Previous cut:- Sarmistha thought to herself how deeply mistaken her father was. She simply said, "Okay, Dad. I'll hang up now. I have to cook again."
Father said, "Alright. Take care"
Sarmishtha then went to the kitchen to cook. As she cooked, her mind kept circling back to the events of the previous night. What had Rupam done that had suddenly changed his mental state so drastically? The moment the thought struck her, she stopped cooking and walked into the room. The bottle from the previous night was still lying on the table. Sarmishtha picked it up and turned it over in her hands. The label was clearly visible: "Black Cat—Premium Quality Whisky." In other words, alcohol.
But Rupam had promised her he would never touch alcohol again. Then what was this?
That night, Rupam returned home after work. Not seeing Sarmishtha anywhere, he didn't pay much attention. Just then, Sarmishtha emerged from the bedroom and grabbed his hand tightly. Rupam turned around and saw that her eyes and face were flushed red—with rage.
Sarmishtha's voice trembled as she said, "Why did you lie to me? Tell me."
Rupam pretended as if he had no idea what she was talking about. "What lie did I tell you?"
"You really don't understand? Fine, let me explain. Didn't you say you would never drink again? You gave me your word, remember?"
Rupam remained silent.
Sarmishtha raised her voice. "Say something! Why are you quiet?"
Rupam realised Sarmishtha had found out everything. Still, he continued the act. "So what?"
"What do you mean 'so what'? How can you speak like this, Rupam? You gave me your word!"
Without replying, Rupam jerked his hand free and walked into the bedroom. Sarmishtha stood there stunned. She no longer recognised this Rupam. He had never behaved this way with her before.
At dinner, Sarmishtha said, "I'm not feeling well today, so I couldn't go to college either."
Rupam asked indifferently, "What's wrong?"
"Since last night, I've had severe stomach pain. When I went to the toilet, there was blood."
Rupam paused for a moment, then said, "Alright. Go to the doctor tomorrow. I'll note down the name."
Sarmishtha looked at him in disbelief. "Won't you come with me?"
"No. I have an urgent meeting tomorrow."
Sarmishtha finished her meal in silence and went to the bedroom. The moment she closed the door, she could no longer hold back. She broke down in tears. Whispering to herself, she kept repeating, "I should have taken more time… I should have understood him better… Why did I rush into this…"
Just then, Rupam entered the room. He sat beside her and said softly, "It was my mistake. Forgive me. I won't do it again."
As he spoke, he tried to pull her close—forcefully.
Sarmishtha pushed him away. "Let go of me! Don't touch me. Where you don't love me, where you only love my body, you won't get my body either. When there is no emotional connection, there is no point in keeping the physical one."
With that, she stood up from the bed.
Rupam leapt up instantly. He clamped his hand over her mouth and snarled, "You will tell me what I should or shouldn't do? I married you, not to listen to this nonsense. When I want something, you will give it to me. You're lucky I haven't done anything to you yet. Otherwise, by now…"
Sarmishtha shouted, "Otherwise what would you have done? Say it!"
Rage flashed in Rupam's eyes. "What would I have done? Just wait—I'll show you."
He shoved her violently onto the bed, grabbed her throat, and roared, "Today I will kill you. You've grown too bold, haven't you? Wait, I'll teach you a lesson!"
Sarmishtha struggled desperately. In a last-ditch effort to save herself, she kicked him hard in the stomach. Rupam doubled over in pain and released her.
Without wasting a single second, Sarmishtha ran to the adjacent room and locked the door behind her.
To be continued.....