"I think the peacock blue would be beautiful," Nimisha said when asked about wall colors.
"Too bright," Saroj said immediately. "Kritika, what do you think?"
"I agree with Maa. The cream is more traditional."
"Cream it is."
This pattern repeated with every decision. Nimisha stopped offering opinions after the fourth time she was overruled.
She was decorative. A requirement to have in the room but not actually necessary to the process.
"Nimisha, you're being very quiet," Kritika said, her voice concerned. "Don't you have any preferences?"
"Whatever you both decide will be lovely."
Saroj's lips thinned. "A daughter-in-law should care about her home."
"I do care."
"Then show it. Participate. Kritika has been part of this family for years. She knows what we value."
And I don't, Nimisha finished silently.
She swallowed her frustration and forced herself to engage, offering opinions that were politely considered and immediately rejected.
By the time they finished, her jaw ached from holding her smile.
"That was productive," Kritika said, gathering her things. "I'll contact the vendors this week."
"Thank you, beta," Saroj said warmly, then glanced at Nimisha. "You should learn from Kritika. See how she manages things?"
"Of course."
After they left, Nimisha stood alone in the prayer room, surrounded by swatches and samples that represented everything she wasn't.
Traditional enough. Connected enough. Wanted enough.
A soft sound made her turn.
Bruno stood in the doorway, his massive form blocking the light.
"Following me now?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly.
The dog approached and sat beside her, his warm bulk a solid presence.
She rested her hand on his head, drawing comfort from the simple contact.
"You know what the worst part is?" she whispered. "She's not even a villain. Kritika is genuinely kind. She wants to be friends. She loves this family."
Bruno huffed softly.
"And your master... he didn't choose me. He chose duty. I'm just the consequence of that choice."
The dog leaned against her leg, and she felt the ridiculous urge to cry.
But she didn't.
She was fine.
