Chapter 13: Between Chilly Winds and Colder Hearts

The chill in the air was crisp and biting.

The trip to the hills was coming to an end. The snow was melting, but something else still remained frozen — Abeer's mother’s tone.

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Back at the hotel, Reet was brushing her fingers through her loose, windblown hair when she heard a knock.

It was Abeer’s mother.

She walked in, scanned Reet from head to toe, and said flatly,
“Your hair is still open? This isn’t college.”

Reet lowered her eyes.
“I was just—”

“Just tie it up. You’re someone’s wife now.”
Her words were sharp. Not angry, but cold. Like snow under bare feet.

Reet nodded without answering. Her smile dimmed, but she didn't let it disappear completely.

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When they came down for breakfast, Abeer noticed her tied-up hair and the little stiffness in her shoulders.

He didn't say anything, but he saw everything.

She avoided his mother's gaze. His father was chatting happily, oblivious. And Abeer?

He was quietly watching her from across the table — his fingers tapping his cup, his eyes full of silent concern.

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The holidays came to an end. They packed their bags in the evening.

Back in their room, Reet folded her clothes quietly. Abeer placed a warm coffee mug next to her.

Abeer (gently): “Did Mom say something?”

Reet hesitated.
“It’s okay. She just… wants me to act more like a bahu.”

Abeer didn’t like it. But he just nodded.

Abeer: “Let’s go back. Hostel seems… easier.”

She smiled at that — a real, relieved smile.

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The next day, they left together.

Their car ride to the hostel was mostly quiet. But not uncomfortable.

She looked out the window. He looked at her reflection in the glass.

Their bond didn’t need many words now. It was just there.

Unspoken. Soft. Real.

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They reached the hostel gate. Reet grabbed her suitcase, but Abeer gently took it from her hand.

Reet: “I can carry it—”

Abeer (smirking): “Not when I’m here.”

She laughed softly.

As they walked toward the hostel building, she thought,
“Maybe this marriage… isn’t so bad after all.”

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Thank you for reading Chapter 13!✨
A cold wind from the family… but a warm fire begins to grow in their hearts.
In Chapter 14, will their secret stay safe? Or will someone begin to notice?
💫