Vennela:

"After your menstrual cycle, you must sleep with me. I don't want to force you; you must come to me willingly."

"I will go and get sanitary pads for myself," I said firmly, attempting to leave the room. However, he grabbed my wrist, preventing me from leaving. He pressed me against the wall, getting closer to me. His warm breath brushed against my cheeks, causing my breathing to become labored. He released his grip on my wrist, but positioned himself carefully, ensuring that he didn't touch my body. With his hands on either side of me, he created a barrier between me and the wall. Despite his proximity, I found myself strangely unresistant to his presence. I had never been fond of Yuvan's touch, even though I had agreed to marry him. This man, on the other hand, was a complete stranger, yet I felt oddly at ease in his closeness. I gazed into his eyes, which revealed a mixture of pain, anger, and various other emotions. Surprisingly, my heart responded differently to this stranger, rather than feeling anger or irritation.

"Do you think I won't sleep with you unless you agree?" he asked, pulling me back from my bewildering emotions.

"A true gentleman wouldn't do that. I wonder if your mother raised you to be a man or a pervert."

"Go to my room and open the wardrobe. You will find everything you need."

He instructed me before leaving. I made my way to his room and followed his instructions. Inside the wardrobe, I found dresses, sarees, jewelry, sanitary pads, and even necessary medications. It seemed as though he was either in a live in relationship or already married.

"Did you take what you need?" his voice startled me, causing me to tremble. I quickly gathered what I needed and left the room. After some time, I sat on the sofa in the living room, my legs aching. I longed to sleep, but the thought of sleeping on the floor during my period was dreadful. I wasn't sure how he would react if I decided to rest in the afternoon.

"Vennela."

I heard his voice and quickly made my way to his room.

"Is lunch ready?"

"Not yet," I replied hesitantly.

"What were you doing until now? Didn't I tell you that I need everything on time?"

"I...I...will...do...now..."

"Look, I don't want your reasons or excuses.  I expect the meal to be ready on the table within thirty minutes. Then, come and call me for lunch when it's done. You may go now."

Feeling drained, I started cooking. The mix of emotions due to my period made me tearful. All I wanted was to rest. With a heavy sigh, I managed to put together the meal. He ate it and then criticized it.

"Is this the best you could do? It's terrible. What were you thinking when you cooked it?"

Upon tasting it, I realized my mistake. One dish had too much salt, while another was too spicy. How could I have messed up so badly?

"Now, don't start your bloody drama by spilling those tears. Go and throw this food in the garbage. And then, prepare the food again."

Although I didn't want to start over, I knew I didn't have a choice. As I started cooking again, he came into the kitchen.

"Keep your mind under control and cook it. Otherwise, I will make you cook it again."

With a nod, I carefully prepared the meal. He ate silently this time, making no comments.

"Now, go clean my room."

"I'm...hungry," I stuttered.

"Delaying lunch and preparing it carelessly doesn't help you to earn your lunch today. If you work properly and prepare dinner well and on time, I will think about giving you food tonight. But for now, you deserve to go hungry to learn some discipline. Now go and start the work."

I took a sip of water and headed to his room to start cleaning.

As soon as I entered, he wasted no time in issuing his strict instructions.

"I shouldn't see a speck of dust in my room after you're done. Be thorough and careful," he commanded.

I emptied the shelves and meticulously dusted each item. After rearranging everything, I proceeded to mop the room. Exhaustion started to seep into my bones, prompting me to find respite in the living room. Unbeknownst to me, fatigue had taken its toll, and I found myself drifting off to sleep. However, the sound of snapping fingers jolted me awake.

"Take this juice. If you collapse, who will prepare dinner for me?" he remarked, concern underlying his words.

Without uttering a word, I accepted the juice and took a well-deserved rest. Soon enough, it was time to prepare dinner and I did it on time. This time, he surprised me by insisting that I sit next to him and share the meal he was having. Since it was a vegetarian dish, I obliged and enjoyed the food.

Once dinner was over, I diligently washed the dishes and tidied up, finally making my way back to him.

"I've completed all my tasks. May I go to sleep now? I'm utterly exhausted," I pleaded.

He glanced at me, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.

"Very well, go and rest. You truly need it because tomorrow holds some plans for you. Whether or not you survive after tomorrow remains uncertain," he stated, his words causing my heart to race.

"I..." I started, my voice trembling.

"Sleep now. Await tomorrow. Goodnight," he interrupted, his tone final.

I went to my room and tried to find some comfort on the hard floor, using a bedsheet as a makeshift mattress. As I lay there, the unforgiving coldness of the rock floor only worsened my backache. Unable to find rest, I sat against the wall for support, hoping it would ease my discomfort.

Many people consider the menstrual cycle to be a normal part of a woman's life, expecting them to continue working even during their periods. But every woman's experience is unique. Some may feel healthy and energetic, while others struggle to even get out of bed. Some may not experience any cramps, while others endure severe headaches, stomachaches, and body pains. And when a woman is highly stressed in the preceding month, her periods can become even more painful and stressful.

The sudden loss of my father and being thrown into a marriage with a man I know nothing about, not even his name, has caused immense stress and depression for me. And the result is these excruciatingly painful periods. When I maintained a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and a positive routine, my periods never bothered me to this extent. But now, the pain is unbearable.

Throughout the night, sleep eluded me as I tossed and turned. I eventually drifted off without even realizing it. When I woke up, I found myself on the bed. Confused, I looked around and noticed that he was getting ready. It dawned on me that I had fallen asleep on the floor, yet now I was lying on the bed. Panic surged through me as I questioned whether he had done something while I was unconscious. Hastily, I checked myself and was relieved to find that I was fully clothed. Thank God, he hadn't done anything.

"Don't worry," he spoke with an unsettling tone. "If I desire to share a bed with you, it will be when you are awake and fully aware. Because only then can I relish your defeat and witness your tears."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I composed myself and attempted to change the subject. "I will prepare breakfast."

"That is unnecessary," he replied coldly.

"The breakfast is already prepared. Eat it and rest for today. Do not mistake this as an act of kindness. I am well aware that you deserve nothing but pain. However, my principles prevent me from tormenting you during your time of discomfort. Take the next two days to rest, but after that, your schedule and work load will remain unchanged. Keep that in mind. Just because I am showing you some leniency does not grant you the freedom to do as you please."

Feeling a hint of bravery, I gathered the courage to ask him a question. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it now?" he retorted impatiently.

"What is your name?" I inquired, hoping to humanize him in some way.

Suddenly, his expression turned grave as he approached me, his fiery eyes causing fear and tears to well up within me.

"I am sorry. Please, I am sorry," I pleaded, anticipating his anger and feeling the tight grip of his hand on my wrist.

"My name is Your Death, yet I have no Death," he stated, his words both perplexing and terrifying. "Do you understand now?"

I remained silent, utterly bewildered by his anger and his cruel treatment towards me.

"Ashwathama," he finally disclosed, and our eyes locked for a fleeting moment, causing us both to momentarily forget everything.

Hi readers, How's the episode? Next episode changes the track a bit. Can you guess the reason for his revenge? What might have happened in his life that made him enjoy her tears? Would he change? Is it possible for love to bloom in this meaningless and torturous Relationship? This book will be updated every Thursday. Vote and comment to know your views on the book. Thank you.