Chapter 10: chapter 10

Anushri’s POVThe morning after the fight, I woke up with a heaviness in my chest. The argument with Amey replayed in my mind like a broken record. His words had stung, and my own bitterness had spilled out in ways I hadn’t intended. But there was no time to dwell on it. I had a full day of lectures ahead, and the mounting pressure of my studies left no room for lingering emotions.By the time I reached college, the usual hustle and bustle of campus life greeted me. Groups of students gathered in the courtyard, their animated conversations about assignments and weekend plans a stark contrast to my own tangled thoughts.As I walked into the classroom, Shruti waved me over. “Anu! Over here!” she called, patting the seat beside her.I gave her a small smile and took the spot, dropping my bag on the desk. Meenal was seated on the other side of Shruti, busily flipping through her notes.“You look like you barely slept,” Meenal said, glancing up from her book. “Everything okay?”I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Shruti, however, wasn’t one to let things slide.“Let me guess,” she said, leaning closer. “Husband trouble?”Her casual tone made me flinch. I fiddled with the strap of my bag, debating how to respond. “Something like that,” I admitted, my voice low.Shruti exchanged a knowing look with Meenal. “You’ve been married, what, one month now? It’s bound to have its ups and downs. Don’t sweat it.”“Easy for you to say,” I muttered. “You’re not the one juggling housework, studies, and a husband who thinks everything magically takes care of itself.”Meenal frowned sympathetically. “He doesn’t help out?”I shrugged. “It’s not that he doesn’t care. He just… doesn’t get it. He works long hours and thinks that’s enough. Meanwhile, I’m stuck managing everything else. And if I mess up or complain, it’s suddenly my fault.”Shruti leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. “You know, I’ve always wondered how you manage it all. Marriage, college, KTs… It’s a lot.”I laughed bitterly. “Barely. Most days, I feel like I’m drowning.”The conversation was cut short as the professor walked in, signaling the start of the lecture.---During the LectureThe professor’s voice droned on in the background as I struggled to focus. My thoughts kept drifting back to the argument with Amey, to the way his words had stung and how mine had cut just as deep.The nuptial chain around my neck felt like a lead weight. I reached up to adjust it, hoping to ease the discomfort, but it was no use. The vermillion in my hairline itched, a constant reminder of the life I was supposed to embrace but still felt foreign to me.“Anu,” Shruti whispered, nudging me. “You okay?”I nodded absently, not trusting myself to speak.---LunchtimeAfter the lecture, we headed to the canteen. Shruti and Meenal ordered sandwiches while I settled for a cup of tea, my appetite dulled by the weight of my thoughts.“You know,” Shruti began, taking a bite of her sandwich, “I was talking to my cousin last week. She’s been married for a couple of years now and says the first year is always the hardest. You’re still figuring each other out, learning how to live together.”“Figuring each other out?” I scoffed. “Half the time, it feels like we’re speaking completely different languages. He doesn’t understand why I want to study.. sometimes I'm not able to manage the household chores and I don’t understand why he thinks his job is the only thing that matters.”Meenal tilted her head, her brow furrowed. “But you love him, right?”The question caught me off guard. I hesitated, searching for an answer that felt true. “I don't know. But love isn’t enough, is it? There’s so much more to it—understanding, respect, compromise. He doesn't want it and then maybe too I don't want or I want...”Shruti reached across the table to squeeze my hand. “It’ll get better, Anu. You’re one of the strongest person I know. If anyone can figure this out, it’s you.”I gave her a weak smile, grateful for her support but unsure if her confidence in me was justified.---Back in ClassThe afternoon lecture was mercifully engaging, giving me a brief respite from my thoughts. For a couple of hours, I managed to lose myself in the intricacies of chemical equations and thermodynamic principles.When the class ended, Meenal turned to me with a smile. “Want to head to the library? I found this great book on fluid mechanics that might help with your KT prep.”I nodded, grateful for the distraction. “Sure. Let’s go.”As we walked to the library, Shruti trailed behind, her phone in hand. “By the way,” she called out, “next time you and Amey fight, just remember: he’s only human. None of us have this life thing figured out. Cut him some slack, and maybe he’ll do the same for you.”Her words stayed with me as we settled into the quiet of the library, poring over textbooks and notes.---Evening: By the time I got home, the sun was setting,Amey wasn’t back yet, which gave me some time to unwind. I set my bag down and changed into comfortable clothes, letting out a deep sigh as I sank onto the couch.The nuptial chain dangled from my neck, and for a moment, I considered taking it off. But something stopped me. As much as it felt like a burden at times, it was also a symbol of the commitment I had made—to Amey, to this life we were trying to build together?? Seriously we're just together sake of other people's.When Amey finally walked in, he looked as tired as I felt. He paused in the doorway, his eyes meeting mine.“Long day?” he asked, his tone neutral.I nodded. “You?”“Same.”For a moment, we stood there in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging between us.---Later That NightAs I sat at my desk, reviewing my notes, I felt a small sense of hope. The day had been long and emotionally exhausting, but it had also given me clarity. Marriage wasn’t going to be easy, and neither was balancing it with my studies. But maybe, just maybe, it was worth fighting for.Maybe Means I don't know but I like him Just like him nothing else one day if we don't figure out at the end we'll divorce In the quiet of the night, as Amey worked at his own desk, I glanced at him and offered a small smile. He caught my gaze and returned it.