A New Beginning

August 4, 2009 – 10:00 AM

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

Two days had passed since the quiet yet significant wedding rituals had concluded. With all formalities completed, it was now time for Nathaniel Blackwood to return home, leaving his daughter behind to settle into a new life in a world vastly different from her own.

The airport was bustling with travelers, the echo of rolling suitcases, announcements over the intercom, and hurried footsteps filling the air. Aritra and Katherine stood near the departure gate, flanked by Nathaniel's closest employees and security personnel, who had accompanied him for the trip.

Nathaniel, ever the composed figure, adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit before turning to Katherine. "Everything has been arranged for you here. If you need anything, my people will be in contact."

Katherine, dressed in a simple yet elegant pastel blue salwar, nodded. "I know, Father."

For the first time in days, his expression softened. He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. "This is your life now. Make the best of it."

Katherine exhaled, trying to maintain her usual composure, but there was a flicker of emotion in her eyes. "You'll come to visit?"

Nathaniel gave a slight nod. "If necessary. But you're strong enough to handle things on your own. You always have been."

Aritra, standing beside her, observed the exchange in silence. He knew that beneath the carefully maintained exterior, there was an unspoken understanding between father and daughter—one built on expectations, power, and perhaps a rare kind of care that neither voiced aloud.

Nathaniel then turned to Aritra, extending a hand. "Take care of her."

Aritra met his gaze and shook his hand firmly. "I will."

With that, Nathaniel took one last glance at his daughter before walking toward the departure gate. Katherine watched as he disappeared into the crowd, her hands clasped together.

Aritra noted the way her shoulders tensed slightly. "You alright?"

She blinked a few times before nodding. "Yeah. It just feels... real now."

He let that statement linger for a moment before motioning toward the exit. "Let's go home."

Jadavpur, Kolkata – 12:00 PM

The drive from the airport was quiet, save for the occasional hum of the car's engine and the distant sounds of Kolkata's afternoon traffic. When they finally arrived at Aritra's Jadavpur residence, Katherine's first reaction was silent surprise.

The house was modern yet minimalist, a stark contrast to the grandeur of her father's estates. While the outside looked unassuming compared to the mansions she was used to, the interiors were nothing short of fascinating.

The moment she stepped inside, she was greeted by the sleek hum of LUMEN, the robotic butler.

"Welcome home, Master Aritra. And welcome, Mrs. Katherine Blackwood," the AI-operated robotic butler greeted in its smooth, near-human voice.

Katherine took a startled step back. "What the—"

Aritra smirked. "Meet LUMEN. He handles most of the house's operations."

She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "You have a robot butler?"

"Efficient, isn't it?" he replied, stepping further into the living area. "You'll get used to it."

She exhaled, shaking her head. "I swear, every time I think I'm getting used to things, you surprise me."

She had no idea just how much she had yet to uncover.

As they walked further inside, Katherine took in the spacious, carefully designed interiors. The house was smartly equipped, sleekly furnished, and organized in a way that felt both functional and comfortable.

Aritra gestured toward the hallway. "There are guest rooms. You can pick any one of them to set up as your space."

Katherine turned to him, tilting her head slightly. "Why?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Because you should have your own space?"

She folded her arms. "We're married. Why wouldn't I stay in your room?"

Aritra's expression remained neutral, but there was something unreadable in his eyes. "Traditionally, maybe. But this isn't exactly a conventional marriage, is it? You should be comfortable."

Katherine studied him for a moment before letting out a small sigh. "I get what you're saying, but..." She hesitated before continuing, "I don't want to stay in a separate room. That just makes this whole situation feel even stranger."

Aritra exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temples briefly. "You're sure?"

She gave a small nod. "Yeah. If we're going to do this, let's at least make it seem real."

For a few seconds, he didn't say anything. Then, finally, he motioned toward his master bedroom. "Alright. If that's what you want."

Katherine followed him inside, observing the large but uncluttered space. A neatly made king-sized bed sat near the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a view of the quiet residential streets beyond. The walls were lined with bookshelves, tech setups, and a workspace that clearly indicated someone who preferred function over extravagance.

She stepped toward the bookshelf, running her fingers along the neatly arranged volumes. "You read a lot?"

"When I have time," he replied, leaning against the doorframe. "You?"

She let out a small laugh. "Not as much as I should. My father always said books were only useful if they taught you something directly applicable."

Aritra smirked. "Sounds like something he'd say."

She turned to face him, leaning against the bookshelf. "This place is... different from what I expected."

He tilted his head slightly. "How so?"

She glanced around before meeting his gaze. "It feels lived in. Personal. I guess I assumed you'd be more like my father—cold, calculated, everything in place for a specific reason. But this? This feels like a home."

Aritra didn't respond immediately. He wasn't sure what to say to that.

Katherine exhaled and walked toward the bed, sitting on the edge. "Well, if we're sharing, at least tell me one thing—do you snore?"

Aritra rolled his eyes. "No."

"Good," she smirked before stretching her arms. "I think I need a nap. Today was... a lot."

He nodded. "Get some rest. I'll be in my study if you need anything."

As he turned to leave, she called out, "Aritra?"

He glanced back. "Yeah?"

She hesitated before saying, "Thanks. For, you know... letting me settle in at my own pace."

He gave a small nod before stepping out, leaving Katherine alone with her thoughts in what was now her new home.

To be continued...