I was done with it! Yuvaan, his friends, this fake marriage, everything can go to hell. How could I be so foolish to believe that he would not cheat on me? But then again, he didn't accept me as his wife; he had full freedom to whore around as per his heart's content.

The day before yesterday was one of the best and worst days of my life. I saw how insane Yuvaan could be, but I also got to meet Rickard Grandpa. He was really nice to me and didn't treat me as trash like my husband did.

And Yuvaan just proved how far he could go to see me hurt. He brought a girl along with him to his room. I was standing right there when I witnessed it with my own eyes. The girl was really gorgeous, her long blonde hair cascading her back. She was wearing a short peach coloured one piece and was clutching Yuvaan's hand tightly.

For a minute, I couldn't believe my eyes, but when I saw them entering his room, I couldn't take it anymore. We might not be a happily married couple, but he crossed all the limits. I still considered him my husband and this mangalsutra, bangles, and sindoor (vermillion) which I applied daily were proof.

I couldn't stop myself from crying all night after that though I knew there was no use. Heena tried to console me, but I was a mess by morning. I just couldn't sleep knowing that my husband was having fun in the next room.

Even in the flight, I couldn't erase that image from my mind. It was like it was engraved deeply, mocking me every time I looked at him. If there was any little hope left, it was also gone now.

Because of that, I didn't pay any attention to him till we got back to India. While flying, he tried to provoke me, and I thought that he would mention about that girl to make me feel more miserable, but he didn't. I was glad to know that the task for which he took me to Chile was done successfully, but I wasn't in the mood to celebrate.

His way of celebration ruined my whole day.

We reached home in the evening; Grace was there to welcome us. She was really worried about my state, but I told her not to worry. I locked myself in my room and cried my heart out. I didn't understand why I was dehydrating myself for the man who himself made me cry, but my tears seemed to have a mind of their own.

So, I let them out and when I was satisfied with torturing myself, I went to sleep. Fortunately, I got a good sleep as I was exhausted, but my ears were ringing with some familiar words from two months ago.

Kasyaapi vishye kim vā kathyaani yasya bhagyam apratyashitam....

The words were playing on loop and even though I distracted myself with the housework, they were still there, echoing in the back of my mind. I got frustrated when I couldn't shove them off even though I worked overtime.

Kasyaapi vishye kim vā kathyaani yasya bhagyam apratyashitam....

What the fuck was the meaning of those words?

I realised that I wouldn't be able to stop the invisible tape recorder, so I called up Upasana. She was getting ready for a date, but I threatened her that if she didn't help me I would never speak to her.

After using her help and doing some research on my own, I came with some rough translation. I wasn't sure if it was a hundred percent accurate, but what I found really made me curious.

Kasyaapi vishye kim vā kathyaani yasya bhagyam apratyashitam....

(Translation:- What to say about someone whose future is unpredictable?)

Why did Pandit uncle say this about me?

I wasted quite a good time wondering about it, but got nothing. I gave up and continued my work. I was working extra hard and making sure to do every little chore with full dedication.

Because today was my last day in this house.

Yuvaan could threaten me or do whatever he wanted, but I would no longer stay in his house. I knew he wouldn't return me my degree, for which I could care less. I would take my brother along with me and leave this city, or country if needed.

Thus, I packed my already packed luggage, and went in the kitchen to eat something. The sun was about to set and Yuvaan would be here any minute. I cooked myself some meal, totally ignoring my husband's warning about me not cooking.

After today, I wouldn't even need to do that. I made everything of my choice and ate like a queen. Grace looked at me with worry, and I invited her to join me. She asked me what was going on in my mind when she saw the change in my behaviour.

I was looking like a corpse yesterday and today, I was acting like nothing happened; I understood her concern. After I was done eating, I washed the dishes and made her sit on a chair.

I crouched down in front of her and took her hands in mine. "Thank you for everything, Grace. If you hadn't been there for me, I don't think I would have been able to survive this long. I will miss you."

"What are you talking about, Reyna?" she asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"I am leaving tomorrow."

"What?!"

"I knew you will be surprised that's why I didn't tell you earlier. Don't worry, I haven't told Yuvaan yet, but he will be here within an hour."

"But Reyna-"

"No, Grace. It is okay, I know what you are going to say. You don't need to be concerned, I will take care of everything."

I left her and made my way towards my room. I took my luggage and returned to the living room. I sat down on the sofa and switched on the TV. I was watching Shinchan when I noticed Shaurya entering the house.

He glanced at me, and I shot him a huge smile. He scrunched his eyebrows, and I stopped him before he went upstairs.

"Where is Yuvaan?" I asked.

"He is on his way," he replied. "Did you need anything?"

"Actually, yes. But... Can I ask you something?"

He glanced around before he looked at me again. "Go ahead."

"How much time is left till the divorce?"

He narrowed his eyes at me and didn't reply for a minute. When he saw that I was serious, he spoke up. "Ten months."

"Oh, that long? Can't you speed up the process? You are a top notch lawyer, right? Can't you ask some favours and get the work done asap?"

"What is your exact intention, Reyna?" he interrogated as I saw him trying to read my mind.

"Getting freedom from your friend. I don't want his money; I am not a gold digger. The only thing I expected from him is something which he is incapable of giving me. Moreover, he got the deal for which he was ready to kill me and my family, so I don't see any point in wasting my time here.

"Who knows if he will shoot me in my sleep? I have to make sure that my brother is safe and for that, I need to be alive. My parents don't give a shit whether I live or die, but my Aru loves me.

"You guys also don't want a slut like me as your sister-in-law, so it is better for everyone if I leave. Can you help me in convincing your friend? You seem like a nice guy, that's why I am asking you."

Shaurya observed me intently, his eyes darting over my face in a rapid motion. I showed him my luggage bags to prove my point, and he rubbed his right palm on his face.

"Give me a minute," he excused himself and dialled a number on his phone.

He returned after a few minutes and stared at me with a strange expression before speaking. "I talked to one of my lawyer friends, and she said that she can help in reducing the time from ten months to eight."

"Wow, that would be really great. Thank you, Shaurya." I beamed.

He blinked his eyes rapidly and left after throwing me a glance. He went to Yuvaan's study room while I continued watching one of my favourite animation series.

I was aware that I still had eight months, maximum ten months if Shaurya couldn't help. But I also knew that if I gave Yuvaan an easy way to get rid of me, he wouldn't deny. I knew he wanted revenge, but for that he didn't have to keep me with him.

I was still not sure about how I would convince him, but I was somehow confident that his best friend would help me. Their main goal was to torture me for my father's sins, and as much as I hated my father too, I couldn't see him dead.

He was Arman's father also, and I didn't want to make my brother orphan because of my selfishness.

"Reyna?" I heard someone call my name.

When I heard it a few more times, I decided to see who was calling me. I turned my head to my right and saw Grace. She told me that Yuvaan was here, and I smiled back in return.

I got up from the couch and waited for him to come inside the house. I took a huge breath and glanced at Shaurya who had come downstairs with a file in his hand. He shot me a small smile, and I turned my head to the front when I heard loud footsteps echoing through the floor.

He was here.

I stepped towards him as soon as he walked through the main doors but halted when I saw a familiar figure following behind him. I froze in my spot as I saw my mother-in-law smile brightly when her eyes landed on me.

"Reyna!" she squealed and ran towards me.

Before I could realise what was happening, I was engulfed in a bone crushing hug. Shruti aunty patted my back and caressed my hair.

"How are you, beta? Did you miss me? Of course, you didn't or you would have called me at least once since your wedding day," she pouted and broke the hug.

"Was he keeping you too busy?" She winked and threw a glance at his son who was standing a little distance away.

I didn't know what to say; her arrival was a surprise. And by the way she was behaving, it looked like she was unaware of everything that had happened till now.

Or could be she acting?

When I found no reply, I decided to touch her feet instead. She refused but still I did it. When I bent down, I glimpsed at my spouse who shot me a death glare.

"Don't you dare say anything," he mouthed.

"I missed you too, Aunty," I replied as I straightened my back.

"Aunty? What did I tell you to call me, huh?" she complained.

"Sorry, I forgot, Mom."

She patted my head lovingly and pulled me in another hug. I was really shocked to receive so much affection within a few seconds-I wasn't used to it.

"You must be tired, Ma. Why don't you go and take a rest first?" Yuvaan suggested, and his mom nodded.

"Please excuse me. I will take a quick nap and then we can gossip through the night," she said and left for her room after pinching my cheek.

Yuvaan followed her and both of them went to the first floor. Once they vanished from my sight, I ran towards Shaurya who was standing with Advait, and both of them were whispering in hushed tones.

"Shaurya, why didn't you tell me about Shruti Aunty coming today?" I accused him.

"I also didn't know it, Reyna. It was a surprise for me too." He pursed his lips.

"Now, how will I tell Yuvaan?"

"How else? Wait for him to come and then tell him. Simple."

"What the hell are you saying? His mom is here, she will surely suspect and ask about the whole situation." I panicked.

"Are you really serious?" he asked.

"Do I look like I am joking right now? I can't stay with him when I know that he is fucking around. And if he is so interested in taking revenge, he can do it. But I won't stay here. You have to help me!"

"You aren't acting, are you?"

I gave him a murderous glare. "Why can't you guys believe me for even a second? I promise I won't tell anything to Yuvaan's mom, but please help me to get out of here. He doesn't trust me, but I really didn't marry him on purpose. Please, Shaurya, believe me. I was not even aware of what my father was plotting, if I had known, I wouldn't have married Yuvaan."

"But you still did," Advait interrupted.

I rubbed my face with my palms in frustration. I cursed my fucked up luck and my parents for landing me in this hell hole.

Kasyaapi vishye kim vā-

Hell with this Kasyaapi shit!

"Fine. If you don't want to help, then don't. I won't waste your time anymore." I shook my head and went to get my luggage bags. But they weren't there where I had left them.

I searched around but still found no sign of them. I was sure I had placed them near the couch; then where did they go?

"What are you looking for, wifey?"

I felt Yuvaan wrap his arms around my waist from behind. I froze for the second time in the same day. I looked over my shoulder and Yuvaan gave me an innocent look.

"Did you lose something?" he questioned.

He rested his chin on my right shoulder and pulled me closer. "Don't even think about fleeing." He pecked my cheek and rocked us side by side.

"Mom is looking, so you better play along," he soon added, and I glanced upstairs where Shruti aunty was standing, observing us with a huge grin on her face.

"I don't want to stay," I said, and he tightened his hold.

"I will decide that, not you."

"Where are my bags?"

"In my room." He tucked some hair behind my ear, caressing my cheek with his knuckles along with it.

I curled my hands into fists as I felt my body warming up. I hated it! Earlier I felt it was normal to feel like that towards my husband, but ever since I saw him with that girl, I felt disgusted with how my body reacted to his touch.

"Let's go and sleep. I have talked to mom, and you both can spend some quality time tomorrow." He pulled away and before I could snap at him, he bent down and picked me up in bridal style.

"You don't weigh anything," he commented as he moved me up and down like a dumbbell.

He climbed the stairs without any problem and after saying a loud 'Good night' to his mom, he entered his room with me. I could hear Shruti Aunty giggle before her voice faded away.

Yuvaan dropped me on the bed like a sack and took out his shirt. I widened my eyes at him when he flashed me his abs. He smirked on my reaction and wore his tank top which was lying on the side chair.

"What kind of dirty thoughts are you having, Reyna?" he teased and plopped down beside me.

I moved away from him, but he grabbed my wrist. He yanked me towards him, and I toppled over.

"You will stay here till mom leaves. And... you will sleep with me too," he announced.

"I won't!" I yelled.

"Did you just raise your voice on me?" he seethed.

"Don't touch me with your filthy hands. I prefer dying than living with a man
whore like you," I snapped.

Instead of getting angry, Yuvaan curled his lips into an evil smirk as his eyes glinted with something really sinistrous. In a swift motion, he pushed me down and got on top of me, pinning both of my arms above my head.

"I think it is time to show you what a man whore is," he said in a husky voice.

He wasn't serious, was he?

Happy Makar Sankranti!

Thank you for reading 💜