That night, Zoya learned that a wedding could feel more like a funeral.

Zoya cried until there were no tears left to shed. She sat alone in the middle of the enormous bedroom, staring at the remnants of a wedding that had changed her life without ever asking her permission.

The red lehenga that was supposed to make her feel like a bride now felt unbearably heavy.

The jewellery which were so beautiful was feeling like handcuffs.

With trembling fingers, she began taking it off. One piece at a time. Her earrings, her bangles, her necklace, her maang tikka.

Each piece landed on the table with a soft metallic sound, painfully loud in the silence. Then her fingers reached the mangalsutra. She stopped.

Her eyes remained fixed on the black beads resting against her palm.

A symbol of marriage. A symbol of everything she had lost.

A tear slipped down her cheek. "I never wanted this...I never wanted any of this"

Her voice broke. She lowered her head.

But the room gave her no answer. Reyansh had chosen to spend the night in his study and for her that was a blessing Because Zoya didn't think she could bear being near him tonight.

Eventually, exhaustion took over what heartbreak had left behind. She lay down on the enormous bed, turning toward the empty side. For a moment, she stared at the space where Reyansh should have been.

Then she closed her eyes. And sometime before dawn, sleep finally found her. Not peaceful sleep. Just exhaustion disguised as it.

NEXT MORNING

It's 8:30 A.M.

The bedroom door opened. Reyansh stepped inside. His gaze immediately fell on the bed. Zoya was still asleep.

Her hair was scattered across the pillow. Her face looked tired, traces of yesterday's tears still faintly visible.

Reyansh stared at her for a moment. Nothing moved in his expression. No sympathy. No concern. Only indifference.

His eyes shifted to the clock "8:30"

He walked toward the bedside table. Picked up the water jug. And without hesitation- "Splash."

Cold water struck Zoya's face. She gasped, jolting awake. Her hands immediately went to her face.

"What-?"

She blinked rapidly, trying to understand what had happened. Then she saw him.

Reyansh stood beside the bed, perfectly composed.

Zoya stared at him in disbelief. "What's wrong with you?"

His answer was effortless. "Waking you up."

He went near the bed. "My dear wifey, my sweetheart can you please say what the time is"

Her eyes moved toward the clock. “Its 8:30"

Zoya looked back at him. Her voice was weak. "I was tired."

Reyansh's expression didn't change."That's not my concern."

Something inside her sank. He turned as though the conversation was already over. Then stopped.

His eyes returned to her. "There's something you need to understand, Zoya."

She remained silent.

His voice lowered. "This house has rules."

A pause. "And you will follow them."

Zoya swallowed. "I will try to follow them"

For the first time, something resembling a cold smile appeared on his face. "Not try princess you have to follow"

He stepped closer. Not enough to touch her. Just enough to make his presence impossible to ignore. "You were brought here because your father couldn't pay what he owed me."

His eyes held hers. "Don't forget that. Sweetheart"

Zoya's eyes began to burn again. Reyansh noticed. But he didn't care.

His voice became quieter. "You were brought here to be my shadow, Zoya."

He paused. Then delivered the words with terrifying calm. "And shadows don't make a noise when they're crushed."

Silence.....

Zoya couldn't answer. Reyansh turned and walked toward the door.

Behind him, she sat frozen on the bed, cold water still dripping from her hair.

Yesterday, she had entered this mansion as a bride.

Today, she understood the truth. This was never her home. It was his kingdom.

And she- was only the shadow he had brought into it. 🖤

Author's Note

And that's the end of Episode 2.

Poor Zoya... she has no idea what she's walked into.

And Reyansh? Let's just say... this is only the beginning. What do you think about Reyansh's attitude toward Zoya?

Do you think Zoya will stay silent, or will she eventually stand up to him?

Tell me your thoughts in the comments! I want to know what you think.

Thank you for reading and

supporting this story. Every vote, comment, and follow means more than you know. 🥹🤍

See you in Episode 3.

- Ananya 🖤