"'Lub-dub,' 'lub-dub.'

It feels like my heart is about to explode. Sitting on my bed, decorated with flowers like a shy bride, is what I am supposed to do. But here I am, pacing around the room.

One month—that's all it took to change my life. I came back to my hometown after giving my exams, unaware of the surprise my father had for me.

Vallabhgarh, a small town in Rajasthan near the Gujarat border, is my clan's hometown. This city, though small in size, had a significant impact on history. In ancient times, this place was part of Mewar.

My ancestors were loyal to the Vallabh dynasty. They ruled this place before independence, but afterward, their power became void. Even today, they have vast political and social influence in the region and still have people who are loyal and respect them more than the government.

My family is one among them. So, when the king himself came to propose a marriage alliance between the families, there was no way my family would decline it.

They said "yes" without asking me. And here I am, waiting for my husband in his room. I saw him twice, if we include our wedding. He is a handsome man, completed his education abroad. He is everything a woman needs in a man: handsome, educated, and sophisticated. But there's a nagging feeling in my heart, maybe because we didn't have enough time to get to know each other.

I'll try my best to be a good wife and daughter-in-law—a promise I gave to my Dadu, who held Vallabh in high regard. But we are different people.

I belong to a well-to-do family. In fact, we have acres of farmland. But the Vallabhs are royalty. They may not be that rich and powerful among others, but still way too above us in society.

That became more prominent when I arrived in this palace.

I am nervous; our upbringing is very different. What if I can't meet their expectations, especially my husband's?

Oh God! My feet hurt.

I sat at the edge of the bed with this heavy-ass lehenga, waiting for my husband.

I don't know when sleep engulfed me in its embrace, but I jolted awake when I heard someone knocking on the door.

I got up to open the door. There was staff standing in front of me.

"Choti Hukum, you are expected in the dining room." I nodded, and he left.

I turned around, yawning. Everything is in its place, and considering the fact that I'm a light sleeper, I would have been awakened if he came. It means he didn't come last night.

I got ready in a saree and headed downstairs. When I reached the dining room, my mother-in-law was instructing people. Upon hearing my footsteps, she turned.

A polite smile graced her face.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Hukum." She frowned at me.

"Maa, not Hukum," she chided lightly.

"And I have to ask you, do you know how to cook? Because today is your pehli rasoi. If you don't, then just add some sweet to the halwa; the staff will do everything."

"I know cooking, Maa."

"Fine, let's go. Let me keep you company," she said in her cheerful voice.

I started cooking when Maa says, "Pratap is a man of few words. You may find him distant at times, but it'll take time and efforts from both of you to make this work. I'll be there anytime you need my help. Don't hesitate to reach out to me." She smiles.

She is a kind lady. Everything I heard about her seems true.

When we reached the dining table, three people were already seated: Dadamaharaj, Prakam, and the face I waited all night for.

"Khama Ghani Dadamaharaj." I touched his feet.

"Ghani Khama," came his curt reply.

We sat, and staff came to serve the food.

"Pratap, when are you planning to join the business? Do one thing: start coming to the office from next week." That was an order, not a suggestion.

And looking at my husband's face, he is not happy about it, yet he nodded.

Prakam smiled my way; I returned it with a polite one of my own.

"Agnija, are the preparations done about the reception tonight?" Dadamaharaj inquired.

"Preparations are almost done, Pitamaharaj," Maa replied.

Once they finished eating, Dadamaharaj called for a staff member who brought a jewellery box; he asked me to come.

"This is your shagun." With the box kept on the table, he left.

"Halwa is tasty, Maa," Prakam says with a bright smile.

"Hmm...., Vrinda made it."

"Is it? So I can expect delicious food in the future too," Prakam asked. I only smiled, but Pratap remained stoic—no words, no compliment, not even a smile.

After breakfast, we all got back to our rooms. Pratap sat on the couch with his laptop. This is the time to initiate a conversation.

"Mr. Vallabh." He looked up from his laptop, but I got interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Badi Hukum asked for your presence in the living room." Pratap nodded.

He put his laptop on the table and left.

He simply left without a word. His behavior is odd, borderline rude. I followed.

In the living room, I see Panditji sitting there with the whole family.

"Come, sit here," Maa motioned me to sit beside my husband.

"According to our tradition, the bride is given a new name after marriage, symbolizing a new beginning, a new identity. Panditji, tell us which name will be apt for our daughter."

Authors note :

Happy reading . Any feedback or positive criticism will be welcomed. Thank you for giving it a chance .