Previous cut:-They spent a long time by the lake that day. Finally, after having dinner in the evening, they returned home at 10 p.m.
After that, Rupam and Sarmistha spent many beautiful days together. Day after day, they explored different places and shared countless moments. Sometimes they would sit in a cozy coffee shop for hours, lost in endless conversations. Other times they would walk hand in hand along the riverbank, dreaming aloud about their future. And sometimes they would go to the cinema, sit side by side in the dark, holding each other's hands while watching a movie. With every passing day, their bond grew deeper and sweeter, as if their love was blossoming into something truly magical.
It was a Tuesday evening. The sky had slowly turned dusky. Sarmistha and Rupam had gone out for a stroll along the city's brightly lit streets. Exactly at eight o'clock, when Sarmistha returned home, she found her father fully dressed and sitting on the sofa. His hair was neatly combed, his shirt and trousers were perfectly ironed, and he wore shiny shoes. There was a clear look of anticipation on his face. The moment he saw her, he smiled warmly and said, "My dear, you're back! Come on, get ready quickly."
Sarmistha looked surprised. "Get ready? Where are we going, Dad?"
Her father smiled and replied, "To Rupam's house. We've been invited there tonight."
Sarmistha replied casually on the surface, "Oh… Rupam's house…" But inside, her heart danced with joy. Just hearing Rupam's name and the thought of going to his house made her heart skip little beats of happiness. She quickly went upstairs and changed into a beautiful light-pink saree—the one she knew Rupam loved.
Soon after, the whole family reached Rupam's house. Everyone was sitting outside in the garden, chatting and laughing over tea and snacks. But Rupam and Sarmistha had been given a separate room to themselves. As soon as they entered, Rupam closed the door gently and smiled.
"Listen," he said softly, "I've found a flat for us. We'll live there after our wedding."
Sarmistha's eyes widened. "A flat? Why? What's wrong with staying with your parents?"
Rupam took her hand in his and spoke tenderly, "It's not that I don't want to, Sarmi. Actually, my parents themselves suggested it. They said that after marriage, you two should live independently. It might be difficult for you to adjust with us. And anyway, we're not going anywhere. Whenever you feel like it, you can come over. I just want us to have our own little space—somewhere that belongs only to you and me."
Sarmistha stayed silent for a moment, then smiled gently and said, "Alright… whatever you say."
A mischievous sparkle lit up Rupam's eyes. He slowly leaned closer to her face, about to kiss her. But Sarmistha placed her hand on his chest, gently pushed him back, and laughed. "Hey! Always up to mischief! Does your heart start fluttering the moment you get a chance?"
Rupam looked a little taken aback and moved away. Sarmistha teased him sweetly, "What happened, baby? Are you angry?" Then, without waiting, she stepped forward herself and planted a soft, loving kiss on his cheek. Rupam's face instantly lit up with happiness. They spent a long time talking, laughing, and holding hands in that quiet room.
Later that night, after dinner, Sarmistha's family returned home. She lay in bed, thinking about Rupam the entire night, and eventually fell asleep with a smile on her face.
The very next day, right after college, Sarmistha went with Rupam to see the flat. A friend of Rupam's had recommended it. The flat was on the tenth floor in a quiet, peaceful part of the city. The moment the lift doors opened, Sarmistha's eyes sparkled with delight. It had two spacious bedrooms, a beautiful kitchen, a modern bathroom, a storeroom, and the entire flat was well-furnished. Sunlight streamed in through the windows. She walked around every corner, imagining their little world there.
"How do you like it?" Rupam asked.
Sarmistha squeezed his hand tightly and said, "It's wonderful! I'll be really happy living here."
Rupam smiled. "Then this will be our first home."
The wedding date was finally fixed—1st April. Shopping for the wedding began in full swing—sarees, jewellery, shoes, makeup, everything. Whenever they went shopping, Sarmistha always took Rupam along. She had realised how wonderful his taste was. He knew exactly which saree would look best on her, which piece of jewellery would suit her the most. They wandered from shop to shop, hand in hand—laughing, arguing playfully, then making up again. In those moments, Sarmistha felt that this was what life was truly about.
At last, the long-awaited day arrived—the day every girl dreams about from childhood. What will my life partner be like? How will I build our home? How will I turn our little world into heaven? Sarmistha had all these dreams too, because this was her first love… her first and only love. That night, standing in front of the mirror, she looked at herself and whispered in her heart, "From tomorrow, my new life begins."
But fate never listens to human wishes. No matter how carefully people plan, destiny plays its own game. The same thing happened with Sarmistha. One by one, all her carefully built dreams started crumbling. Unlike those girls who find a happy married life, Sarmistha's life did not turn out that way. Why it happened and what exactly went wrong—those stories will come later.
To be continued…