The early sun filtered through the curtains, dappling the room in gold while the distant hum of temple bells anchored the morning in peace.
Vedita stood before the mirror, her brow furrowed in a battle with her blouse. Her slender fingers reached blindly behind her, fumbling with the stubborn dori making her frustration mount.
Ved paused his task of buttoning his kurta while watching her through the reflection. A slow smile tugged at his lips.
“Ruko…”
(Wait...) he murmured, closing the distance between them.
She caught his eyes in the mirror, her breath hitching.
“Aap…?”
(You...?)
He didn’t answer at first but his hands replaced hers.
“Yeh toh meri hi zimmedari lagti hai ab, kholna bhi bandhna bhi,”
(“I suppose this is my cross to bear now tying the knots and untying them.”)
He teased with a smirk..
“Thakur Sahab, aap bhi na…”
(“Thakur Sahab, you really have a way of pushing my buttons…”)
she whispered, trying to sound stern, though her cheeks had turned a deep pink.
Ved’s fingers brushed her bare skin, slow and deliberate.
“Bolo Thakurain, kahe toh jana rehne de aaj?”
(“Say the word, Thakurain... and we’ll just call it a day and stay right here.”)
He leaned in, his lips grazing her neck while his hand rested against her waist. Vedita’s pulse hammered.
“Sharam nahi aati aapko, subah-subah…”
(“Have you left no shame, acting like this so early in the morning?”) she breathed...
He chuckled against her ear.
“Tujhe aati hai kya? Mere saath maze leti hai.”
(“Why should I be the only one? I know you’re in seventh heaven right now, don't play coy.”)
Vedita turned sharply, eyes wide. She gave him a playful shove.
“Kya bole aap? Kuch zyada hi badmash nahi ho rahe hai aajkal?”
(“What did you say? You’re getting a bit too big for your boots lately, aren't you?”)
“Arey… arey… main toh mazak kar raha tha jaan,”
(“Easy now... I was only pulling your leg, love,”) he laughed, catching her in his arms.
“Huh, jaiye mujhe aapse baat nahi karni,”
(“Hmph. Go away. I’m giving you the cold shoulder,”) she pouted.
Ved wrapped his hands around her, pulling her into a firm embrace.
“Accha baba, maafi. Aage se nahi bolunga kuch.”
(“Alright, I surrender. My lips are sealed from now on. Forgive me?”)
Vedita tried to keep a straight face, but a radiant smile finally broke through.
“Ab acche se muskura bhi do, Thakurain. Kab tak rokogi?”
(“There she is. How long were you going to keep that smile under wraps?”)He teased making her smile ear to ear
“Ab lag rahi ho Thakurain Vedita Ved Pratap Singh.”
(“Now you truly look Thakurain Vedita Pratap Singh”)
For a moment, silence lingered—a peaceful, heavy silence. Then Ved’s expression softened.
“Vedita…” he began quietly. “Kal raat tune kaha tha… ‘abhi bachche ke liye jaldi hai’—kya matlab tha uska?”
(“Vedita... last night you mentioned it’s too soon for a baby. What’s really weighing on your mind?”)
Her eyes widened, her lips parting to speak—
“Arey Ved! Taiyaar ho gaye kya tum dono? Phag phera ke liye der ho rahi hai!”
(“Arey Ved! Are you two going to stay in there until the cows come home? We’re late for the ceremony!”)
Dadi’s voice thundered from outside.
Ved exhaled slowly, rubbing his forehead.
“Dadi bhi na…”
(“Dadi really has a knack for bad timing...”)
Vedita giggled, adjusting her veil. “Chaliye Thakur saab, warna Dadi naraaz ho jaayengi.”
(“Let’s go, or we’ll both be in the doghouse with Dadi.”)
He gave her a look...half-playful, half-longing and extended his hand.
“Let’s go, Mrs. Ved Pratap Singh.”
-------------
The Jeep bounced over a small pothole, and Vedita grabbed the handle to steady herself. Ved shifted gears smoothly, glancing at her.
“Kya baat hai? Itni chup-chap kyun ho? Abhi se ghar ki yaad sata rahi hai kya?”
(“What's up? Why so quiet? Are you homesick already?”)
She looked out at the familiar trees passing by.
“Nahi… bas thoda ajeeb lag raha hai. Kal tak yahan se rote huye gayi thi, aur aaj dekho… bilkul badal gaya sab.”
(“No… it’s just a bit weird. Yesterday I left this place in tears, and today… everything feels completely different.”)
Ved let out a small but relaxed chuckle, resting his hand briefly on hers.
“Zada dimaag mat chala. Pehle tu parayi thi, ab apni hai. Bas itna hi toh badla hai.”
(“Don’t overthink it. Before, you were a stranger; now, you’re mine. That’s the only real change.”)
He gave her hand a playful squeeze.
“Zindagi mein natak kam aur sukoon zada rahega, tension mat liya kar.”
(“There’ll be less drama and more peace in our lives, don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”)
She smiled, finally starting to relax into the seat.
“Aap bhi na…”
(“You and your talks…”)
But the comfort didn't last long. Ved's phone buzzed and after hearing the call Ved’s face hardened as he checked his watch. His tone shifted instantly as he cursed silently.
“Suno, Vedita. Main tujhe utar karke nikal jaunga. Ruk nahi paunga.”
(“Listen, Vedita. I’m just going to drop you off and head out. I can’t stay back.”)
The smile vanished from Vedita’s face.
She was startled by the sudden seriousness
“Kya? Par Bhaiya-Bhabhi ne kitni tyaari ki hogi! Aap aise kaise ja sakte hain? Yeh toh wahi baat hui…bas muh dikhaya aur chal diye!”
(“What? But Bhaiya and Bhabhi must have planned so much! How can you just leave? It’s like... you’re just showing your face and vanishing!”)
She said casually but Ved wasn't in the mood for argument about his work
Ved’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.
“Maine kaha na, zaroori kaam hai isliye mana kar raha hu. Zid mat kar.”
(“I said I have important work that's why I'm denying. Don’t start a fuss.”)
“Kaam toh kabhi khatam nahi hota! Mera pehla phag-phera hai, thoda toh lihaaj kijiye!”
(“Work never ends! It’s my first visit back, at least show some consideration!”) she argued, her voice slightly rising.
Suddenly, Ved slammed his hand against the steering wheel. The loud crack of his palm hitting the plastic made her jump.
“Bas, Vedita! Ek baar keh diya na? Mere kaam ke beech mein mat bolo! Tujhe nahi pata yeh gaon mere liye kitna zaroori hai”
(“Enough, Vedita! I’ve said it once, haven't I? Don’t question my work! You have no idea,how important my work is for me”)
His voice wasn't a shout but it was cold…cutting through the air like a knife. For the first time, she saw the "Thakur" who ruled the village…stern, unyielding, and easily provoked.
Vedita flinched with her heart sinking. She turned her head away, her eyes stinging as she stared at the dusty road. The lightheartedness of the morning was gone, replaced by a heavy and suffocating silence.
“Thik hai. Jaiye aap,”
(“Fine. Go then,”) she whispered before pulling her veil down to hide the tears that were already starting to blur her vision.
The Jeep sped up, the engine roaring as if reflecting Ved’s mood leaving Vedita feeling like a stranger sitting right next to him.
The rest of the ride was heavy with a suffocating silence. The hum of the Jeep’s engine which had felt adventurous minutes ago, now felt like a low growl.
Ved didn't reach for her hand again and Vedita kept her gaze fixed on the passing fields with her jaw tight.
She was muffed to the core and for the first time, the distance between them felt much wider than the seat of the Jeep.
When they reached Vishal’s courtyard...
The Jeep pulled up with a sharp halt. Meena was already waiting at the doorstep, her face lit up but it dimmed slightly when she saw Vedita climb out of the Jeep with a stiff posture without waiting for Ved to open the door.
“Arey meri chhoti si dulhan wapas aa gayi!”
(“My little bride has come home!”)
Meena said, trying to maintain the cheer as she pulled Vedita into a hug.
Vedita hugged her back but her body was rigid. Ved stepped out, his face a mask of cold professionalism.
“Ram-Ram, Bhabhi. Mujhe nikalna hoga, thoda zaroori kaam aan pada hai.”
(“Ram-Ram, Bhabhi. I have to head out, something urgent has cropped up.”)
Meena looked between the two, sensing the elephant in the room.
“Par Thakur Sahab, khana...?”
(“But Thakur Sahab, at least stay for a meal?”)
“Phir kabhi”
(“Some other time,”) Ved replied shortly, his eyes not once flickering toward his wife.
Vishal was witnessing everything standing by the pillar. His hands behind his back, fingers twitching.
Every time he saw Ved, he remembered that time in the village square—the way Ved had stepped forward and claimed Vedita by force…without her will, filling her maang while the whole village gasped. It had been a bitter pill to swallow and seeing him leaving his sister alone on her phag phera made the air between them thick enough to cut with a knife, it made his blood boil.
His jaw tightened. He wanted to demand why Ved was treating his sister’s first visit like a chore but his tongue was tied. Ved was his brother in law now; the 'Thakur' of the village.
Vedita stood there with Meena. Her back to her brother as her fingers twisting the edge of her pallu.
Vishal walked toward her. His footsteps were heavy. He could see her shoulders trembling slightly. He was at his wits' end, wondering if he had made a mistake by letting her go with a man so unpredictable.
“Vedita?” he called out softly.
She turned, putting on a brave face, though her eyes were a tell-tale red.
“Haan Bhaiya? Aap Kaise ho? Chaliye na andar chalke baat karte hai”
(“Yes Bhaiya? How are you doing ? Let’s go inside and talk.”)
Vishal didn't move. He looked toward the empty gate and then back at her.
“Sab theek toh hai na? Itni jaldi mein kyun gaye woh? Aur tu… tera chehra utra hua kyun hai?”
(“Is everything okay? Why was he in such a rush? And you… why do you look so down in the mouth?”)
Vedita felt a lump in her throat. She remembered the sting of Ved’s palm hitting the steering wheel, the coldness in his eyes. But she couldn't tell Vishal. It would only add fuel to the fire of his existing worries.
She forced a small,let out a breezy laugh and adjusted her bangles.
“Arey nahi Bhaiya, aap bhi na… bas thoda thak gayi hoon. Safar mein dhool bohot thi. Aur unhe sach mein zaroori kaam tha, subah se phone aa rahe the. Aap khama-kha pareshaan ho rahe hain.”
(“Oh no, Bhaiya, don’t be like that… I’m just a bit tired. The road was so dusty. And he really did have urgent work; his phone has been ringing since morning. You’re getting worked up over nothing.”)
She walked past him, her bangles jingling—a sound that usually meant happiness, but today it sounded hollow to Vishal’s ears.
Vishal watched her go with a heavy heart. He knew his sister was putting on a brave face but the way Ved had claimed her…not with a procession, but with a display of power—haunted him.
He followed her inside but the restlessness in his mind stayed behind in the courtyard, swirling like the dust from Ved’s Jeep.
-------
Inside the house, the scent of home couldn't mask the chill Vedita felt in her bones. She sat on a low wooden stool in the kitchen, her eyes fixed on her reflection in a polished steel plate.
Meena handed her a glass of water while watching her closely. Unlike Vishal, Meena had always been a cheerleader for this match. She had seen how Ved looked at Vedita—like she was a temple deity, not the "impure" girl the village whispered.
“Pee le, Vedita. Itna kyun soch rahi hai?”
(“Drink, Vedita. Why are you overthinking so much?”) Meena asked gently
Vedita took a sip, her hand trembling.
“Bhabhi… woh aaj mujh par chilla diye.”
(“Bhabhi… he yelled at me today.”)
Meena paused, her brow furrowing.
“Thakur Sahab? Par woh toh tere liye poori duniya se lad gaye. Unka gussa toh kabhi tere liye tha hi nahi.”
(“The Thakur? But he fought the whole world for you. His anger was never meant for you.”)
“Wahi toh, Bhabhi!” Vedita’s voice cracked. “Jeep mein maine thodi zid ki… toh unhone pahiye par itni zor se hath maara. Unki aankhen… woh badal gayi thi. Mujhe laga main kisi ajnabee ke saath baithi hoon.”
(“Exactly, Bhabhi! I was just being a bit stubborn in the Jeep… and he slammed his hand on the steering wheel. His eyes… they changed. I felt like I was sitting with a stranger.”)
Meena sat down beside her, taking her hand.
“Suno, pagli. Woh insaan kanch ki chudi nahi hai balki loha hai. Uske kandhon par pure gaon ka bojh hai, aur tere samman ki ladaai alag.”
(“Listen, you silly girl. That man isn't a glass bangle; he’s made of iron. He’s carrying the weight of the whole village, and the battle for your honor is a separate burden altogether.”)
“Par kya mujh par gussa nikalna sahi hai?”
(“But is it right to take it out on me?”)
“Sahi nahi hai, par woh bhi toh ek insaan hai,”
(“It’s not right, but he’s only human,”)
Meena countered. “Soch, jis mard ne tujhe us waqt apnaya jab sab tujh par sawal kar rahe the, kya woh tujhe dukh dena chahega? Woh thak gaya hoga, Vedita. Har waqt dhaal banna aasaan nahi hota.”
(“Think about it—the man who claimed you when everyone else was questioning you, would he ever want to hurt you? He must be exhausted. Being a shield 24/7 isn't easy.”)
Vedita looked down. She realized she hadn't thought about his "storm." She only saw the "shield."
“Toh main kya karoon?”
(“So what should I do?”)
“Apna haq mat chhodo, par unka sukoon bano, bojh nahi,”
(“Don't give up your rights, but be his peace, not his burden,”) Meena advised.
“Abhi bahar ja.Tere bhaiya pehle hi tere liye pagal ho rahe hai . Agar unhe pata chala ki Thakur Shahab ne tujh pe chillaya
, toh woh aag babula ho jayega.”
(“Now go outside. Your bhaiya is already losing his mind. If he finds out Ved shouted at you, he’ll go absolutely ballistic.”)
Vedita nodded before wiping her face. “Theek hai Bhabhi. Main sab sambhaal lungi.”
(“Alright Bhabhi. I’ll handle everything.”)
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