I looked around the table, noticing the empty chair across from us.
Dadi noticed my glance.
"Armaan has already left for the office. He had an important meeting this morning."
Of course he did. He probably could not wait to escape.
An opportunity presented itself, and I took it before I could lose my nerve.
"Dadi, can I also go to the office today? I have not applied for any leave, and I do not want them to think I am irresponsible on my second week of work."
Dadi looked surprised for a moment, then her expression shifted to something that looked like approval.
"Of course you can go, beta. Where do you work?"
"New Gen Corp."
Her eyebrows rose, and then she smiled, looking genuinely pleased.
"That is wonderful. Armaan will be happy to know his wife works at his company. It is good that you have your own career."
I was not so sure Armaan would be happy about it, but I did not say that out loud.
I finished breakfast as quickly as I could without being rude, then excused myself to get ready for work. I changed into office appropriate clothes, applied minimal makeup, and checked my reflection one last time.
No vermillion was visible in my hair parting. No sindoor that might give away my new marital status. Uncle had asked me to keep the wedding secret, and I intended to honor that request.
I took an auto to the office, watching the familiar streets of Rajmer pass by through the window. For a little while, I could pretend that yesterday had not happened. That I was just ViyaMehra, junior developer, heading to work like any other normal day.
When I walked into the office building, Akshita spotted me immediately and came running over, her face lit up with excitement.
"Viya! Oh my god, you look different today!"
My hand flew to my hair instinctively, panic flaring in my chest. Could she see the vermillion? Had I missed a spot?
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.
Akshita laughed.
"Why are you touching your hair? I meant your face is glowing. You look really happy today. Did you get good sleep this weekend or something?"
Relief washed over me so strongly I almost laughed.
"Yes," I said, forcing a smile. "Really good sleep."
It was not entirely a lie. I had slept, at least.
We walked to our desks together, and I threw myself into work with an intensity that surprised even me. For a few hours, I managed to lose myself completely in code and problem solving. In this space, I was not someone's wife or someone's burden. I was just a developer working on an interesting project.
It felt good.
Around mid morning, Vikrant and Archana came over to our desks. Archana was the senior developer on our team, someone I admired greatly for her technical skills and calm demeanor.
"Viya, Akshita," Vikrant said. "We have a big meeting in the conference room in fifteen minutes. Normally junior developers would not be required to attend, but I think it would be a good learning experience for both of you. You can stand in the back and observe how these presentations work."
Akshita and I exchanged excited glances.
"Really?" Akshita said. "We get to sit in on a real client meeting?"
