Saisha's POV

I wake up late, the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains. It takes me a moment to realize - I never wake up this late. My heart races as I rush to freshen up, guilt creeping in. I should have woken up earlier, made tea, prepared breakfast... but I was tired after reading the books Pranay bought for me.

When I step into the kitchen, the sight before me leaves me stunned.

Pranay is cooking.

The man who works all day, who provides for us, is standing there in a casual t-shirt, flipping parathas on the pan. The aroma of ghee and spices fills the air, making my stomach grumble.

"Pranay ji, you don't need to do this... You could have woken me up," I say, stepping forward, feeling embarrassed.

He turns to me with an exaggerated frown. "Again with that 'ji'! I'm angry now. Don't talk to me!" He crosses his arms in a playful manner.

I bite my lip to hold back a smile. "Pranay..." I say softly, avoiding his gaze.

His frown melts into a satisfied grin. "That's better," he says, turning back to the stove. "Anyway, I've been cooking for the past five years. And trust me, my cooking isn't that bad."

We serve ourselves and settle at the dining table. As I take my first bite, my eyes widen in surprise. "It's really nice," I say honestly.

Pranay smirks. "See? I told you. I'm multitalented!"

We share a light moment, the morning warmth settling into something comfortable. But then his expression changes slightly, like he's debating something.

After a pause, he finally speaks. "Saisha... I won't be here for the next week."

I blink. "Why?"

"I have a destination wedding photoshoot. In Udaipur." He hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. "And I was thinking... would you like to come with me?"

His words catch me off guard. Me? Traveling with him?

I've never stepped out of my village alone. And now he's asking me to go to Udaipur?

I lower my gaze, my mind racing. But then I remember - this is what I wanted. To see the world beyond my home, beyond my past.

I look up at him. "Yes," I say.

Pranay's face lights up. "Really?"

I nod, smiling slightly.

"Great! But before we go..." He glances at me thoughtfully. "We need to get some nice dresses for you."

My heart skips a beat. Shopping? Choosing clothes I like? That's something I've never done before.

And just like that, my world expands a little more.

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The ride to the shopping mall feels different. Exciting. Nervous. A strange mix of emotions swirl inside me as I sit beside Pranay, watching the city pass by.

Back in my village, shopping was never an experience—it was a necessity. Once a year, my mother would buy fabric, and a tailor would stitch us a couple of simple outfits. I never picked out a dress just because I liked it.

But today, Pranay is taking me to buy something of my own choice.

When we step inside the mall, I freeze for a moment. It's overwhelming—bright lights, endless rows of shops, mannequins dressed in elegant gowns, salespeople smiling as they fold stacks of expensive-looking clothes.

I instinctively clutch the edge of my dupatta. "This place is huge..." I whisper.

Pranay chuckles beside me. "You'll get used to it. Come on, let's find you something nice."

We walk into a boutique, and a saleswoman immediately approaches. "How can I help you, sir?"

Pranay gestures towards me. "She needs a few dresses. Something comfortable, but stylish."

I hesitate as the woman starts pulling out outfits—flowy anarkalis, pastel kurtis, elegant gowns. They're all so beautiful. But can I really wear something like this?

Pranay senses my hesitation and leans in. "Saisha, choose what you like. Not what you think you should wear."

I swallow. "I don't know what I like..."

He smiles. "Then let's find out together."

I take a deep breath and slowly run my fingers over the fabric of a deep blue anarkali. It feels soft, almost weightless. Could this be mine?

Encouraged by Pranay's patient nod, I pick a few more - one in a soft peach color, another in deep maroon. I even let myself admire a floral saree, something I never thought I'd wear outside a wedding.

Pranay watches me with a small, proud smile as I hug the dresses to my chest.

"Try them on," he says.

I step into the trial room and slip into the blue anarkali first. When I step out, Pranay's eyes widen slightly before he clears his throat. "That... looks nice on you."

A warm feeling spreads in my chest. No one has ever complimented me like that before.

After trying on a few more, I finally make my choice. As we head to the billing counter, I hesitate. "Pranay... it's too much. I don't want to trouble you."

He gives me a look. "If I don't spend on my wife, who else will I spend on?"

My heart clenches at his words. My father never bought my mother anything without complaining. And here is Pranay, doing it so effortlessly, without making me feel like a burden.

When we step out of the store, bags in hand, I feel different. Lighter. Happier.

For the first time in my life, I have chosen something for myself. And for the first time, someone has made me feel like I deserve it.

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