Viraj didn't understand why she irritated him more each day.

She spoke less now. Moved quickly. Did exactly what was asked — nothing more. Nothing less.

And still, something about her felt wrong.

"Why is this not done?" he snapped one evening, pointing at the sink.

"I was coming back," she said quietly.

Too quiet.

He struck her across the face without warning.

The sound echoed in the room.

"Answer properly," he said.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, eyes lowered.

No tears.

That angered him.

Over the next days, his patience thinned further. Every small mistake drew his attention. A delayed response. A misplaced cloth. A moment too slow.

His hand landed more often now.

Sometimes a slap.

Sometimes a shove.

Once, he kicked the bucket she was holding, water splashing over her clothes.

"Useless," he muttered.

No one stopped him.

Then one afternoon, he saw her near the gate.

She was standing with someone — a man about her age. Familiar. Comfortable.

And she was laughing.

The sound cut through him like a blade.

He stopped walking.

Watched.

The boy smiled easily. "Tu yahan kaise?"

"Shaadi ho gayi," she said softly.

Still smiling.

Viraj felt something snap.

He walked toward them.

"Who is this?" he asked.

Meenakshi turned sharply, fear flooding her face. "He—he studied with me. Pehle—"

"That's enough," Viraj said.

He looked at the boy. "Leave."

The boy hesitated. "I was just—"

"Now."

The boy left without another word.

Viraj turned back to her.

"Inside."

She followed immediately.

Once the door shut, his restraint vanished.

"You smiled," he said.

"You laughed."

"I didn't mean—"

He struck her again, harder this time.

She stumbled back, hitting the edge of the bed.

"You forget yourself," he said coldly.

"You forget who you belong to."

She shook her head, terrified. "Please—"

He grabbed her arm, forcing her upright.

"No one looks at you," he said.

"No one talks to you."

"You exist because I allow it."

He pushed her toward the bed.

"Sit."

She obeyed, body trembling.

He stood over her, eyes dark, voice low and absolute.

"You will learn your place tonight."

The door closed.

The house stayed silent.