---
**Chapter 17: The Glass Between Us**
The air between them had shifted.
After that night, things were quieter. Not exactly peaceful—just... restrained. Like both Arjun and Aanya were walking barefoot on broken glass, careful not to bleed.
They weren't arguing anymore. But they weren't exactly talking either.
She noticed the little things first.
He no longer questioned her about her whereabouts. No possessive glances when her phone buzzed. No suspicious questions after a call. It felt like space.
But somehow, space felt worse.
Aanya stood in front of the mirror that morning, smoothing her saree pleats. It was Shruti's engagement party in Pune, and they were traveling later that day. She hadn't seen Arjun's side of the family since the wedding. Not properly. Not when she was still herself and not some man's reluctant wife.
The thought made her stomach twist.
Would they notice how fragile their marriage was?
Would they smile and whisper behind her back?
As she reached for her earrings, Arjun stepped into the room. He paused when he saw her.
"You look..." He cleared his throat. "Nice."
She didn't thank him. Just nodded once.
"You sure you want to go?" he asked. "We don't have to."
She gave him a look. "It's Shruti's engagement. We'll be expected."
"Right."
He started to leave, then hesitated.
"I booked separate rooms in the hotel," he said.
She blinked. "Why?"
"Just thought you'd prefer it."
She didn't respond.
But the strange ache that settled in her chest stayed all the way through the flight.
***
Pune welcomed them with the buzz of family.
The house was filled with voices, laughter, and the clink of tea cups. Aanya was swept into the chaos the moment she stepped in—hugs from distant relatives, gossip from the aunties, sharp glances from a few who barely masked their curiosity.
Arjun disappeared into a corner with Shruti and some cousins.
"Aanya beta!" Arjun's mother, Mira, pulled her into a tight embrace. She looked thinner, her eyes sharp as ever.
"It's been too long," Mira said. "You don't come visit us. Arjun hardly answers my calls."
"I've been busy, Aunty," Aanya replied politely.
Mira's smile tightened. "Mummy, not Aunty."
Aanya forced a nod. "Of course."
Later, in the kitchen, she overheard Mira whispering to a relative.
"He doesn't even look the same. He's different after marriage. Quieter. As if she's drained the life out of him."
Another voice responded, "She's too ambitious, I heard. Wants an MBA now? Why get married then?"
Aanya walked away before she could hear more.
In the guest room, she sat on the bed, hands shaking slightly.
This was the price of marrying a man you couldn't love. You paid for it with whispers, judgments, and stolen glances over tea.
A knock came at the door. It was Shruti.
"You okay?"
Aanya looked up. "Fine."
Shruti stepped in, closing the door behind her. "They're talking about you, you know."
"I figured."
"Don't let it get to you."
"Hard not to, when even your mom thinks I ruined him."
Shruti exhaled. "Look... Arjun's changed, yeah. But not in a bad way. He's softer. Calmer. He used to be so tightly wound, he didn't even notice people. Now he actually listens."
Aanya raised a brow. "He doesn't really listen to me."
Shruti smiled faintly. "Maybe not in words. But you'd be surprised how much he watches you."
That evening, the engagement party sparkled.
Lights. Music. People. Aanya moved through it all in a golden lehenga, her hair cascading in loose waves, a soft tint on her lips. She looked breathtaking—and she knew it.
Arjun couldn't stop looking.
At one point, a family friend's son, Vedant, struck up a conversation with her.
He was charming, witty, and a little too interested.
"You must be Arjun's wife," he said, grinning. "Lucky guy."
Aanya smiled politely. "And you are?"
"Vedant. Cousin from the other side."
They chatted briefly—nothing flirtatious. Just surface-level polite banter.
But when Arjun noticed them laughing, his face changed.
He walked over mid-conversation.
"Vedant," he said coolly. "Didn't know you'd be here."
"Hey, Arjun! Was just telling your wife how radiant she looks."
"She always does," Arjun replied, voice sharp as glass.
Vedant laughed awkwardly and backed off.
Aanya shot Arjun a glare. "Seriously?"
He leaned in, voice low. "Don't test me tonight."
She walked away.
***
Back in the hotel room—*her* room—Aanya sat on the edge of the bed, unpinning her jewelry. Her body ached from hours of standing in heels and forced smiles.
A knock sounded.
She opened the door to find Arjun there, hair tousled, his jacket slung over his arm.
"Just checking," he said. "You alright?"
"I'm fine."
"You were amazing tonight."
She didn't reply.
"I didn't like how Vedant looked at you," he added.
She raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize I needed your permission to be spoken to."
"You don't. I just... hate it."
"Why? You don't even trust me."
His jaw tightened. "I trust you more than I trust anyone else around you."
There it was again. The possessiveness. The desperation under the mask of love.
She turned away. "Goodnight, Arjun."
But as she began to close the door, his hand caught it.
"Don't shut me out tonight," he said.
His voice had dropped.
She froze.
Slowly, she opened the door again.
He stepped inside.
For a moment, they stood inches apart, saying nothing.
Then he reached up and touched her earring. Gently removed it. Then the other.
His fingers grazed her jaw, and she shivered.
He didn't kiss her.
He just looked at her—like he was memorizing the sight.
"I don't know how to stop loving you," he whispered.
Aanya closed her eyes.
"Even when I want to hate you," he added, "all I can think about is what would happen if you left."
She didn't reply.
His hand fell to his side.
"I'll go," he said finally, and turned to leave.
But before he reached the door, she called out softly.
"Stay."
He looked back.
She nodded, barely.
And so, he stayed.
That night, they didn't sleep in separate rooms.
But they didn't make love either.
They lay side by side, clothed, inches apart, in a bed that felt like a battlefield.
Between them was a silence laced with longing and fear.
Aanya stared at the ceiling.
She still wasn't sure what this was.
But for once, she didn't feel entirely alone in it.
---
**[End of Chapter 17]**