Anu arrived for the jathara holidays-Rudra's friend's sister, rich, educated, modern.

Her smile was confident, her presence effortless.

And from the moment she entered, the house seemed to breathe differently.

Priya noticed it immediately.

Her mother-in-law hovered around Anu with pride, introducing her loudly, praising her education, her family, her city manners. Every compliment carried a message-this is what a worthy woman looks like. Priya stood in the background, working, invisible, while Anu sat comfortably beside Rudra, laughing softly at his words.

The mother-in-law watched them closely. And she approved.

Throughout the day, small comments were thrown like poison.

"She understands men better."

"Girls like her know how to keep a husband happy."

"Not everyone is lucky enough to marry quality."

Rudra said nothing.

That silence hurt more than cruelty.

Night came.

The celebrations outside faded, but tension settled thick inside the bedroom. Priya sat on the bed, her body stiff, her mind still haunted by being thrown out, by waiting endlessly, by returning only because her parents had nothing left to sell.

The door opened.

Rudra walked in and closed it behind him.

He didn't shout. He didn't accuse. His calm was dangerous.

"You've changed," he said slowly. "You don't respond anymore."

Priya didn't look at him. "You broke something that cannot be repaired."

He stepped closer.

When she tried to move away, his hand shot out, gripping her arm tightly-too tight. She gasped, pain shooting through her shoulder as his fingers dug into her skin.

"Don't act like I'm a stranger," he said coldly.

She struggled, panic rising. "Let go."

Instead, he forced her back a step, his hand pressing harshly against her side, a sudden rough jab meant to scare her,lightly he slapped her to make her react. Not playful. Not loving. Pure intimidation.

Her breath hitched. Tears burned her eyes-not just from pain, but from humiliation.

"This is what you want?" she whispered, shaking. "After throwing me out... after letting them destroy me?"

His face hardened. "You still belong to me."

She looked up at him then, tears spilling despite her effort to stay strong. "I don't feel anything for you anymore," she said. "Only fear. Only hate."

That word did it.

His grip tightened for a moment longer, as if testing how far she could go, how close she was to breaking. He wanted her to cry. He wanted proof of control.

"Get out," she said suddenly, her voice trembling but clear. "Get out before I completely lose myself."

Something in her tone stopped him.

Slowly, he released her arm.

She collapsed onto the bed, clutching herself, breathing unevenly. Rudra stood there for a second longer, his eyes dark, wounded-not by love, but by rejection.

"You think refusing me makes you strong?" he said quietly. "Careful. Pride doesn't suit women like you."

He turned and walked out.

In the corridor, Anu stood near the window, pretending to watch the lights outside. When Rudra passed her, she looked at him with silent concern-and understanding. Their eyes met briefly.

Priya saw it all from the doorway.

In that moment, she understood the truth:

She was not being punished for her mistakes.

She was being replaced for surviving.

And the worst part?

Rudra didn't desire her love anymore.

He desired the moment she

would finally break.

End of chapter twelven