twins together-or separately?"
Silence.
I took a deep breath, acted like I want to think but in reality I was disgusted by the idea of taking both of them together.
"Separately," I said.
The room erupted in applause.
"There will be three games," my mother-in-law continued. "The winner of most games will go first."
The first game was simple.
A large cotton saree was spread across the floor, covered in flowers. Each husband's name was hidden beneath the petals.
"They must find their own names," she explained.
The game began.
Karan moved quickly, confident, sweeping aside petals with ease.
Arun laughed as he searched, using both hands, clearly enjoying himself.
Varun worked quietly, focused, careful.
They were all trying.
I leaned forward, surprisingly invested.
Who would I choose?
Karan felt calm. Familiar. Sometimes a little terrifying.
Arun made me smile without effort.
Varun... Varun felt confusing. I can't read him.
Also very smart, he can't be fooled.
"I found it!" Karan announced.
Applause erupted.
He held up his name, grinning.
Then I noticed Arun. His smile was still there-but forced.
He wanted to win.
With that face he looked so cute.
Maybe I would choose Arun first.
Then my eyes moved to Varun.
He didn't look disappointed. Or relieved. Or happy.
He looked untouched.
As if the result didn't matter to him that much.
I think I will have to be careful of this guy.
"It's time for the second game," my mother-in-law announced.
"In this game, the husbands will play rock, paper, scissors."
Laughter rippled through the room.
"Whoever wins three rounds will be declared the winner of the second game," she added.