Payal felt a radiant happiness bubbling within her as she set out for the day's new adventure. The plans for her lesson shimmered in her mind, more captivating than any prospect of marriage or duty the family had laid out. This planet—whatever it truly was—resembled her old world in some ways, but the differences filled her with awe. Everywhere she turned, she saw evidence of a society far ahead of anything she remembered from home: elegantly paved roads winding into the distance, glass towers gleaming in the sun, and machines humming quietly with unseen power.
She thought of her village—simple homes clustered together, the morning song of birds, neighbors calling out greetings. She'd never seen the outside world, never stepped beyond those fields. She had grown up with only books and borrowed dreams, longing to study subjects like history, art, and science, hoping someday she might discover what lay beyond the hills.
Now, inside the vast, luminous mansion, the architecture itself whispered stories of progress and imagination—a sweeping staircase of carved marble, corridors flooded with natural light, and murals depicting both ancient legends and technological marvels. Ornate woodwork sparkled alongside sleek metal and glass; every detail was both a nod to tradition and a celebration of innovation. Payal stretched her fingers across the cool banister, marveling at the feel—so different from the rough-hewn railings at home.
She was captivated by the idea of studying here, diving into new subjects under real teachers instead of worn village books. Even the very word "study" lit a spark within her, infusing her with hope and energy. For the first time, her anxieties and fears faded away. She didn't care about marriage—not while she had the chance to fill her mind and spirit with knowledge and discovery. This place, with its sounds of laughter in distant halls and the promise of a library filled with learning, was better than anything she'd known before.
As Payal walked through the mansion, all her worries about the future dissolved into excitement. She embraced each moment, letting herself imagine a life driven by curiosity instead of fear—one filled with questions, lessons, and the freedom to learn. This new world was not just a stage for her marriage, but a chance to become everything she had ever hoped to be.
Payal, distracted by her happiness and excitement, realized while eating that she didn't even know the names of those at the table—her supposed husbands. Yet her heart lingered most often on the one whose red eyes seemed to spark through the morning's hush. Too joyful to notice the strangeness around her, she turned to him and admitted, "Sorry, but I don't know your name."
Julian's lips curled into an amused smile. "Here you are—I thought you might not want to know my name," he teased, a soft chuckle coloring his voice. "Julian. My name is Julian." He gestured lightly, his elegant fingers steady and calm. "This is Asra," he said, nodding to the man with striking pure black eyes. "And this is William," indicating the tall figure with deep green eyes who radiated a quiet strength.
Payal's attention lingered as Julian spoke, taking in their unique features. All three had long hair—Julian's locks shimmered white, a rare sight reminiscent of moonlight. Asra's hair was an unusual, cool blue, flowing almost restlessly, while William's was a regal purple, neatly gathered into a bun at the nape of his neck. Their eye colors—red, black, green—were strikingly rare, each one a marker of individuality and otherworldly heritage.
Softly, Julian added, "I'm done with breakfast—you go get ready. Sara will deliver your clothes."
As Payal glanced between them, she felt a surge of curiosity and wonder, wishing to learn not only their names but the stories behind their extraordinary appearances and what it meant to belong among such rare, remarkable people.