The Marriage He Never Wanted

Episode 2 Title: The Cold Welcome

Anaya stepped out of the car and looked at the huge Malhotra mansion in front of her. It was beautiful, luxurious, and strangely quiet.

This was her new home.

But somehow, it didn't feel like home.

Arjun walked ahead without waiting for her. Anaya followed him silently, holding the edge of her saree as she entered the mansion.

The servants immediately greeted them.

“Welcome, Mrs. Malhotra.”

Anaya gave them a small, nervous smile.

Arjun stopped on the staircase and looked back at her.

“You don't have to pretend to be happy here.”

Anaya frowned. “I'm not pretending.”

“Good.”

He continued walking upstairs.

Anaya followed him until they reached a large bedroom.

She stopped at the doorway.

“This is your room,” Arjun said.

Anaya looked inside. “My room?”

“Yes.”

She looked at him in confusion. “What about you?”

“My room is next door.”

Her heart sank.

She had known this marriage was an arrangement, but she hadn't expected him to keep such a distance from her.

“Arjun…”

He turned toward her.

“Don't misunderstand this marriage,” he said quietly. “We may be husband and wife in front of the world, but our personal lives will remain separate.”

Anaya's eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall.

“Don't worry. I won't interfere in your life.”

For a moment, Arjun stared at her.

Something about the sadness in her voice made him uncomfortable.

But he quickly looked away.

“Good night, Mrs. Malhotra.”

He walked away.

Anaya closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed.

She touched the mangalsutra around her neck.

She had entered this house as Arjun's wife.

But she had never felt more alone.

Meanwhile, inside his own room, Arjun stood near the window, strangely unable to stop thinking about her.

For the first time, he wondered if he had been too harsh.

To be continued… ❤️