Early in the morning rudra started preparing to go to field work.

Priya watched silently from the doorway,hands folded,heart tight .

He paused for a moment, glancing at her.

Her pulse quickened.

But his eyes hard .cold.judging .

As soon as the gate closed he muttered under his breath,bitter.

Her parents.... They gave only half the dowry not even half .

The thought twisted in his mind.

When he returned that evening,the anger didn't vanish .

Where were you? He demanded the second he entered the courtyard.

Priya lowered her gaze . I... I was

Can't you speak a word properly ,he snapped .

Her mother in law watched with a cruel smile.

You should know your place ,rudra continued ,voice low and sharp , your parents failed me .Now ... You will pay for it .

Your father said his reputation is more important than his daughter.

Priya flinched . Fear and shame coursed through her .

He didn't raise his hand .

But the words are cold and cut deeper than any slap.

You will work harder than ever , he said . Every mistake,every delay.. is your burden ,not mine.

Yes Rudra ,she said calmly

Her mother in law watched silently and said she will learn beta . Don't worry

Rudras eyes lingered on priya a bit longer for a moment, but sharp and dangerous .

You'd better, he said or this house will break you .

She bowed her head .

The weight of his anger was suffocating.

And she knew ,in that house

... There was no escaping it .

The end of part three