Third Person's POV

In the early morning, despite her fatigue, Dharini rose from her bed and dressed in a resplendent red saree. Today marked the beginning of her new life with her husband's family. Her own family and relatives were also returning to their village today, a thought that filled her with emotion. Yet, she reassured herself that they would reside in the same village, and she could visit them often.

Anav arrived to take her to their home and was spellbound by her new look. Dharini, blushing, realized her deep affection for him. After receiving blessings from everyone, a tearful Dharini left with Anav.

The previous night had been a whirlwind of guests, leaving her unable to discern much about her new home. Now, in the daylight, she found it remarkably beautiful. She was warmly welcomed by her sister-in-law and mother-in-law, and she respectfully sought their blessings as Anav brought her luggage inside. The grandmother, sitting on a swing and munching on Indian jujube, watched her approach. Observing the customs, Dharini and Anav bent together to receive her blessings.

"Live long and stay happy always," she blessed Anav.

"May you always remain married and may you bathe in milk and be blessed with sons," she blessed both, despite not being particularly fond of Dharini.

The telephone rang. Anav's mother informed him, "Aanu, Rajeev called." Rajeev had left the previous night after the wedding due to work commitments.

"Dharini!" Anav called.

She looked at her grandmother and sister-in-law, who gestured for her to go. "Dharini, you passed with first division," he announced excitedly.

"What?" she stammered in disbelief.

"Yes, you scored 85.3%. I'm so happy for you, Dharini!"

"Thank you so much for teaching me. Without you, this would have been impossible," she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

"No, as a teacher, I could only guide you. This result is due to your hard work."

"What happened, Aanu?" Vishakha and their mother arrived.

"Ma, didi, Dharini passed with first division. She got 85.3%," Anav informed them.

"Congratulations, Dharini beta!"

"Congratulations, Bhabhi!"

Suddenly, their youngest aunt entered the house, hearing the excited voices. "Bhabhi, what's going on? Oh, Dharini!"

"Didi, our Dharini passed with first division," Ma shared with her.

"Oh," she replied, before blessing Anav and Dharini. "Stay happy, Aanu. And next time we meet, Dharini, bring us good news. We all want to see a little version of fair Aanu. Remember, school exams don't matter as much as the exams of life."

Dharini's blush faded, replaced by a sudden pang of insecurity about her dusky skin. But neither Anav's parents nor Anav himself had ever mentioned it. Sensing the tension, Vishakha quickly intervened, "Dharini, let me give you a tour of the house," she said, dragging her away while signaling Anav not to make a scene.

They had a Satyanarayan puja in the afternoon to mark the beginning of Anav and Dharini's new phase of life.

*****
Dharini's POV

After the puja, we sought blessings from everyone. Today is a fasting day for us, so we ate only sattvic food and fruits. I hadn't eaten anything since morning, except for an apple and some grapes. We took our time to eat.

****

"Tonight, the new daughter-in-law will sleep in my room," Grandmother declared.

I saw Vishakha didi frown and noticed Mishra sir's blank expression. Grandmother continued, "Tomorrow you are taking her to Adhavat. You'll get to spend time with her there. Tonight, she stays with me. Aanu has been sleeping alone all these years; one more night won't matter."

Feeling shy, I noticed that my dusky skin concealed my blush. My bags were in his room, and I needed to change out of my heavy saree. Although my mother had taught me how to wear a saree, I still found it challenging.

I knocked on his door, which was ajar.

"Come in," he said.

He was pulling down his T-shirt when I entered, seemingly unbothered by my presence. "Dharini," he called.

"Huh? Yes?" I stammered, quickly closing my gaping mouth.

"Where's your attention? I called your name three times."

"I... I came to take my clothes."

"Relax, Dharini. I won't bite or scold you. You're my wife now, not just my student."

"Yes," I replied meekly.

"Dharini, look at me."

I met his gaze.

"I'm sorry for my aunt's rude words. They have no filter."

"It's okay, I didn't mind."

Just then, Vishakha didi's child peeked through the door. "Hello," I waved, and he shyly hid behind it.

Mishra sir introduced him, "This is Sanath, the most important member of our family. Say hi, Sanath."

"Hi," Sanath said, blushing. After a brief interaction, Sanath ran out of the room. He chuckled and shook his head.

"Anyway, I'm going out. You change here. Don't forget to lock the door; Papa and Jijaji are around, and they don't know you're here."

"Okay."

I quickly locked the door and settled on a baby pink saree with dark blue flowers and a green border. Changing into my blouse and petticoat, I struggled with making the pleats.

Someone knocked.

"Who?"

"Bhabhi, it's me, Vishakha."

I opened the door cautiously, hiding behind it in case any men were nearby.

"Anav told me you were here, so I came to help."

"I'm struggling with the pleats," I admitted.

"Let me help. I remember my first day in my new home..I wore my saree upside down! My mother-in-law had to help me fix it. You'll learn with time. There, all done."

"Thank you, didi."

"Thank you, Bhabhi, for marrying my brother. He's a simple man who gives everything to his loved ones. Please love him and stay with him always, and he will bring the world to your feet."

"I promise, didi. I will always stay with him," I said, hugging her.

■■■■■