The kaash flowers swayed away and the freshly bloomed magnolia, hibiscus scent blew through the south Kolkata city. Leaving behind mild aromatic smell in the autumn air. The cloudless sky, only the blue was veiled with a haze of light gold. Shining the tall concrete and glasses buildings in the city. The mild cold wind of the season seeped into the bones of pedestrians. Who tried to brushed it off and make their way on this pleasant October's day. The first drop of the rain splattered on the Windows. But at the lake gardens, there was a person who was oblivious to the outside world. She had stopped interacting with everyone and started to questioned her fate.  

It was past ten in a morning, when Tara jolted from her sleep. Armaan, her son was crying out of hunger. She raised her hand over her head and tried to search his formula milk bottle from where they were sleeping.

  Once Armaan started squeezing the bottle and Tara was assured. She rose on her feet, folded her mattress aside. "He had walked out early this morning again." Suddenly, a sharp pain rose on her cheek and she remembered his hands. She looked in the mirror and the wide red print of fingers stood out indicating that he had slapped her.

She pulled her hair in a bun and walked out of the room. The cooker was already there on induction, which she knew her mother in law, Rishi had kept it. She bit her lower lip realising the fact that she was late today and she will going to hear this for the whole day.

"Oh so you're up. I thought I have to make breafast today." The saracastic tone greeted her as she stepped in the kitchen.

Tara hurriedly took a hold of a woak and added, "I will complete rest of the work. Why don't you seat there. I will bring you your tea."
Rishi nodded her head and left.

She topped the eggs with onion, tomatoes and some chillies. And fried some buns with extra butter. She adjusted some protein shakes for Vivaan and cereal for Armaan. Quickly fixing the tea for everyone, she put everything on the breakfast table.

  She was rinsing the dishes when she heard her phone ringing. She looked at the caller ID. It was unknown.

"Do you by any chance have charcoal soap. I want to buy six of it?" She heard the caller.

"I'm sorry. I'm afraid that soap is out of stock. It will be available in two, three working days."

"Oh." She heard her heaved, disappointed.

"I can suggest, if you want. You can place your order and it will be delivered to you by the end of this weekend." She noted down the details of her first customer in the morning. And after another round of reassurance Tara cut the call. She heard the caller thanked her before  the line went dead. She got an order early in morning. She was happy and thankful.

  It wasn't more then months, when she started her own business of selling beauty products. It wasn't easy for her, doing something which she hadn't tried in her life. But with her husband she had to do everything to make living for them, especially for her son. Their marriage was nothing but a good dream for her, which lost its worth once you woke up. It was good for a brief months. He was good but then she noticed the changes in him. He was no longer the man. Her father asked her to marry.

Her marriage was nothing but compromised. She remembered, when her bua (father's sister), Rishi came to visit them with her son, Vivaan. She was not feeling good with the sudden changes in Rishi's behavior. Rishi was a person, who would sell her own family for money. She was beyond selfish and what amused Tara the most was, her father adored her with all his life.

They were not doing good in their life. The one bedroom apartment with cracks on every nook. They didn't have any finance to invest in their house. Tara's father, Mukul, was retired government officer. He was a prided man. An alcoholic, she had witnessed her father beating and cursing her mother every night. Out of terror she never raised her voice in front of her father. She found it odd, When Rishi made an agreement of helping them to relocate their house. And Her father accepted it happily. Soon there was a new painted wall, decorated ceiling and a big roof. It was as if someone had really did magic spell on their life. Her father was no longer came drunk home as he used to before.

  It lasted only for a while, he became aggressive again. When Tara didn't agreed to marry Vivaan. She remembered once eavesdropping the arguments of her parents. It was so painful for her to watch him abusing her mother every night. Even after knowing that Vivan was a gambler and she will not be happy with him. She decided to marry him. Just for her mother.

It was that day. When her trust and affection which she was started to build on Vivaan, questioned. It was after months of their marriage, Rishi had kept small function in their house. When Tara was getting ready. Unbeknownst of Rishi's evil deed.

Rishi barged in her room with a jewelry box in her other hand. Tara looked at her confused. She thrust the box in front of her which landed on the floor scattering the jewelry all over the place. Tara noticed, one piece of earring going under her dresser table.

"You called this pieces a jewelry? I already made it clear that I want 3 karats gold chain for my son. Can't he get this simple thing?" Shouted Rishi, her eyes burning red in anger.

Tara gulped, her voice was low as she tried to defend herself, "but papa arranged all he could."

Rishi glared at her, "don't talk back! Is this your mother had taught you?" She glared and continued, "Go to your house, in very next second as this function will end. And tell your father to bring what I demanded. Or else, don't show up here ever."

The moment her voice got outside, Vivaan stomped in the room.

"What happened mamma?"

Tears started streaming down Rishi's cheeks. Tara looked at her confused.

"Beta, I was just suggesting  her to change this jewelry. As it looks old and then suddenly she started talking back to me."

Tara searched Vivaan's eyes helplessly to say something but in vain. Her body trembled when she heard him say, "Mamma you go and get ready. I need to talk to Tara."

A moment later, she heard the door locked. He took a step forward at her. Something catch her attention. It was the familiar look she had been witnessing since her childhood. Her heartbeat fasten in her rib-cage. She silently prayed for her safety.

Vivaan rubbed the back of his neck,"how can you be disrespectful to my mom?"

"I didn't said anything, Vivaan." Defend Tara.

"So, you're saying that my mom is lying." He glared forwarding to her. She slowly shook her head.

A sharp pain raised on her left cheek and she felt his hand on her's. Her eyes widen. Vivaan grabbed her hair and made her look at him. She winced. "Don't dare to say something about my mother. I won't tolerate it."

Tara staggered back and fell on the floor. Vivaan walked out of the room while straightening his shirt, as if nothing happen.

   "I bought your favorite pastries from winkies." A muffled voice bring Tara out of  her reverie.

  She titled her head and the short height, round face man with a cheerful smile was standing the other side of the breakfast table.

  "I bought your favorite pastries from winkies." He repeated and her lips broke in a cheerful smile and eyes crinkled. 

"When did you bought this?"

"On my way back from morning walk. That's why I always tell you to join me in the morning." He whispered and Tara nodded in acceptance.

  He handed her the small paper bag carefully. She peeked and two pastries were in the bag with their design going off the shapes. She burst into a heartfelt laughter. Mayank looked her confused.

Tara shook her head suppressing her laughter and added, "they no longer looks like pastries but I will appreciate your efforts and enjoy it."

"It happens because I had to hide these from your mother in law. If she would have find it out then the house no longer looked like this peaceful." They both giggled at the fact. 

"What's with you two, laughing and giggling first in the morning. Plotting something against me?" Rishi mocked pushing the chair to seat.

  "We are not that courageous, you know." Mayank raised his hand in defeat.

"Hmm, where is Vivaan? Is he not up yet?" Rishi asked her eyebrows grew together, she stuffed the big piece of omelette in her mouth.

Tara stilled, "he left early." she took a spoonful of jam, "and he is not picking my calls." she lied.

She decided that she will not call him unless if it was necessary. She felt guilty about it sometimes but it was safe for her to stay away from him as much as she could. She never know when he will take out his frustration on her again. Even when he stayed home, she chose to spend her time doing unnecessary work or downstairs with Rishi talking about something or nothing at all.

"I will call him. What if he get into fight again." Exclaimed Rishi. Tara watched her as she stormed in her room. Mayank reassured her and followed Rishi to their room.

Tara sighed, she head back in the kitchen. She has to finish her work early to spend some time with her son. Armaan was a child, who didn't bother her much. He was lazy compared to the other child in his age yet playful at the same time when he was in mood. Tara had been using her every excuse to keep him away from Vivaan. And she had been regretting it. She knew that it was a sin to keep a son away from the warmth of his father. But Vivaan had not left any other way for her. She only wanted her son to be safe.

Gingerly, she sat beside Armaan. Who was busy playing with his new spider-man toy. He was a two years old, taller and healthier. Because of his height, he stood out in a pre-school meeting. Which was an easy way for his early education. People always misunderstood him older then his age. His skin was faded honey colored with an oval shaped face. His eyes resembled Vivaan's big doe shaped eyes and curly hairs just like Tara. Armaan was more likely to resembled his mother then to his father. Tara had been getting this complement from long now that Arman had her feature more then his father.

She often look back at those days. When she was in a Labor ward. When she had taken Armaan for the first time from nurse's hands. He was thin and small back then that he had curled up in her arms so easily. She was afraid Rishi won't be happy to see him. She will accuse her for him being like this. But she decided that she will fight for his son the very second he was in her arms. She decided to give him all the love she didn't get in her childhood. Her phone ring muffled in the silent room. She picked it up.

"Won't you come to home?" She heard a loud  voice from other side. It was her sister, Niharika. She was a year younger then her. But they both were same in their built and weight. That was the reason in school time or any other day Niharika would steal her clothes and footwear's secretly.

"I will come. If only he will drop me off or you guys will come to pick me up." Heaved Tara, and continued, "you know, I can't travel alone."

There was a short pause at the other side of the call, "okay, then be ready tomorrow. I will pick you up."

"That's great. I will inform mamma. So, that she won't ask any further questions. Come soon. I'll wait for you." Ecstatic, she ended the call.

She was happy to go home. It was hardly matter whether she was going for a day or hours. She felt safe there. She heard footsteps behind her. He was home. She crooked her head to look at him. He was standing next to the bed, few feet away from her. The slight alcohol smell stuck in her nostril. He was drunk again. Her heartbeat fasten. She clutched the duvet tight. Not wanting him to touch her. Slight touch of him always trembled her. She knew that was the least thing he likes of her. His Terror.

The next day, they were at the breakfast table. Tara had woke up earlier then usual and tried some new breakfast dish as she was in good mood. Rishi was pleased with her efforts.

"Come by the evening. If possible. I can't manage to make dinner by myself." Rishi added. Her voice was cold. Tara silently nodded.

"Do you want me to buy some new cosmetic for you? Or any new bindi?" asked tara, hesitated. She wanted to buy something for her mother in law in the hope that one day everything will be settle in between them.

"Buy me some lipstick which last long. And a kohl if possible. Last time the serum you gave me it's has good quality. I like that." Shrugged Rishi and Tara nodded thoughtfully.

They were talking when a manly voice distracted them. They both look at him. Vivaan was staring back at them. His plate was still untouched. "Wasn't he hungry?" Tara wondered.

"What happened? Why are you not eating anything?" asked Rishi, her eyebrow drew together.

"I don't have appetite." he pushed the plate aside and gave his full attention to them. Tara looked at him confused.

"I've something to announce." his words torn the wind separating them far.

Tara's heart beat thumped. She remembered, The last time he announced something was the day. When he lost everything in gambling. They needed to pay off the debt by selling their one hardware shop on third time the cheapest price. Because of his deeds, Rishi was hospitalized back then. And it was hard for Tara to survive during her pregnancy days with all the things she has to handle. From taking care of Rishi's to looking after the house.

Vivaan inhaled deep, "I have found a work. The wages is good enough as well. I'm thinking to join in from tomorrow."

Rishi's face lighten up with humorous grin as she added, "That's a great deal. Beta, you should go and keep busy yourself. You are a young blood, might use it in good work."

"That's a good news. You will do good." Tara smiled hesitantly.

"I need both of your support in the journey of becoming a good man."

Vivaan gently squeezed her hand. His eyes filled with numerous emotion. Tara slowly nodded assuring that she will be by his side in his every steps. They both stared at each other, slight hesitant smile on the edge of their lips.

"I should go and check what's Armaan doing. Tara, bring me a cup of tea in my room after an hour." They watched her leave first.

"If you don't mind, can you lend me some money? The new work required some casual dress and I don't have any." Vivaan hesitated.

Tara quickly nodded. Delighted by the fact that her husband is now realising his responsibility. She bustled in their room and came back after few minutes. She handed the gold chain to him. Vivaan's head shot up and he looked at her straight. It was her chain. Which she got it on their marriage. Her father had bought it with half of his monthly pension income.

"You can sell it. As far as I assume it will help you to buy necessities for tomorrow."

"I can't do this. What if I won't be able to buy it back."

"You are realizing your responsibilities. That's what important to me. I can have hundreds of gold chain once you get employed." she said, titling her head to one side with a glint of smile.

As the day proceed, she found herself tired. Niharika, had been waiting for her, playing with Armaan. She was straight back from her college to pick her up knowing the fact that she has to wait a little more then an hour for her sister to left the house. After an hours of waiting they drove off to home. Tara felt light heart. She was started to build the walls of her dreams. Vivaan was going to make it happen. But the thing she afraid of was happiness never walks with her. She can't befriend with it. What she afraid of was how long will Vivaan keep her trust? Was it good idea to trust him after all the things he did to her?

.........

  The blue dim light with a rose scent smell struck in his nostril making him sleepless again. Dhruv stretched his back against the bed. He looked at the right side and small smirk curled up on the edge of his lip.

"She was not that bad." He closed the gap between them. The women beside him instantly glued on his arm, her head touching his bare chest. She slowly planted soft kisses all over his naked body and Dhruv moaned in appreciation, clearly enjoying the pleasure.

  "It is not your first time, right?" He asked.

  "My previous boss and I had an affair for a while. And I had slept with him once." She broked in between her kisses and added, "but he was not good. And to tell you the truth, you are far better then him in every aspects. I love this moment." She stared at him searching for his eyes.

  Dhruv adjusted on his side, her hand dropping on the bed. He looked at her, "wanna have second round?" He suggested smiling.

  The women looked up and pinching his nose, she nodded in agreement. Seconds later, towering over he touched her lips softly. Slowly thrusting his tongue in her mouth and she allowed wildly. They both explore each other. Dhruv reposed on his side once he was  exhausted and drifted off of to sleep.

   The next morning when the sunshine broke through the curtain, he squinted his eyes and rose on his feet. He picked up his pants from the floor and buttoning his muscular body walked up to the door.

"Dhruv, where are you going?" The women asked rubbing her eyes.

  "Firstly, stop calling my name and secondly don't show up in front of me again, eve!" His tone was cold.

  "Bu..but I thought we will date." Her voice broke as she make efforts to say.

"I never date a women like you." He mocked clutching the door knob ready to leave her behind.

The women hurried to him, her eyes filled with wetness. As she added, "please don't do this to me. I like you."  She squeezed his arm.

   Dhruv tried to free himself. But she continued, "I know you liked it too. Please let's not break up huh? Let's keep our relation." She paused, he pushed her hand off. Of all the things he hate, the first and most was a clingy women. He did not like when any women stick around him because of her greed.

"If you will not accept me. Then I...I will spread rumors about you raped me in your office. I will tell them that you agreed to give me job in the return of one night." Her voice torn the wind separating them apart. Dhruv greeted his teeth, his jaw clenched. He was going to avoid her but her words and actions made him to do something he wanted to avoid. He was  trying to stay calm. But she made  wrong choice with her words. 

He grabbed her hair, twisting the hands behind her back. "Didn't I told you, I hate greedy women?" He dragged her in the room. She winced in pain.

  "I'm..," Dhruv cut her off and added, "Don't ever show me your face." His furious eyes met her and that was the last thing she remembered.

Dhruv loosen his grip and pushed her off. Her head banged on the edge of the coffee table as she fall on the floor bleeding all over her body, the sharp shards of glass shattered all around her. 

   "Shit, I lost myself again! I should not have get angry." She heard a muffled voice before closing her eyes. And Dhruv was out of the room, leaving her behind laying on the floor, unconscious.

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