Chapter 1

Sakshi's POV:

Somehow, I managed to fall asleep out on the balcony, and I woke up to a sharp pain in my shoulder. Someone was shaking me harshly. I opened my eyes and saw Randhir in front of me. I was instantly scared of him, remembering his words from last night.

"Get ready fast. You have to prepare breakfast for me," Randhir said.

I tried to stand, but my legs gave way beneath me. My whole body ached after spending the entire night out in the cold weather. But I had no one to help me. Randhir, the man I knew loved me, was intent on causing me pain, which was its own form of torture. I wiped my tears and tried to stand again.

"How long does it take to stand up? I don't have all day to wait for you," Randhir yelled at me.

"I-I'm...unable...to...st-stand..."

Randhir lifted me in his arms and dropped me in the washroom.

"Take a quick shower then come prepare breakfast. You have five minutes. You don't even want to imagine what I will do to you if you're late," Randhir said. I took my shower as fast as I could.

I picked up the embroidered sari laying on the shelf as I was a new bride.

"Are you trying to look good for someone else? I know you love attention, but I won't allow you to flaunt your body. You are my wife now," said Randhir.

His words brought tears to my eyes as I realized how cheap he thought I was. However, I didn't dare argue with him because if I opened my mouth, I was sure all I would receive is a slap. Randhir threw a full-length dress with long sleeves at my face.

"Put that on. I know you grew up with money and that's why you're so blind when it comes to relationships. That's why, from now on, you are going to lead a life without comfort. It will make you realize your place and kill your pride," Randhir said.

I took the dress from his hands and went to change into it.

Would he ever forgive me? I didn't know how long I could bear all this. His every word, his every action, was killing me. I needed to change him. I needed to bring back my old Randhir, the one who loved me a lot. But was it possible? Could I ever get that love back?

I wiped my tears and got ready. Randhir came into the room and saw me.

"Go prepare breakfast. You have no one to help you here. You will be doing all the chores in this house."

I was going to the kitchen, but Randhir caught my wrist tightly and pulled me towards him. I screamed in surprise.

"When I say something, you should answer me. I hate silence. Do you understand?"

"Okay. Please, let me go. You're hurting me," I said. He loosened his grip, but his expression remained stony.

"I married you to torture you, to make every second living hell. I promise to make tears your permanent companion. Now go and finish your chores."

I nodded and walked calmly away. I stood in the hall until Randhir strode back over to me.

"Why are you just standing here like a statue? Go start breakfast."

"Where is the kitchen?" I said.

Randhir showed me the way to the kitchen. What I saw there shocked me. It was a total mess. I looked at him.

"Clean it, my beloved wife. I want my whole house to be spotless and neat. Now tidy up so you can prepare my breakfast. And before I return in the evening, the entire house should be clean. If you don't complete your chores by that time, I will deliver your punishment tonight."

"I will do everything as you said."

I went to the sink and sighed upon seeing the stacks of dirty dishes. I washed everything and made breakfast for Randhir. He took one bite and threw it on the floor.

"Don't you know how to do a single thing properly? I've never met another a girl like you. All you know how to do is tempt boys with your looks."

I clenched my fists at his words. Nowadays such words had become common for him. I didn't understand how he could say such things so easily to any girl, especially his wife. However, I knew he generally respected women—that was the quality I liked the most about him when we were still in love. Now he respected everyone except me. Because he thought I didn't deserve respect.

He stormed off into his office, pushing his plate away. I was hungry as I hadn't had anything to eat since yesterday. I went and tasted the food.

It tasted good! That meant Randhir had intentionally lied just to scold me. I guess, he didn't need a real reason to hurt me. He would hurt me whenever he wanted, even if I had done nothing to deserve it.

I remembered his order to clean the entire house. I ate the breakfast quickly and got to work. From that moment on, I toiled continuously, sweeping and scrubbing and polishing everything. By evening, I was tired, and I laid on the bed to rest for a moment. I don't know when I fell asleep. I woke up to a rude voice calling my name. I opened my eyes and saw Randhir.

"How dare you sleep without my permission? You should get my permission for everything, whether it's sleeping or eating.

Get ready for the wedding celebration. We are leaving now. Wear something befitting a new bride. Remember, you should behave like a good wife to keep up appearances. Do not shame me. If you do, you know what I will do."

I nodded and got ready. He took me to the party, placing his hand over my waist. As we walked in, he pulled me closer and whispered in my ear, "Behave yourself. Don't fall into your bad habits. Don't seek the attention of other men."

I nodded, controlling my tears. He said he would make these tears my companion forever. Whatever I did or didn't do, he would torture me just so he could enjoy my tears. How could someone enjoy the tears of their beloved if they truly loved them? Were they blinded by their hatred? Was love powerless in the face of their hatred?