I blinked, listening to the birds chirping—their carefree melody mocking the heaviness in my chest. Morning had already arrived.

When I tried to get up, a sharp pain shot through my back, forcing a cry out of me. “Ahhh…” The sound echoed in the empty room, a reminder of how alone I was. My trembling hands clutched the side table, desperate for support, while a lone tear slid down my cheek.

Everyone congratulated me yesterday for stepping into a “new life.” Yet here I was, spending the night on the cold floor, learning what this marriage had truly given me—emptiness.

Yes, I am married now.

Dragging myself to sit upright, my eyes caught the mirror. It reflected a stranger: streaks of dried tears carved into my skin, hair tangled and lifeless, eyes swollen and red. I splashed water on my face, each drop stinging like his words from last night.

"Isn’t it beautiful to marry your crush? Yes, right? But what if he doesn’t even look at you?"

"This marriage is my duty, Siya. I will give you everything… but love?"

Those words were daggers, carving wounds that no one could see.

After dressing in a red Anarkali suit, I applied sindoor in the middle partition of my hair. My eyes fell on the nuptial chain resting against my neck—a symbol of belonging, yet it felt like a chain of responsibility.

Heading downstairs, I entered the kitchen. “Good morning, Ma’am,” the workers greeted. I forced a smile, hollow inside.

“Do you want anything? How can we help you?” a lady servant asked.

“I am fine… I-I came… does Ekarth do his breakfast?” My palms were sweating.

“Yes, Ma’am,” she replied.

My heart ached. He hadn’t even waited for me. “Did he leave for office?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

She nodded. Tears threatened again. I turned to leave when she asked gently, “Ma’am, Sir told us to prepare your favorite food. Will you tell us?”

“No, thanks,” I whispered, before running back to my room. Locking the door, I collapsed on the bed, burying my face in the pillow. I cried until time lost meaning.

A loud knock startled me.

“Siya,” his voice called, steady yet soft.

My heartbeat raced. His words from last night haunted me, but hearing my name from his lips felt dangerously sweet.

“Hey, Ekarth, here… open the door.”

I stood, straightened my clothes, and opened it. He stood there in a crisp black suit, white shirt with two buttons undone, hair neatly combed, shoes shining.

“Were you asleep?” he asked, eyes scanning my face.

I nodded meekly.

“Why didn’t you eat anything?” His gaze searched mine.

“I-I don’t feel like,” I whispered.

“Empty stomach can cause dizziness, headache, weakness…”

I interrupted, “Ekarth?”

He hummed.

“Why are you here?” I asked directly. His presence reminded me of my foolish hope.

“Dinner is ready,” he said simply. I was about to refuse, but his next words stopped me. “Please eat something.”

How could I deny him when he was pleading?

The plate was served. He dipped his chin, urging me to eat. I held the spoon, eyes fixed on the food, but my gaze kept drifting to him.

“Stop glancing,” he said suddenly. I bit my lip—had he noticed?

Before I could reply, he added, “Technology hasn’t discovered yet… glancing at the plate won’t make food enter your mouth.”

I smiled faintly at his unique way of telling me to eat.

Moments ago, I had been crying. Now, I was smiling beside him. And it was always him.

“Mom informed me to drop you tomorrow at your home for some post rituals,” he said casually. I nodded.

“Will you come with me?” I asked, unable to hold back.

He looked at me, surprised. “You want me to?”

Those simple words made my heart stumble.

I gulped. “No… I know how busy businessmen are... busy always.”

He nodded, and that was it. We exchanged our last words before heading to our rooms.

Later, I stood by the window, watching the stars twinkle. Despite everything, I felt lighter. He didn’t know my feelings, and maybe he never would. But he wasn’t wrong—this marriage was his responsibility.

Still, I couldn’t help but wonder… could responsibility ever turn into love?