Endurance in the Face of Domination

Before starting this chapter I want to tell you something that I had started a new story named "Falling For My Husband". That story is totally different from this one and also the male protagonist is not like Adrijay. So, do check it for once.

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Kishori ji, making a sarcastic remark at her and Yamini ji, said, "No, dear, by God's grace, I am perfectly fine. I am not lazy at all, nor do I pretend to be tired... Anyway, let me go freshen up and change my clothes, then we can talk." Saying this, she got up and left the room.

Yamini ji and Vishakha stared at her as she walked away.

After Kishori ji left, Vishakha glanced at Yamini ji once, ignored her, and walked away.

Seeing Vishakha leave like that, Yamini ji glared at her with sharp eyes, then got up, closed the door of her room, lay back on the bed, turned on the TV, and started watching it.

Night Time:

Everyone was gathered at the dining table for dinner. Sarika quickly began serving food on everyone’s plates. Seeing this, Kishori ji interrupted her and said, "Sarika, leave it. Vishakha will do it. Now that she’s here, you should take some time for yourself. Come, sit next to me. I want to talk to you while eating."

Hearing this, Sarika looked at Vishakha and Kishori ji with concern. Kishori ji repeated, "Come on, Sarika!" This time, she called her in a stern tone, making Sarika nervous, so she quickly sat beside her.

Kishori ji looked at Vishakha with a smile and said, "Vishakha, dear, serve everyone food. And yes, bring hot rotis. You see, I can’t digest cold ones!"

Hearing this, Vishakha forced a fake smile on her lips, then glared at Devansh in anger while serving food on everyone’s plates.

Devansh, noticing her expression, shook his head helplessly. As Vishakha approached him and served food on his plate, she asked, "Do you want more, Dev?"

Before he could reply, Kishori ji immediately said, "Of course! Just look at him—how thin he has become! Tell me, do you not take care of your husband? Look at his condition!"

Hearing this, Adrijay said, "Not everyone enjoys marriage, Bua ji. Some people gain weight from their wife’s love, while others become thin, drowning in sorrow. Well, what can be done now?"

Kishori ji nodded in agreement.

Vishakha swallowed her anger and, forcing a fake smile, looked at Adrijay and said, "You are absolutely right, Bhaiya! Some men make their wives work like oxen, exhausting them, while they themselves gain weight. On the other hand, some men respect their wives, share responsibilities, and stand beside them. But well, it all depends on one’s thinking. Not everyone has the same mindset, right? Isn't that right, Bhaiya?"

Hearing this, Adrijay clenched his fists in anger. Meanwhile, Kishori ji smirked as she glanced at Adrijay and thought to herself, Hmm... At least someone is there to match Adrijay's level. No matter how Vishakha is, she is perfect for Adrijay. At least now, this fool will gain some wisdom. She smiled to herself.

At that moment, Sarika said to Vishakha, "Devarani ji, why don’t you sit down and eat as well?"

Before Vishakha could respond, Kishori ji interrupted, "Oh, how can she eat now? Did you forget? You also used to eat last, so how can she eat before everyone else? And besides, she still has to make rotis!" Then, turning sweetly to Vishakha, she added, "Dear, go and bring some hot rotis. The kids’ rotis are already finished!"

Controlling her anger, Vishakha went to the kitchen.

Once inside, she muttered to herself in frustration, "That Bua ji is doing all this on purpose! I will—" But before she could complete her sentence, she heard Kishori ji calling her again, making her hasten her work.

A while later, after everyone finished dinner, they placed their dishes in the sink, washed their hands, and went to their rooms. Vishakha, too, cleaned the kitchen counter and was about to serve her own food when Sarika entered and started preparing another plate. Seeing this, Vishakha, without looking at her, asked, "Who are you making that for? Does Bua ji want more food?"

Sarika shook her head and said, "No, I haven’t eaten yet. I didn’t want you to eat alone since you’re not used to it." Saying this, she prepared the plate and walked out.

Vishakha watched her leave and seemed lost in thought for a moment before shaking her head, picking up her plate, and walking out to the dining area. She sat down on a chair and began eating.

The truth was, Vishakha never ate alone. Back at her home, her brother and sister-in-law were always there. Here, Dev was always with her, and during the day, she used to eat with Yamini ji. But ever since she stopped talking to Yamini ji, she rarely ate lunch, often skipping it altogether.

Sarika quietly sat beside her, eating as well. Since everyone was in their rooms, the only sound in the hall was the clinking of spoons. After finishing dinner, both of them placed their plates in the sink. As Vishakha picked up the washer, Sarika stopped her, saying, "You don’t have to do this. You already did a lot of work today. Go and rest—I’ll handle it."

Vishakha looked at her for a moment, then washed her hands and turned to leave. But then, as if reconsidering something, she stopped, turned back, and said, "Good night, Bhabhi!"

Hearing this, Sarika’s hands paused because it was the first time Vishakha had wished her good night. However, she didn’t overthink it, turned around, smiled lightly at Vishakha, and said, "Good night, Devarani ji!"

Vishakha looked at her for a few seconds and then walked out of the kitchen. As she left, Sarika let out a deep sigh and continued her work.

After finishing up, Sarika went straight to Kishori ji’s room and knocked on the door. Kishori ji opened it, smiled at her, and invited her inside.

Sarika sat on the bed and asked, "So, Bua ji, what did you want to talk about?"

Kishori ji sat in front of her, beaming with joy, and said, "So much! I know everything that happened at home. Adrijay told me over the phone. But to be honest, it’s a good thing—it’ll give you some time for yourself and the kids!"

Hearing this, Sarika took a deep breath, lowered her head, and said, "This is not right, Bua ji. Before Papa ji (Ajay ji—Adrijay’s father) passed away, he made me promise to keep this family together. But now it’s falling apart, and it’s all because of me." Saying this, her eyes welled up with tears, and her voice choked.

Kishori ji cupped her face lovingly and said, "Who said that it’s your fault? You are not responsible for anything, Sarika. In fact, you held this family together for so many years, despite everyone’s mistreatment. Always remember, a joint family doesn’t stay united because of one person—it takes effort from everyone. No matter how much you try alone, it won’t work unless the whole family wants to stay together. And as for the promise you made to Bhaiya, I am sure he must be regretting it. He must feel terrible seeing how you are treated in this house! It must break his heart to see you like this. The way Bhabhi behaves with you is completely wrong! And Adrijay—he should be standing by your side, but instead, he takes Bhabhi’s side! That fool!"

Hearing this, Sarika immediately said, "Please don’t say that about him, Bua ji. Every child listens to their parents, and he is just fulfilling his duty as a son."

Kishori ji scoffed and said, "No need to defend him! I know him and you very well! He is an idiot who cannot see the pain hidden behind his lovely wife’s smile!"

Sarika sighed deeply and changed the topic. "And how is everyone there?" she asked.

Kishori Ji smiled and said, "Everyone is doing well, and both my kids keep talking about your cooking. They always say, 'We don’t know when we’ll get to visit Sarika Bhabhi’s house again or when we’ll get to eat the food she cooks!' Honestly, Sarika, your hands have magic!"

Hearing this, Sarika smiled softly, and Kishori Ji continued talking to her.

After a while, Kishori Ji looked at the clock and, seeing that it was 11:05.pm, said, "Sarika, dear, now you should go and rest! We’ll talk more tomorrow."

Sarika stood up and, smiling, said, "Good night, Bua Ji!"

Kishori Ji smiled back and said, "Good night! Oh, and listen, on your way, send Vishakha to my room—I have some work with her."

Hearing this, Sarika’s smile faded, and she said hesitantly, "But, Bua Ji, this late at night—"

Kishori Ji cut her off and said, "She must still be awake. Anyway, these days, young boys and girls don’t sleep early. So go and send her to my room. And yes, make sure you go straight to bed afterward, understood?"

Sarika nodded hesitantly and left the room.

When she reached outside Devansh and Vishakha’s room, she hesitated before knocking on the door. After a moment, Devansh opened it, yawning, and upon seeing Sarika, he asked worriedly, "Bhabhi, you’re here this late? Is everything okay?"

Lowering her gaze, Sarika hesitated and said, "Everything is fine… Devar Ji, it’s just that… um… Bua Ji has… called Devrani Ji to her room."

Hearing this, Devansh let out a sigh of relief and said, "Thank God, it’s just that. Alright, you go back to your room, and I’ll send Vishu over."

Sarika nodded, wished him good night, and walked toward her room with a worried expression.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Devansh sighed as he saw Vishakha sleeping peacefully. He walked over to her, gently stroking her hair, and lovingly said, "Vishu, wake up! I need to tell you something. Vishu! Wake up, jaan!"

Hearing his voice, Vishakha opened her eyes and, still half-asleep, looked at him and asked, "What happened, Dev? Is it morning already? Oh, come on, I just fell asleep! How did morning come so soon?"

Devansh smiled at her words and, trying to make an innocent face, said, "No, Vishu, it’s not morning yet. Bua Ji has called you to her room, so please go and see what she needs."

As soon as she heard that, Vishakha’s sleep vanished instantly. She sat up, shocked, and looked at Devansh angrily, saying, "Your Bua is seriously going to drive me crazy! Can she not stand to see me alive? Ever since she arrived, she has been making me run around! I’m telling you, she is really testing my patience."

Hearing this, Devansh tried to calm her down and said sweetly, "Vishu, meri jaan, it’s just for a little while. She’ll be leaving soon, so please adjust a little, just for me. Please, my love 🥺."

Seeing his innocent face, Vishakha’s heart melted. She got up and said, "Fine, I’ll go see what she wants." Saying this, she went to the washroom, quickly changed out of her nightwear into a suit, and then hurriedly left the room.

Standing outside Kishori Ji’s room, Vishakha knocked on the door. Kishori Ji called her inside.

Vishakha entered and, smiling slightly, asked, "Tell me, Bua Ji, what do you need from me?"

Kishori Ji made a face and said, "I need my legs massaged. You do know how to do that, right? Or are you only good at running your mouth?"

Hearing her words, Vishakha clenched her fists in anger.

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