Ishita’s POV

I was lying on the bed, playing with the thread of my dupatta, when my phone rang. Seeing ‘Maa’ flashing on the screen, a wide smile stretched across my face. I quickly answered, my voice filled with excitement.

“Maa! Aapko pata hai yahan kya kya ho raha hai?” I started, ready to spill all the tea about my first few days at Raghuvanshi Mansion.

[Maa, You know what happened there]

But before I could continue, Maa chuckled, cutting me off. “Pehle ek important baat sun le, beta.”

[First listen a important thing]

I frowned slightly, sitting up. “Kya hua, Maa?”

[What happened maa]

“Tera pag phera ka time ho gaya hai. Tujhe ghar aana hai.”

[It's time for your Pag Phera ritual, you need to come home.]

My heart skipped a beat. Pag Phera! That meant I could finally go back to my parents’ house, even if just for a short while.

I beamed. “Sach, Maa?! Main aa sakti hoon?”

[Really? Can I come?]

Maa laughed. “Arre, yeh bhi koi puchne wali baat hai? Yeh rasam hoti hai. Ab tu beti se bahu ban gayi hai, lekin pehli baar sasural chhodkar maayke aane ka alag hi maza hota hai.”

[Oh, is that even a question? This is a tradition! You may have become a daughter-in-law now, but there's a special joy in coming back to your maternal home for the first time after marriage.]

I nodded eagerly, even though she couldn’t see me. “Main abhi bag pack karti hoon!”

[I'll pack my bag right now.]

Just then, I heard someone clear their throat behind me.

I turned around and found Maa ji—Meera Raghuvanshi, my mother-in-law, standing by the door with a small, knowing smile.

My grip on the phone tightened as I quickly greeted her. “Maa ji!”

She walked inside gracefully and took a seat on the couch. “Kis se baat ho rahi hai, beta?”

[Who are you talking to, beta?]

Before I could answer, Maa spoke loudly from the phone, having overheard. “Meera ji, main Ishita ki maa bol rahi hoon. Hum soch rahe the ki uska pag phera kar lein. Kya hum use kal bhej sakte hain?”

[Meera ji, this is Ishita's mother speaking. We were thinking of doing her Pag Phera ritual. Can we bring her home tomorrow?]

Maa smiled warmly and took the phone from my hand.

“Bilkul, kyun nahi? Yeh toh rasam hai.” She glanced at me and then continued, “Lekin Ishita sirf ek din ke liye nahi, do din ke liye aayegi. Uska bhai kal use lene aayega.”

[Yes, Why not? This is ritual.

But Ishita won't come just for one day, she'll stay for two days. Her brother will come to pick her up.]

My eyes widened in surprise. Two days?!

Even Maa seemed surprised on the other end. “Arre, Meera ji, ek din bhi kaafi tha…”

[Meera ji, One day was enough]

Maa ji laughed softly. “Nahi, nahi. Ek din bahut kam hota hai. Beti ko apne maayke ki yaadon ka pura maza lena chahiye. Do din baithkar aaram se baat kar lena. Uske liye bhi naya ghar hai, naye log hain, toh thoda waqt milega relax karne ka.”

[No, no. One day is too short. A daughter should fully enjoy the memories of her maternal home. Let her stay for two days, sit, and talk comfortably. It's a new home and new people for her too, so she’ll get some time to relax.]

My heart swelled at her kindness. She really was different from the typical strict mother-in-law stereotypes I had feared.

Maa finally agreed, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries, she hung up.

I turned to Maa ji, smiling brightly. “Aapne do din ke liye kyun bola?”

[Why did you say two days?]

She patted my head affectionately. “Beti jitni bhi pyaari ho, pehli baar maayke se sasural aane ka dukh hota hi hai. Thodi der aur maa ke paas rahegi, toh tujhe bhi accha lagega.”

[No matter how beloved a daughter is, the first time leaving her maternal home for her in-laws is always emotional. If she stays a little longer with her mother, it will make you feel better too.]

Tears pricked my eyes at her words. My mother-in-law was so understanding.

I hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Maa ji.”

She chuckled. “Arre, ab yeh mat kehna ki vahan jaake mujhe yaad karegi aur rona dhona karegi.”

[Oh, now don’t tell me that you’ll go there, miss me, and start crying.]

I laughed, shaking my head. “Bilkul nahi!”

[Not at all ]

———————

Virendra’s POV

I stepped into the room, rolling my shoulders after a long day, expecting to see her waiting for me—maybe reading one of her books or pouting about something trivial just to get my attention. But instead, I saw her packing.

My eyes narrowed.

She was sitting on the floor, carefully folding her clothes and placing them neatly inside a suitcase. My suitcase. Our suitcase.

My chest tightened, and a strange sense of unease spread through me.

I took long strides toward her, my voice coming out sharp. "What are you doing?"

She barely looked up, smiling innocently. "Packing."

I stared at her hands, neatly tucking her favorite saree inside. "I can see that, Buttercup. The question is—why?"

She glanced at me, then back at the suitcase, casually zipping up one side. "Maa called. Bhaiya is coming tomorrow to take me for pag phera."

I froze.

A wave of irritation surged through me. Pag phera. The stupid ritual where the bride returns to her parents' house after marriage.

My expression hardened as I scoffed, crossing my arms. "You’re not going anywhere."

That got her attention. She blinked up at me, confused. "Kya?"  [What?]

I clenched my jaw. "I said, you’re not leaving."

Her eyes widened. "But it’s a ritual! Every girl—"

I cut her off. "You are my wife now. You belong here, with me."

Her mouth fell open. "Are you seriously stopping me from visiting my own parents?"

I walked closer, towering over her. "Haan."

[YES]

She gawked at me like I had lost my mind. Then she stood up, crossing her arms. "That’s not fair! It’s just for two days!"

Two days?

I scoffed. "Do you know how long two days are without you?"

She narrowed her eyes. "stop being dramatic."

I stepped closer, my voice dropping. "Not dramatic. Just possessive."

She huffed. "That’s not how marriage works! I have a life beyond you, okay?"

I arched a brow. "Do you?"

She glared at me, then grabbed the suitcase and tried to drag it away.

Not happening.

I swiftly reached down and pulled it back with one hand, holding it firmly.

She gasped. " Let me go!"

I smirked. "No."

She yanked at the handle. I didn’t budge.

Her cheeks flushed with frustration. "You are impossible!"

I leaned in slightly, my smirk deepening. "And you are mine."

Her lips parted, and for a second, she just stared at me.

Then she stomped her foot. "Mujhe jaana hai!"

[I want to go]

I tightened my grip on the suitcase. "Mujhe chhod ke nahi jaana chahiye."

[You shouldn't leave me alone]

She let out a dramatic sigh. "You are behaving like a stubborn kid!"

I simply shrugged. "Then handle me, biwi. You signed up f

or this."

She groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Mujhe jaana hai, bas!"

[I want to go, that's it]

I watched her carefully for a moment before I let out a low sigh.

Then, suddenly, I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close.

She gasped, her hands landing on my chest.

I stared down at her, my gaze intense. "Mat jao, Buttercup." My voice was softer now, but firm. "Mujhe achha nahi lagega."

[Don't go Buttercup

I won't feel good.]

Her lips parted slightly, as if my words had caught her off guard.

I cupped her face, my thumb grazing her cheek. "Tum jaogi toh main kaise rahunga?"

[If you'll go then how will I survive]

She swallowed, her stubbornness flickering into hesitation. "Bas do din ki toh baat hai..."

[This is just a matter of two days]

I shook my head. "Do din bohot hain."

[Two days are too much.]

She blinked up at me, emotions warring in her eyes.

I smirked slightly. "Batao Buttercup, kya tumhe bhi meri yaad nahi aayegi?"

[Tell me buttcerup,  won't you miss me?]

She remained silent,her hands gripping my shirt.

I leaned in closer, my lips brushing against her forehead. "Mat jao." [Don't go]

Her breath hitched.

And in that moment, I knew—she wasn’t going anywhere.

———————

Ishita’s POV

I sat at the dining table, pushing my food around with my spoon, my lower lip jutting out in a deep pout. My mood was completely ruined.

Mujhe jaana tha! It was just two days at my parents’ house for pag phera, but no—Mr. Arrogant Billionaire Husband had decided that I wasn’t allowed to leave his sight.

[I had to go]

Ridiculous.

Everyone else at the table was eating peacefully, completely unaware of the injustice happening in my life. Well, not for long.

Maa —my mother-in-law—noticed first. She set down her spoon and gave me a pointed look. "Kya hua Ishita? Why are you sulking like a child?"

[What happened Ishita]

I huffed and stabbed a piece of roti aggressively. "Puchiye aapke bete se!" I shot a glare toward him, who sat beside me, eating as if he hadn’t just forbidden me from leaving.

[Ask your son]

Maa ji’s brows lifted in curiosity as she turned to him. "Virendra, kya kiya tumne ab?"

[Virendra, what did you do now]

Virendra, the epitome of calm arrogance, casually wiped his hands with a napkin and replied, "Kuch nahi." [Nothing]

I gasped dramatically. "Kuch nahi?!" [Nothing?]

Everyone at the table—Papa ji, Vikrant bhaiya, Payal, even the house staff—paused to look at us.

Maa's gaze sharpened. "Ishita, batao kya hua?"

[Ishita, tell me what happened]

I folded my arms. "Woh mujhe pag phera ke liye jaane nahi de rahe!" I declared, shooting daggers at my husband.

[He didn't want me to go for pag phera]

Maa ji frowned, her eyes darting toward him. "Kya? Par beta, yeh toh ek rasam hai. Ladki shaadi ke baad ek baar apne maayke jaati hai."

[What? But beta, this is a ritual. Brides have to go for pag phera after marriage]

Virendra, completely unfazed, leaned back in his chair, his deep voice cutting through the room. "Toh?" [So?]

Maa ji blinked. "Toh? Toh iska matlab hai ki Ishita apne ghar jayegi!"

[So? So that means she will go to her home]

Virendra’s jaw clenched slightly, but his expression remained neutral. "Nahi jayegi."

[She won't go.]

A stunned silence fell over the table.

I gasped, looking at Maa ji for support. "Dekha aapne? Yeh kis type ke husband hain?"

[ Did you see? What kind of husband is he?]

Maa ji shook her head in disbelief and turned fully toward her son. "Par kyun nahi?"

[But why ]

Virendra didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he calmly picked up his glass of water, took a slow sip, and then placed it down. His silence was louder than his words.

Maa ji pressed again. "Virendra, jawab do. Tumhe problem kya hai?"

[Virendra, answer me what problem you have?]

He exhaled sharply and shrugged. "Bas nahi jaana chahiye."

[She just shouldn't go]

I groaned. "Bas? Bas?! That’s your reason?"

[Just? Just?]

Payal, who had been quietly watching, grinned mischievously. "Bhai, sach sach batao… aapko bhabhi ki yaad aayegi na?"

[Brother, be honest. You'll miss Bhabhi, right?]

I turned to him, smirking. "Haan, bolo! Kya aapko mujhse itna pyaar ho gaya hai ki aap mujhe jaane nahi dena chahte?"

[Yes, tell me! Have you fallen in love with me so much that you don’t want to let me go?]

Virendra’s sharp eyes flickered toward me, and I could swear I saw the corner of his lips twitch. But then, he leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, and said in his deep, smooth voice,

" Me bas faltu rasme nahi manta."

[I just don't believe in unnecessary rituals.]

I scoffed. "Oh please! Aapko sirf yeh pasand nahi ki main aapse door rahun!"

[You just don't like that,I should stay away from you]

He smirked. "Shayad." [Maybe]

Payal giggled. "Arre bhaiya toh full possessive nikle!"

[Wow, bhaiya become possessive]

Papa ji, who had been silently observing, chuckled. "Virendra, beta, rasmein manane mein kya jaata hai? Biwi maayke jayegi toh pareshani kya hai?"

[Virendra, son, what’s the harm in following traditions? What’s the problem if your wife goes to her maternal home?]

Virendra exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the table. "Pareshani yahi hai ki mujhe yeh pasand nahi hai."

[The problem is that I don't like it.]

Maa ji shook her head. "Beta, tum usse rok nahi sakte."

[Son, you can't stop her.]

I smirked triumphantly. "Haan! Dekha? Maa  bhi keh rahi hain!"

[Yes! See? Even Maa is saying it!]

Virendra’s jaw tightened, but before he could argue, Maa ji continued.

"Par Ishita, do din baad waapas aa jana."

[But Ishita, come back after two days.]

I blinked. "Matlab?" [Meaning]

Maa ji smiled knowingly. "Virendra ke bina zyada der tak reh nahi paogi, beta."

[You won't be able to stay away from Virendra for too long, dear.]

My cheeks flushed.

Virendra smirked. "Bilkul sahi kaha, Maa."

[Absolutely right.Maa]

I gaped at them both. "Aap bhi uske side pe hain?!"

[You are on his side too?]

Everyone at the table laughed, while I just glared at my shameless, possessive husband.

————————

Virendra’s POV

As we entered the room I suddenly said

"Tum kahin nahi ja rahi."

[You are not going anywhere]

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Kya?!"

[What]

I crossed my arms, my voice firm. "Main ne kaha tum kahin nahi ja rahi."

[I said you are not going anywhere]

Ishita stared at me as if I had just announced a war.

"Par yeh toh rasam hai!" she argued, her hands flailing in frustration. "Har ladki apne shaadi ke baad ek baar maayke jaati hai!"

[But this is ritual.

Every girl after marriage once go to her maternal home]

I stepped closer, towering over her. "Tum koi har ladki nahi ho, tum meri biwi ho. Aur mujhe yeh sab rasmein pasand nahi."

[You are not just any girl; you are my wife. And I don't like these traditions.]

She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Mujhe laga tha aap mujhe khush rakhoge! Maine aapse itni umeed lagayi thi."

[I thought you would keep me happy! I had so many expectations from you.]

I sighed, already sensing her drama mode activating.

She stepped back, looking devastated. "Pehle zabardasti shaadi kari, bola ki khush rakhoge. Aur ab meri ek bhi chhoti si wish fulfill nahi kar rahe!"

[First, you forced me into this marriage, promised to keep me happy. And now, you won’t even fulfill one small wish of mine!]

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. "Buttercup, yeh koi ‘wish’ nahi hai—tum mujhe chhodke jaane ki baat kar rahi ho!"

[Ishita, this is not just a ‘wish’—you’re talking about leaving me!]

She sniffled, eyes glistening. "Mujhe jaana hai! Mere maa-papa mujhe bula rahe hain!"

[I have to go! My mom and dad are calling me!]

I clenched my fists, heart hammering in my chest. "Tum mere saath khush nahi ho?"

[Are you not happy with me?]

She blinked at me, caught off guard. "Kya?"

[What]

I swallowed hard, stepping closer. "Tum hamesha kehti ho na ki tum sirf pyaar chahti ho, khushi chahti ho… toh tum mujhe chhod ke jaane ki baat kyun kar rahi ho?"

[You always say that you only want love, you want happiness… then why are you talking about leaving me?]

She stared at me for a moment before her lips trembled.

And then, she went from there.

"Main sirf do din ke liye ja rahi hoon, Veeru. Mere maa-papa ne kabhi meri koi wish decline nahi ki!" she wiped a fake tear dramatically. "Par aap toh meri chhoti si baat bhi nahi sun rahe. Kaisi shaadi hai yeh?!"

[I'm only going for two days, Veeru. My mom and dad have never declined any of my wishes!

But you’re not even listening to my small request. What kind of marriage is this?!]

Veeru She called me veeru.

"What is this Veeru?" I asked her

"Your name ? Maa kehti h apno se bade ka naam nahi lete "

[Maa says we shouldn't take elders' names.]

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Buttercup—"

"Jhoot bola tha aapne! Aapne kaha tha ki shaadi ke baad mujhe khush rakhoge! Aapne kaha tha aap mujhe pyaar doge! Aapne kaha tha jo maangugi woh milega!"

[You lied! You said you would keep me happy after marriage! You said you would love me! You said I would get whatever I asked for!]

I groaned. "Maine kaha tha tumhe jaan se zyada pyaar dunga, yeh nahi kaha tha ki tum mujhe chodke jaa sakti ho!"

[I said I would love you more than my life, but I never said you could leave me!]

She gasped, sniffing dramatically. "Toh bas! Ab mujhe khushi nahi milegi! Mujhe ghar jaana hai!"

[So that's it! I won't get any happiness now! I want to go home!]

I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling sharply. "Buttercup—"

She wiped her cheek even though no tear was actually there. "Mujhe laga tha aap mujhse pyaar karte ho… par aap toh sirf mujhe control karna chahte ho!"

[I thought you loved me… but you just want to control me!]

I stiffened.

She turned away, mumbling, "Pata nahi kyun socha tha ki yeh shaadi ek naye shuruwat hogi…"

[I don't know why I thought this marriage would be a new beginning.]

I groaned loudly, losing the battle.

"Bas! Theek hai! Jao!"

[Fine! Alright! Go]

She stopped, her back still facing me. "Sach?"

[Really]

I sighed. "Haan, jao."

[Yes go]

She turned, grinning ear to ear. "Thank you, pati dev!"

I narrowed my eyes, realization hitting me. "Tumne mujhe emotional blackmail kiya?"

[You emotionally blackmailed me?]

She giggled. "Main kya jaanu? Aap hi toh keh rahe the ki aap mujhe jaan se zyada pyaar karte ho!"

[What do I know? You were the one saying that you love me more than your own life!]

I gritted my teeth.

She winked. "Mujhe toh laga tha aap jaane nahi doge?"

[I thought you wouldn't let me go]

I stepped forward, cupping her face, my voice dropping to a deep whisper. "Mujhe chor ke jaane ka sochna bhi mat, samjhi?"

[Don't even think about leaving me, understood?]

Her breath hitched, cheeks flushing.

And just like that, I knew—I may have lost this round, but she was never winning the war.