The night of Neglect

Chapter 1: The Night of Neglect The edge of her red Banarasi saree was crumpled. Ananya was sitting curled up in one corner of the bed, wearing heavy jewelry and a veil on her head. Ananya is truly beautiful, MashaAllah. Her milky white skin, her long black hair falling past her waist, and her big deer-like eyes could make anyone fall in love at first sight. But today, her soft lips like rose petals were trembling with fear and humiliation. Adib was standing in front of the mirror, opening the buttons of his sherwani. In the mirror, Ananya's reflection was visible, but there was no love in Adib's eyes, only sharp neglect. Adib is tall and has a slim, fit body. His broad shoulders from regular gym workouts and his well-built body would catch any girl's eye. But behind this handsome face, there is now an arrogant and angry man hiding. Adib took off his sherwani and threw it on the bed. The bed shook a little and Ananya flinched. Adib put his hand in his pocket and stood in front of Ananya. His deep voice broke the silence of the room. "What did you think, Ananya? Just because our parents forced us to marry, will I give you the respect of a wife? Never! This beauty is good to show to society, not for me." Ananya looked up. Her big eyes were filled with tears. She said in a trembling voice, "But I didn't do anything wrong. Our two families agreed..." "Shut up!" Adib shouted. "The agreement was only my parents', not mine. Do you think seeing your doll-like face, I will forget my past? In fact, there is already a special person in my life. Her name is Riya. I only love Riya." After saying this, Adib took out his t-shirt and trousers from the cupboard and went towards the bathroom. Ananya sat like a stone. Today was supposed to be the most special night of her life. But her fate gave her the worst humiliation. Tears started falling from her eyes. She could not even think that the boy her parents liked as so decent and good could be so cruel. After a while, Adib came out of the bathroom after changing. He took a pillow and a blanket from one corner of the bed. Looking at Ananya, he said for the last time, "I am sleeping on the sofa. And listen, don't do any drama in front of my parents tomorrow morning. If my mother sees tears in your eyes, then you will face consequences." Adib went and lay down on the sofa and turned off the light. The whole room was now in dark silence. Ananya lay down on one side of the bed with her heavy lehenga and jewelry. She pressed her face into the pillow so that no one could hear her crying. Their wedding night ended with neglect and humiliation. Next Morning. Golden sunlight was coming inside the room through the window. Ananya woke up very early and got fresh. She wore a simple red dress, her hair in a loose bun. Adib was still sleeping on the sofa. As soon as Ananya came out of the room, she met Adib's mother, Rehana Begum, in the drawing room. Rehana Begum hugged Ananya with a sweet smile. "My daughter! You woke up so early in the morning? You didn't have any trouble last night, right?" Ananya forced a smile and said, "No Ammu, I had no trouble." Just then, Adib's father, Jamil Saheb, came out of the room with a newspaper in his hand. He saw Ananya and said, "Oh, the lucky daughter-in-law of our house! Has Adib woken up? He is very lazy, go and wake him up. Today we will have breakfast together with you two." Ananya lowered her head and walked towards Adib's room. A sharp fear was working inside her. What if Adib humiliates her again in front of everyone? Entering the room, Ananya saw Adib was already awake and talking to someone on the phone in a very soft voice. Seeing Ananya enter, Adib cut the call and his face became hard in a moment. "Abbu-Ammu are calling you for breakfast," Ananya said in a low voice. Adib got up from the bed and came very close to Ananya. In front of his tall body, Ananya looked very small. Adib grabbed Ananya's chin tightly. Ananya closed her eyes in pain. "Remember Ananya, don't make a sad face at the table. Talk with a smile. And yes, today a special guest is coming to this house in the afternoon. There should be no mistake in her hospitality," Adib whispered. Ananya just nodded after freeing her chin. She could not understand who Adib was talking about. In the afternoon, when the whole house was quiet, the calling bell rang. Ananya was helping Rehana Begum in the kitchen. Jamil Saheb was sitting in the drawing room. Adib himself went and opened the door. As soon as the door opened, a modern girl entered. She was wearing jeans and a top, her hair highlighted. The girl entered and hugged Adib tightly, "Hi Adib baby! I missed you so much!" Ananya and Rehana Begum came out of the kitchen and were stunned to see this scene. Adib held the girl's hand and brought her to the middle of the drawing room and announced in front of everyone, "Abbu, Ammu... and Ananya, let me introduce you. This is Riya. My girlfriend. And very soon she will come to this house as the younger daughter-in-law!" Riya looked at Ananya and gave a crooked, ugly smile. The ground under Ananya's feet seemed to slip away. Jamil Saheb stood up from the sofa in anger and shouted, "Adib! What kind of misbehavior is this? Yesterday you married Ananya!" Adib said without any hesitation, "I told you before, Abbu, I have not accepted Ananya. From today, Riya will stay in this house, with me." Ananya stood frozen. Her fair face turned red with humiliation and anger. But she is helpless now. But will this Ananya remain weak forever? Or will this extreme humiliation change her one day? To be continued...