Indore - Banquet Hall
When Gudiya saw Rudraksh, he stepped outside, and everyone was surprised. At that moment, Gudiya quietly said, "Jiju, Jiju, here, take this. It's Haya Di's secret diary." Gudiya motioned for Rudraksh to come down, and without saying anything, Rudraksh leaned in close to her ear. Gudiya whispered softly, "Jiju, do you know? This is Di's secret diary, and I'm only giving it to you. I stole it from her. Don't tell her, or else I'll be beaten, Jiju." Without uttering a word, Rudraksh took the diary from Gudiya. He got back into the car with the diary, which was packed in such a way that Haya wouldn't find out what her mischievous sister had secretly handed over to him.
Later, at the Airport
Some time later, Gaya sat next to Rudraksh, but he deliberately distanced himself from her. Haya didn't mind Rudraksh ignoring her; she was too busy gazing at her parents with teary eyes. Then Pushkar Ji signaled, and their Range Rover sped out of the banquet hall. Haya closed her eyes and rested her head against the seat, while the Shekhawat family's other cars followed. As the city of Indore slowly faded from her view, Haya realized that she had left it behind forever. She was now Haya Shekhawat, a name she would carry for the rest of her life.
Rudraksh, too, was staring out of the car window, lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, he picked up his phone and began making a call. Haya paid no attention to him. Then, unexpectedly, Rudraksh spoke in a soft voice, "Did you eat? Are you feeling okay?" Haya, who had been staring out of the window, now focused on his words. And then, she heard Rudraksh say, "Love you too." Haya was stunned. Just moments ago, she had married this man, and now, he was expressing love for someone else? Was this the man she had tied her life to, the man who was in love with someone else?
But Rudraksh seemed indifferent to Haya. He spoke as if she weren't even sitting next to him, as though he were sitting with a stranger. He didn't attempt to speak to her or even make eye contact. Haya was stunned, silently observing the man beside her, realizing the painful truth â her father had forced her into a bond that neither made her happy nor gave her any comfort from her husband, who was now promising his love to someone else.
Mumbai - Arrival
Some time later, Haya carefully adjusted her lehenga as she disembarked from the plane at the airport. The jet took off, heading to Mumbai, the city where her life would begin anew. She had said her final goodbye to her city, to Indore. Her journey was now headed to the glitzy, bustling world of Mumbai, where no one was truly hers. And the man she was now bound to in a relationship didn't even care about her well-being.
Mumbai
It was 4 AM when they reached Mumbai. The Shekhawat family had already arrived at Jannat Villa before Haya and Rudraksh because they were there to welcome their new bride. Once again, the car was silent, and inside that silence sat two strangers, whose bond was once close but had now grown distant. Rudraksh was controlling his emotions, trying not to let any shadow fall on his grandfather's honor. But this respect seemed to end at the gates of Jannat Villa. As the car entered and stopped, the guard opened the door, and without a glance at Haya, Rudraksh stepped out and walked ahead. Haya was once again stunned. She wiped her eyes and adjusted her heavy lehenga as two or three servants stood in front of her. As she looked down, her eyes widened. The ground was covered with thousands of rose petals, so much that the ground beneath them was no longer visible.
One of the servants bowed her head and said, "This is our tradition, Bahurani. You must walk on these flowers to enter so that your life may always be fragrant, just like these flowers." Haya didn't speak a word. She silently took off her sandals and placed her feet on the petals. Two servants held her lehenga as she walked slowly towards the entrance. The entire Shekhawat family stood at the door, watching. It was 4 in the morning, but the villa was brightly lit, shimmering as if it were a celebration.
Rudraksh, eager to get inside, froze when he saw his grandfather. He halted his steps, standing firmly at the entrance, while Haya slowly walked towards him. But suddenly, she let out a sharp gasp. As she looked down, she realized a thorn had pierced her foot.
Hearing her cry, Mannat, Arina, and Falak rushed to her. Falak quickly asked, "Bhabhi, are you alright?" Mannat, angry, yelled at the servants, blaming them for the injury. She realized that this family would care for her like a child, unlike her own house, where no one would even bother to ask her if she was hurt.
Haya calmly replied, "It's nothing. I'm fine. It's just a small injury." But Rudraksh, glaring at her with anger, scoffed, "First, make a drama out of it, and then call it a small injury?"
Meanwhile, Veena spoke softly, "Beta, I don't know if it's a simple injury or not, but it's certainly an ill omen. This ritual is meant to ensure that the life ahead is filled with sweetness and fragrance, but you've chosen thorns instead."
Pushkar Ji, frowning at Veena's comment, retorted, "Veena, if you can't speak kindly, then remain silent." At his words, Veena lowered her head in silence.
Mannat and Arina, both supporting Haya, escorted her into the villa.
Mannat, with aarti thali in hand, performed the traditional aarti for Haya and Rudraksh. After the ceremony, Haya entered the villa. Mannat kissed her on the forehead and said, "May your life always be as fragrant as flowers, and may your arrival in this home bring happiness. Welcome to the Shekhawat family, my little daughter-in-law."
At Mannat's words, Haya lifted her head, and everyone looked at her. Pushkar Shekhawat had already gone inside. Rudraksh, who had been quiet until now, angrily removed his turban and said, "Is the drama over now? You've made a spectacle of me! Is there anything else? Any more rituals? Or have you finished with your theatrics?"
He glared at Haya and stormed off, walking out in frustration. Mannat's eyes welled up with tears. She was deeply embarrassed by her new daughter-in-law's behavior. Arina gently spoke to her, "Mom, please go rest. Let me take Haya to her room."
Haya, overhearing their conversation, was in complete disbelief. Was this really her husband? The man she had just married?
Haya stood there, lost in thoughts, when suddenly Arina spoke, "Come, Haya, let me show you your room." Haya followed Arina like a doll, walking behind her as they made their way up to the third floor, where there was a lift as well as stairs. As soon as Arina opened the door, Haya's eyes widened in astonishment. The room was nothing short of a mini villa. It was incredibly beautiful, with a stunning balcony, a swimming pool, and many other luxurious things that Haya could only dream of. The balcony was surrounded by lush greenery, which immediately captivated her. For a moment, she forgot everything around her.
But then Arina's voice brought her back to reality. Arina, looking at Haya, said, "There are many secrets that it's better for you not to know right now. Rudraksh was also forced into this marriage. Give him a chance to understand. You both will need time, but I believe that you both will manage your relationship eventually." Arina pointed to a wardrobe, saying, "Your clothes are ready, and everything you need is in the cupboard. Feel free to take whatever you want and rest for a while. You must be tired." With that, Arina left.
Haya stood there for a moment, before bursting into loud laughter. "Wow, Haya Rudraksh Shekhawat! Wow, the rich daughter-in-law, locked up in a golden cage!" She laughed bitterly, but soon, tears started flowing from her eyes.
After a while, she took a night suit from the cupboard and went into the washroom. When she came out, a food trolley had been placed in her room. She began eating silently, as hunger gnawed at her. After finishing her meal, she turned off the lights and lay down. It was her first night, her suhaagraat. The entire room was decorated with lights and white and red flowers. Yet, she was alone in the large bed, her husband nowhere to be found.
After a while, as she turned in bed, she felt as if someone was watching her. She immediately opened her eyes.
Who has entered Haya's room? Will Rudraksh ever be able to win Haya over? To find out, read The Devil's Sweet Sin.