Chapter 4: A New Beginning

The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, gently lighting up the room.

Shreya slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she smiled, remembering that she was no longer in her parents' home. She was now in her husband's house... her new home.

Her smile faded as she noticed the empty space beside her.

Confused, she looked around the room.

Her eyes finally fell on the couch.

Karthik was sleeping there, one arm resting over his forehead. He still wore the same clothes from the previous night, and the blanket had slipped onto the floor.

A strange feeling settled in her heart.

"Did he sleep there because he wasn't comfortable... or because of me?"

She didn't know the answer.

Quietly getting out of bed, she walked toward him. The room felt cold because of the air conditioner. Without making a sound, she picked up the blanket and gently covered him.

As she adjusted it over his shoulder, she noticed how tired he looked.

"He must be exhausted after the wedding," she whispered to herself.

Just then, a voice came from outside.

"Karthik... are you awake?"

It was his mother.

Startled, Shreya quickly stepped back.

Karthik slowly opened his eyes. For a brief moment, he looked confused before his gaze landed on Shreya.

"Good morning," she said with a shy smile.

He sat up and noticed the blanket covering him.

"Good morning."

Neither of them mentioned it.

"Karthik!" his mother called again. "Both of you come downstairs. Everyone is waiting."

"We'll be there in a minute, Mom," he replied.

Shreya quickly freshened up and wore a simple light-blue saree. Taking a deep breath, she walked downstairs beside Karthik.

The living room was filled with cheerful voices.

The moment everyone saw the newlyweds, smiles spread across their faces.

"Good morning!" Shreya greeted politely.

"Good morning, dear," her mother-in-law replied warmly before asking her to sit beside her.

As soon as Karthik sat down, his cousin grinned mischievously.

"So, Anna... you finally woke up! Looks like someone didn't let you sleep last night."

The entire family burst into laughter.

Shreya's cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment.

Karthik calmly picked up a glass of water.

"We were both tired after the wedding," he answered without changing his expression.

His reply immediately ended the teasing.

Breakfast was served.

His mother lovingly placed hot idlis on Shreya's plate.

"Karthik, pass the coconut chutney to your wife."

Without saying a word, he handed her the bowl.

"Thank you," Shreya said softly.

He simply nodded.

Although they exchanged only a few words, his family noticed that he didn't ignore her.

To them, that was enough.

After breakfast, everyone became busy with their own work.

The house slowly grew quiet.

Shreya was about to help her mother-in-law in the kitchen when Karthik stopped beside her.

"You don't have to do everything today," he said.

She looked at him in surprise.

"I wanted to help."

"You've been standing since yesterday. Get some rest."

For a second, she couldn't believe what she had heard.

It wasn't a romantic gesture.

It wasn't even a long conversation.

But it was the first time he had shown concern for her.

A small smile appeared on her lips.

"Okay."

As Karthik walked away, his eyes unconsciously drifted toward the blanket neatly folded on the couch.

He knew he hadn't covered himself.

Without realizing it, he smiled faintly.

It lasted only a second.

But somewhere deep inside his guarded heart, the first crack had quietly appeared.

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