Chapter 40: First day as newlywed

The morning sun painted a soft glow on the walls as Ayesha rapped gently on the door of the newlywed couple. Anupriya, still navigating the transition from bride to wife, opened the door.

Ayesha, in an indifferent tone, delivered the morning agenda: "Guests are waiting to meet you before leaving. They want to offer blessings and gifts on your first day in the in-laws' house, following the rituals."

Anupriya, realizing the predicament, expressed her concern: "But I don't have any clothes to change in."

Ayesha, swift in finding solutions, replied, "Why didn't you say so earlier? Forget it for now. Take a bath and change into some of my brother's clothes. I'll send you a set of my makeup and skincare products to use. My clothes won't fit you so .As for clothes, you'll have to wait a bit. Traditionally, the bride should wear a new red saree on the first day, and the stores don't open so early."

Anupriya nodded in acknowledgment, and Ayesha left to orchestrate the morning preparations, leaving Anupriya to navigate the nuances of a new day in her newfound role.

As Anupriya navigated through Abhimanyu's wardrobe, the servant arrived with the daily necessities as per Ayesha's instructions. Most of the clothes were formal wears, and the casual ones were notably oversized for her petite frame. Opting for comfort, she chose a short-sleeved white t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

After making her selection, Anupriya headed to the bathroom for a refreshing shower, seeking a moment of solace in the running water. Emerging after a while, she was met with the unexpected realization that Abhimanyu was now awake.

The room held a brief pause, the air thick with unspoken acknowledgment as their paths intersected in this shared space. Anupriya, dressed in the borrowed clothes, and Abhimanyu, awakening to the new dynamic, found themselves in a moment that silently echoed the shifts in their lives.

Anupriya, draped in Abhimanyu's oversized white t-shirt and a pair of shorts, emerged from the bathroom with wet hair cascading down her shoulders. The shirt, designed for his broader frame, hung loosely on her, emphasizing a certain charm in the unintended casual attire. The dampness of her hair created a soft contrast against the fabric, and droplets glistened like delicate jewels in the morning light. Abhimanyu, taken aback by the unexpected sight, found a subtle beauty in the simplicity of the moment, as if discovering a new facet of his wife's persona.

Abhimanyu rose from the bed, a subtle shift in the atmosphere as he left without uttering a word. The unspoken tension lingered in the room, leaving a palpable silence in the wake of his departure. The bathroom door closed behind him, enveloping the space in a momentary solitude, as both Abhimanyu and Anupriya navigated the complexities of their shared reality.

Suppressing any signs of discomfort, Anupriya chose to conceal her emotions, opting to dry her hair. With a quiet determination, she focused on the mundane task, creating a facade that shielded the deeper complexities beneath the surface. The steady hum of the hairdryer served as a backdrop to her silent resolve in navigating the uncharted territories of her current situation.

As Anupriya continued to dry her hair, a knock echoed through the room, signaling the arrival of the servant with the clothes sent by Ayesha. The interruption prompted a momentary pause in her routine, and with a composed demeanor, she acknowledged the servant and accepted the clothes. The room held a subtle undercurrent of tension, with each knock on the door marking another layer of intricacy in the unfolding narrative of Anupriya's newly entwined life.

Expressing gratitude through the servant, Anupriya conveyed her thanks to Ayesha. As the servant left, she closed the door of the room once again, creating a temporary barrier between the outside world and the intimate complexities within. The click of the closing door echoed a sense of solitude, leaving Anupriya to navigate the intricacies of her new reality behind closed doors.

Anupriya embarked on the process of getting ready, the room becoming a canvas for her transformation. With a quiet determination, she navigated through the routine, each gesture reflecting a blend of adaptability and resilience. As she adorned herself, the rustle of fabric and the subtle hum of preparation marked the beginning of a new day, shrouded in the complexities of her changed circumstances.

When Abhimanyu emerged from the bathroom, his gaze fell upon Anupriya, who had undergone a subtle transformation. gracefully unfurls a vibrant red saree, its fabric rich and lustrous. She begins the meticulous process of draping it around herself, the silky material flowing through her fingers with a fluid elegance. The room is filled with the soft rustle of the saree, creating a rhythm that mirrors the careful dance of her hands.

As she wraps the saree around her form, the crimson hue adorns her like a cascade of passion, each fold adding layers to the intricate tapestry of the garment. The pallu, with its intricate design, falls gracefully over her shoulder, a statement of timeless grace.

Her reflection in the mirror captures the transformation, and the glint in her eyes reflects a quiet confidence. The red saree becomes more than just fabric; it becomes a symbol of tradition, femininity, and the artistry of self-adornment.

Abhimanyu, abruptly breaking from his thoughts, asserted to Anupriya in a commanding tone, "Don't forget to perform well in front of the guests. Your dear brother's case depends on it." He placed his hand firmly on Anupriya's shoulder, emphasizing the authority he believed he held over her.

Anupriya obediently responded, "I understand."