Meera had always thought that marriage would bring clarity—that it would define her role, her future, and perhaps even her happiness. But a week into her new life at the Malhotra mansion, she felt more like a guest than a wife.

The grand halls, the luxurious bedrooms, the carefully maintained gardens—it was all breathtaking, but it didn’t feel like home. Everything was new, unfamiliar, and even though everyone was polite, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider.

Aarav, too, remained a mystery. He was courteous, respectful, and gave her space, but he was distant. Their conversations were limited to pleasantries, and though he always made sure she was comfortable, he never crossed the invisible boundary between them.

She wasn’t sure if that was a blessing or a curse.

---

One morning, after another formal breakfast with the family, Meera decided to visit her parents’ home.

"Going somewhere?" Aarav asked as he spotted her in the foyer, dressed in a simple blue salwar kameez.

Meera turned to him, surprised. He rarely initiated conversations unless necessary.

"I thought I’d visit my parents," she said. "It’s been a week, and I—" She hesitated, not wanting to sound like she was desperate to escape.

Aarav simply nodded. "I’ll have the driver take you."

She blinked. "You don’t have to. I can—"

"It’s fine, Meera," he said, his tone neutral. "You should see them."

There was something unreadable in his expression, but before she could dwell on it, he turned away, heading toward his study.

---

The drive to her parents’ house was short, but the moment she stepped inside, a wave of relief washed over her. The warmth, the familiar furniture, the scent of freshly brewed tea—it was home.

"Meera!" Her mother rushed forward, pulling her into a tight hug. "I was wondering when you’d finally come!"

Meera smiled, holding onto her mother for a second longer than necessary. "I missed you."

Her father walked in, his face lighting up. "Ah, our bahu is here!"

Meera rolled her eyes playfully. "Papa, don’t start."

He chuckled, patting her head. "I was just teasing. Come, tell us everything. How is your new home?"

Meera hesitated before replying, "It’s… nice."

Her mother studied her carefully. "And Aarav?"

Meera glanced away. "He’s… nice too."

Her mother frowned. "That’s a lot of 'nice.' Are you happy?"

Meera sighed, sitting down on the couch. "I don’t know, Maa. Aarav is kind, but he’s so distant. It’s like we’re just two people living in the same house, not husband and wife."

Her mother’s expression softened. "Beta, arranged marriages take time. You’re both adjusting. Don’t rush it."

Meera nodded, though she wasn’t sure how long this 'adjustment' would take.

---

After spending the afternoon at home, laughing with her parents and eating her mother’s home-cooked food, Meera felt lighter. But as the evening approached, she knew she had to return to the Malhotra mansion.

"Come back soon," her mother said as she hugged her goodbye.

Meera smiled. "I will."

But as the car drove her back to her new home, the weight of reality settled on her shoulders again.

---

When she arrived at the mansion, she expected another quiet evening, but instead, the house was buzzing with activity.

She stepped inside to find Sunita Malhotra instructing the servants, while Riya rushed around, fixing decorations.

"What’s going on?" Meera asked, confused.

Riya turned to her, grinning. "Oh, you’re back! We’re hosting a dinner party tonight. Some business associates and family friends are coming over."

Meera froze. She hadn’t been told anything about this.

Her mother-in-law walked over, giving her a once-over. "Good, you’re here. You should go change into something elegant. Something befitting the Malhotra bahu."

Meera swallowed her frustration and nodded.

---

An hour later, she stood in front of the mirror, draped in an emerald green saree with delicate gold embroidery. The heavy earrings and bangles felt foreign on her wrists, but she knew she had to look the part.

As she stepped out of the room, she nearly bumped into Aarav.

He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his hair neatly styled.

For a second, he just looked at her.

"You look…" He hesitated, then simply said, "Ready?"

Meera gave a small nod, suppressing the strange disappointment at his lack of reaction.

Together, they walked downstairs to where the guests were arriving.

The evening was a blur of introductions, forced smiles, and endless conversations about business, investments, and family legacies.

Meera felt lost.

She tried to engage, to fit in, but it was clear she was just a silent observer in Aarav’s world.

At one point, as she stood near the bar, she overheard two women whispering.

"She’s pretty, but does she really suit Aarav?"

"I heard she’s from a simple background. Let’s see how long she lasts in this world."

Meera’s fingers clenched around her glass.

She wasn’t naive—she knew the Malhotras were an elite family, and she was still an outsider to many. But hearing it out loud stung.

"Ignore them."

She turned to find Aarav standing beside her, his face unreadable.

"You heard them?" she asked.

He nodded. "People will always talk. You don’t have to listen."

Meera looked at him, searching for something—comfort, understanding, anything.

But as always, Aarav was a mystery.

She sighed. "I don’t belong in this world, do I?"

Aarav met her gaze. "You do, Meera. You just don’t realize it yet."

Something in his tone made her pause.

Maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t as alone in this as she thought.