Author pov

Just like that, the days progressed. Today was tulasi's wedding. She was adorned by jewels and Sadi that were gifted by her in-laws. She had light make-up on, and her hair was cascading till her hip.

They made their way towards the wedding venue. Indra, his family members, and relatives were already present.

As she walked towards him, he couldn't help but feel prideful. He wanted her and got her. The girl was so beautiful and all his.

The wedding came to an end after he tied the nuptial chain and put some vermillion on her hairline. She was trying not to cry. She was shaken to the core. How can she live elsewhere? with different people and different mindsets... These all were her thoughts. Most importantly, will her husband beat her like others? That's what she's scared of.

It was time for her dispatch, permanently. She doesn't have anyone to hug and cry. Her parents never let her out; she doesn't even have any friends. Everything seems shattered for her.

She was on the verge of crying under her saree pallu. She was shaking; nalini noticed this and hugged her.

"Don't cry, tulasi. You'll be happier at our place. My brother will take good care of you."

Nalini said, trying to assure her.

Tulasi didn't say anything and cried in her embrace. When Indra made his way towards them, nalini walked back and set her dupatta back on her head.

Indra grabbed tulasi's wrist and pulled her towards the Bullock cart. He made her sit first and then sat beside her. Throughout the whole journey, they haven't spoken.

After a while, they reach indra's house. Indra escorted her inside. Tulasi peeped out; she was astonished by the house. It was so big and had many rooms. There was a lot of furniture and antiques.

As she was busy looking around, she bumped into indra's hard chest. Her eyes widened, and she immediately stepped back.

"J..ji, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."  She said while gripping onto her saree.

"It's fine; now go inside and freshen up. That's my room----  no, our room." He said.

Her heart flutters. No one ever said that to her. Our room... that means she has a place now. Which is hers as well.

"ji..." she said and left for their bedroom.

Indra's pov

Finally, she's mine. My wife. Sadly, i can't claim her yet. Mom told me that i have to wait today. As per pandit Ji's words, the first night was set for tomorrow. I need to wait, but i can't control myself now.

Mother was preparing for dinner now. Nalini was helping her as usual. Mom told me that tulasi can only help her in the kitchen after her first rasoi.

I walked into my room; there she was.... sitting on the ground and fidgeting with her fingers.

"You can sit on the bed. This is your room as well now." I said, looking at her.

She seemed hesitant and got up.

"J..ji, it's fine. I'm habituated to this. A..and we can't sit on the bed or chair without husband's permission or infront of elders." She said, explaining the reason.

"i know, but I'm giving you the permission. You can be however you want in this room. Only in this room. Okay?" I said.

"y.. yes." She said.

She hesitantly sat on the bed. And removed her head pallu.

I took a big inhale. She looks so darn beautiful. She makes me want to lock her up from everyone and make sure no one else can even look at her.

I walked towards her and caressed her face with my hands. Her skin was so soft and smooth. She flinched when I touched her. She had a confused expression.

"I'm your husband; only I can touch you. You shouldn't let any other man even come near you. Do you understand?" I said.

"J.. ji. I understand. B..but i don't want to be touched." She said, looking at me innocently.

"Look, you're married now. You'll learn everything eventually. I'll teach you. You need to fulfill your duties as my wife. That includes accepting my touch whenever and however I want." I said in a stern tone.

"h..however you want? What do you mean?" She asked.

I looked into her eyes and then i grabbed her waist and pulled her towards me.

"this..." I said and started roaming my hands all over her back and butt.

"and this." When I was about to touch her boobs, she pushed me away and covered herself with her hands. She looked scared, with tears in her eyes.

"W..what are you doing? Please don't do this. N..no one touches there. It's inappropriate." She said.

"I just told you, I'm your husband. You need to give yourself to me completely. And this is what every couple does. You'll get used to everything eventually. And, do not push me away. It makes me angry. You're my wife; remember your role and behave." I said in a stoic tone. Trying to educate her and also make her understand her duties.

If it were any other man, they would never even bother to explain and just get to work. But I have morals. I've grown up under the care of two amazing women. So, I know how to be a bit gentle at times.

She just kept looking at me with fear. How badly i want to turn that into love. She better not test my patience. I would appreciate it if she gave me my rights and respected me. If not then..... No, that won't happen.

"Come and have dinner. Tonight, you'll sleep with nalini. And from tomorrow onwards, you'll sleep with me in our room. Okay?" I asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"Y..yes."  she uttered that word and rushed outside. She just wanted to get away from me. But she can't; now she's totally mine. She'll get a taste of what it's like being mine.

Tulasi's pov

What was he doing? That was so inappropriate.... b.. but i liked it. I don't know what's happening to me. How can I like something that is impolite? I'm a bad woman.

His words and touch were replayed in my head as I had my dinner with my in-laws. They asked me about my family, and i didn't have much to say. My mother-in-law wasn't happy to have me. I can sense it.

I don't blame her.... Who wants a girl from a poor family, and whose parents are known to be bad people? I still wonder why they chose me as indra's wife. He could have gotten anyone, but why me?

I can't ask them these questions for now. Maybe nalini will tell me later. In this house, she's the only one who seemed genuine to me. I'll definitely make friends with her. Indra's brother....i don't know much about him. I'm not allowed to talk to other males unnecessarily.

After dinner, I watched Indra walking in our room. My mother-in-law and nalini were removing the plates and making the place tidy. I wanted to help, but I couldn't. I was so nervous. I walked into nalini's room. It was pretty. I lay down on the bed and waited for her. But she wasn't coming in. I was feeling sleepy now. I tried to stay awake, but my eyes closed involuntarily.

~Time skip~

I was woken up by my mother-in-law. I slept for a long time, due to exhaustion from yesterday. I can't believe I'm married now.

I slowly opened my eyes, and my mother-in-law wasn't happy.

"Haven't your parents taught you any manners on how to be at your in-laws place?" she said.

"S..sorry, maa ji. I was so tired because of yesterday. I...I just...slept for a little more."

I said after gulping.

"Whatever, get ready and wear a red sadi. Today is your first rasoi. Don't disappoint me."

She said and walked away.

I immediately got up and rushed to shower and get ready. I really wanted to impress her and him...

I wore a red sadi and applied kajal, bindi, and vermilion. But unlike everyday, today... I seemed fulfilled. Like a real woman. Maybe because of the nuptial chain and vermilion.

I got into work. I was cooking food for everyone. I was used to this. At my home, I'm the one who cooks breakfast and dinner for everyone.

I tasted my food and smiled. It was good.

I hope my mother-in-law likes it. Also Indra ji

I smiled thinking about that. It's only been a day since we met and spoke. But I feel this strange connection towards him. Maybe because of our marriage. I've never known marriage to have this much power in one's heart and life.

As everyone gathered to eat, i served them and stood beside Indra ji. I was trying to watch everyone's expression from under my head pallu.

"It's very tasty, tulasi. You did a great job." Nalini said with a smile.

"Bhabhi, your cooking is really good." Rudra said with a slight smile.

"Not bad; atleast you know how to cook. You'll be a great help." Anuja said while nodding.

I smiled, but....i wanted to hear what indra has to say about my cooking. I was waiting eagerly.

"It's delicious. I want to eat my wife's cooking everyday, from now on." Indra said after wiping his mouth.

I was happy to hear his compliment. But his mother wasn't.

"yeah, now you have a wife, and you don't need your mother's cooked food." Anuja said.

"mom, it's nothing like that. You take rest from now on. Tulasi will take care of the household work with nalini." Indra ji said.

"mhm, whatever. And tulasi, tonight will be your first night. I've prepared everything for that. All the required jewels and Sadi will be in indra's room." Anuja said.

I just nodded. I didn't know what to say. First night...? I heard about that, but I don't know what couples do. When my relative got married, they had their first night too. But I have no idea what happens inside that room, and why do women adorn themselves

before meeting their husband in the room, alone...??