Chapter 18 — A Daughter-in-Law's Struggle
The first weeks of marriage were filled with small joys. Sowjanya and Arjun shared breakfast, walked through the garden, and laughed over simple misunderstandings.
But gradually, Atha began criticizing Sowjanya.
She expected her to wake before everyone else, prepare meals, clean the house, and follow every family custom without question. When Sowjanya made a mistake, Atha scolded her in front of the household.
One morning, Sowjanya prepared breakfast while wearing a green-and-gold saree. Atha tasted the food and complained that it was not prepared correctly.
"I am still learning," Sowjanya replied politely.
Atha's expression hardened.
"Learning is not enough. You must behave like a proper daughter-in-law."
Sowjanya felt embarrassed. Arjun was standing nearby, but he remained silent.
Later, in the bedroom, Sowjanya asked him why he had not defended her.
"Please give her time," he said.
Sowjanya looked at him with disappointment.
"I am giving everyone time, Arjun. But who is giving me time to become part of this family?"
He had no answer.
That night, she cried quietly. She remembered Lakshmi Devi's loving home and wondered whether marriage was supposed to feel so lonely.
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