Saisha's POV

The books rest on my lap as we drive back home, my fingers running over their covers. They are my first real belongings, chosen by me, for me. I feel something unfamiliar—something warm, something like freedom.

"Do you like them?" Pranay's voice breaks my thoughts.

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Yes."

He glances at me, then back at the road. "Good."

The next morning, as I'm folding clothes, Pranay ji walks into the room, his hands in his pockets. "Let's go out today."

I blink up at him, surprised. "Where?"

He shrugs. "Anywhere you want. A small adventure. We can go to the beach, try new food... maybe even take a train ride?"

A train ride. Alone? My heart speeds up at the thought. I have never traveled alone before. The only time I stepped outside my house was to go to school, and even then, I was always accompanied.

I hesitate. "I don't know..."

Pranay kneels slightly to meet my gaze. "It's okay if you don't want to. But if you do, I'll be right there, teaching you everything."

I look at his face - calm, patient, waiting.

Maybe it's time I take small steps toward something new.

I nod slowly. "Okay."

At the Beach

The waves crash against the shore, their endless rhythm soothing yet powerful. I stand at the edge, my toes sinking into the soft sand. I have never seen the ocean before. It's vast, endless, free.

Pranay ji stands beside me, watching me instead of the sea. "Do you like it?"

I nod, unable to take my eyes off the water. "It's... beautiful."

He chuckles. "I thought you'd like it."

A cool breeze sweeps past us, making me shiver slightly. Before I can react, I feel his fingers wrap around mine, warm and steady.

I glance up at him in surprise.

He doesn't say anything, just holds my hand as we walk along the shore. And somehow, it feels... natural. Like we've done this forever.

Later, we stop by a small street-side stall. He orders something I've never heard of before. "Pani puri."

I watch as he pops one into his mouth, his expression filled with nostalgia. "This was my favorite as a kid. Try one."

I hesitate. "I don't know how..."

He grins, picking one up and holding it near my lips. "Open your mouth."

Heat rushes to my cheeks. I glance around, worried about what people might think. But when I meet his eyes - playful, patient,I find myself leaning in.

The moment the crispy puri bursts in my mouth, the tangy, spicy water exploding with flavors, my eyes widen.

He chuckles. "Good, right?"

I nod furiously, swallowing quickly before grabbing another. "Really good!"

He watches me with something unreadable in his gaze, and for the first time, I don't feel like I'm just surviving. I feel like I'm living.

_______________________________________________________________________________

The next day, we stand at the station. Pranay hands me a ticket. "This train will take you straight to the next stop. I'll be waiting there for you."

I grip the ticket tightly. My heart pounds. "Alone?"

He nods. "It's just a short ride. You can do this."

I take a deep breath, stepping onto the train as the doors close behind me. The engine roars to life, and I watch as the station drifts away.

For the first time, I am traveling without someone watching over me. Without being told where to sit, how to behave. It's just me.

When the train slows at the next station, I step out and find him waiting, his arms crossed.

He smiles. "See? You did it."

I feel a rush of something - pride, joy, freedom. "I did."

He holds out his hand, and without hesitation, I take it.

Pranay's POV

As we walk back to the car, she is still smiling—bright, free, happy. And seeing her like this fills me with something I can't explain.

I glance at her and softly say, "Saisha."

She looks up. "Hmm?"

"You can call me just Pranay, you know."

She frowns slightly. "Pranay... ji?"

I sigh. "No ji. Just Pranay."

She hesitates, her fingers tightening slightly around mine. "But... we shouldn't call our husband by name."

I raise a brow. "Says who?"

"My parents... my village... everyone..."

I shake my head. "I don't believe in that. I'm your husband, but I'm also your friend. I want to hear my name from you."

She lowers her gaze, unsure. I nudge her shoulder playfully. "Come on, try it."

She opens her mouth but stops.

"Please?" I tease, dragging the word out.

She exhales, her voice barely a whisper. "Pranay..."

A rush of warmth spreads through me. It's the first time she has said my name, without barriers, without distance.

I smile, unable to hide my happiness. "See? That wasn't so hard."

She shakes her head, looking away, but I catch the small smile tugging at her lips.

And in that moment, I know - slowly, she is stepping into a world where she can be free. And I will make sure no one cages her again.

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