Niddhi's Hidden Struggles​ - (Completed)

After hiring a maid, things got a bit easier around the house. Priya and her family had left a few weeks before, heading back to their city where Ravi owns a jewelry shop. That’s their hometown, and it felt like life was starting to settle back into a routine. However, I still vividly remember that unexpected day which left me with totally different feelings.

One Friday, I wasn't feeling well... My body ached and there is exhaustion. I took a sick leave, and that same day, the entire family decided to visit a nearby temple. Raj was at work, and I stayed back. I assumed Ravi, Priyas Husband went with them, but he had some work to do.

The doorbell rang, and to my surprise, it was Ravi.

Ravi: "Hi Niddhi, how are you feeling? I had some work, so I didn't go. By the way, I have a surprise for you."

"Oh, I'm okay, Ravi. Just tired. What surprise?"

Ravi: "Remember the navel ring? I got the tool to help you put it on."

Ravi, Raj, and I were discussing the navel ring one day. Since Ravi owns a jewelry shop, we asked for his advice on the matter. Although he didn’t have the right tool with him at the time, he suggested that a navel ring would look good on me and encouraged me to try it.

Today, he showed up with the tool he had bought specifically for this purpose. I was initially ****, unsure about the whole idea.

Me: "I'm not sure, Ravi. I've never done anything like this before. & I'm not feeling well, Maybe another time."

Ravi: "Trust me, Raj will be so surprised and happy. Come on, let's do this."

Feeling a mix of curiosity and hesitation, I finally agreed trusting Ravi. He suggested we do it in the bedroom and asked me to lay down.

Ravi: "I promise it won't hurt much. I'll stimulate the area, and the pain will be faint."

Ravi led me to the bedroom, and I hesitated but eventually agreed. The idea of another man touching me, especially in such an intimate way, felt strange and unexpected. Ravi slowly pulled up my kameez, admiring my navel. The high waist salwar covered half of it. His touch was gentle yet firm, sending shivers down my spine.

Ravi: "Just relax. It'll be fine."

"Okay, but please be careful."

As he untied the naada of my salwar, I felt a rush of emotions. His hands were confident, and I realized only when he started pulling it down that this was actually happening. I questioned him, but his answers were logical. He needed access to my navel.

"Ravi, are you sure this is necessary?"

Ravi: "Yes, Niddhi. Trust me."

His touch felt different from Raj's—new and unfamiliar. It was as if my body was responding to a different kind of energy. Ravi’s fingers caressed my skin gently,

making me feel things I hadn’t expected. I felt a mixture of guilt and excitement, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn’t fully comprehend.

In my mind, I kept thinking, "This feels so different. Why am I feeling this way? Should I stop this?" But the logical side of me reasoned that it was just a simple procedure, nothing more.

Ravi continued, slowly caressing and pulling down my salwar until my pelvis.

(thinking): "This feels wrong, but why am I getting aroused?"

Ravi: "You're doing great, Niddhi. Just breathe."

"Okay, I'll try."

Ravi's hands were warm and soft. As he carefully caressed my stomach, his fingers lingering on my skin, I felt a shiver run down my spine. This touch, so different from Raj's, sent a wave of unfamiliar sensations through me.

Ravi: "I'm just going to clean the area. It'll help reduce any discomfort."

He used a cotton ball soaked in antiseptic to clean around my navel, his touch gentle and deliberate. The cold sensation of the antiseptic contrasted sharply with the warmth of his hands.

"It feels a bit cold."

Ravi: "That's normal. Just a few more seconds."

As Ravi's fingers traced circles around my navel, I felt a strange mix of anticipation and nervousness.

My mind raced with thoughts of whether this was right or wrong, but my body seemed to be responding on its own. His touch was more intimate than I had imagined, and it awakened a curiosity within me that I had never felt before.

He carefully positioned the tool, and I held my breath.

Ravi: "Ready? It'll be quick."

"Yes, go ahead."

There was a slight pinch as the tool pressed against my skin....

"Aaahhhhhh"

I slightly moaned feeling the pinch... but Ravi's touch was reassuring. He worked with precision, and soon, the navel ring was in place. The entire experience was oddly exhilarating, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of thrill mixed with guilt.

Ravi: "Done. How does it feel?"

"It stings a little, but it's okay."

Ravi: "It looks beautiful. Raj will love it."

"Thank You Ravi"

Ravi: "I know you are not feeling well. You must be tired from all the household chores and office routine. I'm sure you have body pain."

"Yes a little bit, But i will be fine"

Ravi: "I can help you with a massage. It'll be beneficial."

My heart raced at his offer. The idea of Ravi's hands on me again, this time for a massage, was both tempting and terrifying. The memory of his gentle caresses was still fresh, and part of me longed for that touch again, while another part screamed that it was wrong.

"No, Ravi. That's not necessary. Please leave."

I immediately denied his offer, getting up and asking him to leave respectfully.

We moved to the living room, where I felt safer and more in control.

Ravi: "Alright, but keep this a secret. My wife will be mad if she finds out I didn't go with them. Tell Raj you went to a nearby jewelry shop to get it done."

"Okay, I will."

Ravi complimented my appearance, making sure to comment on my gorgeous waistline and navel.

Ravi: "Raj is lucky. You look stunning."

I was just blank, no expression.

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His words were flattering, but they also made me feel exposed and ****.

"Thanks, Ravi."

After Ravi left, I felt a mix of emotions. Guilt, confusion, and a lingering sense of discomfort. I decided to focus on getting better and keeping the secret as Ravi requested. The intimate touches and the unexpected thrill of the moment stayed with me, haunting my thoughts.

(thinking): "I hope Raj likes the navel ring. But why do I feel so uneasy about what happened?"

I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed within me. The memory of Ravi's hands on my skin, the way he made me feel, lingered in my mind, creating a whirlpool of emotions that I struggled to understand.

When Raj came home, I showed him the navel ring.

Raj: "Wow, Niddhi! This looks beautiful. When did you get it done?"

(nervously): "I went to a nearby jewelry shop today."

Raj: "I'm glad you did it. It looks amazing."

Back to the present...

I used to earn 20k per month and was saving it to help my little brother with his studies, which I had already informed Raj about. He was understanding and very supportive.

It had been two months since our marriage, and one month after we hired the maid & her salary was due in two days. It was Saturday, and Raj was at the office. I had the weekend off, but the day was already off to a stressful start. The maid stood in front of me, expecting her salary of 8000 rupees. My mother-in-law approached with a stern expression.

Mother-in-law: "Niddhi, transfer her the salary. It's your responsibility. We never had a maid before, so if you can't manage, stop using her and do the work yourself."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt devastated and humiliated but managed to transfer the money to the maid without arguing. My father-in-law was within earshot but didn't say a word in my defense. The injustice stung, and I felt anger bubbling inside me. I considered confronting Raj about it but feared he might not understand. By the end of the day, I decided to let the maid go and manage everything myself.

For the next month, I handled all the household chores alone. Raj noticed the maid was gone but saw that the house was still well-managed. My mother-in-law continued to criticize me whenever my clothes didn't meet her standards, often making me change into her outdated sarees. However, when we visited relatives, she would dress me in beautiful, modern sarees. Her behavior puzzled me, but I endured it silently.

The only bright spots were Vicky's friendly greetings at the office and Raj's love and affection during the nights and weekends. Despite the growing frustration, I found solace in these small moments.

One Sunday, the house was buzzing with activity. I was in the kitchen, my hands moving swiftly as I chopped vegetables and stirred pots, preparing lunch. The aroma of spices filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and chatter coming from the living room where Raj, my mother-in-law, and father-in-law were watching TV. Despite the clatter of dishes and the sizzle of food, a sense of unease hit me. The morning had been hectic, and my body felt unusually heavy and fatigued.

My mother-in-law called out, “Niddhi, bring me a glass of water.” Her voice had a sharp edge, reflecting her usual demeanor. I hurriedly complied, As I balanced a tray of water glasses, my feet moving on autopilot. Just as I handed her the glass, a sudden wave of nausea washed over me. My vision blurred, and the room spun violently. I tried to steady myself, but my legs gave way. The glass slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor as I collapsed.

Everything went dark.

When I woke up, the sterile smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils. The faint beeping of medical equipment echoed in the room. I blinked against the harsh overhead light and slowly turned my head. Raj was beside me, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with worry. Relief washed over his face when he saw me awake. He hugged me tightly, his arms trembling, and kissed my forehead. The warmth of his embrace was comforting, but I could feel the tension in his body.

"Niddhi, thank God you’re okay" he murmured, his voice cracking.

I glanced around the room and saw my mother-in-law standing at a distance, her eyes fixed on the floor. She looked like a scolded child, her usual stern expression replaced with something akin to guilt. My father-in-law stood next to her, a gentle smile of relief on his face. He looked at me with kind eyes, his expression soft and reassuring.

"How are you feeling, beta?" he asked softly.

I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my head, reminding me of the fall. "A little dizzy" I admitted, flinching. I touched my forehead and felt the bandage there.

Raj held my hand, his grip firm but tender. "You scared us all. You fainted and hit your head pretty hard. The doctor said you’re going to be fine, but you need to rest. You have been overworking yourself."

I nodded, the events slowly coming back to me. The stress of the morning, the sudden nausea, the fall. I glanced at my mother-in-law again, but she still avoided my gaze. A mix of emotions swirled within me—anger, confusion, and a lingering sense of unease.

"We're taking you home soon. You need to rest" Raj said, his voice gentle but firm.

My father-in-law added, "We're here for you, Niddhi. Take all the time you need to recover."

As I lay back against the pillows, I felt a tear slip down my cheek. The worry in Raj's eyes, the guilt in my mother-in-law's posture, and the relief in my father-in-law's smile created a confusing tableau of emotions. Despite the pain and the exhaustion, I felt a strange sense of clarity. This incident had shaken something loose within our family dynamics, and as I closed my eyes to rest, I wondered what changes it might bring.

I was prescribed rest for a few days, and Raj took leave to take care of me. During my recovery, I had time to reflect on my situation. I realized I had been pushing myself too hard and needed to find a balance.

Once I was back to normal, I resumed my daily routine, but with a renewed sense of purpose. I knew I had to take care of myself better.

One evening, Raj and I were in bed, and I decided to share my feelings.

"Raj, I've been feeling overwhelmed lately. Managing everything alone has been tough."

Raj: "I noticed the maid was gone. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to burden you. And... your mother said it was my responsibility."

Raj looked concerned and held my hand.

Raj: "You don't have to do everything alone, Niddhi. I found a solution and now know what has been happening.. I took care of it... just endure this drama for few more weeks... "

"I asked what do you mean Raj. I dont understand..."

Raj : "Trust me... I am ashamed and really sorry for what you have endured... I love you more than ever..."

"Its okay Raj... I will take care from now... I will manage... I love you too..."

Two weeks after my fainting incident, I awoke to an unsettling scene. The house, usually filled with the morning routine's comforting sounds, was oddly quiet. I stepped out of the bedroom, Curious, I approached the living room and saw them packing their bags. My heart sank. No one had mentioned any travel plans, and the sight of them preparing to leave filled me with an overwhelming sense of foreboding.

My mother-in-law, her face etched with a mix of determination and unease, was murmuring to herself, her words a jumbled mess. She seemed agitated, her movements quick and sharp. My father-in-law, on the other hand, moved more slowly, his face clouded with an expression that was part guilt, part sorrow. The air in the room was thick with unspoken words and unresolved tensions.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I approached my mother-in-law first. Respectfully, I bent down to touch her feet, a gesture of respect. She stiffened but didn't move away. When I straightened up, I looked into her eyes, searching for answers.

"Maa, where are you going?" I asked, my voice trembling with confusion and concern.

She didn't respond. Instead, she walked out of the room, her murmuring becoming more frantic. The sight of her retreating back filled me with a mixture of anger and helplessness. Why was she leaving without a word?

I turned to my father-in-law, who lingered behind. His eyes met mine, filled with a deep sadness that made my heart ache. He sighed heavily, setting his bag down for a moment.

"Sorry, beta, for all the trouble," he said, his voice gentle but laden with regret. "We hope you come visit us whenever possible. Take care of Raj, and you too have a blessed marriage."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't hold them back. They streamed down my face, hot and unchecked. The sudden departure, the cryptic words, the heavy emotions—it was all too much. I felt a chasm of sadness open up inside me, my heart heavy with the weight of their unexpected departure.

"But why are you leaving so suddenly? Did I do something wrong?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

My father-in-law shook his head, his expression softening. "No, Niddhi, it's not your fault. There are things... things that need to be resolved back home. Please understand."

I wanted to ask more, to demand a clearer explanation, but the sorrow in his eyes stopped me. He gently patted my shoulder before picking up his bag and following my mother-in-law out of the house. The door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving me standing in the hallway, feeling abandoned and bewildered.

Later that evening, Raj sat me down to explain everything. His voice was calm, but I could sense the frustration beneath his words.

Raj: "Niddhi, I know this is sudden and hard to understand. But I need to tell you something. I knew Maa was being unfair to you. She never liked the idea of you working, and she was upset about how I took care of all the wedding expenses."

I listened intently, trying to process the information.

Raj: "They were always planning to return to their native place eventually. But their sudden departure was because of me. I spoke to Dad about everything. He agreed that it was best for them to go back earlier than planned. Originally, they were supposed to stay for a year or two, especially until we had kids. But I couldn't stand the way Maa was treating you."

He paused, looking at me with concern.

Raj: "Dad is a good man, but he finds it hard to speak up against Maa. She barely approved of our marriage, and I knew it was tough for you. I wanted to give you a better environment, where you could be happy and free."

I felt a whirlwind of emotions. The sadness of their sudden departure, the relief that Raj understood my struggles, and the gratitude for his support all mingled together.

"Raj, I didn't expect this. But I'm grateful for what you did. I was struggling, but I didn't want to cause any trouble."

Raj pulled me into a comforting embrace.

Raj: "You're my priority, Niddhi. I want you to be happy and healthy. We'll visit them whenever we can, but for now, I want you to focus on yourself and our life together."

The explanation did little to ease the ache in my heart, but Raj's presence was a balm to my raw emotions. As we stood there, holding each other, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a new chapter filled with its own challenges and uncertainties. And as much as the sudden departure hurt, I knew we had to move forward together, facing whatever came our way.

As the days passed, I adjusted to the new dynamic at home. The house felt different without my in-laws, but there was also a sense of peace. Raj's support and love helped me navigate the changes, and I started to find a balance between my responsibilities and self-care.

With my in-laws gone, I had more freedom to manage the house and my work. I continued waking up early to prepare for the day, but the workload was more manageable. Raj and I grew closer, our bond strengthened by the challenges we faced together.

One evening, as we sat together after dinner, Raj held my hand and looked into my eyes.

Raj: "Niddhi, I know things have been tough, but I promise to stand by you. We'll face everything together."

It was a journey of love, understanding, and resilience. Raj's unwavering support and our shared determination helped us overcome the obstacles and build a life filled with happiness and mutual respect. As we moved forward, I felt a renewed sense of hope and strength, ready to face whatever the future held.

In about 1 month, life took on a new rhythm. I had more freedom and could dress as I wanted, but still, I stuck to traditional outfits like salwar kameez, kurtis, leggings, and sarees.

One day, I decided to wear a maroon western dress adorned with delicate floral patterns. The dress clung to my figure, its silky fabric cascading down to my ankles, making me feel bold and confident. I paired it with hoop earrings, letting my hair fall in loose waves around my shoulders. As I stood in front of the mirror, the light filtering through the sheer curtains highlighted the shimmer in the dress, making it glow softly.

With a deep breath, I stepped into the living room where Raj was getting ready, absorbed in wearing his shoes. The soft, morning light bathed the room in warmth. I felt a flutter of anticipation, hoping he would see the effort I had put into this new look.

"Raj," I called gently, breaking his concentration. "What do you think?"

He looked up, his eyes widening slightly as he took in my appearance. There was a brief silence before he spoke.

"Niddhi," he said, his tone measured, "you look... different."

I bit my lip, trying to hide my disappointment. "Is it okay? I thought I could try something new."

Raj stood up, his expression thoughtful. "I prefer the traditional outfits. They suit you better."

His words felt like a cold splash of water, dampening my spirits. I **** a smile, not wanting to argue. "Okay," I murmured, turning back towards the bedroom.

I changed into my usual attire—a vibrant yellow salwar suit with intricate patterns. The fabric was light and airy, the dupatta flowing gracefully as I moved. This outfit was comfortable, familiar, and something Raj always admired. As I adjusted my bangles and smoothed down the fabric, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.

The woman staring back at me was the one Raj loved, the one who fit perfectly into his world of tradition and familiarity. But beneath the layers of fabric and societal expectations, there was a part of me longing for freedom and self-expression.

I walked back into the living room, feeling a sense of resignation. Raj looked up and smiled, the warmth in his eyes a stark contrast to his earlier reaction.

"Now that's my Niddhi," he said, his tone affectionate.

I returned his smile, but inside, a storm of thoughts and emotions swirled. I knew I had to choose my battles carefully, and today wasn't the day to push the boundaries. One day, I hoped, Raj would see beyond the traditional attire and appreciate the woman I truly was—both in a maroon western dress and a yellow salwar suit. Until then, I would keep the peace, silently nurturing my dreams and waiting for a time when I could fully embrace my true self.

To Be Continued...