I did not respond. Did not turn to look at him. Just sat there with my hands on my stomach and my eyes burning with unshed tears.
Eventually, I lay down on the bed, turning to face the wall, putting my back to him.
I heard him sigh. Heard the rustle of fabric as he stood up. Then the bathroom door opened and closed.
When he came back, the bed dipped as he lay down behind me. He did not try to touch me, but I could feel the warmth of his body close to mine.
"Goodnight, Viya," he whispered into the darkness. "I love you."
I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep.
???
The next morning, I woke to find Armaan already gone. A note on his pillow said he had gone to the office early but would be home by evening.
I spent the morning in the bedroom, not wanting to face Dadi or Papa or anyone else. But around noon, there was a knock on the door.
Mamta ji entered, carrying a beautiful silk saree draped over her arms. It was a deep emerald green with gold embroidery, elegant and expensive.
"Dadi ji sent this for you, beta. For tonight's party."
I looked at her in confusion.
"What party?"
"I am not entirely sure," Mamta ji admitted. "Armaan sir has organized something. A gathering in the garden. But he did not say what it is for. He just asked me to make sure you have something appropriate to wear."
A party. Of course. The garden had been buzzing with activity all morning. I had heard workers setting up from my window.
"I am not going," I said flatly.
Mamta ji looked uncomfortable.
"Beta, I think Armaan sir is expecting you to attend."
"I do not care what he expects."
But even as I said it, I knew it was futile. The court had ordered me to make genuine attempts at reconciliation. Refusing to attend a party my husband had organized would not look good if we ended up back in front of Judge Desai.
Around three in the afternoon, there was another knock. This time it was Papa.
He entered with his gentle smile, but his eyes were serious.
"Viya, beta. May I come in?"
I nodded, and he sat down in the chair near the window.
"I heard you are reluctant to attend the party tonight."
"I do not even know what it is for. And I do not understand in what capacity I would be there. Nobody knows I am Armaan's wife. It will just be awkward."
Papa nodded thoughtfully.
"I understand your concerns. But Viya, this party is very important. To Armaan. To this family. I am asking you, as a personal favor, to please attend."
There was something in his tone that made me look at him more closely.
"Will you tell me what this is about?"
