"Sister-in-law, did you say something?" I inquired, still holding onto the sister-in-law who had just walked away.
"Mother is deeply worried. How could someone raised with love behave like this... or face a situation like this... without Mother getting upset?"
"Mom hasn't spoken to me yet. In fact, she hasn't even looked at me."
"It doesn't matter... she is our mother, after all."
"I've said my piece, so what?"
"Do you expect anyone to believe everything you've said? Especially if it comes from a poor girl like her, few would take your words seriously."
I have no fondness for her. She even struck me yesterday, completely disregarding the fact that I am a man. When I inquired about it, she responded disrespectfully. To make matters worse, she's putting on a façade of kindness. It seems she has influenced everyone in the house.
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I spent the whole day outside, hoping to avoid encountering the vagabond girl if I stayed home.
Hari called me while I was watching my friend's cricket match at the ground in the evening.
"The college knows the same as in our town. They know she was called out. There's no gossip going around. You can confidently come to the college tomorrow."
I felt partially relieved upon hearing that. I was worried that if the college community found out about what had happened, I might not be able to face them again. I had maintained a flawless reputation as the captain of the college cricket team and, to some extent, a singer. The thought of suddenly losing it all was a source of anxiety. That's why I decided not to go to college today. In any case, I'll have to go tomorrow.
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I arrived home late.
"Ah, you're here... quickly, go take a bath. Let's eat. Your wife has prepared a special dish. And there's also your favorite fish curry. To be honest, it's delicious... Don't delay, go take a bath."
"I'm not hungry, sister-in-law... you go ahead and eat, then rest. As for me... I'll go to college tomorrow."
I stated as I headed towards my room.
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I was half asleep when I felt the bed shift. I opened my eyes and saw her standing by the bed.
"What?"
"Sister-in-law told me to sleep here."
"Do you have to take my bed for that? Find a spot down there."
Before I could finish, she was already seated on the floor. Glancing around, I realized all the bedding was prepared. What could she possibly mean by this?
I also recalled from the morning that the night before, when I woke up, there was only the thud of a sound. I rose early and without making a fuss, I swiftly got ready and went to college. The atmosphere at college wasn't bad. I purposely dodged the inquiries of many who had gotten wind of the marriage, the requests for treats, and the taunts of a few mischievous individuals.
"I grow weary of college life within a day. Surprisingly, I find more peace here than at home."
"Why are you so agitated at home?"
"I've grown tired of hearing that girl's voice. She's managed to attach mother and sister-in-law to her side. It's like she's playing the role of a terrible wife, making me consider banishing her from my thoughts. The locals and family members are none the wiser. Suddenly, they'll all start asking if I pack her off. That's why. Otherwise, that vagabond would have been kicked out long ago. That girl is shameless no matter how much she receives. No matter how many explicit words she gets, she'll still come into the room, claiming it's time for bed."
I vented all my frustration about her to Hari in one breath.
"So you two share a room?"
"Do you really need to know, you nosy pest?"
"That's not it... Your mother and sister-in-law still believe you fell in love and got married. How is it that this girl ends up sleeping outside of your room? You're the only reason she's still there."
"You're right. Can you somehow help me get rid of her, Hari?"
"Hmm… let's see. Excuse me for now. We'll find a way."
To be continued...