Rajvansh Mansion – Past Midnight"********
The fireworks had faded, the music was a distant memory, and a quiet calm had finally settled over the Rajvansh Mansion.
Inside the living room, the newlyweds stood surrounded by warm smiles and sleepy eyes. Yukti stood beside Yuvraj, her fingers lightly curled into the edge of her dupatta, as if it gave her courage.
Just then, Manjri stepped forward, her eyes full of love.
“Beta, it’s very late now. You both should go and rest.”
Yuvraj nodded politely. “Ji Maa.”
Manjri turned to Yukti with the same gentle smile.
“Yukti, this is your home now. Go freshen up and get some rest. You’ve had a long day.”
Yukti gave a nervous smile and folded her hands in respect.
“Ji... aunty—”
Manjri cut her off sweetly. “Aunty nahi, Maa.”
Yukti’s cheeks flushed pink as she nodded. “Ji… Maa.”
The Newlyweds' Room*******
Yuvraj opened the door and stepped aside.
“After you,” he said softly.
Yukti walked in, quiet and a little overwhelmed. The room was beautiful—warm lights, rose petals, soft candles flickering, and a delicate floral canopy over the bed. The scent of jasmine filled the air.
She stood still, not quite sure where to go or what to do. Her hands tightened around her dupatta again.
Yuvraj followed in, gently shutting the door. He didn’t come too close. Instead, he moved to the side table and poured a glass of water.
“Would you like some?” he asked.
She nodded silently. He handed it to her. Their fingers brushed for a second. Her breath hitched, but she steadied herself.
He waited a moment and then said softly,
“You can lie down and rest, Yukti. You must be exhausted.”
Yukti looked up at him.
“Where will you sleep?”
He smiled slightly.
“I’ll sleep right here. But only if you’re okay with that. Otherwise, I can step out. It’s your comfort that matters.”
She blinked, caught off guard by the respect in his voice.
“It’s not that I’m uncomfortable… I just need time to adjust to everything.”
Yuvraj stepped forward, keeping his tone gentle.
“And you’ll have it. As much time as you need. I’m not here to rush anything. We’re in this together, Yukti… at your pace.”
There was silence again. A peaceful, steady kind of silence.
She turned toward the mirror and began removing her jewellery—the maang tikka, earrings, necklace—her movements slow and uncertain. When her fingers reached her mangalsutra, she paused.
Yuvraj saw her struggling slightly.
“May I help?” he asked from behind her.
She nodded.
He stepped close, carefully unclasped the chain. His fingers brushed the nape of her neck, but the touch was respectful—deliberate.
As he placed the mangalsutra on the dresser, he spoke softly.
“You’re a part of my life now, Yukti. But how this relationship grows, how close we get… all of it will be your choice. Always.”
Yukti turned to face him. Her eyes met his—and for the first time, she didn’t look away.
“I may not know how to be a perfect wife yet,” she said softly, “but I know I trust you.”
He looked at her for a long second.
Then gently, he took her hand and raised it to his lips.
“That’s more than enough for tonight.”
They sat side by side on the edge of the bed—still dressed in wedding finery, still strangers in many ways, and yet something had shifted.
The night didn’t end with fire or passion. It ended with peace.
A quiet promise.
A safe beginning.
And the sound of two hearts learning to breathe together.
End of Chapter 11
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