After dropping Ritom in front of the office, Sayam looked at his watch and said,
"See? Because of you I'm so late! It's almost ten, and I still haven't reached the nursing home."
"Just because I asked you for help one day, you'll scold me, brother? You saw how my car wouldn't start!" Ritom said while getting out.
"I'm not scolding you, but understand—reaching the nursing home on time is my responsibility. I'm leaving now. I can't be late anymore." Sayam started the engine. Ritom joked, "Will you pick me up later? Let's go home togeth—"
Sayam left abruptly. What surprised him more than seeing Ishani was the boy walking beside her. Ishani crossed the road chatting nonstop with that boy and started walking along the footpath.
The signal turned green, so Sayam had to drive away. But his mind was stuck only on Ishani.
By 8 o'clock, Ritom finished his work for the day and came out of the office. Seeing Sayam's car, he was shocked.
"Oh God! You actually came to pick me up?"
"Yeah. Get in." — Sayam
"Where? And why aren't you—?"
Nothing made sense to Ritom.
"You'll see," Sayam replied and focused on driving.
The car stopped in front of the Roy house. Arnab was surprised to see both Sayam and Ritom at that time.
"Well well, look who's here! What's the matter, doctor? Lost your way to my house?"
"Don't joke, Arnab. I came because I really need something."
Seeing Sayam this serious, Arnab went silent. Sayam was always joking with his cousins. Today's seriousness made both Ritom and Arnab uneasy.
"What happened?" — Arnab
"It's about Sohini…"
"Sorry for disturbing you, Sohini, but I need to speak to you." — Sayam
"Of course. Tell me." — Sohini
Sayam sat on the sofa. Arnab and Ritom waited eagerly, curious why Sayam was so restless.
After a few seconds, Sayam said,
"Sohini, I want to know something about Ishani."
"Ichche? Why, brother? Did she do something again?" Sohini asked nervously.
"No, no. She didn't do anything. Actually, today I saw her on the road… there was a boy with her. I mea—"
Before Sayam could finish, Ritom and Arnab were already shocked. Sayam had found the girl he wanted, and today he'd actually come to investigate about her! Impossible!
Sohini smiled and said,
"There's no one in Ichche's life, I can guarantee that. But yes, if you enter her life, then someone definitely will appear there."
"Brother, do you really…?" Ritom began.
Sayam cut him off.
"Yes. I want her in my life. Very much. When I saw her today, I was happier than ever, but the moment I saw that boy with her, I felt this sudden insecurity."
"Maybe he's just a university friend. Don't worry. Ichche isn't…"
Sohini was interrupted.
"Not today. We'll leave now," Sayam said, getting up.
"No no, you won't leave. You have to eat!" Sohini insisted and pulled them inside.
Ritom started chatting with their aunt. In the middle of the crowd, Sayam quietly said,
"Don't tell Ishani anything yet, Sohini."
"Okay," Sohini nodded with a smile.
Then she added, "But I need to tell you something important about Ichche."
"Go ahead," — Sayam.
Sohini looked around and said,
"I'm saying it in front of everyone because this is something very important to know."
Just then her phone rang—Ishani calling.
Before Sohini could say anything, Ishani burst out,
"Just got married and you've already started matchmaking? And for whom? For me? You're bold, I see!"
"Shut up. Why are you getting angry?" — Sohini
"Won't I get angry? Whose proposal did you send? I don't want to get married." — Ishani
"Listen first. I found the best match for you, Ichche." — Sohini
"I don't want anyone." — Ishani
"You do. How long will you tolerate the insults from Riha and Auntie? I'm doing this for your good. You deserve happiness, Ichche." — Sohini
"This boy will never agree to marry me. He's a doctor, studied abroad. And me? I haven't even completed basic university properly, and I study a simple subject. There's no match."
Hearing this, Sohini scolded her,
"Stop talking nonsense! I'm sure Riha taunts you about studying Bangla! Don't listen to her. You're the best. You and brother will be perfect together."
Rhira took Sayam's photo from their mother's hand. She looked at it and said,
"I think I saw him at the wedding."
"Yes, he was there. And tell me, what a boy! Look how handsome and educated he is. He'd suit me perfectly, right Mom?" Riha smirked.
"What are you saying, Bidisha? The proposal came for Ishani, and you're choosing it for Riha?"
Souvik Babu was more angry than shocked.
"What's the issue? He suits Riha better. Riha is doing honors in mathematics, he's a foreign-educated doctor. Perfect match." — Bidisha Devi
"No. Absolutely not. The proposal is for Ishani. If she doesn't like it, we'll cancel it, but Riha won't interfere." — Souvik Babu warned.
"What's the harm? Look at her—her dressing, her manner, everything is middle-class. Will she be able to adjust in such a big house? The boy is so educated, studied abroad. And she's stuck with Bangla. They're not compatible at all."
Riha said with irritation.
Ishani agreed and said,
"Riha is right. I don't fit into all this. Riha is the best choice. Dad, please talk to them."