AVNEIL.SHORT STORY - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

The sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, brushing the pale walls of the guest room in golden warmth. But Avni felt none of it.
She had barely slept.
Her bridal bangles were still on, jingling softly as she folded her hands and sat on the edge of the bed. The silence was suffocating. The wedding may have ended, but this didn't feel like a beginning-it felt like a punishment.
She got up, smoothed the creases of her pale pink salwar kameez, and took a deep breath. You have to try, Avni. For Bebe. For the family.
She stepped out of the room and padded softly through the grand hallway, marveling at how silent everything was. The house was beautiful-but so empty, so cold. Just like Neil.
As she reached the dining area, she paused.
The family was already gathered.
Swetha Khanna was seated at the head of the table, looking graceful in a light saree. Prakash Khanna was sipping his tea and reading the newspaper. Bebe was at the far end, beaming when she saw Avni approach.
Neil was there too. Of course. Dressed in a sharp navy suit, hair neatly styled, he looked like he belonged on the cover of Forbes. His face, however, was blank. As if she didn't exist.
"Good morning, Bebe," Avni greeted softly, folding her hands.
"Good morning, my doll!" Bebe lit up and waved her over. "Come, sit. I told the cook to make your favorite-aloo paratha!"
Avni blinked. "But... how did you-?"
"Bebe knows everything," Swetha said with a soft smile. "Come, Avni. Sit beside me."
Neil didn't look up. Avni hesitated, then obeyed.
As she sat down, she felt Neil shift ever so slightly away from her. Her chest tightened, but she said nothing.
"Did you sleep well, Avni?" Swetha asked kindly.
"Ji, aunty-I mean, mummyji," she corrected herself quickly. "Yes."
"Good," Prakash said, still behind his paper. "We have a small family dinner this Saturday. Just close friends. I'd like you to attend."
Neil scoffed under his breath. "Why wouldn't she? She's part of the family now. The trophy wife."
The room went quiet.
Avni's cheeks burned. She looked down at her plate.
Swetha's expression stiffened. "Neil, that's enough."
But Neil continued eating, unbothered.
Avni forced a smile, trying to blink away the tears. "It's okay, mummyji."
Bebe reached over and squeezed her hand under the table.
After breakfast, Neil stood abruptly. "I'm going to work."
"Take Avni with you," Swetha said suddenly.
Neil turned slowly, eyes narrowing. "Why?"
"She's your wife," Swetha replied calmly. "Let her see your world."
"I didn't ask for a wife," he muttered, picking up his phone. "Especially not one that doesn't belong in my world."
And just like that, he left.
Avni stood still, frozen.
Swetha walked over and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Beta, he's angry. But he's not heartless. Just... give him time."
Bebe smiled warmly. "And in the meantime, win over the rest of us. You already have my heart, puttar."
Avni blinked rapidly, holding back tears. "Thank you... I'll try my best."
But deep inside, she knew this wouldn't be easy.