The heavy teak doors of the master suite clicked shut, instantly insulating Kritika from the vibrant, boisterous echoes of the Rana mansion's downstairs corridors. The faint scent of marigold, crushed rose petals, and sacred smoke from the morning’s post-wedding rituals lingered on her skin, but inside the quiet confines of the room, the atmosphere changed completely.

Kritika took a few hesitant steps toward the center of the plush, modern room, her silver payals letting out a soft, weary chime. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to calm her racing pulse. Slowly, she lifted her right hand, her dark eyes dropping to focus on her ring finger. A breathtaking, heavy platinum band embedded with flawless diamonds glistened under the warm ambient lights of the suite. Looking at it, a tiny, involuntary smile blossomed on her lips. A sudden, sweet warmth bloomed deep within her chest as her mind replayed the intense moment downstairs—how his large, firm hand had completely enveloped hers inside the deep brass vessel, his fingers locking with hers beneath the surface to claim the ring, asserting his silent dominance before the entire cheering family.