Priya slept barely few hours.

Before sky turned pale , hard knock landed on the door.

Get up .

Her mother in laws voice.

Priya jolted awake and hurried outside, her hair loose,eyes heavy .

Late already the women snapped.

I'm sorry said priya.

The slap came quickly .

Rudra stood near the courtyard, adjusting his cuffs .

He watched.

Said nothing.

Clean the cowshed,his mother ordered. Then kitchen,then wash clothes.

Priya nodded,tears burned her eyes .

As she turned away , Rudra spoke .

If she delays breakfast,he said calmly,skip her meal .

Her steps faltered.

Yes ,his mother replied in satisfaction.

She hated her for a reason but why?

Priya stomach tightened.

By noon her hands were raw .

Sweat soaked her blouse ,dust clung to her skin ,when she finally served food . Her fingers shook .

Rudra noticed .

You're spilling, he said coldly.

I will clean it ,she whispered.

He stood suddenly.

The movement startled her .

Look at me ,he ordered.

She raised her eyes .

Do you enjoy being careless,he asked

No she said quickly.

Then learn Faster .

His hand struck her shoulder lightly .

Not hard enough to knock her down . Hard enough to silence her .

Her ears rang , her eyes filled with tears .

Rudra learned closer .

Crying will earn you more he said strictly like a teacher .

Control yourself.

She nodded,biting her lip until it hurt .

Good, he said , sitting back down. Now serve me properly.

That night,priya washed her face quietly.

The mark on her cheek was faint but real .

As she lay down , Rudra sproke from the darkness .

You embarrassed me today .

I'm sorry she said .

I don't want your sorry ,I want your obedience.

She turned her face away .

Silence filled the room .

Then , unexpectedly

Next time,Rudra added ,stand still when i raise my

hand .

Her breath caught

She sobbed saying okay

And then he closed his eyes .

End of part 2