Chapter 16

Niharika stood by the poolside—watching her reflection within the gentle waves of the water, caused by the cool breeze surrounding her.

Water was her therapy.

Whenever she was upset or felt anything wrong, she would run to any water body near her. It had the power to instantly make her feel relaxed.

She had barely arrived at the venue when her mother had bombarded her with the daughter-in-law tag. Her in-laws don't even know she is their daughter-in-law. And her husband couldn't care less about her. She felt like she was trapped in a maze—with no visible exit.

"Are you okay?" A sudden voice pulled her out of her mind-draining thoughts. A familiar voice.

She turned around to see him. Mayank. Her so-called husband. She masked her feelings. "Yes."

"What are you doing here then?" He came closer until his own reflection was visible in the water, beside hers. "The function is going on."

She didn't look at him. Instead, her eyes stayed to the water—and the view beyond it. The pool faced the Haldi function. She could see the crowd of yellow beyond the water. The music was also loud, enough for her know which song is playing. "I know. But I am not needed there." She spoke as politely as possible.

"Why not? Arundita is your—" Mayank couldn't find a proper word for it. She was her sister-in-law. But no one knew it. And he didn't know how to say it.

Niharika chuckled sarcastically, loud enough only for her to hear it. She had expected this coming from him. A subtle reminder of the lack of relationship from them. She looked up at the venue, "I got it. Don't worry. She's my friend. Nothing more."

Mayank felt weird hearing her. He was not able to read her. She felt calm. She looked calm. But his gut told him—nothing was calm. "I was going to say she's your nanod. I just didn't remember the word for it in Hindi instantly."

Niharika glanced at him. Then, she looked back down, "it's the same in Hindi. Nanad."

Mayank nodded, "You coming? To the Haldi?"

She looked at him, for the first time that day, "It is your sister's function. And publicly, we are not married. I don't need to be there. But you do. So go on—I'll come after a while."

For the first time, he felt a little slap in his gut. He wanted her to be a part of his family's rituals.  But his own words were biting him in the back. Before he could say anything, his phone buzzed.

'Mayank. Where are you?

The whole crowd is asking for you. Come.'

He sighed, "I need to go. Don't stay here silently. Come join us." He gave her a look before leaving.

Niharika kept her eyes to the water. Her talk with him gave her a little hope of them being civil together—and for her, being civil was the starting point of the marriage. But she didn't want to raise her hopes. Whenever she had, it had always come biting her down. She was afraid to raise her hopes. But deep down, she was glad that he made an effort, even if it was a little one. Taking one last look at herself in the water, she went back to the event.

"Mayank!" Maya said, watching her son dance with his friends, "What are you doing?"

"What am I doing? I'm dancing." He replied, confused.

"Mayank!" She slapped his arm, "Your wife is not around and you haven't even tried to see her. You are enjoying here. You should be—"

"Mom." Mayank said, "I met her already. She is coming to the event soon. And in this event, she isn't my wife. We agreed on that."

"Just because she isn't wearing your sindoor and mangalsutra, it doesn't mean that she isn't your wife. You two are legally married and it's high time you start acting like it."

"Here?" Mayank said, crossing his arms.

Maya stiffened, "I would love for it to be here, but because of your stupid conditions, us and the Doshi's have to hide it. And it feels so bad that we do. Just this morning they weren't able to find the answer to Niharika's question about why are they here. They feel so left out. And it's all thanks to you." She was stern.

Mayank didn't realize how they left. It also now explained Rahil's off behavior in the morning. "I didn't realise, Mom. You very well know why I suggested we keep this marriage hidden. But I am sorry. I should have done a better job in making them feel included. And I will rectify that right now."

"Good." Maya said, "Now go. I need to as well."

Mayank nodded and walked over to his in-laws. He saw them sitting on the chair, watching everyone dance. Reaching them, he bent down; he sought their blessings and stood, "Aunty, Uncle, why aren't you dancing? Come on."

"Arre. Don't worry. You go. We are fine here." Yangeeta smiled and said.

"I am sure. But let's all dance. Or can I get you anything?" He tried to initiate.

Abhijeet smiled, "Don't worry about us Mayank. It's your sister's wedding. You take care. We are okay. Rahil has found his group."

"And Niharika?" Mayank asked.

Yangeeta and Abhijeet stayed silent for a second, confirming Mayank's thoughts, "Beta, she is also okay. She's just not good with new places."

"Are you sure?" Mayank said, not convinced, "I am there if she needs help to settle."

Abhijeet shook his head, "It's not that Beta. She's just become closed off. She prefers staying alone. So this is normal now."

"I remember her in school. She was talkative and loud—what happened?" Mayank asked.

"We don't know. We only know that from second year in university, she had become silent. She kept to herself and limited the people she let in. Till date we have no idea why." Yangeeta said.

"Yagu!" Abhijeet called his wife, "Leave it now. Why bring this sad talks on a good day?"

"Yes. You're right." She looked at Mayank, "You don't worry. Just enjoy. And we are also fine. Trust us! Okay?"

Mayank smiled and nodded, then he walked over to Rahil and made sure that he was fine, before joining his friends again. But his mind kept on going towards Niharika—she still hadn't arrived.

Where was she? He thought.

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