Dassani Brides

Chapter 6

Geetanjali found herself in a precarious situation that sent shivers down her spine. The weight of an unfulfilled task loomed over her, a task set by her husband that she feared failing. The repercussions of her potential failure were something she was not prepared to face. Despite her husband's silence and lack of reprimand after a meeting with her grandfather-in-law, the tension in the air was thick, like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

Just when she thought things couldn't get any more intense, Kartik made a sudden appearance, adding another layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere. The gravity of the situation between Shiv and Dhananjaya was palpable, casting a shadow over the dinner table. Meera's distress was evident, her unease manifesting in restless movements around the kitchen until the late hours of the night before she finally retreated to her room.

Geetanjali found herself accompanying Meera in delaying the inevitable return to her own quarters, both women apprehensive of facing their husbands. As she finally entered her room, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirled in her mind, her concerns not only for herself but also for Karan and Anjali weighing heavily on her.

Inside the room, Shiv was engrossed in his work, his concentration unwavering. Without a word, Geetanjali slipped into the washroom to change into something more comfortable, taking her time in the hope of postponing a confrontation. From there, she made her way to an unfamiliar balcony, seeking refuge from the impending storm brewing inside.

The balcony, though offering a stunning view of the grand palace, held dark memories for Geetanjali. It was a place where past grievances and mistreatment had festered, a place where she had felt the sting of worthlessness at the hands of Madhu and Shiv. The bitter cold of a January night spent locked outside had left an indelible mark on her soul, a moment of despair and isolation that had scarred her deeply.

"Geetanjali."

The sound of Shiv's voice shattered her reverie, signaling the inevitable confrontation she had been dreading. With a sense of resignation, she reentered the room to find Shiv tidying up his papers, his demeanor tense and foreboding.

"Lock the door."

Geetanjali hesitated, her hands fumbling with the lock on the balcony door before Shiv's command clarified that it was the entry door he wanted secured. The unfamiliar request sent a chill down her spine, raising fears of what might come next.

Was he going to unleash his anger physically, like the watchman who had brutalized his own wife? Geetanjali had witnessed the aftermath of such violence, the bruises and scars that spoke of unspeakable cruelty. While Shiv had never crossed that line, the fear of his temper simmered beneath the surface, a constant threat that loomed over their relationship.

As the room flooded with light and Shiv dimmed the night lamps, Geetanjali dared to hope that perhaps he would overlook her faults for the night and retire to bed. But her hopes were dashed when he issued a chilling command that left her breathless.

"Take off your clothes."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication and intent. Panic surged through Geetanjali as Shiv's proximity and touch sent a wave of dread coursing through her. Her feeble attempts to resist were futile, her struggles met with overpowering force that left her feeling helpless and vulnerable.

In that moment, reality crashed down around her, the stark realization of her predicament sinking in. As she grappled with the violation of her boundaries and the betrayal of trust, Geetanjali found herself at a crossroads, unsure of how to navigate the treacherous waters ahead. In a moment of desperation, she blurted out, "Have women stopped throwing themselves at you?" The words hung in the air, heavy with a mix of defiance and resignation.

*FLASHBACK*

At the dinner table, while enjoying their meal, Shiv suddenly began to cough uncontrollably. Concerned for her husband's well-being, Geetanjali quickly rushed to his side with a glass of water. However, Madhu, for some unknown reason, seemed displeased by this act of care. Later that evening, she decided to confront her daughter-in-law.

"What were you trying to accomplish?" Madhu questioned Geetanjali with a stern tone. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you mean..." Geetanjali replied, confused by the sudden hostility. Without warning, Madhu grabbed Geetanjali's arm and twisted it, causing her to cry out in pain.

"Don't you dare try to outsmart me. Do you think you can manipulate my son and turn him against me?" Madhu accused, her grip tightening on Geetanjali's arm.

"No, you've got it all wrong. Please, let go of me, it hurts..." Geetanjali pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Mom, you can release her," Shiv's calm voice interrupted from behind the two women. "I assure you, I will only be with her if and when women stop throwing themselves at me." With Shiv's reassurance, Geetanjali felt Madhu's hold loosen slightly.

"I know my son well, I trust him completely," Madhu stated, her tone softening slightly. "I was simply cautioning this woman not to play any games with you. I won't tolerate any deceit or manipulation in this family." With that, Madhu exited the room, leaving Geetanjali feeling a mix of hurt and embarrassment.

Shiv, seemingly unfazed by the confrontation, acted as if nothing had happened and retired to his grand, king-sized bed for the night. Geetanjali was left to ponder the events of the evening, unsure of how to feel about the situation or her role in the family dynamic.