After the wedding, Monty arrives at his new home—Romi's house. The grand entrance is filled with cheerful relatives and well-wishers, all excited to welcome the new bride. The house is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers, and the air is thick with the lingering scent of fresh roses and incense.
As Monty steps inside, he keeps his gaze lowered, hiding the storm of emotions raging inside him. He had never imagined that one day he would be forced into such a situation, but he had no choice. His father's threats still echoed in his ears. He could only hope that this charade would last just a day more, as his mother had promised.
The women in the family surround Monty, praising his beauty.
"She's so delicate and graceful," one of the aunts remarks.
"She has such expressive eyes," another woman adds, admiring Monty's lowered gaze.
Monty clenches his fists under the heavy bridal bangles, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Meanwhile, Romi watches from a distance, amusement flickering in his eyes. He had noticed something off about his new 'bride,' but he couldn't put his finger on it just yet.
After a while, an elder from the family announces, "It is tradition that the new bride must showcase a special talent before the family. It could be singing, dancing, or anything she excels at."
Monty's heart nearly stops. Talent? In front of all these people?
He knows how to sing—he actually sings quite well—but his voice is unmistakably masculine. There is no way he can risk singing in front of everyone. He swallows hard, trying to find a way out.
"I will… I will dance," he finally says in a soft, nervous voice, hoping to mask his panic.
The family cheers, delighted at the choice.
A few minutes later, the music starts playing—a classic wedding song meant for brides, one that involves a lot of graceful movements and swaying hands. Monty, however, has never danced like a woman before. His movements are awkward, stiff, and hilarious rather than elegant.
As he twirls under the heavy bridal veil, the room erupts in laughter. The women giggle, and the men chuckle, while Romi—who had been silently observing—bursts out laughing uncontrollably.
"This is the funniest dance I've ever seen!" Romi manages to say between fits of laughter. His eyes glisten with amusement as he watches Monty flail around, trying to mimic a graceful bride but failing spectacularly.
Monty, embarrassed but determined, keeps moving, making the dance even more ridiculous. He waves his hands dramatically, twirls in exaggerated circles, and even adds some absurd facial expressions to keep up the act. The crowd loves it. They cheer and clap, completely entertained.
Monty breathes a sigh of relief. At least they're laughing. If he can keep them amused, no one will question his real identity.
As the dance comes to an end, the family members shower Monty with compliments, unaware of the truth behind the veil. His mother-in-law smiles warmly and says, "You are such a joyful soul. You will bring laughter and happiness to our home."
Monty forces a smile, nodding silently, while Romi shakes his head in disbelief, still laughing at what he just witnessed.
That night, as Monty sits in the bridal chamber, Romi enters, closing the door behind him. He leans against the doorframe with an amused smirk on his face.
"So, my dear wife," Romi teases, crossing his arms. "That was quite the performance today. Tell me, was that really you trying your best, or were you just messing with everyone?"
Monty stiffens, feeling Romi's piercing gaze on him. He doesn't know how to respond. Did Romi suspect something? He swallows hard and lowers his gaze.
"I… I was just nervous," he says in a barely audible voice.
Romi chuckles, shaking his head. "Well, you've certainly made an impression. But let's get one thing straight," he says, stepping closer. "This marriage—it's just a deal, alright? I have no interest in playing the perfect husband, and I assume you have no interest in being the perfect wife."
Monty looks up, surprised. He had been dreading this moment, fearing Romi might demand something more from him. But this? This was unexpected.
"Good," Monty says, nodding. "Let's just… stay out of each other's way."
Romi smirks. "That works for me. But let's just hope you don't trip over that heavy bridal dress and reveal something you shouldn't."
Monty's heart skips a beat. Did Romi know? Or was he just joking? He quickly looks away, pretending not to hear.
Romi watches him for a moment before shrugging and walking to the other side of the room. "Get some sleep, 'wifey.' Tomorrow is another long day of pretending."
Monty sits there in silence, clutching the fabric of his dress tightly. One more day. Just one more day, and his mother would find Preety. Then he could leave this madness behind.
But deep down, a part of him feared—what if things didn't go as planned?