The haveli, despite the whispers and disapproving glances, felt like a haven to Rani. Four months into her marriage to Shashwat, and four months into her pregnancy, she was finally starting to believe in a future that, against all odds, was truly hers. She held her belly gently, feeling the tiny flutters of life within, the promise of a new generation, a new beginning. She was happy.

Tonight, Shashwat was unusually restless, his eyes burning with a familiar, consuming passion. He had been working hard to establish his new family with Rani as the recognized Malkin, and he was pleased with the changes that had started to come to fruition, even with the bitter disapproval of the others in the house.