Chapter 3: Fragile Beginnings
The first few days of Aaditya and Priya's marriage were a whirlwind of traditions and obligations. Endless rituals, family gatherings, and well-wishers filled their time, leaving them with little opportunity to address the growing awkwardness between them. Yet, behind the façade of a perfect union, both struggled to find their footing in this new reality.
The Morning Routine
The chapter opens with Priya waking up in the Rajan Mansion for the first time. The grandeur of her new surroundings only amplifies her sense of alienation. Her modest upbringing had not prepared her for the opulence of the Rajan household. Chandeliers, marble floors, and ornate furniture felt more like a museum than a home.
As she navigates her way to the kitchen to prepare tea—a habit she had grown up with—she encounters Aaditya. He's already there, dressed casually in a crisp white shirt and trousers, sipping his black coffee while scrolling through his phone. The sight of him in such an unguarded moment surprises her.
"You're up early," Aaditya remarks, glancing at her briefly.
Priya hesitates, unsure how to respond. "I... I wanted to make tea."
He gestures to the array of kitchen staff bustling around. "You don't have to. They'll handle it."
Priya's brow furrows. "I like making my own tea. It's... comforting."
Aaditya shrugs, uninterested. "Suit yourself."
The interaction is brief but telling. It sets the tone for their early relationship—polite but distant, with an undercurrent of tension.
Priya Meets the Staff
Priya's attempts to adapt to her new environment are met with mixed reactions. The household staff, loyal to Vikram Rajan, treat her with formal respect but remain wary of her presence. She overhears whispers questioning her ability to fit into the Rajan family.
Determined to prove herself, Priya begins taking an active role in household management, something she had done effortlessly in her own home. However, her efforts are met with resistance from the head housekeeper, Mrs. Desai, who insists that such tasks are beneath the new Mrs. Rajan.
"Madam, you're not expected to handle these matters," Mrs. Desai says firmly. "Everything is already taken care of."
Priya's response is measured but resolute. "I'm not trying to interfere, Mrs. Desai. I just want to contribute."
This exchange underscores Priya's struggle to assert her identity in a household that views her as an outsider.
Aaditya at Work
While Priya battles her insecurities at home, Aaditya immerses himself in work. As the heir to the Rajan empire, his days are consumed by meetings, contracts, and negotiations. However, his focus is frequently interrupted by questions about his marriage.
Kabir, who works as his confidant and business advisor, doesn't miss an opportunity to tease him. "So, how's married life treating you?"
Aaditya scowls. "It's not a topic I'm discussing."
Kabir chuckles. "Touchy, are we? Come on, Aaditya. You can't avoid this forever."
Aaditya's irritation grows, but Kabir's words linger. Despite his best efforts to compartmentalize, thoughts of Priya intrude on his mind. He wonders how she's adjusting, whether she's as unhappy as he is.
An Unexpected Dinner
That evening, Aaditya and Priya are forced to share a meal together—a rare occurrence in their busy schedules. The dining room, vast and echoing, feels oppressive in its silence.
Priya, uncomfortable with the formality, decides to break the ice. "Do you always eat alone in this huge room?"
Aaditya looks up, surprised by her question. "Usually."
She raises an eyebrow. "Doesn't it get... lonely?"
Aaditya shrugs. "I'm used to it."
Their conversation is stilted, but it marks the first time they've spoken about something other than obligations or logistics. There's a flicker of curiosity in Priya's eyes, and Aaditya finds himself wondering about the life she left behind.
Priya's Small Victory
The next day, Priya decides to take a bold step. She organizes a small lunch for the staff to thank them for their hard work. Despite Mrs. Desai's initial reluctance, the gesture is well-received, and Priya earns a few smiles and nods of approval.
Aaditya hears about the lunch from one of the staff members and is surprised by Priya's initiative. That evening, he finds her in the study, going through a stack of old family albums.
"I heard about the lunch," he says, leaning against the doorway. "That was... thoughtful."
Priya looks up, startled by the compliment. "Thank you. I just thought it was the right thing to do."
Aaditya nods, a small smile tugging at his lips. For the first time, he sees a glimpse of the woman behind the reluctant bride.
The First Argument
Their tentative peace is shattered a few days later when Priya overhears a heated conversation between Aaditya and Vikram. Vikram is pressuring Aaditya to involve Priya in public appearances to bolster the family's image, a suggestion Aaditya vehemently opposes.
"She's not a trophy, Father," Aaditya snaps. "I won't parade her around for your benefit."
Priya confronts Aaditya afterward, her voice trembling with anger. "Do you think I'm incapable of handling myself? Or are you just ashamed of me?"
Aaditya is taken aback by her accusation. "That's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean?" Priya demands, her eyes flashing. "Because it sounds like you don't trust me to represent this family."
Their argument is intense, but it forces them to confront their assumptions about each other. Aaditya realizes he's underestimated Priya's strength, while she begins to see the pressure he's under.
A Moment of Vulnerability
Later that night, Aaditya finds Priya sitting in the garden, her face illuminated by the soft glow of fairy lights. He hesitates, then sits beside her.
"I'm sorry," he says quietly. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
Priya glances at him, her expression softening. "I know this isn't easy for you either. But if we're going to make this work, we need to stop assuming the worst about each other."
Aaditya nods, the sincerity in her words striking a chord. "You're right. Let's start over."
They share a tentative smile, and for the first time, the distance between them feels a little smaller.