Kaynat's Pov

Hello! My name is Kaynat, which means the universe or the world. However, my entire world is not at its correct position.

    I'm only 19 and getting married today. Although I don't want to, as if I have any choice.

I'm getting ready for my wedding and waiting in my room to get married to a complete stranger.

      I don't even know what he looks like. I didn't even see his picture, and here I am waiting to be his forever.

      My mother and sister finally arrived to take me to the wedding location. The wedding ceremonies began after they made me sit beside him. I can't see him since my veil is covering my face.

     My entire body experienced a distinct type of sensation when he grasped my hand after my father gave it to him.

     For the first time, I was touched. He softly squeezes my hand as if reassuring me even though I'm shivering like a damp leaf from anxiety.

    After my marriage, I have no idea what I'm going to do or how I'm going to handle everything.

    I tearfully bid my family goodbye after the wedding because I don't want to leave them.

But here I am, married and moving away from it all.

My sister-in-law left me in my new room after we reached his home.

    I'm waiting for him right now to show up so I can finally see him. I don't know how he will respond when he sees me, so I'm both anxious and excited.

         What if he doesn't like me? Then? What am I going to do?

     Because I don't have a particularly attractive personality in the eyes of my friends. I'm not as slender as they are, and I'm a bit taller than most girls.

      And right now because of my bulky clothing, jewellery, and veil, I am in a terrible condition. I am suffocating. But my mother and sister say that the only person who can remove that off my face is my husband.

     The moment I heard the door open, I tightly fisted my dress. As I heard footsteps approaching me, my heart rate skyrocketed.

    When he sat down next to me, the bed under me sunk, and I curled up, tightly clutching my knees.

    He chuckled as if amused by my nervousness. That deep, throaty chuckle sends chills down my spine.

           I swallowed my nervousness and licked my already dry lips. He reached out to hold my hand, but I timidly withdrew my hand.

     "I've got to go." I felt my heart suddenly drop in terrible despair as he uttered those words softly. Although I don't know him, I also don't want him to leave like this soon after our wedding.

    But before I could open my mouth to ask anything, he cut me off by saying, "Duty calls, therefore I have to go. Everything you need will be present here and..........”

                 "When will you come back?" Out of the blue, I interrupted him with a question. I am not even sure how I asked him but I did.

      "I don't know. You are aware of my job." He said as he stood up on his feet, then he kissed me on the top of my head and murmured, "Agar Zindagi rhi toh jld mulakat hogi Biwi Sahiba (If there is life, we will meet soon, dear wife)" was his parting phrase, and he left me with my anxious beating heart.

            He is a Major in the Indian Army. Major Arjun Jai Singh.

     He didn't even look at me, and I didn't even get a chance to look at him.

      Now, I've been married for two years and have been living alone in this gigantic mansion for that entire time, since he left on our wedding night.

     He, I mean, Arjun Ji, hasn't come back yet. He is a soldier, and when duty calls, a soldier never waits for anything else except his duty, he cannot even see anything in front of his duty.

         That was what he did two years ago. I am not complaining. I know being a soldier's wife is not easy. I pray every day for his safe return.

     Yes, for him, a person I've never even seen.

But I'm dying every day from this loneliness. Since no one other than his sister is a member of his family, I have no one with whom to converse or share my joys and sorrows.

       His sister also has a spouse and she resides in Europe. She is the only person in his life besides me. 

They lost their parents in an accident five years ago.

       Therefore, nobody is present, leaving me by myself in his absence. After a brief visit at the time of our wedding, his sister left because she had family responsibilities.

     Despite the fact that their big mansion in town is where I now reside, their ancestral home is in the village.

     Everything I need is here, yet the loneliness kills me every day because I am not accustomed to living alone. Back in my home, I had a sizable family, but now there is no one. There are only four walls and servants are present at all times.

     I occasionally go to my family, and those moments are pleasant, but when I return to these four walls, they swallow me.

    Even, I have to go to college, I can’t stay with my parents. Yes, Arjun Ji allowed me to continue my studies.

        I suppose it's the only thing keeping me alive; otherwise, I should have passed away long ago from loneliness and for that, I am grateful to him.

       Let me tell you about how he let me study. He has written me numerous letters, but I am unable to respond to any of them since I don't know him and am unsure of what to say or ask.

      But he continued to write constantly. I get a letter every month, and I've grown accustomed to them by this point.

      I started looking forward to his letters, but I have no idea what to say in response. However, when I read it every day, I memorized every word he said.

      Because I can only find solace in these few words in this loneliness. It seems like someone is present here with me.

      My time in college is going well. I met a few people. My life has been better when I have been outside of this house than when I have been within. I still feel like a prisoner without chains in this house, despite having every luxury.

Tomorrow is a party for the grand opening of one of my friend Naintara's father's hotels, and she is insisting that I come with her. I denied it, but as if she is ready to listen,

      She took me shopping for tonight's event first thing in the morning.

      I was looking for something when I felt a gaze on me. I turn to face his emerald eyes. He has short, black hair and is a tall man, standing at about 6 feet, maybe around 27 years old?

      I dismissed it and resumed my shopping. But he keeps glancing in my direction.

That's enough. I sighed and marched over to him, furious. Asking, "What are you looking at?" He simply smiled and looked around as though I had made a joke in response to my stern question.

Seriously?

"Pardon me? I'm speaking with you. Don't you have a mother or sister?” I questioned him, but all he did was stare amusedly at me while grinning.

I was about to teach him a good lesson when my friend Naintara sprinted over to me and took me away.

"Kaynat, are you insane?" She chastised me.

"He was looking at me." I tried to justify myself.

"Did he say anything or do anything?" She enquired.

"No," I answered.

"Then?" She arched her brows.

“He can't just stare at me.” I replied.

“So no one is permitted to even stare in the direction of The Major's wife? Huh?" She teased, and I experienced an odd feeling. 

Never felt that way before.

Wife?

Am I his wife?

        Despite wearing a nuptial chain and a vermillion of his name, I never felt that way, thus I haven't behaved in any way that a wife ought to.

I return home and prepare for the party. I was dressed in a classic Indian emerald green saree and accessorized with matching jewellery as I stared in the mirror.

        When I'm satisfied with how I look, I leave and get into my car. I was driven to the venue by the driver.

        As the wife of Major Arjun Jai Singh and the late renowned industrialist Sammar Pratap Singh's daughter-in-law, I must maintain a good appearance.

       I got out of my car and walked into the crowd of people. My friend Naintara introduced me to her family.

       I don't know anyone here, and Naintara is occupied taking care of the other guests. Boredom is about to set in. I am just seating in a corner.

I was by myself all over again in a crowded space.

Then, out of nowhere, someone offers me a drink. "No thanks," Without even turning to face that individual, I rejected it.

       A masculine voice responded, "It's not alcohol."

       I quickly turned to gaze up, and there he was, with the same emerald eyes and grin on his lips.

      Agh!!! How much I want to sweep this grin off his face.

      I responded, rising up from my seat, "Still no thanks."

"Wait!" I glanced around with startled eyes as he gripped my wrist.

      “How dare you?” I grit my teeth as I release his grip on my hand.

      "I just wanted to talk," He threw his hand in the air as he uttered it.

      “But I don't want to.” I hissed in anger. He has no right to do it. What does he think of himself? He interrupted me as I turned to walk away.

"Hey! Hey! Wait."

"Why would I?" I asked arrogantly. Well, why won't I? I am a Major's wife. No one dares to mess with me.

       "Neither I nor you know anyone in this place. We can at least get to know one another”. As I shot him a lethal gaze, he added, "As friends?"

"I don't want to." Since I had never before been friends with a man, I stated it with hesitation.

       "There is no harm in this." He tried to justify himself, but I denied it instantly. "Why not?" He asked.

"I am married." I replied instantly.

       "So? Is it a rule that you can't make friends after getting married?” He inquired with a stupid grin on his face, and God!!!! I wanted to slap him.

I really do.

"Yes. Certainly not with unfamiliar men.” I responded bluntly.

       "Oh! You're terrified of your husband, huh?” He mockingly said that. “I'm certain that your husband tends to be a self-centered basta.......”

       "Don't you dare?" I cut him off instantly. I might not even know Arjun Ji, but still, I can't let anyone say bad things about him. He is my husband, after all.

       "Then prove me wrong." He challenged, and Agh! I can't let him challenge me. "I am Jay. It's nice to meet you. Ms?" He extended his hand.

      “Kaynat Singh.” I stated and confidently shook hands with him.

      "Kaynat. such a lovely name like you." He said. 

      "Pardon me?" I narrowed my eyes as he grinned.

"Nothing." He cleared his throat as he spoke. Then inquire, "So, Ms. Kaynat, what do you do? Or does your husband keep you locked in the house? I mean, a housewife?" God, I want to punch him so badly since he made fun of me again.

"No, I am in the last year of my graduation...."

“Then next?” He interrupted me.

        "I'll finish my post-graduate studies before beginning my PHD." I smiled as I answered.

        Smiled? Why? Even I am clueless. Why?

However, he is amusedly staring at me. I feel like I am the only one in the world to be admired.

       Even though I shouldn't have, I find myself liking that.

Why?

"You have a beautiful smile." My heart skipped a beat when he complimented me.

      No one ever praised me, and it felt……nice. It shouldn't, that's for sure. I paused to collect myself before turning to walk away, but he continued.

“Hey, I'm very sorry if I said something inappropriate.”

"Look, Mr. Jay...."

“Will you join me for a dance?” When the music and lights changed, he interrupted me and extended his hand.

“No........”

“Oh, so you need your husband's approval? Right?" He mockingly cut me off again.

     I clenched my jaw, but he continued. "Where is he? He must be flirting with someone, leaving you here alone."

    "He is not an idiot like you; he is a soldier serving his country." I proudly replied, but why am I standing up for him?

I'm unsure.

Perhaps because he is my husband? But is he really?

"Oh, Indian Army." I scowled as he saluted me while saying this. "One dance won't hurt you. Right?

“No........”

"Please." It came as a plea, and for the first time in my life, I experienced an odd feeling.

      On its own, I cannot even explain why I extend my hand towards his.

      He guided me to the dance floor while holding my hand. As the music changed, he put my hand on his shoulder, held the other in his hand, and wrapped his other hand around my waist.

      Lata Mangeshkar's Lag Ja Gale is playing in the background as the lights are dimly lit.

      My entire system sparks with the slightest touch from him, like if electricity were coursing through me.

     He tugged me a little bit closer to him as I exhaled shakily, and we began to dance to the beat.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks and my heartbeat quicken as his searing gaze remained fixed on me for the entire time.

      God knows what the hell is going on with me. Although it does not feel bad at all, his touch and glance are inappropriate. I shouldn't behave this way with any man other than my husband.

I tried to free myself from his hold, but he twirled me, and now my back is touching his front. My hands are caged in his and resting on my stomach. I'm getting shivers as his hot breath fanned my neck.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes.

        No, Kaynat, this is not right. You shouldn't melt in a stranger's arms; doing so is illicit and sinful.

       I pushed him away after releasing myself from his grip. His expression changed, and it now appears that my actions hurt him.

      I didn't spare him a second glance and sprinted away. My heart is thumping so violently that it could break free from my ribcage at any minute.

I can't.

I sprinted outside and got into my car. The car engine started by the driver. I closed my eyes to calm my racing heart, but as soon as I closed them yet again his beaming face and those emerald eyes were in front of me.

I opened my eyes at once.

Why is this all happening suddenly? I had never felt such attraction or emotion before.

Then why so suddenly now?

      But throughout the brief meeting, I had a lot of unexpected feelings. I enjoyed his compliments, and for the first time ever, my body experienced a strangely euphoric feeling of warmth.

I know it's not right, but I can't help myself. My fingers roll over my nuptial chain, and I keep reminding myself that I am married and committed to someone.

       I've never been this way, despite the fact that I've never met my so-called husband and don't really feel anything for him. That's all I am, just got married. My thoughts may be becoming hazy because of my loneliness.

I'm not sure.

My car abruptly halted, causing me to break the chain of my thoughts as I was completely immersed in them.

      I looked out of the window, and this is not my house, even though it was a deserted road.

I questioned my driver, "What happened?"

     "Maybe something is wrong with the car. Let me check, madam." He replied and came out.

      I was waiting as he checked the car when all of a sudden he entered the backseat from the other side and shut the doors.

      He approached me, holding my hands in one hand while attempting to pull my saree with the other before I could react or understand what he was doing. I began screaming for aid as soon as I regained myself.

"LEAVE ME!!! HELPPPPPP!!! HELPPPP!!"

       I started thrashing my arms and legs while screaming for rescue.

      "Nobody's going to save you, bitch. I'll have you today.” I was disgusted by what he said. I keep trying to get away from him, but where can I go in this tiny space?

      My eyes started to tear up more, and I started to lose vision because of that. But I can't allow a disgraced man tarnish my reputation.

No.

With all my strength. I kicked him hard, and he cried in pain. I took it as an advantage and ran out of the car. Running and screaming for help. The driver is running after me while cursing.

       I'm running for my honor with everything I've got. Even though nobody is around on this empty road, I am pleading to God to save me.

     And suddenly I saw him, and he seemed to be my only remaining hope, so without wasting a second, I hid myself in his arms.

     "Save me, please. Please." I cried even more than before. Hiding in his arms. He was a total stranger, but now it seemed like he was the safest person around.

Yes, he is Mr. Green Eyes. I met him at the party.

"Pleaseeeee. He will....." 

“What happened, Kaynat?” I was sobbing as he asked while holding my face in his hands. “Tell me who did this to you.” He questioned anxiously. His eyes are filled with concern for me and wrath toward the person who intended to harm me.

      My mouth is not uttering any words. Just sobbing when the driver arrived. His eyes suddenly grew darker as they landed on the driver.

       "Pleaseeee saveee meee." I cried even more.

As soon as he realized everything, he began beating the driver.

      I'm just crying as I'm standing there. genuinely terrified. A car pulled up close to us, and a man got out and stopped Mr. Jay.

      He has blood in his eyes. Is it for me? But why?

He approached me, wrapped his coat around me, and stated to the other man, "He tried to take advantage of her."

     "I am a police commissioner, and I will handle him, but I need this Madam's testimony." That man said

     "She is not in a state, but can I talk to you in private?" Mr. Jay said, and the commissioner nodded.

      My driver was put into the commissioner's car as they briefly conversed.

However, I am shivering where I was. Totally unsure of what to do.

     However, one thing is very clear: I feel safest with just him.

Why?

That I'm not sure about.

     Why did I know only he could help me when I saw him getting out of his car?

Soon after, he approaches and makes me sit in his car and I'm trembling like a damp leaf.

"I'll take you home......"

       "No. I don't want to go home. What if he comes back then? What am I going to do then?" I cried as I spoke.

       "He is in jail, and I will make sure he gets the punishment." He said as he was palming my cheeks, but I was just crying and kept shaking my head in denial. "Hey!! Kaynat!! Listen to me...."

"NO .....HE....WILL......PLEASE....DON'T TAKE ME ......THERE...." I cut him off while pleading.

       "Kaynat, listen to me." He tried to calm me, but I could be anything but calm at this moment.

       "No .....one...is .....there....I will.....be...all...alone...he ....will...come..back...please....I don't....want .....to go ....he..will...come...back..." I'm just sobbing because I have no one to keep me safe in my home.

"Hey....."

I am just hiccuping badly. "He.. Will... Come.. Again..to... Stain..me.but there...is... No one to protect me....i ...am ..all....alone....no..one ..is here...."

"You are not ......     " 

       I interrupted him again "You ..... will...leave... Then...he will. ..... Come..back ...to ....he tried...to ...touch....me...made ..me ....dirty.....what....I will....do.." 

      "KAYNAT!;" He sternly called my name, but I just kept babbling. The only fear that completely numbed my senses and fogged my thinking was the fear of being alone.

       "I ...am..all...alone... that's....why...he..did..that....i ..am alone..if....i... wasn’t...he..never..dared....to...there..is...no..one......" 

And at that exact moment, he stopped my blabbering with his mouth on mine.