Chapter Two

In their room, Tara lay on the bed, her mind racing with thoughts of this new life and the fresh start that lay ahead. She tried to steady her heartbeat, wondering what challenges awaited her in this unfamiliar world and with a man who seemed as distant as a stranger.

Tara Aryan (POV)

"I was forced to marry him, and now I lie here in this unfamiliar bed, haunted by his words: 'This isn't going to be easy. I don't want you to get any wrong ideas. I'm not looking for a partner; I need someone to fulfill a role. You need to understand that.'

His words cut deeper than I care to admit. They make it clear that I'm nothing more than a duty to him, a name on a piece of paper. I can feel the weight of his indifference pressing down on me, yet there's something about the way he carries himself-something I can't ignore.

Despite his coldness, I can't shake the feeling that there's more to him than he lets on. I won't allow this marriage to be a cage. I'm determined to carve out my own space in his life, to make him see that I'm not just here to fulfill a role. I'll show him that love isn't a burden; it can be a choice. And maybe, just maybe, I can change his mind."

As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts lingered on the way Vikram seemed to hold himself back-as though he were fighting a battle she couldn't see.

The next morning, Tara woke up early, looking around her new room and taking in every detail. But Vikram was nowhere to be seen.

"Did he not come back?" she wondered, feeling a strange disappointment.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She stood up and opened it to find Avni, Vikram's younger sister, standing there with a bright smile.

Avni's Appearance: Avni Singhania had a delicate, youthful look with fair skin that glowed naturally. Standing at about 5'5", her slender frame was complemented by long, silky black hair that fell in soft waves down her back, often tied in a casual ponytail. Her large, expressive hazel eyes lit up with curiosity, and her dimpled smile exuded a warmth that made people feel instantly at ease.

"Bhabhi, good morning!" Avni greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning," Tara replied, her nerves easing in the presence of Vikram's sweet-natured sister.

Avni held out a beautiful pink saree, offering it to Tara. "This is for today. Do you need any help with it?"

Tara shook her head with a soft smile. "No, thank you, Avni." She took the saree, grateful for the kindness.

As the morning went on, the delicious aroma of spices filled the hall. The family gathered, savoring the fragrance of Tara's first rasoi, her first meal prepared for the family as their daughter-in-law.

Aditya, Vikram's best friend, glanced around with an amused grin. "Who's cooking today?"

"Bhabhi is preparing breakfast," Avni announced with pride, glancing at Tara as she entered with a tray of steaming food.

Everyone gathered around the dining table, the room buzzing with warmth and chatter. As Tara moved to serve each person, her heart raced slightly when her gaze fell on Vikram. He hadn't spoken much, keeping his eyes down. But when the soft clinking of her bangles caught his attention, he looked up.

For a moment, his stoic expression softened. There she stood, draped in a delicate light pink saree, a bindi on her forehead, and kohl lining her eyes, carrying herself with quiet grace. Vikram's gaze lingered a little longer than he'd planned, and he quickly turned away, his heartbeat drumming in his chest.

"I hope you all love it," Tara said, smiling at the family.

His mother beamed, touching Tara's cheek affectionately. "Dear, we do."

Tara moved to serve Vikram, her eyes meeting his briefly as he took the plate without a word. He remained silent, but she caught the flicker of something in his eyes-something that vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

After everyone finished eating, they gathered around Tara, giving her small gifts in appreciation. When Aditya handed her a gift, he chuckled softly."Call me 'bhaiya,' if you don't mind. I'd like that."

Tara's smile brightened. "I'd love to, bhaiya."

With breakfast complete, the family moved to the hall, where talk of a reception party filled the air. But Vikram's voice cut through the conversation, cold and final.

"There won't be any party. I'm not interested in it." His words brought an uncomfortable silence.

Before his father could interject, Tara spoke up, calm and understanding. "It's alright. We can hold the reception later; there's no rush."

His mother nodded, smiling gratefully. "She's right. We'll plan a wonderful celebration, just not now."

Vikram glanced up, surprised by her response. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, they stared at each other. She could see the resistance in his gaze, the walls he'd built to keep her out. Yet in her eyes, he saw the quiet determination of someone who wasn't going to back down easily.

Avni coughed, breaking the silence, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Careful, bhai. If you keep staring at her like that, you'll cast an evil eye on your beautiful bride."

Caught off-guard, Vikram's cheeks tinged red, while Tara looked away, trying to hide her blush.

---

Vikram Singhania (POV)

"I married the woman I loved once. It was beautiful, everything I'd dreamed of, until the day it all collapsed. I lost her-and with her, I lost my will to walk again. Now, I don't even desire to stand on my feet.

Then my family forced me into another marriage. She carries the same name as my late wife, a cruel reminder I didn't ask for. I don't want to love her. I'm not even sure I'm capable of it anymore. But then, there's this feeling, this strange sense of familiarity, as if I've known her long before the wedding vows.

I don't want to fall for her. I can't. But...what if, despite everything, I already am?"

---

After the breakfast dishes had been cleared and everyone dispersed, Vikram stayed behind, quietly observing the subtle changes around him now that Tara was in his life. He wouldn't admit it, but there was something about the warmth she brought, even in small gestures, that lingered in the air.

Just then, Aditya entered, placing a tablet and a sleek laptop bag on the table beside Vikram.

"Ready, Vikram?" Aditya asked, glancing from his friend to the neatly organized business reports on the tablet.

Vikram nodded, pressing a button on his wheelchair that activated its smooth, silent movement. Tara, observing from a distance, saw a change in his expression-a glint of focus, maybe even passion. He looked distant, but it was a different kind of distance, the kind that belonged to a man with purpose, a man not easily deterred by anything, let alone a wheelchair.

As he headed out with Aditya, he didn't spare her a glance. Yet Tara felt a strange sense of pride-he wasn't just any man, he was a fighter, determined to keep living his life his way.

Aditya glanced back, smiling faintly. "Don't wait up, Tara," he said with a wink. "He's about to show the world why Vikram Singhania doesn't need legs to stand tall."

Watching them go, Tara felt a sense of anticipation and wonder. She might not understand him yet, but she was determined to. And as she closed the door behind them, she whispered to herself, This is just the beginning.

Chapter Ends.