The air inside Chaudhary Haveli was thick with tension. As the grand halls carried the murmurs of a brewing storm.

Amrita followed Priya through the dimly lit corridors, her heart pounding as she braced herself for the so-called rituals awaiting her. She knew these weren’t going to be the warm, welcoming traditions meant to bless a new bride. No, these were tests—designed only to humiliate her, to remind her that she was an unwanted outsider in this house.