Mehul's POV Bhai hit me with his elbow and I winced. I looked at him and he was smirking at me. So, my dear brother. You better close your mouth or some insect might go inside. By the way what are you looking at? She is not even pretty. Right ? " I just rolled my eyes and again looked at her. Vimal bhai had already left. He was escorting her along with Sejal bhabhi. She was walking towards me shyly and slowly. She reached the stage, bhai pushed me in her direction and told me to help her. I extended my hand towards her and she looked at me, as if she was surprised at my gesture. Then shyly she placed her hand on mine and I helped her to climb on the steps which was tricky with her very heavy dress. I felt some kind of tingling in my hand. That was weird so I released my grip on her hand and she was standing in front of me now for Jai Mala or Varmala (exchanging garlands). Everybody in our families were on stage, Sneha bhabhi and Sejal bhabhi came forward having a big platter with orchids garlands on it. They handed one to each of us. She was still not looking at me and I could not take my eyes off her. I was definitely going insane, it must be due to lack of sleep. Yes, it must be... Vimal bhai told her to put garland over my head. She raised her hands and did that. There was a big round of applause, then I did the same. Everyone was clapping and cheering for us. Then we did all other rituals like Pheras ( walking around the sacred fire and taking vows. Seven rounds for seven vows), Kanyadan ( in this father of the bride officially gives away the hand of his daughter to the groom in marriage.) Etc. I applied Sindoor ( vermillion, an auspicious red coloured powder which, married woman wears in the parting of her hair) on her head and fastened a Mangalsutra ( nuptial necklace) around her neck. Here we are married to each other. Stuck in a coerced wedlock.... We got the blessings of our parents and dadiji. She kept her fragile and wrinkled hand on my head and kissed my forehead and said, " It was a wish of my husband, to get Megha married to you. Now he would be very happy and contented up there. I can also die in peace. Now she is your wife... please take good care of her. " It was the time for dinner, a large table was laid for the bride, groom and their families. The food was amazing. Every dish I could think of, was served there and it lifted my mood as I am a big foodie. The food was served to us and it was good. But she didn't eat much. Everyone was feeding me, I was about to burst. Bhai and bhabhi were sharing the food feeding each other. After the dinner everyone in her family became very emotional as it was time for us to leave. She was crying now and so was aunty and Sejal bhabhi. Uncle and Vimal bhai came forward and hugged me and then uncle said , " Please take care of her. I am giving my most precious possession to you please take care of her." I folded my hands and nodded. Dad hugged uncle and said, " Don't worry Suresh she is going from one home to another. She has always been my daughter so just rest assured... She will be fine with us." She was still sobbing. We sat in our decorated car and came to our mansion. Mom and bhabhi had planned a grand welcome for her. They did all the rituals like Griha Pravesh ( bride entering the groom's home for the first time). She immersed her feet in a platter filled with red coloured liquid and then she walked into our home leaving red foot marks behind. After a few more rituals, bhabhi asked her to follow her. She got up and followed her. I was really tired and was fed up of all the people who were teasing me. Are they crazy?? What is so funny or romantic about our situation. I just wanted to go and sleep but didn't want to go to my room. I can't share a room with her. But what about dad? He would make me do what I don't want to. Am I seriously, his own son ? I was just thinking all this when dad came to me and sat beside me. " Mehul, promise me that you will behave nicely with her. She is new in this house and she needs your support. She is your wife, so she is your responsibility. You have to take care of her. You should not be rude to her. She needs your love , care and attention. Please be nice to her, she is here to be with you and for that she left her loving family behind. She deserves your love. Don't forget that, if you didn't know her, she also didn't know you. If you are not in love with her, she is also not in love with you. That means she might be feeling exactly like you. Now go to your room and Please be nice to her. I hope you are getting my point. Don't let me down or be ready to face the music..." Dad left after saying that. I got up and started dragging myself towards my room when I saw bhai standing there. He came and placed his hand on my shoulder and said, " I know what is going on in your mind but whatever dad was saying was right. She is in the same situation, Mehul. So please be nice with her... she is a gem of a person you will start liking her in no time. Please give her a chance, give a chance to this marriage, it might be forced right now but you can always change it. " I just gave a small node and went my way. I opened the door of my room and went inside. I couldn't even recognise my own room. There were flowers and candles everywhere. There were some big earthenware basins and some floating candles were floating on them along with rose petals. A big heart was made with rose petals in the middle of the bed. It was so embarrassing... She was standing there near the window looking out of it. She turned once she felt my presence in the room, looking like the epitome of beauty. She was very nervous and it seemed that she was crying. I felt very bad for her as well. Maybe she even hates me, the way I behaved with her. I didn't know what to say to make her comfortable. I just cleared my throat and said, " I understand that you are also not happy with this marriage. You are in the same situation . But it seems that we can't get out of it. We got married for our families and they would get hurt if we are unhappy. So try to behave normal for their sake. I am sorry for the way I behaved. You can live your life the way you want it and I will do the same. I will not interfere in yours and I expect the same from you... It has been a very long and tiring day, you must be very tired so please be comfortable and take rest." I went to the washroom and changed into my night suit. When I came out she was removing her jewellery. I settled myself on the couch. She removed all of them and kept them on the dressing table. Her luggage was lying near her wardrobe, she opened one of them and took out a towel and a silk night suit. She went to change into them. I closed my eyes in order to avoid talking to her any further. She came back to the room and saw me sleeping on the couch. She called my name softly but I did not react. She tried again in a bit louder voice. I did not even stir. Though I really liked the way she called my name. It felt different coming out of her. She removed all the petals from the bed and kept them on the side table. I was watching her with my eyes just slightly open . The room was getting chilled so she took one of the blankets and covered me with it. She took one pillow and inserted it under my head by picking my head very carefully, as if trying not to Wake me up. I kept pretending that I was in deep slumber. I loved the feel of her long delicate fingers touching my head. What was wrong with me, why I was liking something she did?? I must sleep... It must be because of the fact that I was very tired. I must sleep before I go insane. She settled herself between the sheets and slept .