By nightfall priyas body was trembling.

She had worked since sunrise - scrubbing floors , washing vessels, grinding spices, serving everyone before herself,her arm ached. Her feet burned .No one told her to stop . No one ever did.

When dinner was served ,she stood in a corner,eyes lowered.

Why are you standing like a beggar? Her mother in law snapped.

Go finish the work in the kitchen.

Priya nodded silently.

She didn't eat .

In the kitchen,she sank down in the corner, hugging her knees, the smell of food made her stomach twist painfully.Tears slipped down her cheeks, falling soundlessly on her saree .

I'm tired,she said to herself.

So tired.

She cried without sound, afraid even her tears would be considered disobedience.

Time passed.

In the bedroom,Rudra waited.

When she didn't come.

Minutes turned in to longer silence .

Something felt wrong.

He stood, irritated mixing with unease,and stepped out,he searched the courtyard.the varanda. Then the kitchen.

He stopped.

Priya was sitting on the floor, back against the wall,face buried in her arms .Her shoulders shook .

For a moment,he just stood there.

Watching.

You didn't eat,he said .

She started, scrambling to stand,I- i wasn't hungry.

Lie

He saw it clearly now ,her pale face,the dark circles,the way she swayed slightly when she stood .

Sit ,he ordered, pulling a stool closer .

She hesitated.

She obeyed.

He picked up the plate and filled with food,scooped a small portion,and held it out ,not gently,Not roughly either.Firm

Eat.

Her eyes filled again. Please....I don't deserve,-

I didn't ask what you deserve.

She took the food and ate slowly,tears slipping down,He watched until she finished every bite .

Next time,he said quietly,you don't skip meals . I don't keep weak things in my house .

He reached out, gripping her arm ,not in anger, but in control and pulled her to her feet .

Come .

He didn't ask .

He took her to the bedroom, guiding her forward like it was decided already - like she was decided already.

As she sat on the edge of the bed , exhausted beyond words,he stood in front of her .

You break quietly,he said .

That's dangerous.

She lowered her head.

Sleep,he ordered.

And for the first time that night..

She did

Not because she was safe .

But because he had finally noticed.

End of chapter eight.

Author's Note:

Hey reader's ❤️ This is my first book,and I'm really excited and nervous to share it with you.English isn't my first language,but I'm trying my best.

Your feedback and suggestions wil

l help me improve a lot . Thank you for supporting a new writer ❤️.

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