Chapter 36

The drive to Mayank's parents' house was quiet. Niharika kept her gaze on the passing skyline, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. They had invited them home—some guests were coming over and they wanted to see Mayank. The Datta's found it as a great way to introduce Niharika to the group as well.

The city lights blurred into streaks against the window, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling of inadequacy, a weight she had been carrying ever since Zaina's name had re-entered their lives.

Mayank glanced at her occasionally, his knuckles tight around the steering wheel. He wanted to ask her what was on her mind, but he knew better than to push. Every time he tried to bridge the growing distance, she retreated further, masking her emotions with polite smiles and quiet nods. Her silence was polite—very polite and mature—but it was scary.

When they arrived, Maya Datta greeted them at the door with her usual warmth. She hugged Niharika, her gentle affection soothing, even if only slightly.

"Niharika, beta, it's good to see you. You must be exhausted after work. Go freshen up." Maya said, patting her cheek.

Niharika smiled, murmuring her thanks as she followed Mayank upstairs. The house was grand, with its polished wooden floors and ornate decor, but Niharika always felt a little out of place here. Everything seemed so perfect, so pristine, and she couldn't help but feel like a smudge on an otherwise flawless canvas.

Inside the room, she unzipped her suitcase, her movements slow and deliberate. She pulled out a pastel blue saree and held it up against herself in the mirror. It was beautiful, but the thought of wearing something that clung to her body made her stomach churn. Setting it aside, she reached for a maroon salwar suit with gold embroidery instead. It was loose, elegant, and most importantly, it covered her stomach.

She changed quickly, wrapping her dupatta securely around her shoulders. As she adjusted it in the mirror, her eyes drifted to her reflection. Her hand rested lightly on her stomach, and she sighed, shaking her head. "You'll be fine," she whispered to herself, though the words rang hollow. She applied a small pinch of sindoor and put her mangalsutra on.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. It was a call from work, and she answered it, mouthing a quick apology to Mayank, who was leaning against the doorway.

"I'll just be a few minutes," she told him.

He nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he left to join his parents downstairs.

Fifteen minutes later, Niharika ended the call and made her way toward the stairs. She was halfway down when voices floated up from the living room.

"So, Mayank," a woman's voice said, her tone teasing. "When are you and Zaina getting married? She's such a lovely girl, isn't she? Beautiful, smart, the perfect match for you."

Niharika froze, her grip tightening on the banister. Her heart sank, a familiar wave of insecurity washing over her.

"She would've been the best choice," another voice added.

Niharika clenched her fists, her mind racing. Why am I here? Why did I even think I could fit into this world? She instinctively pulled her dupatta tighter around herself, as though it could shield her from their words.

Downstairs, Mayank stiffened. His jaw tightened, and his eyes flicked to his mother, who looked equally displeased but said nothing out of politeness. His father frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation.

Taking a deep breath, Mayank interrupted, his voice firm. "Uncle, aunty, there's no Zaina. That chapter is closed."

The guests looked at him in surprise.

"Zaina and I are over. And for your information," he said, glancing toward the staircase, "my wife is here. Niharika."

Niharika's breath hitched as all eyes turned toward her. She hadn't even realized she was visible from the stairs. Mayank was already walking toward her, his expression unreadable. He took her hand gently. She looked at him and shook her head, "Mayank. No."

He looked at her, then turned back, guiding her hand, ignoring her subtle attempts to pull away.

"Come," he said quietly, leading her into the living room.

He stopped in front of the group, his tone steady but firm. "This is my wife, Niharika," he said, his voice loud enough to ensure there was no misunderstanding. "She's way better than anyone I've been with before, and I'm happy to have her in my life."

Niharika blinked, her cheeks flushing at his words. But the looks from the guests—a mix of surprise, mild disapproval, and awkward politeness—made her shrink back. She forced a smile, nodding in acknowledgment as they greeted her with half-hearted enthusiasm.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Niharika stayed mostly quiet, her mind replaying the moment over and over. Even as the guests left, their polite smiles and perfunctory goodbyes stung.

When the door finally closed behind them, Mayank turned to her, "So, which side are you sleeping on, today?"

She turned to Mayank. "Actually... I think I'll head to Aai and Baba's place for the night," she said softly.

He frowned. "What? Why?"

"I just... I miss them," she said, her voice calm. "It's been a while since I spent time with them."

He studied her, his brows furrowing. "Are you sure? You don't have to go."

"I would like to go. Is that okay?" she asked with a small smile.

Mayank hesitated, but her tone left no room for argument. "Of course," he said reluctantly. "Let me drive you there."

"I'll go Mayank. I can drive." She smiled and got in the car.

As she drove away, Mayank stood at the gate, watching her taillights disappear. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Back inside, his parents were waiting for him.

"What happened?" Maya asked gently.

Mayank sank onto the couch, his shoulders slumping. "It's Zaina," he admitted. "She's been a point of tension between us, even though I haven't done anything. And I don't know how to make Niharika feel okay about this."

Maya placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Naturally, she'd feel uncomfortable, Mayank. It's not easy for any woman to feel at ease when her husband's ex is still being brought up by others."

"You've married her," Madhun added. "But have you given her a reason to believe you're fully invested in this marriage? Actions speak louder than words, son."

Mayank nodded, their words weighing heavily on him. He needed to fix this. Somehow.

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