It had finally arrived.

My wedding day.

After drafting the contract last night, my mind felt lighter-freer, even. But that didn't mean I was excited. I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. The bridal lehenga clung to me like a second skin, the heavy jewellery resting against my collarbone, the sindoor that would soon mark my fate.

As of today, I would be Maya Adranksh Singh Rajput.

The name felt foreign but a little familiar in my heart. I brush off the feeling.

I inhaled deeply, willing my thoughts away from the past. I miss him.

But I couldn't-wouldn't-think of him anymore. I had waited, but he never came.

I'm sorry, Ansh.

A soft sniffle behind me pulled me back to the present. I turned to find Amma standing by the door, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

I walked over and wrapped my arms around her. She clung to me, her silent sobs shaking her body, while I fought to hold back my own.

"It's okay, Amma. Just think of it as me going back to London."

A weak attempt at reassurance, but she only cried harder.

Appa soon joined us, gently prying her away from me. He wiped her tears with his thumb, his voice steady yet soft.

"Kamakshi, don't cry."

He turned to me then, his eyes filled with unspoken emotions. He didn't say much, but his hug conveyed everything-love, pride, and a reluctant farewell.

Then, it was time.

They led me out of the room, guiding me toward the mandap.

As I stepped forward, my gaze instinctively sought him out. Adranksh stood at the altar, his sharp eyes locked onto mine. A silent understanding passed between us-an acknowledgment of the bond we were about to seal.

He extended his hand.

I hesitated for only a second before placing mine in his. His grip was firm, unyielding.

We sat side by side as the priest began chanting the mantras, the ancient words weaving our fates together.

The yellow thread slid around my neck, his fingers brushing my skin as he tied the sacred knot. Moments later, he filled the parting of my hair with sindoor, sealing my place as his wife.

Seven rounds. Seven promises.

With every step, my past faded, and my future took shape.

By the time it was over, I was no longer just Maya.

I was Maya Adranksh Singh Rajput.

Minutes later, we arrive. The mansion looms before me, grand and imposing. As I step out, my expression remains blank. Adranksh moves to my side, taking my hand in his. His family had arrived earlier to prepare for my welcome.

The women of the house greet me warmly, performing the rituals before leading me inside. As soon as the customs are complete, Adranksh disappears. His sisters show me around the house before finally stopping in front of our room.

I step inside. The dark interior is exquisite, yet unfamiliar. My gaze sweeps across the space before I walk toward the bathroom. I remove my jewellery, setting each piece carefully on the table. My eyes linger on my reflection in the mirror one last time before I remove my saree. Since my luggage hasn't arrived yet, I slip into one of his shirts, pairing it with the shorts I wore underneath.

Seated comfortably, I call my assistant, Shreya, who updates me on the company's affairs. Hours pass, and before I know it, it's already 9 PM. I'm still discussing upcoming projects when Adranksh walks in.

He stops in his tracks.

I'm wearing his shirt. The yellow thread rests against my collarbone, my bangles glint under the soft light, and my hairline bears his sindoor. I knew the effect it had on him.

For a moment, he simply stares.

Then, without a word, he places an envelope before me.

"Shreya, that's enough for today. I'll talk to you tomorrow." I end the call.

I pick up the envelope, flipping through the finalized contract.

Meanwhile, Adranksh disappears into the bathroom. When he reemerges, steam follows behind him. A towel hangs low on his waist, droplets of water trailing down his sculpted body.

I gulp.

He smirks. "Like what you see, Malyshka?"

Rolling my eyes, I reply, "Get a pen."

His smirk deepens. He dusts the flower petals off his side of the bed and sits down.

"Where is it?" I ask, exasperated.

He gestures toward a small table near the sofa. "Drawer."

I push the blanket aside and get up, completely aware of his heated gaze trailing my every movement. As I bend down to open the drawer, I hear a low groan. I pause, glancing at him through my peripheral vision, only to find him rubbing a hand over his face.

Ignoring him, I grab the pen and return to the bed. Pulling the contract closer, I read through the terms one last time:

1. No party can apply for divorce. They may choose to stay away from each other.

2. No party can be unfaithful. If broken, the guilty party must comply with any demand made by the other without objection.

3. This relationship will remain private unless both parties agree otherwise.

4. Neither party will interfere in the other's business affairs.

5. No family member should know about this contract.

Penalty: Violation of any term results in the forfeiture of 40% company shares to the other party/ do what the other party wishes.

Satisfied, I sign. Without hesitation, he does the same.

"I'll send you a copy tomorrow."

I nod and prepare to sleep.

"Did you eat dinner?" he asks.

"No. Aunty called, but I wasn't hungry."

He observes me for a moment before walking to the closet. When he returns, he's dressed in a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants. Without warning, he lifts me off the bed.

"What are you doing?! Put me down! Adranksh! Look at my clothes!" I whisper-yell.

Ignoring my protests, he strides toward the kitchen.

"Everybody out," he orders, and the servants immediately scatter.

He sets me down on the countertop. The cold surface sends a shiver up my spine.

Moments later, he returns with a plate of food. I wrinkle my nose at the sight of rajma.

He watches in amusement as I pick out the beans, instead preparing a simple meal with ghee and chutney powder from home. He remains silent but observes every action.

"Let's go to the room?" I whisper.

He nods.

As we near the stairs, a voice stops us.

"Adranksh, rukko."

Shrestha Aunty approaches, her gaze flickering past him. "Did you eat anything?"

"Nope. Going now."

"Good. Call Maya too-she hasn't eaten since afternoon."

At that exact moment, I sneeze. Shrestha Aunty narrows her eyes before stepping around Adranksh.

Caught red-handed.
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AUTHOR:

Maya bites her lip nervously, realizing she has been caught. Shrestha looks at Maya and chuckles.

"Accha, now I get it. I'll leave you two alone. Please continue." She laughs and walks away. Maya glares at Adranksh before storming off to the room.

'What did I do?' he wonders and follows her.

Inside, Maya sits on the sofa, eyeing the delicious food in front of her. Just as she is about to mix the rice, he grabs her hand.

"Go wash your hands first."

She groans but complies, heading to the bathroom. A minute later, she returns and starts eating. Adranksh watches her intently. She glances at him before offering him a morsel of rice.

"Open," she orders.

He hesitates but obeys. As he tastes the food, his expression softens with approval. He nods in satisfaction, and she smiles, feeding him another bite. Soon, they finish their meal. Maya washes her hands and the plate before heading to bed. Adranksh remains on the sofa, working on his laptop. Since her laptop isn't available, Maya picks up Ishani's book-a dark romance.

The room settles into a comfortable silence.

Minutes pass, and Maya, exhausted, falls asleep against the headboard. Adranksh looks up from his laptop and sighs. He shuts it down and walks over. Gently, he takes the book from her hands and sets it aside. Lifting her carefully, he lays her down and tucks her in. Switching on the AC, he finally joins her in bed.

The next morning, Adranksh stirs when a sharp pain in his bicep wakes him. He blinks groggily, adjusting to the light. As he tries to move, he realizes Maya is draped over him, fast asleep. Her arms encircle his body, her head resting on his arm. His shirt on her had ridden up, and her warmth seeped into his skin. He shifts slightly, placing a hand on her waist and closes his eyes.

She stirs, blinking slowly. Her eyes widen as she sees how close they are. Carefully, she withdraws her arms and attempts to slip away, but his grip tightens. Holding her breath, she lifts his arm and places it on the bed before scrambling out. She rushes into the bathroom, leaving him smirking.

Just as he considers dozing off again, a knock on the door forces him up. He groans and unlocks it. A servant greets him and places Maya's luggage inside. Once the servant leaves, Adranksh checks his phone.

A few minutes later, Maya emerges from the bathroom in a bathrobe, ignoring him. He smirks, analyzing her behavior. She sets her suitcase on the floor and bends down to unpack. As she organizes her belongings, she walks towards the switchboard to charge her laptop. Just as she turns to head for the closet, she is suddenly pinned against the wall. Her eyes blaze with irritation.

"Are you avoiding me, Mrs. Adranksh Singh Rajput?" he teases, trapping her in place.

"Omg! My husband can see!" she exclaims sarcastically, attempting to walk away.

A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. He leans in, his breath warm against her ear.

"Is it because of this morning, Malyshka?" he whispers.

A deep blush spreads across her cheeks.

"Let me go, Adranksh," she warns.

"Make me."

She meets his gaze with determination. Smirking, she places a swift kiss on his cheek. His eyes widen, caught completely off guard. Taking advantage of his stunned state, she pushes him away and strolls into the closet, unfazed. He quickly recovers, watching her disappear with a smirk, already plotting his revenge. Running a finger over his cheek, he chuckles before heading to the bathroom.

Maya steps out of the closet in a red silk saree. Standing before the mirror, she blushes at the memory of their encounter. She reaches for her makeup pouch when her phone rings.

"Good morning, ma'am," Shreya greets.

"Morning."

"Ma'am, the MS project has been approved."

"Great work, Shreya. Anything else?"

At that moment, Adranksh walks out of the bathroom in a towel. He pauses, captivated by the sight before him. The open dori of her blouse, the red and green bangles, the yellow thread tucked inside the blouse of her saree. Stunning. She was breathtaking.

"Yes, ma'am. Actually, the delay in Mr. Oberoi's project was caused by-"

"Fire them now," Maya orders, outlining her eyes with kajal.

Adranksh approaches. She notices him in the mirror but continues her task. Unfazed by her indifference, he smirks and places his hands on her bare back. She stiffens, sensations igniting at his touch. Straightening, she closes her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath.

"You look gorgeous, Malyshka," he murmurs, his lips grazing her ear.

She blinks, startled.

"But ma'am-"

"Shreya. Fire them," she commands and ends the call.

"Do you need something?" she asks.

"Yes."

"Then take it yourself."

She starts to walk away when he tugs on her dori. Her back collides with his bare chest.

"I want another kiss. Shall I take it, Mrs. Adranksh?" His voice is low, teasing, as he ties her dori tightly.

"Ahh." She winces. He loosens it slightly, tying it properly before turning her to face him.

She meets his gaze. "No." Pushing him away, she strides toward the door.

Before she can leave, he pulls her back, trapping her between him and the vanity.

"What are you doing? Let me go, Adranksh!" she snaps.

Ignoring her, he searches the vanity for something. Finding a safety pin, he pricks his thumb. Blood wells up.

"Are you crazy? What are you doing?!" she exclaims, shocked.

Without a word, he presses his bleeding thumb against her hairline.

"Now you look perfect, Malyshka. Like mine." He steps back and moves to get dressed.

Maya stares at her reflection, his blood marking her. Swallowing hard, she finishes accessorizing and applies perfume. She is about to leave when he calls her.

"Wait for me."

She watches as he selects a watch from his extensive collection. Shaking her head, she mutters, "Why does he need so many?"

He runs his fingers through his hair before turning to her. Walking over, he places his hand on her waist and guides her out of the room.

They descend the stairs and greet the family in the living room. They first approach Ajendra and Kaveri, bowing to touch their feet.

"Wah! Bohot sundar," Kaveri praises, blessing them before kissing their foreheads. She hands Maya a small box. Inside was a beautiful mangalsutra.

"Adranksh," Kaveri calls. Understanding, he takes the mangalsutra and ties it around Maya's neck. She then hands Maya another box.

"Every daughter-in-law wears this ring at all times. Keep it carefully, beta."

Maya gasps as she opens it-a beautiful ring with a light blue stone, crowned with delicate gold.

"Only the Rani-sa's get the crown," Kaveri explains.

"Thank you so much, Dadi. It's beautiful." Maya slips it onto her finger, admiring it.

Kaveri smiles warmly. "Maya, I am your Ajji's elder sister."

Maya's breath catches. "Ajji... is this really you?" Tears brim in her eyes.

"Yes, Maya. Forgive me, child. I couldn't face you after my sister passed. But she lives on in you. I see her in you now."

Maya embraces her tightly, overwhelmed with emotion. Kaveri kisses her forehead before letting her go.

A voice interrupts, puzzled. "What's happening here? Can someone explain?"

Kaveri turns to the family. "Maya's grandmother was my younger sister, which makes Maya our granddaughter too. As children, Adranksh and Maya were inseparable. Seeing their bond, Vikram and I decided to strengthen it further. But after the tragic loss of my best friend, Vikram, and Radhika-your dadi's sister-We never returned. Maya never saw Adranksh or me again until now."

Maya turns to Adranksh, her eyes filled with longing. His gaze, locked onto hers, reflects the same depth of emotion.

"Ansh," she whispers.
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