Author POV

In powerful families, respect is not given easily.

It is tested.

Measured.

And sometimes…

Taken away in front of everyone.

Rhea had entered the Malhotra house as a bride.

But even after days of marriage, she still felt like a guest.

A guest who had stayed too long.

And tonight, at the Malhotra family dinner…

She would understand exactly where she stood.

Not beside Karthik.

Not with the family.

But somewhere in between.

Alone.

Evening – Malhotra Mansion

The dining hall of the Malhotra mansion looked grand as always.

A long table.

Crystal glasses.

Perfectly arranged plates.

Everyone was already seated.

Praveen Malhotra at the head.

Sumeet beside him.

Ayesha on the other side.

Vivaan scrolling on his phone.

Anjali talking to Subha.

Kiaan laughing with Rahul.

Only one seat was empty.

Rhea’s.

Ayesha noticed immediately.

“She’s late again.”

Anjali sighed.

“Mom, she was helping in the kitchen.”

“That’s not her job.”

Just then Rhea entered quietly.

She looked slightly nervous.

“I’m sorry… I was—”

Ayesha cut her off.

“Sit.”

Rhea nodded and sat beside Anjali.

Karthik entered a moment later and took his seat without saying anything.

Rhea looked at him for a second.

He didn’t look at her.

Dinner started.

For a few minutes only the sound of plates and spoons could be heard.

Then Praveen spoke,

“Karthik, the Oberoi deal?”

“Done.”

“Good.”

Vivaan smiled.

“Of course it’s done. Bhai never loses.”

Everyone chuckled lightly.

Rhea stayed silent.

She didn’t know what to say in these conversations.

She kept her eyes on her plate.

Ayesha noticed.

“You should learn to speak at the table.”

Rhea looked up.

“I… don’t know much about business.”

“That’s obvious.”

The words were calm.

But sharp.

The table went silent.

Anjali frowned.

“Mom…”

Ayesha continued,

“In this family, daughters-in-law represent the house.”

Her eyes moved to Rhea.

“But some people don’t understand that.”

Rhea’s fingers tightened around the spoon.

“I’m trying.”

Ayesha smiled faintly.

“Trying is not enough.”

Silence.

Even the cousins stopped talking.

Praveen cleared his throat.

“Ayesha…”

But she didn’t stop.

“You don’t know how to talk to guests, you don’t know business, you don’t even behave like a Malhotra.”

Rhea’s eyes filled slightly.

She looked down quickly so no one would see.

Anjali spoke,

“She’s learning.”

Ayesha looked at her sharply.

“You stay out of this.”

Then she looked at Rhea again.

“You should understand something clearly.”

Her voice became colder.

“This house has a standard.”

“And you are not meeting it.”

The words felt like a slap.

Rhea couldn’t speak.

She just sat there quietly.

Her eyes slowly moved toward Karthik.

He was eating.

Silent.

Expressionless.

Not defending her.

Not stopping his mother.

Not even looking at her.

That hurt the most.

Vivaan looked uncomfortable.

“Mom, leave it. It’s just dinner.”

Ayesha ignored him.

“If she can’t adjust, she shouldn’t have married into this house.”

That was enough.

Rhea pushed her chair back softly.

“I’m done.”

Her voice was small.

But everyone heard it.

She stood up.

“I’m sorry.”

And she walked out.

No one stopped her.

Not even Karthik.

Rhea POV – Corridor

The moment she reached the corridor, her eyes filled.

She walked fast.

She didn’t want anyone to see her crying.

Her chest felt heavy.

Why does it hurt this much…

She entered the room and closed the door.

The tears fell immediately.

“I’m trying… I really am…”

She sat on the bed, holding the edge of the pillow tightly.

“I didn’t ask for this marriage either…”

Her voice broke.

“But I’m the only one trying to make it work…”

She wiped her face quickly when she heard the door open.

Karthik entered.

He closed the door calmly.

For a moment he just looked at her.

Her eyes were red.

Her face wet.

He frowned slightly.

“You left dinner.”

She laughed weakly.

“You noticed?”

His expression hardened.

“You shouldn’t walk out like that.”

Something inside her snapped.

“I shouldn’t?”

He crossed his arms.

“You made it awkward for everyone.”

She stared at him.

“mom insulted me in front of everyone!”

“She talks like that.”

“That doesn’t make it okay!”

Silence.

Her voice shook.

“You couldn’t say one word?”

He looked at her.

“I didn’t want to make it worse.”

Her eyes filled again.

“It was already worse.”

Pause.

She spoke softly,

“You didn’t even look at me.”

That made him freeze for a second.

But his face stayed calm.

“You need to get used to this house.”

She nodded slowly.

“Yes.”

Her voice became quiet.

“I understand now.”

He frowned.

“Understand what?”

“That I’m alone here.”

Silence.

For the first time, he didn’t have an answer.

She turned away.

“I’m tired.”

He stood there for a few seconds.

Then said,

“Don’t think too much.”

And walked out.

The door closed.

Rhea sat down slowly.

Her tears started again.

Author POV

Outside the mansion gate…

A black car stopped.

Aryan stepped out.

He looked at the huge Malhotra house.

His assistant spoke,

“Sir, everything is ready.”

Aryan smiled slightly.

“Good.”

He looked at the balcony.

The light in Rhea’s room was on.

“Did they fight?”

“Yes.”

His smile grew.

“Perfect.”

He adjusted his coat.

“Next step.”

“What is it, sir?”

Aryan’s eyes darkened.

“We make Karthik doubt her.”

He looked at the mansion one last time.

“And once trust breaks…”

His voice became cold.

“Love never survives.”

The car drove away slowly.

Inside the house…

Rhea cried alone.

And Karthik stood in the balcony, staring at the city with a restless mind.

Neither of them knew…

Someone was already planning their separation.

And the game had only just begun.

How was the chp !??

Do you all enjoy 😉.

Don't forget to comment and vote guys

Bye!!