The Saree Behind the Silence 💃💃

Chapter 3 — A Marriage Built on Love

Scene: Kethan and Ananya's Bedroom — Evening

Ananya had chosen Kethan because he was different from the men her family had introduced to her. He listened patiently, respected her ambitions, and never tried to control her decisions.

Their love marriage had strengthened their bond, but it had also created tension with her elder sisters, whose marriages had been arranged.

When Ananya received an opportunity to work abroad for one year, she expected Kethan to celebrate with her.

Instead, he became unusually quiet.

"You're not happy for me?" she asked.

"I am happy for you. I'm just worried about staying here without you."

She held his hand.

"You don't need to become someone else to earn everyone's respect. Just be yourself."

Her words comforted him, although he could not explain the questions troubling him.

During the following weeks, Kethan helped prepare for her departure. He managed his office work, assisted with household responsibilities, and learned to prepare some of her favourite dishes.

Saroja noticed his efforts, but Padma remained suspicious.

"Let's see how responsible he is when Ananya is no longer here to defend him," Padma told her sister.

Saroja frowned. "Why must we always compare him with our husbands?"

When the day of departure arrived, Kethan accompanied Ananya to the airport.

"Call me every day," he said.

"Even when I'm busy?"

"Especially then."

She laughed and hugged him tightly.

As Ananya left, Kethan watched her disappear through the departure gates.

He returned to the family home carrying both loneliness and uncertainty. He did not realise that the coming year would change his relationship with his family—and with himself—forever.