The first rays of sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow inside the dimly lit room. The air was still cool from the low AC temperature, and a faint floral fragrance lingered in the space.
Shrirupa stirred slightly, her body curling in response to the chill. Her hands instinctively searched for the blanket but found nothing. She frowned in her sleep, shivering as she tucked her arms close to her chest.
Her lashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings. It took her a moment to register where she was. Right—the wedding, the reception, the exhaustion that had consumed her completely.
She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes. Her gaze swept across the room in search of someone—her husband.
The room was empty.
She had no memory of when she had fallen asleep last night, but now a question loomed over her—where was Ritwik? Had he not returned home last night?
The bed was untouched, and there were no signs indicating that he had been here.
Should she call him?
After a brief moment of hesitation, she picked up her phone and dialed his number. The call rang for a while before disconnecting—no answer.
She tried again. The same result. No response.
As she glanced around the room, her gaze fell on the sofa. A pillow rested there.
A realization struck her—Ritwik had slept there last night.
She frowned. Why would he sleep on the sofa when he had his own bed?
Why did the room look so messy—clothes scattered, a suit jacket draped over a chair, his wristwatch left carelessly on the table?
She began tidying up absentmindedly, putting everything back in its place.
Knock! Knock!
"Boudi...?"
"It's me, Tanni!"
"Are you both awake yet?"
Shrirupa set her phone aside and walked to the door, opening it for her sister-in-law.
"Come in, Tanni. What's the matter?" she asked.
Tanni peeked inside, then said, "Today's the puja, remember? You need to get ready soon. Go take a bath quickly!"
"Am I supposed to sit for the puja alone?" Shrirupa asked, her tone uncertain. "Where is your brother?"
Tanni looked puzzled. "Dada isn't home?"
Shrirupa shook her head. "I don't think so. I didn't see him here, and he's not answering his phone either."
Before Tanni could respond, another voice chimed in.
"Good morning!"
Nilanjana, her elder sister-in-law, walked into the room with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"
She didn't wait for a reply before adding, "Why aren't you ready yet? Hurry up! The priest will be here soon for the puja."
Shrirupa's eyes fell on the saree and jewelry in Nilanjana's hands. "Boudi, do you know where Ritwik is?" she asked.
Nilanjana didn't hesitate. "Where else? He's out jogging."
"He goes jogging every morning. And he's regular with his gym, too. Don't worry, he'll be back soon. Now, go freshen up!"
Feeling slightly relieved, Shrirupa nodded and went to get ready.
By the time Ritwik returned home, she was standing in front of the mirror, applying sindoor. She had changed into the red-pink and gold silk saree Nilanjana had given her, paired with elegant jewelry.
A newlywed bride, dressed in traditional finery—any husband would have admired such a sight.
But Ritwik?
The moment he saw her, his face darkened with irritation.
Before she could say anything, he tossed his towel and water bottle onto a chair and strode straight into the bathroom without acknowledging her presence.
Shrirupa frowned. She had noticed the displeasure in his eyes.
Something felt off. Her instincts told her something was wrong.
Was this how a first morning after marriage was supposed to be?
Her friends had shared different stories—laughter, sweet moments, warmth. But here she was, in a house filled with people, yet feeling utterly alone.
Last night had been strange, and today was no better.
Pushing aside her thoughts, she made her way downstairs, where the entire family was gathered.
She greeted the elders with a respectful bow before heading to the puja room.
Her mother-in-law and aunt-in-law were busy with the puja preparations, while Nilanjana was in the kitchen, making the offerings. Shrirupa helped them with the final touches, and just as everything was set, the priest arrived.
Dressed in a blue kurta and white pajama, Ritwik took a seat beside Shrirupa for the rituals.
She stole a glance at him.
Exactly as she had expected—his expression was tense, filled with irritation.
He wasn't here out of devotion. He was here out of obligation.
The rituals proceeded—chants, conch shell echoes, the sacred fire burning steadily. Yet Ritwik's mind was elsewhere, his body merely present because it had to be.
Once the puja ended, Shrirupa's mother-in-law turned to her.
"Bouma, distribute the prasad to everyone."
She obeyed, carefully arranging prasad on small plates and offering it to each family member.
Once everyone had been served, Nilanjana handed her another plate.
"Take this to your room," she said.
Shrirupa hesitated. "But—"
"Just go," Nilanjana insisted.
She understood the unsaid meaning. Ritwik had left the puja the moment it ended, retreating to their room.
She carried the prasad upstairs and was about to knock when she heard Ritwik's voice.
He was on the phone.
It sounded like he was making plans to leave.
The moment she stepped inside, he hung up abruptly, setting his phone aside.
She watched as he pulled out his uniform from the wardrobe, laying it on the bed.
Not even a glance in her direction.
Or perhaps he had seen her but chose to ignore her presence.
Feeling uneasy, she took a step forward and placed the prasad plate on the bed.
"You left before taking your prasad," she said softly.
Ritwik barely spared the plate a glance before turning away. "I don't eat that. Take it away."
She blinked. "You don't eat prasad?"
His tone hardened. "Didn't anyone tell you? I don't believe in gods, rituals, or any of this."
Shrirupa was momentarily speechless. "Then why did you sit for the puja?"
He let out a short, dry laugh. "No choice. Some things have to be done, whether you believe in them or not."
Something in his words made her pause.
It wasn't just about the puja.
He was talking about their marriage.
"Look," Ritwik continued, his voice firm, "you can stay here if you want, but don't touch my things. Don't move anything. Don't interfere in my life."
His words felt like a slap.
Humiliated and hurt, Shrirupa swallowed back her response and quietly left the room.