After returning home, Rupak noticed a strange change in Chitra. Her face was rigid, her expression stern, and she wasn’t talking to anyone. She sat on the veranda, staring at the sky. Usually, when Rupak came home, Chitra would try to stay close to him, communicating through various gestures. But today, she was acting completely opposite. She seemed indifferent to everything.
Rupak sat on the veranda to eat. Josna Begum was serving him food. Rupak called out to Chitra, “Have you eaten?”
There was no reaction from Chitra. Rupak turned to his mother, “Ma, has she eaten?”
“No. She’s calling you, can’t you hear? Come eat, dear,” Josna Begum replied.
Chitra let out a deep sigh, but neither Rupak nor his mother noticed. Pushing through the dim evening light, Chitra walked over slowly, pulled up a stool, and sat down. Josna Begum placed a plate of rice in front of her. Chitra took more than half the rice and put it back into the serving pot. She only took a few bites. She ate silently, without looking at anyone, her face grim. Finishing quickly, she washed her hands and went back to sit on the veranda of her room.
Josna Begum and Rupak exchanged glances. Rupak was wondering how Chitra had become so robotic all of a sudden. Josna Begum then asked, “Do you know Monju Mia?”
“Which Monju Mia?”
“The one building the new house at the end of the road. The blue building.”
“Yes, I remember. What happened to him?”
“He has a daughter.”
“Is she sick?”
“Why would she be sick?”
“Then what happened?”
“I want you to meet her.”
“Why should I meet her?”
“Just meet her. I spoke with her mother. She wants to have some clothes stitched and will come to your shop.”
“That’s fine. I’m in the shop all day anyway. Tell Monju Mia’s daughter that. I’ll give her a little discount.”
“Alright, but look at the girl properly.”
Rupak didn’t catch the implication in his mother’s words. His mind was occupied with thoughts of Chitra. She had behaved normally until now. A wife neglected by her husband is expected to cry and be overwhelmed with emotions. That would be natural. But today, how had she suddenly turned so cold? Had he hurt her too much?
After washing his hands, Rupak considered asking his mother for a betel leaf but then changed his mind. Wiping his hands on his lungi, he went to sit beside Chitra and said, “Can you bring me a betel leaf?”
Without a word, Chitra got up quickly. Rupak remained seated. The southern breeze was blowing gently. Taking off his shirt, he sat bare-chested, letting the cool wind wash over him. He thought that once Chitra brought the betel leaf, he would chat with her for a while, try to understand her state of mind. Surely, she was very angry with him. They had been having issues for quite some time now. It was time to put an end to all this.
But Chitra didn’t give him that chance. She handed him the betel leaf and went straight back into the room. The room was dark, so it was impossible to see what she was doing. But Rupak felt unsettled. He had wanted to talk to her, but she had ignored him. His frustration grew. His momentary tenderness was shattered instantly.
He thought bitterly, She deceived me and now she has the audacity to show me attitude? What’s she so proud of? Let her be angry for as long as she wants. It doesn’t matter to me. I won’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me care.
Annoyed, Rupak spat out betel juice onto the ground multiple times. Even in the cool breeze, he felt hot with frustration. He snapped, “Bring me the fan!”
Within moments, Chitra appeared with a hand fan, placed it in front of Rupak, and went back inside. Rupak had expected her to sit by his side or at least fan him for a while. But when she just left the fan there and walked away, his anger flared up even more. How dare she leave like that?
Fine. He would see how long she could stay mad like this. He muttered to himself, I haven’t done anything wrong. I have no reason to beg for her forgiveness.
Meanwhile, Chitra lay silently on the bed. The wind from the window blew her hair loose. Her past, present, and future didn’t matter to her anymore. Her thoughts felt frozen, like stone. Memories of past suffering or fears of the future didn’t affect her anymore. Everything felt like a bad dream—still and motionless. Her eyes turned to stone.
Rupak had come to bed beside her without her even noticing. The night deepened. There was no sleep in her eyes. When Rupak called her a few times, she didn’t respond, pretending to be asleep. Only her eyes knew the truth—they had stayed awake all night.
Two days passed like this. Then something unusual happened.
Rupak had just returned home. After he finished eating, Josna Begum asked, “Did the girl come to your shop today?”
“Yes. Who told you?”
“I went to their house in the evening. I’ve gotten quite close with her mother. She’s a wonderful woman. Whenever I go, she always serves me snacks. Their house is always stocked with biscuits, cakes, and tea.”
“So, do you go there just for the snacks?”
“No, I go to chat. She’s a good-hearted woman. They’re originally from Noakhali. Her husband used to work there. They have two sons and two daughters. The daughters are very well-mannered. They always greet me so respectfully.”
“Hmm, they seemed polite to me too. Two of them came to my shop today. They bought three-piece dresses.”
“Did you give them a discount?”
“Yes, I did. I even offered them some snacks, but they refused.”
“Did the girl wear a burqa?”
“Yes.”
“Then you didn’t see her face, did you?” Josna Begum sounded disappointed.
“I did. Her face was uncovered.”
Josna Begum brightened up. “How did she look? The younger one is still in class four. How about the older one?”
“She seemed fine. Well-mannered. Educated.”
“Of course, she’s educated! She’s in college.”
Rupak didn’t continue the conversation. But Josna Begum pressed on, “So, did you like how she looked?”
“Why are you asking me the same thing again and again, Ma? I told you, she seemed fine. Why should I care about someone else’s daughter? Are you matchmaking for someone?”
Josna Begum chuckled. “Yes. I really like her. She’s polite, well-mannered, and cultured.”
“Then for whom are you considering her? For Sharif?”
“Of course not! Sharif is too young for marriage.”
“Then who?”
Josna Begum hesitated before saying, “Do you like her?”
Rupak stared at his mother in shock. He now understood what she was implying. “What does it matter if I do?”
“I want to arrange a match. Her mother has agreed. We just need her father’s approval.”
“Ma, have you lost your mind?”
“No, I haven’t. You’re a capable man. You deserve a worthy wife. The one you married isn’t right for you.”
“You mean you want me to leave Chitra and marry that girl?”
“If she doesn’t make a fuss and stays in this house quietly, where’s the problem?”
“Ma, stop this nonsense!”
But Josna Begum didn’t stop. Rupak, frustrated, stormed outside. He needed a cigarette. Maybe that would calm his restless mind.
