Chapter 7

On that day, when I visited her house, my thoughts were entirely consumed by the incident. I stayed in the room throughout the day, only stepping out for meals. She didn't come by today, perhaps because I was in the room. Even during our mealtime, my sister-in-law advised us to stick together, but she muttered something and departed. It's possible she's apprehensive of me.

Later in the evening, I went out. Despite the earlier incident, I chose to play cricket today. I returned home very late. After a brief period of rest, my body was notably tired and sore, likely from the physical activity.

Considering a bath, I entered the room, locked the door, and removed my t-shirt and pants. It was then that Devika emerged from the bathroom, finding me in just my underwear.

She was startled by my appearance and quickly turned away.

Fearing the potential embarrassment in front of someone I held such animosity towards, I hastily retreated and grabbed a lungi. I unleashed a barrage of harsh, hurtful words, expressing every sentiment that crossed my mind.

She simply covered her face, crying quietly.

"What are you staring at? Leave, wretched..."

With tears streaming down her cheeks, she fled the room.

She was never spotted eating at night. As I watched the India-Australia cricket match, my sister-in-law approached.

"Nandu, what's bothering you?" inquired my recently arrived sister-in-law.

"What's bothering me? I don't have any problems."

"I care a bit. Why must you always quarrel with that girl like this? It seems she only has time to cry when you're at home."

She noticed me silently fixed on the TV and gently patted my head.

"What's the matter?"

"If I may ask, and will you be honest with me, do you genuinely not like her? If not, why did you take her to the hotel that day? I don't believe you're that insensitive."

"Haven't I told my sister-in-law many times that I don't know her? She doesn't know me either. Haven't I said countless times that the only way is to accidentally get in the room?"

"Did she reveal all the details about your college without knowing? You two don't even know each other."

I was shocked.

"My dear sister-in-law, she's saying all these things just to stay here. She's quite the crafty one."

"And... I came to ask you, just tell me... If you make that girl cry, you'll commit a sin."

"Yeah," I retorted scornfully.

"It's inconsequential whether I tell you or not. When the older brother comes next week, we'll sort it out."

"Hey... brother is coming? Why?"

"Well, wouldn't you want your elder brother to come and visit after the wedding? It's not just that, it's been a month since he went there."

Elder works in a company in Mumbai and comes for leave every month. I usually indulge in this game of cricket and come and go as I please. Sister-in-law chose not to go to Mumbai, considering the concern that mother would be alone.

As everyone attests, I harbor a fear of my elder brother. After my father passed away, it was my elder brother who took on the responsibility from his place.

My spirits dwindled upon learning of my elder brother's impending arrival. She was engrossed in her studies when I switched off the TV and entered the room. My bed was made, and she was seated on a mat, a makeshift place for her to sleep.

"There's no exam tomorrow, right?" I inquired.

She simply looked up at me.

"Take the book and go to bed. I need to turn off the light."

For so many nights, we had slumbered with the light still on. When I abruptly suggested otherwise, she scrutinized me carefully.

"What are you staring at?"

"I'm afraid of the dark..."

"What use am I to you? I can't sleep at night due to this blasted power outage. If you can't stand it, go sleep in sister-in-law's room..."

She said nothing, setting the book down on the table and settling onto the mat prepared for her.

And tonight, as always, she commenced her customary crying session. Suffice it to say, I found it impossible to fall asleep after hearing it.

"There's no rest with this racket, my God... why lie here sobbing? You're killing what little sleep I have..."

"I'm scared," she managed to explain.

"Enough of this..."

Though angry, I rose and flicked on the light.

"If you don't quiet down, I'll kick you..."

And there was no further disturbance that day.

To be continued...