Third Person’s POV
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft patterns across the room. Anushri stirred awake, the memories of the previous night flooding back—her wedding, the unfamiliar faces, and most importantly, the man she will now called her husband. She glanced over at him, still asleep on the bed, and felt a wave of gratitude mixed with anxiety.
Today would be her first full day in this new house, and the thought both thrilled and terrified her.
As she got out of bed, she took shower She changed into a simple dress which was looking so beautiful to her, feeling more like herself. Anushri tiptoed to the kitchen, hoping to find something familiar to ground her in this new world.
Anushri entered the kitchen, where the fragrant aroma of spices filled the air. The house was bustling with activity as her new family prepared for the day. The warm smiles of her mother-in-law, Sanjana, and her sister-in-law welcomed her.
“Good morning, Anushri! Would you like to help me with breakfast?” Sanjana asked, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
Anushri hesitated, unsure if she should interfere in the well-oiled routine. “I... I can help,” she finally managed, a shy smile breaking across her face.
“Perfect! We’re making poha and chai,” Sanjana said, handing her a few ingredients. Anushri's hands moved instinctively, slicing vegetables and mixing spices, her confidence slowly building.
“You cook beautifully! I can tell you’ll fit right in,” Sanjana complimented, her praise making Anushri's heart flutter with warmth. She felt a little more at ease in the bustling kitchen, the laughter and chatter soothing her nerves.
As they cooked together, Anushri found herself laughing and enjoying the simple pleasure of creating a meal. The tension from the night before began to fade, replaced by a sense of belonging. Maybe this family could accept her after all.
After breakfast, Anushri felt an urge to explore the house. “Can I look around?” she asked, her curiosity bubbling over.
“Of course! Let me show you,” her sister-in-law, Kavya(groom cousin), chimed in. “There’s a small balcony where you can sit and read. It’s my favorite spot!”
Kavya led Anushri to the balcony, and as she stepped outside, the view took her breath away. The bustling street below, the laughter of children playing, and the soft rustling of leaves made her feel a connection to this new place. It was vibrant, alive, and welcoming.
_____
As Anushri took in the surroundings, she felt a strange sense of hope. Perhaps her dreams could still exist alongside this new life. She spotted a bookshelf in the corner of the living room, filled with novels of various genres. Her heart raced; books had always been her refuge.
“Do you like to read?” Kavya asked, noticing her gaze.
“Very much! I used to spend hours in the library,” Anushri replied, her voice lighting up.
“Then you’ll love this! You can borrow any book you want,” Kavya encouraged, her enthusiasm infectious.
Anushri’s mind raced with possibilities. She could carve out time for herself, even in this new life. The thought brought a smile to her face.
As the day wore on, Anushri continued to navigate her new surroundings. Her husband, who returned home for lunch. He entered the kitchen, a casual air about him, and greeted her with a soft smile.
“How’s your first day going?” he asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.
“It’s... nice. Everyone is really welcoming,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light. The familiarity in his demeanor made her feel at ease, and she found herself enjoying their conversations more than she had anticipated.
“Good. I know it can be overwhelming. Just take your time,” he encouraged, his eyes warm and understanding.
As they sat down to eat, Anushri felt a sense of peace settle over her. The food was delicious, filled with flavors that reminded her of home, and she found herself laughing and engaging in light-hearted banter with her new family.
The sun began to set, casting a golden hue across the living room as the family gathered for dinner. Anushri participated in the lively conversations, her initial fears slowly dissipating. She felt as though she was becoming a part of something larger, a tapestry woven with the threads of their shared experiences.
As the night wore on, Anushri excused herself and stepped outside onto the balcony again. The stars twinkled above, a reminder of the dreams she had for her future. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill her lungs.
“I can do this,” she whispered to herself. “I can find my place here.”
In that moment, she realized that while her life had taken an unexpected turn, it was still hers to shape. And with newfound determination, Anushri stepped back inside, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.
