Nuptial Night?

Shivani and Mrityunjay stood in front of the huge king-sized bed. He looked at her while she stood fidgeting with her fingers. Not so long ago, on a night like this, she had asked to share his bed and he had refused. Now they were married, but it was a marriage Shivani did not accept. How could he expect her to share his bed? Mrityunjay looked away, his breath harsh.

She turned to look from the huge bed towards Mrityunjay, just as he averted his gaze. Not so long ago, she had asked to stay back the night with him. And he very condescendingly had refused her. Shivani's brows knotted as the pain and humiliation of that night returned. She would die before she would share his bed with him.

"I'll sleep...." they both faced each other to speak at the same time. Both stopped short, looking at each other awkwardly.

"You say first," said Mrityunjay, waiting to hear what Shivani would say.