Chapter: A New Beginning, New Worries

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains of Hrittik's apartment.

Abhina slowly opened her eyes.

For a few moments she simply stared at the ceiling before turning her head.

Hrittik was already awake, quietly reading a newspaper while sipping his morning tea. His reading glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, making him look even more mature.

He noticed her looking.

"Good morning," he smiled warmly.

Abhina smiled shyly.

"Good... morning."

Hrittik folded the newspaper.

"So... how is my wife feeling on her first morning here?"

She blushed.

"It still feels strange."

He chuckled.

"It will take time."

She slowly got out of bed.

"I'll make tea."

Hrittik immediately stopped her.

"No."

"But—"

"You've been everyone's daughter all your life. Yesterday you became my wife. That doesn't mean today you suddenly become a housemaid."

She smiled.

"Then?"

"Today we're making breakfast together."

She laughed.

"Deal."

---

An hour later...

The apartment was filled with laughter.

Abhina tried making parathas.

One turned into an odd triangle.

Another became almost round.

Hrittik burst into laughter.

"What is this?"

"My designer paratha."

"Oh... modern art?"

She hit his arm playfully.

"Don't tease."

They laughed together.

For the first time, the apartment truly felt like a home.

---

Meanwhile...

Most of Hrittik's relatives had begun leaving after the wedding festivities.

Everyone blessed the couple before departing.

Only one person refused to leave.

Krutika.

She walked into the drawing room holding her forehead dramatically.

"I don't think I can travel..."

Everyone looked at her.

"My fever has become worse."

One elderly aunt touched her forehead.

"It isn't even warm."

Krutika quickly replied,

"It comes and goes."

She clutched her stomach.

"I feel extremely weak."

Hrittik understood immediately that she was making excuses.

Still, out of courtesy he said,

"Rest today. If you're genuinely unwell, we'll call a doctor."

Krutika secretly smiled.

Good... one more day inside this house.

---

By afternoon...

Abhina and Hrittik went to the Roy Mansion to seek blessings from Abhinav and Mareena after the wedding.

As soon as they entered...

Mareena hugged Abhina tightly.

"My little girl..."

Abhina smiled.

"I'm fine, Maa."

Abhinav blessed both of them.

"Stay happy."

Hrittik bent respectfully to touch both their feet.

Abhinav gently lifted him.

"No more formalities."

Hrittik smiled.

"I've gained parents again."

Mareena's eyes became moist.

---

Suddenly...

Loud shouting echoed through the mansion.

Everyone rushed towards the hall.

Zainab was standing before Vedant.

"You can't ignore me forever!"

Vedant looked exhausted.

"I've already told you everything."

"You are the father!"

"I still want a DNA test after the child is born."

"You don't trust me?"

Vedant replied coldly,

"Trust has to be earned."

Zainab glared.

"So you're abandoning your child?"

Vedant answered,

"I never said that."

"Then marry me!"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because marriage isn't a punishment."

Zainab clenched her fists.

Vedant continued,

"I've made enough mistakes in my life. I'm trying to become a better person. I'm not marrying because of pressure."

Abhinav sighed helplessly.

Mareena watched silently.

Hrittik observed everything carefully.

Something still didn't feel right.

---

Later that evening...

Following Bengali tradition after marriage, a small household puja was arranged.

Abhina and Hrittik sat together before the sacred fire.

The priest smiled.

"May your marriage be filled with patience, friendship and understanding."

Hrittik looked at Abhina.

She smiled back.

Both folded their hands before the deity.

Mareena watched proudly.

Abhinav silently prayed,

"May this child finally receive the happiness she deserves."

---

Night.

Back at Hrittik's apartment...

Everything had become quiet.

Suddenly—

"Aahhh!"

Krutika screamed from the guest room.

"My stomach!"

Everyone rushed there.

Hrittik immediately supported her.

"What happened?"

"My stomach is burning..."

She suddenly leaned forward and tried hugging him tightly.

Hrittik instantly stepped back.

He firmly held her shoulders and created distance.

"Krutika."

His voice became serious.

"Don't cross your limits."

She looked embarrassed.

"I... I was just scared."

"I understand fear."

"But you don't hug a married man like this."

Abhina stood silently near the doorway.

Hrittik continued,

"If you're genuinely sick, we'll take you to a hospital."

"If not, please don't create unnecessary scenes."

Krutika lowered her eyes.

She realized her plan had failed again.

---

The next morning...

Abhina wore a simple cotton kaneez, tied her hair into a loose ponytail and packed her books.

Hrittik handed her lunch.

"Don't skip meals."

She smiled.

"Yes."

"And call me when classes end."

She nodded.

"I will."

He watched proudly as she left for college.

---

College Campus.

As soon as Abhina entered...

Some classmates whispered.

"Look..."

"The married one."

Another laughed.

"Our college aunty has arrived."

Someone joked,

"Madam came straight after marriage."

A few students giggled.

Abhina lowered her eyes for a second.

Before she could react...

One of her close friends walked over.

"Ignore them."

Another friend smiled.

"We're happy for you."

A third girl hugged her.

"You look beautiful with sindoor."

Abhina finally smiled.

"Thank you..."

The cruel words still hurt...

But for the first time...

She also had friends who stood beside her.

---

Meanwhile...

Back at the Roy Mansion...

Vedant's room was empty.

His wardrobe was open.

Some clothes were missing.

His phone had been left behind.

Abhinav frowned.

"Where has Abhipriyo gone?"

Mareena looked around.

"He didn't tell anyone?"

"No."

At the same time...

Zainab searched every room.

Her expression slowly changed from irritation...

...to panic.

"Vedant?"

No reply.

She searched the terrace.

The garden.

The driveway.

Nothing.

Her heartbeat quickened.

"Where did he go?" she whispered to herself.

For the first time...

Even she had no idea where Vedant had disappeared.

Precap:

Krutika: You know we had crossed our limits when we were young.... and now he did the same today...

She is shattered.... he broke her trust.

.

.

.

Sir Mr. Roy is no more....

Abhinav is shocked and stands still like a rock...

Zainab is in tension........

Mareena: Zainab beta take care of yourself.....

Zainab falls...... Aaahhhhhhh