Previous cut:-But along with it, an old fear rose up again. Love—this word had once brought terrible pain into her life. Even remembering that incident made her shiver. Somewhere in her heart, a small wound still remained, and it woke up the moment she heard words of love.
### Key Characters in This Chapter
1. Soumen Das (Rupam's father)
2. Rupam Das
3. Binodini Das (Rupam's mother)
Love wasn't something new in Sarmistha's life. It had come once before, but it would be more accurate to call that one a victim of circumstances rather than true love. To understand why, the whole story needs to be told.
At that time, Sarmistha had just joined her job at the Art College. She was around twenty-six or twenty-seven. Youth was overflowing from her body. Colleagues at college frequently proposed marriage, but she never paid any attention. She was completely immersed in her work and the world of painting.
At home too, the topic of marriage kept coming up. Her father would repeatedly say,
"Get married, my dear. At least let me see your wedding before I go. Your mother is no longer here…"
Unable to finish the sentence, her father would wipe his eyes. Sarmistha's throat would tighten. She would just sit quietly, staring. Eventually, she made up her mind— this time, she would marry whoever her father chose. Little did she know what fate had in store.
In their neighborhood, the Das family was very close to them. Soumen Das had been her father's childhood friend—they studied in the same school. That bond still remained strong. Soumen Babu's son, Rupam, ran a construction business in Kolkata. He earned well. He was good-looking too—tall, well-built, only his complexion was slightly dark.
Her father decided that Sarmistha would marry Rupam. One evening, Sarmistha and her father went to the Das household. Rupam was home that day. The moment he saw Sarmistha, a faint smile appeared on his lips. Sarmistha smiled back naturally.
Sarmistha had always been straightforward and independent-minded. True to form, she spoke clearly:
"Before the wedding, I want to get to know Rupam properly—his nature, his character, what he likes and dislikes, his wishes and dislikes. Everything."
Rupam's mother, Binodini Devi, frowned and gave her a sharp look. But Soumen Babu smiled and said,
"What's wrong with that? It's good for both of you to get to know each other first."
Rupam didn't object. Instead, he said,
"I'd like to talk to Sarmistha alone for a bit."
The two of them went into a separate room. Rupam spoke first—
Rupam: Your paintings are really beautiful. I've seen them. The way you love art is truly amazing.
Sarmistha: Thank you.
Rupam: Even after marriage, you can continue with your job. No problem from my side.
Sarmistha: I'm not going to give up my job—whether I get married or not.
The words came out a little sharply, and Sarmistha felt a twinge of embarrassment. Rupam smiled and said,
"Wow! You really are an independent woman. I like that."
They talked about many things like this. That evening, they had dinner at the Das house before returning home. Before leaving, Sarmistha took Rupam's mobile number.
That same night, Rupam called Sarmistha.
(To be continued…)