The Game of Fate

Chapter 15

The walk towards the dining hall with Rukhsat was nothing short of awkward. It was a constant reminder of the events of our wedding night, and my anger simmered just beneath the surface. We entered the hall to find my family already seated, with the exception of my sister-in-law and Bhai.

Supriya and Kesar, my sisters, were chatting animatedly, and my mother had a scowl etched on her face, directed at Rukhsat, which didn't escape my notice. It was as if she had been anticipating this moment, eager to make Rukhsat uncomfortable.

My mother couldn't resist a taunt. "I see you newlyweds had an eventful night yesterday." Her tone was laced with a hint of mockery, and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, desperately trying to change the topic. "Ma, can we not talk about this? Where is Bhai and Bhabhi?"

She suddenly wore a beaming smile and took hold of my hand, leading me away from the prying eyes of our family members. My mother, always a master of timing, chose this moment to share her insights into the taunts and criticisms we had garnered from relatives. "You know, Arjun, some of our relatives were quite vocal about what they deemed as an unnecessary Nikkah ceremony, and they can't seem to wrap their heads around the inter-religious marriages of both you and Bhai."

Just as I was about to unleash my frustration on my mother, the guard announced the arrival of Bhai and his wife, my Bhabhi Hayat. I couldn't help but notice that he didn't refer to her as the Maharani. The omission didn't sit well with me, and I was determined to discuss this with Bhai later.

As they entered, they followed the tradition of taking blessings from the elders, and then we all took our seats. Bhai sat at the head of the table, Hayat Bhabhi beside him, and my mother on the other side. I took a seat next to my mother, and Rukhsat sat next to me. Devraj, my annoying cousin, had the audacity to sit next to my wife, despite my warning just mere hours ago.

Throughout the meal, I observed Devraj from the corner of my eye. He was seated close to Rukhsat, and it was evident that he paid her more attention than was appropriate. He leaned in too close when conversing with her, his hand occasionally grazing her shoulder or arm. These subtle touches seemed intentional, designed to make me uncomfortable.

I recalled the events from our wedding night, where Devraj had encouraged me to drink excessively, leading to my reckless behavior and the altercation with Rukhsat. The memory fueled my anger, and I couldn't help but resent Devraj for his role in that disastrous night. If I wasn't that drunk, I never would have let my hurt and anger take over me like that.

Finally, I could bear it no longer. With a sharp look at Devraj, I conveyed my frustration and disapproval. It was a silent warning for him to cease his inappropriate behavior and respect the sanctity of our marriage. I couldn't allow anyone to come between Rukhsat and me, especially not my own cousin.

Devraj, recognizing the seriousness of my glare, withdrew slightly, and I pulled Rukhsat closer to me. She was close enough to me now that I could smell the sweet and fresh scent of lavender wafting off of her. Being this close to my own wife and not being able to touch her at all was making me restless. I needed to make things right between us as soon as possible.

Bhai was the first to rise from his seat, preparing to make an announcement. "Two weeks from today, we will have another celebration in the palace—the coronation of my wife as the Maharani of our grand kingdom of Suryagarh."

"Arjun, walk with me. I need to talk to you about some kingdom matters and also about the security preparations for the coronation," Bhai commanded me, and I nodded in agreement.

As I began to rise from my seat, my gaze involuntarily shifted to Rukhsat, whose veil had lowered a little. I noticed the bruise on her cheek, and my heart sank again. Unable to look at the consequences of my monstrous actions again, I left the room.

Bhai followed closely behind, his tone filled with a mixture of concern and authority. "Arjun, what did you do? I told you yesterday not to do anything in anger that damages your relationship beyond repair, and what did you do? Tell me you did not hit Rukhsat because she is not only your wife but my younger sister too now!"

I began to explain, my voice filled with regret, "Bhai, I don't know how it happened. I ended up getting really drunk because of Devraj, and at first, I thought that drinks would help me calm my anger. But the rage just kept on building, and I don't even remember most of what happened last night. I am really ashamed of my actions."

Bhai's expression turned stern, and he laid a firm hand on my shoulder, his voice taking on a more patronizing and authoritarian tone. "Arjun, I understand that sometimes a woman needs to be put in her place, especially with a headstrong wife like Rukhsat. But remember, you are the man of the house now, and it's your duty to maintain discipline and respect within your family. "

I looked away from him, struggling to come to terms with my own actions and the guidance I was receiving from Bhai. The weight of my responsibility was heavy, and I knew I had failed miserably.

Bhai continued, his tone even more condescending . "Arjun, you must apologize to Rukhsat for your momentary lapse in judgment. But also make sure she understands that her role is to obey and respect her husband without question. Women need a firm hand to keep them in line."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me, as if Bhai had given me the permission I needed to assert myself as the head of the household. "I will, Bhai. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."

He nodded in approval, his condescending tone unwavering. "Good. And remember, as the man of the house, it's your duty to protect and discipline your wife. She's your wife now, and you must assert your authority."

As Bhai spoke, I couldn't help but admire how commanding and authoritative he was in every aspect. His words resonated with a sense of power and control that I had never fully embraced before. 

And as I recalled breakfast, Hayat Bhabhi, sitting beside him, I noticed how she respectfully obeyed his every command, her eyes filled with submission.

In that moment, I realized that if I wanted to keep Rukhsat by my side and earn her respect, I needed to follow Bhai's example. I needed to let go of my guilt and become more assertive, more authoritative. It was the only way to maintain order within our family, just as Bhai had advised.