Ayesa woke up to the rhythmic sound of rain tapping against the window. She sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the unfamiliar room. This was her new life – married overnight to a stranger named Arjun.
Downstairs, the smell of freshly toasted bread and brewed tea reached her. She hesitated, then walked into the kitchen. Arjun was there, quietly setting the table. He looked up and said, "Good morning."
The words were calm, almost neutral, yet Aisha felt her chest tighten. She nodded silently. Breakfast was awkward, filled with silence, yet the careful gestures he maidplacing her cup just so, pouring tea gently – made her heart skip unexpectedly.