Page 12 of Married in Vengeance

And with that, he was gone, leaving the rest of them to stand around in confused silence. All except Aadhya who was drowning in the humiliation of the moment.

Didn’t see the need for it.

Embarrassed colour flooded her cheeks as the others tried not to look directly at her.

“Shall we go in?” Agastya asked politely.

She nodded and everyone started walking. Priyanka and Aarush flanked her.

“Did you guys have a fight?” Priyanka asked softly, her words for Aadhya’s ears only.

“No.”

“Then why?” Bewildered, Priyanka met Aarush’s eyes over Aadhya’s head.

“I don’t know.” Aadhya’s lips flattened into a grim line. “But I’m sure as hell going to find out.”

Seven

RAM

Hours of greetingpeople and accepting their felicitations later, Ram swiped at the sweat trickling down his temple and walked towards where his father stood. The old man had strategically taken up a spot in front of one of the largest pedestal fans they’d set up for the event.

It was an unseasonably hot day or maybe it was just the fires of hell reaching up to roast him for his sins.

“Did you meet Swamiji?” Nanna said in lieu of greeting.

Ram opened his mouth to reply but his father spoke right over him. “I’m hoping to get an exclusive interview with him about the sex scandal that erupted in his ashram. When are Aadhya and you leaving for the hotel? After that I can –“

“We’re not going to the hotel,” Ram interrupted. “We’ll be going straight home.”

His father paused. “Was there a problem with the reservation?”

“No.” Ram stood right in front of the fan, shut his eyes and let the breeze cool his fevered self.

“Is there a problem?”

“No.” Ram kept his eyes shut. It was just easier that way.

“Did Aadhya and you have a fight or something?”

“Nanna.” Now, Ram opened his eyes. “Everything isn’t always about the drama.”

“Then why are you making it about the drama?” his father asked in a perfectly reasonable tone.

Ram didn’t answer.

“If it wasn’t about the drama, you’d go to the hotel with your bride, do what’s expected of you and come home tomorrow for the griha pravesh. But you’re being a little drama queen only.”

Ram gritted his teeth together. “Maybe I’m tired of doing what’s expected of me. Has that ever occurred to any of you?”

“And you decided that your wedding night is the hill you’re going to die on? This is the stand you wish to take?”

Ram stared at his father, annoyance and regret pulsing through him. “It’s not a stand. I just want to sleep in my own bed tonight.”

His father shook his head. “Anybody else might buy that rubbish but I’m your father. You’ll have to do better.”

“Is this reception done yet?” Ram yanked at his tie, pulling it off.

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