People can change in no time. In an instant, the dearest ones can become the most hated. But the one who changes never realizes that the other person cannot accept that change so easily. Their heart gets crushed and twisted in immense pain.
For Chitra, Rupak’s change was like a sudden Kalboishakhi storm. This storm had turned her entire world upside down. Every morning, she lay helpless on the bed, suffering from severe nausea and dizziness. Rupak never once looked at her. He didn’t feel the slightest concern for his sick wife. As soon as dawn broke, he would leave the bed. By the time the sun was up, he would return home, eat his meal, and leave for his shop. He didn’t even bother to say goodbye to Chitra before leaving.
Since their marriage, every single day, Rupak would embrace Chitra and kiss her before stepping out. Even at the market, he would constantly feel restless, eager to return home and pull his wife close. But now, it seemed as though Chitra had become a thorn in his eyes.
That night, when Chitra woke up from her sleep, she instinctively tried to rest her head on Rupak’s chest. He didn’t stop her. After so many days, being able to rest on her husband’s chest gave Chitra immense peace. She held onto Rupak tightly with both arms.
A few moments passed in silence. Over the past few days, they hadn’t had a single moment of closeness. Even in his sleep, Rupak had never moved toward Chitra. Tonight, Chitra decided she wouldn’t let go. She clung to her husband with deep affection.
But suddenly, something changed in Rupak. Who knew what happened? He pushed Chitra away from his chest in extreme irritation. The abrupt rejection stung her deeply. The humiliation of love is the worst kind of humiliation.
Did he still hold on to that much anger? No, it seemed like he wasn’t just holding on to it—his anger had been growing inside, taking root all over his being.
Chitra began to sob silently. But her tears didn’t reach Rupak’s heart. Only her pillow grew wet with salty tears. Rupak’s heart had become utterly cold. It didn’t matter to him that someone was crying right beside him.
After a sleepless night, Chitra’s condition worsened in the morning. She couldn’t even get out of bed. Rupak didn’t bother and left for his shop early.
Around ten in the morning, Josna Begum entered the house and saw Chitra lying helplessly. She rushed over and asked, “What happened to you, dear?” She noticed that Chitra couldn’t even speak. With great difficulty, she barely opened her eyes and just stared blankly at her. A moment later, she shut her eyes again. Her face had turned pale.
Josna Begum panicked. She ran next door and sent for a doctor.
When the doctor arrived, he examined Chitra thoroughly. With a concerned look, he asked Josna Begum, “Is she not eating properly?”
Josna Begum remained silent. For the past few days, Chitra had barely been eating. This was the result of the conflict between husband and wife.
The doctor continued, “This is very risky for the baby. The child is not getting enough nutrition. This can lead to the baby being born weak and underweight. In the future, the child might suffer from constant illnesses. A pregnant mother needs to eat well and take nutritious food. Otherwise, if she falls sick, it will become a problem for all of you. Forget the baby—just keeping her well will be a challenge. I am prescribing some medicines and vitamin supplements. Make sure she takes them regularly. And ensure she eats nutritious food daily, including fish, meat, milk, and eggs.”
Josna Begum remained silent. Can food even be digested when the mind is in turmoil? She could clearly see that something was seriously wrong between her son and his wife.
In just a few days, Chitra had lost a lot of weight. She looked frail and pitiful, with dark circles under her eyes.
The doctor gently woke Chitra and said, “You can’t break down like this. Every mother goes through this phase. Your mother and mother-in-law have been through it too. You must not give up. Eat well and take care of your health. Otherwise, your child will suffer in the future. The baby will always be sick. I hope you understand.”
Chitra stared at the doctor with vacant eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks. The doctor only saw her physical illness—but not the illness of her heart. Only Rupak could heal that. But since Rupak had changed so strangely, this illness would never be cured.
Her child was being born into great misfortune.
The doctor told Josna Begum, “You should take her to the health center for a check-up. Pregnant women need regular check-ups. If there are any complications, immediate action can be taken. She is already suffering from malnutrition. Take her in the next day or two to ensure the baby is healthy.”
Josna Begum nodded silently.
After the doctor left, Josna Begum leaned against a post on the veranda and wept, saying, “I don’t know what sin I committed to deserve this. My son’s marriage is in turmoil. Why did I rush into his wedding without proper thought? They barely got married, and she became pregnant. Then the troubles began. My poor son—he has such bad luck.”
Tears streamed down Chitra’s face. At that moment, she had nothing left to do but wish for death.
Josna Begum brought a plate of rice and curry and said, “Get up and eat, dear. Don’t just lie there. I don’t know where to turn anymore. My heart is burning.”
Though it was difficult, Chitra slowly got out of bed. She felt dizzy but washed her hands and sat down to eat. The moment she put food in her mouth, she felt nauseous. She had no strength or appetite. But she had to eat—not for herself but for her unborn child.
The doctor’s words still echoed in her ears. She was punishing an innocent life because of her own pain. She forced a few mouthfuls of rice down and sat there. Her head started spinning again. She drank a glass of water and collapsed onto the bed.
Later in the afternoon, Chitra woke up to the sound of Rupak’s voice. She turned to see him standing beside her. Her eyes widened in surprise.
Josna Begum was explaining everything the doctor had said. After listening, Rupak turned to Chitra and said, “I brought the medicines. You have to take them after eating.”
Chitra tried to sit up, and Rupak helped her. Tears welled up in Chitra’s eyes. After so many days, Rupak had touched her. She leaned against his chest, feeling immense peace.
Rupak said, “I went to the doctor myself and heard everything. If you harm our baby’s life like this, how will it be? Don’t you think you should be careful now?”
Chitra remained silent, thinking, You have hurt me so much all these days. If you hadn’t, I would have been fine. But no words left her lips.
Rupak continued, “Eat now. Don’t just sit like that. Get some fresh air and sunlight. I’ll show you which medicines to take.”
Chitra felt a surge of strength just from Rupak’s touch. Love is the greatest strength. It can fix everything. She silently prayed and started eating.
Rupak sat beside her. “I don’t like conflicts. I don’t want to argue. But I want you to take care of yourself. Eat properly, walk carefully, pray. I am the first father in my family’s generation. My son will be the apple of everyone’s eye. Don’t make him suffer. Take care of yourself so he can be born healthy.”
Chitra nodded and replied softly, “Alright.”
Rupak added, “I brought some fruits for you. Eat them. You need vitamins now.”
Chitra stared at Rupak with teary eyes.
Before leaving for the shop, Rupak asked, “Do you want anything else?”
She shook her head, but the joy in her eyes was unmistakable.
As Rupak left, Chitra felt hope. Her illness was bringing them closer again. She placed a hand on her belly and whispered, “Stay with your sorrowful mother, my child.”
