Last night, we had left the office party long before it ended. To Arnab's wealthy colleagues, my simple presence in a red Jamdani saree and silver anklets had felt somewhat outdated and 'odd.' Humiliation and sorrow had filled my eyes with tears, and Arnab hadn't been able to overlook those tears. To him, my feelings were worth far more than any party or business deal. So, without informing anyone, he had quietly brought me back home.

Anwesha Di returned around eleven at night. By then, the living room lights were turned off, and we were resting in our bedroom. Stepping into the hall, she stood at our open bedroom door. Concealing her irritation behind a casual tone, she asked, "Hey Arnab, why did you guys leave so suddenly? Mr. Roy, Mr. Banerjee—everyone was looking for you."