CHAPTER - 3
The Burden of Expectations
The days passed by in a blur of arrangements, conversations, and quiet tension. The house was still unfamiliar to AARVIKA, but she tried to make herself at home in the midst of the luxury and coldness that surrounded her.
The family was preparing for the wedding, and every day felt like a countdown to something she had no control over. But there was a part of her that couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this marriage than what was visible on the surface
It was another evening where everyone gathered at the dinner table. The air was thick with polite conversation and forced smiles. AARVIKA noticed how distant VANSH remained, lost in his thoughts as he picked at his food. His mother smiled at him, eyes filled with pride, but AARVIKA could see the cracks. The truth was, no one here was really happy.
Saesha yajvan/ML MOM
You’ll soon call this house yours, dear. We’re happy that this marriage is happening between you two.
Saesha yajvan/ML MOM
(To AARVIKA, her tone warm)
Aarvika maitra/FL
Thank you, aunty. I’ll do my best (forcing a smile)
Aarvika maitra/FL
(She glanced at VANSH, who was still silent, his jaw clenched. He was just there, physically. His mind was elsewhere.)
Abeer yajvan/ML DAD
(to everyone)
Abeer yajvan/ML DAD
This marriage is a matter of our family’s honor. It will bring pride to our name.
AARVIKA felt the weight of the words, knowing that their marriage was never about love but duty. But what hurt her the most was that VANSH wasn’t even pretending anymore. He wasn’t hiding his feelings.
Later that evening, after the family had retired to their rooms, AARVIKA couldn’t hold it in anymore. She needed answers. She found VANSH standing alone by the balcony, looking at the dark city skyline. She approached him slowly, unsure of how to start.
Aarvika maitra/FL
(softly, as she stepped closer)
Aarvika maitra/FL
How is everything between you two?
Vansh yajvan/ML
(Turned to face her, his expression unreadable. There was no anger, no frustration. Just the resignation of a man who had already given up.)
Vansh yajvan/ML
You understand, right? For me, everything is over(in a quiet voice)
Aarvika maitra/FL
(hurriedly, her voice breaking)
Aarvika maitra/FL
You love her, so why are you putting me in between?
Vansh yajvan/ML
(Gaze softened just for a moment, but the sorrow behind his eyes was clear.)
Vansh yajvan/ML
Because this marriage is not ours. It was for the sake of our families. For you too
AARVIKA Felt a pang in her chest. He was right. They were both just pawns in this arrangement. But she couldn’t help but want something more, something real. She had hoped that maybe, just maybe, he would come to care for her.
Aarvika maitra/FL
You have to give me a chance. Who knows, maybe something will change.(determined)
Vansh yajvan/ML
I can never accept you with all my heart. For me, this marriage is just a duty, and you're giving me unrest (shaking his head, his voice cold but firm)
His words were like a slap to her heart. She had always known this was a possibility, but hearing it from him, seeing the coldness in his eyes—it hurt more than she could have imagined.
She turned away, her heart heavy. There was no coming back from this. The man she was about to marry would never love her. But did it matter? Maybe it was better to live in truth, however painful it was.
The next morning, after a long night of restless thoughts, AARVIKA found herself alone in the garden. It was early, and the cool morning breeze carried a sense of calm, but she knew it wouldn’t last long. VANSH approached her quietly, his presence always making her heart race.
Vansh yajvan/ML
(hesitating, breaking the silence)
Vansh yajvan/ML
What you said last night... I think I understand a little.
Aarvika maitra/FL
(looking away, her voice low)
Aarvika maitra/FL
I want you with all my heart, but you can't even understand your own heart
Vansh yajvan/ML
(took a step closer, his face filled with uncertainty for the first time.)
Vansh yajvan/ML
I have to live with my story, and you with yours. We both have to choose our own paths (softly)
Her Eyes filled with tears, but she held them back. She had to let go. She had to accept that no matter how much she wanted him, he would never truly be hers.
Comments