A shiver ran through her. How could someone think so highly of himself… even above God? What kind of pain had he endured to lose all faith like that?
She took a deep breath and turned toward the idol, folding her hands. “Please forgive him, God. He doesn’t mean it… he just doesn’t know what he’s saying.”
Then, with quiet determination, she said aloud, “From now on, this room will never be locked again. It will always stay open for prayers… and for the peace of this house and the family.”
Maria nodded quickly, her eyes softening with respect, as Mishti began the puja. The gentle ringing of the bells filled the mansion, even at the hallway where Karan had just been walking inside, back from work, in the middle of a heated business call.
The sound froze him mid-sentence.
He knew that sound.
That particular echo of bells that had once filled his home every morning—his mother’s hands holding those same brass handles, her voice humming prayers beside him. The memory cracked something open inside him.
He slammed the phone on the table, cutting the call, and strode down the hallway.Who dared to open that room?
When he reached the doorway, he saw Mishti placing the bells aside, her head still bowed as she prayed. Maria stood beside her, adjusting the tray of flowers. The sight of the decoratedmandirwith fresh marigolds, flickering diyas, stabbed him with nostalgia and rage.
He couldn’t bear it.
His hand shot out, pushing the flower vase at the corner of the room, which crashed to the floor, scattering the petals everywhere.
The sound made Mishti and Maria both turn sharply.
“Everyone… out. Now.”
Maria immediately hurried away, but Mishti stayed, her dupatta still draped over her head.
“With whose permission did you open this room?” he barked.
“It’s a temple, Karan,” she said softly, refusing to lower her gaze. “Why do I need permission to open it? I’m the bahu of this house—”
“You arenot,” he cut in angrily, pointing a finger at her. “You’re not allowed to do anything here. This ismyhouse, and I’m the only one who makes decisions here. This place stays closed. Do you understand?”
She looked at him, her chin lifting a little despite the tremor in her hands. “Give me one valid reason why I should stay away from this room. What memories are you running from? I know you don’t believe in God, but that doesn’t mean you can shut his doors forever.”
“Watch your words, Mishti,” he warned. “I don’t like anyone talking to me in that tone.”
“Then don’t do things that make me speak in that tone,” she shot back. “You married me. Iamyour wife, whether you accept it or not. This house is as much mine as it is yours. And with that right, I opened this temple room. Itwillstay open.”
For a moment, silence fell. He took a step forward, his anger simmering, but before he could say anything more, Mishti swayed suddenly, her hand flying to her forehead.
Her vision blurred, the walls spinning around her. She hadn’t eaten or even sipped water the entire day. Her head had been throbbing since morning, and now, after using the last bit of herstrength to argue and stand her ground against Karan, her body just gave up.
“Mishti?” His voice changed instantly.
Her eyes fluttered. She was about to collapse and fall, but he caught her just in time. His arms came around her instinctively, pulling her close before her body went limp against him.
“Maria!” he shouted. “Get some water, now!”
He lowered himself onto the floor with her head resting on his lap. Mishti’s breathing was shallow; her face drained of colour.
“Mishti…? Mishti, open your eyes.” He patted her cheek gently.
Maria came running with a glass of water, panic written all over her face.
“Ma’am is fasting,” she said breathlessly. “How will she have the strength to face your anger, sir?”
Karan shot her a glare so sharp she instantly fell silent. He sprinkled water over Mishti’s face, then tilted the glass toward her lips, helping her drink it. As soon as a few drops slid into her mouth, her lashes fluttered open weakly.
