The bedroom door closed.

The sound was final.

Priya stood near the wall , her hands clenched tightly, her heart pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ear, she already knew why Rudra followed her inside.The silence between them was heavy and dangerous.

We need children, he said suddenly.

She looked up startled.

What ? Her voice shook.

This marriage need heirs, he continued,his tone firm. People are already talking.My mother keep asking.

I'm not ready please.

That answer changed everything.

Rudras jaw tightened.He stepped closer.Ready or not doesn't matter.

Fear crept into her chest . please don't.

He reached for her arm. His grip was rough, impatient.She winced

You are my wife,you don't get to refuse me .

She tried to pull away ,but he pulled harder .Her shoulder hit the bed ,pain shooting through her body .Tears spilled instantly.

You're hurting me,she cried.

He doesn't stop.

His hands held her down ,his weight trapping her,his voice near her ear , you will give me children. Whether you want to or not.

She cried then- he bite her neck leaving hickies on her, it burned her skin .

Not to soon ,she cried with his harsh behaviour,not loudly not crying anymore - just silent, broke sobs that shook her whole body.

When it was over,he stepped away like nothing had happened.

Priya lay there shaking.

Something inside her snapped.

Fear turns into escape.

That night, she didn't sleep.

Her body hurt,with mark ,bites , arching pain in her body,but her mind hurt more.

If I stayed here,I Will be destroyed.

When the house went quite, she stood up slowly,her legs trembling after what Rudra did to her.She didn't take anything.No bag.No jewellery.

She just opened the door.

And ran.

Barefoot.Crying . Breathless.

Priya!

Rudra's shout tore through the night.

She didn't stop.

Strong hands grabbed her hair from behind. She screamed as he dragged her back, her feet scraping the ground.

Have you lost your mind? He yelled pulling her towards the house.

I don't want to live here ! I'm scared of you.

Lamps turned on by his mother.

His mother stepped outside, carrying lamp,shocked -then furious.

What is this drama ? She shouted.

Rudra dragged priya inside.she fell near the doorway, sobbing uncontrollably.

She tried to run , he said .

His mother looked down at priya with disgust .

Shameless girl.

She stepped forward and slapped priya hard .

The sound echoed.

You run after disrespecting your husband?she screamed.After refusing him ?

Priya curled into herself, crying.

You need punishment,the mother in law said coldly,then only girls like you learn.

She turned to Rudra ,no rest, no softness,tie her duties tighter.

Then she looked back at priya.And remember - escape again,i will make sure you regret being born.

The door closed.

Again.

Priya sat on the floor,her body aching,her heart empty.

She hadn't escaped.

She had only proven one thing.

There was no way out .

End of chapter eight