Aastik’s second house… No matter how much Arunima tried to ignore it, the fact that Aastik didn’t live with her in this house but stayed in his other house… and that too with someone else, always bothered a corner of her heart.

Aastik and Arunima had stepped out of the bungalow and reached the car, where the driver was already waiting for them. Aastik opened the door on his side himself, sat inside, and said to the driver, “Let’s go, Tiwari, we’re getting late.”

Driver Tiwari quickly put on his cap and said, “Yes boss,” walking toward the car. For Arunima, it was just like a signal. She quietly walked behind them. As soon as she reached the car, Tiwari opened the other door for her. Before sitting, she softly said, “Thank you.”

As soon as Arunima sat inside, she saw that Aastik was busy on his phone. Before the call came, he was already talking to someone on messages. But the moment the phone rang, he picked up the call and put it to his ear. Something was said from the other side, and Aastik’s forehead creased with anger.

“Kill that reporter. How dare he interfere in my work? Do you not understand what I tell you the first time, or do you need me to explain twice?” he said angrily. “Because of that cheap reporter, I won’t tolerate any loss in my project. Get him out of the way.”

Something was said from the other end, and Aastik shouted angrily, “Kill the fa**ng bastard!”

In anger he threw the phone toward the corner of the car, and it hit Arunima’s foot. Arunima was already frightened by his yelling. When the phone hit her foot, she pressed her lips together to hide the pain. Aastik looked at her angrily, but Arunima didn’t move an inch nor did she turn toward him. Aastik looked out the window. Anyway, he didn’t care about her injury.

Arunima slowly brought her hand toward her foot and gently rubbed her heel. She saw that Aastik’s phone was lying near her foot. She quietly picked it up and extended it toward Aastik. He shot a sharp look at her but snatched the phone from her hand without saying anything. His cold eyes were so dangerous that Arunima felt her soul shiver.

Arunima was so scared that she felt Aastik might harm her in anger. Even though he had never hurt her before, what has never happened doesn’t guarantee it won’t happen in the future. Everything begins somewhere.

After throwing the phone, Aastik angrily hit the front seat hard, which caused a light scratch on his hand. Arunima slowly took out a floral handkerchief from her purse and extended it toward him. Aastik glared at her with dangerous eyes.

He grabbed her wrist and said, “Don’t you understand that I am angry? Why are you interfering? I don’t need your help.”

“I… just…” Arunima tried to speak with her trembling voice. But Aastik pushed her wrist away and pointed a finger at her angrily, “Don’t try to do anything. Understand? Don’t try to act smart in front of me. You’re my wife only for the world. Don’t even think of claiming any rights over me. We both know this marriage is just a show. Neither I want to stay in it nor you. But neither of us can end it.”

His words silenced Arunima completely. His words made her realize that her feelings had no value. Today was perhaps the bitterest day for her. Aastik was a monster before, and he still was an animal.

Aastik flared up and said, “You are my wife in front of the world and my family because they were the ones who forced this marriage. But for me, you’re just a useless object lying in my house. You hold no more importance in my life than this, understand, Arunima?”

His words shattered her from within. The feeling that she was only a burden to him pierced her deeply. And Aastik always made sure she felt like she meant nothing more than useless furniture. Arunima’s heart felt heavy, and tears filled her eyes, which she tried hard to stop.

She had seen him shout in anger many times. Aastik always tried to stay away from her as much as possible. Since the second day of marriage, he had never maintained any relationship with her. If looks could kill, Aastik would have killed her many times. His dangerous, hatred-filled eyes were burning her from inside.

Arunima’s heart wanted to scream, but then she remembered the words of Aastik’s mother. During the muh dikhai, she had held Arunima’s hands and told her why she was chosen for Aastik. She had taken a promise from her that day. But today Arunima felt she would never be able to fulfill that promise because the man standing before her was not human but a beast. Changing him was impossible.

In the first year of marriage, Arunima learned very little about Aastik. He had come home barely five times in the whole year. Most of the time he was either in the office, busy with illegal activities, or spending time at his second house. Their worlds were completely different. They never sat together like normal couples for dinner, nor did they consult each other on anything. Arunima still wondered why he was even with her.

Lost in her thoughts, Arunima didn’t realize Aastik’s anger was still simmering. He said, “Keep this in your small mind. When I’m angry, don’t dare come near me. I am already stressed because of my deal, and that stupid reporter messed up my mind. And you—never miss a chance to irritate me. Sit quietly in that corner. I shouldn’t even feel your presence. Understand?”

Arunima nodded fearfully, and Aastik turned his face toward the window. A deep silence filled the back seat.

It took them about half an hour to reach Raichand Mansion. The mansion was located on the outskirts of the city. Arunima had been here only once after marriage—for their reception. That was also the last day she saw her parents, because after that they shifted to Bangalore.

As soon as the car reached the gate, Aastik got out and walked straight inside. He didn’t wait for her or bother to walk with her. Arunima took a deep breath and stood near the car. All of this was just a formality for her.

Everything was going to be the same as always. Just a few hours of tolerating each other at the party. After that she would go back to her bungalow, and Aastik to his second house. When they would meet again—even they didn’t know. The same routine that had been going on for a year would continue.

Arunima was not allowed to work. Not because she lacked talent, but because no one ever recognized it. Aastik had given her a golden card. According to him, girls weren’t meant to work.

Once, she had shown him her research file on history. But he rejected it and mocked it, comparing it to children’s nursery homework.

Arunima stood at the party entrance. Aastik had gone inside alone, while she was still outside. Her mind was full of thoughts. Suddenly a hand extended toward her. She looked up, startled. It was Aastik. He folded his arm slightly and gestured toward her. She understood and slowly hooked her arm into his. Both stood there like a perfect couple.

But before entering the hall, Aastik looked at her and said, “You know what you have to do, right?”

Arunima looked at him and nodded. Aastik stared sharply and said, “If you know, then smile. You look beautiful. If you smile, people won’t see the stress on your face. So behave like a good wife and smile while walking with me.”

His words pierced her heart. She pressed her lips together and forced a fake smile onto her face.

Aastik and Arunima entered the party. But at the door, Aastik heard a voice from behind.

“Aastik, you’re here. We were waiting for you.”

Aastik turned. Arunima also looked. An elderly couple was standing there, smiling. Arunima too put on her fake smile.

Aastik recognized them and walked toward them. The man shook his hand and said, “How are you? And happy first wedding anniversary.”

The woman standing beside him also said, “Happy first wedding anniversary to both of you.”

Both Aastik and Arunima had formal smiles. Aastik said “Thank you,” and Arunima nodded softly. They were Aastik’s father’s business partners, Mr. and Mrs. Jariwala.

After meeting them, Aastik and Arunima entered the hall where everyone was present for the party. As Arunima walked deeper inside, her nervousness grew. Arunima never liked socializing too much. Her anxiety increased even more when she was the center of attention. She didn’t like eyes staring at her.

The party hall was beautifully decorated. With lights, chandeliers, and shimmering candles, the party looked grand.

Aastik and Arunima had already entered, and whoever noticed them was wishing them on their anniversary.