It was still dark when Anirudh left Bondita's bed. Bondita was sleeping peacefully, and looking at her angelic face, Anirudh couldn't help but wonder what epic blunder he was about to make!
He cursed himself for feeling the way he felt for her last night. How could he!!
He always thought himself to be better than this. Then why? ... Why was he ready to give in to his dark carnal desires ?

He had to do something. Something that would put an end to all these. But what?
Anirudh went to his study and sat quietly untill the day broke.
His father, uncle and brothers were to return the next day. Koeli and other attendees were busy decorating the Haweli for their arrival. And why would they not decorate? Afterall it was Anirudh and Bondita's 5th Wedding anniversary... A wedding that was never meant to be.
Amidst the morning hustle bustle, Anirudh managed to make a couple of phone calls. He asked Koeli to check on Bondita's health and tend to her. Lost in thoughts, he remained the entire day locked in his study. "Am I doing the right thing? He asked himself one last time before clenching his fist and hitting his walnut study table hard. "Yes, it's the right thing", he said.

.....................

Koeli gentle woke Bondita up from her sleep.
"Bondita bahu, how are you feeling now?" She asked tenderly.
"Better. Where is he? Where did Barrister babu go?" She restlessly looked around.
" Barrister Babu? Was he here last night?" Koeli asked.
"Yes Koeli didi. He was right here, beside me." Bondita patted the bed to show where Anirudh was.
"Baburani? You mean Barrister babu slept with you in this room last night?" Koeli looked visibly elated.
" Koeli didi, I swear he did. He hugged me the entire night. He even..." Bondita stopped mid-sentence and put her palm on the mouth.
"Durga Maa, finally... congratulations Bondita bahu, your marriage is complete now" Koeli almost danced in happiness.
"My marriage is complete? How?" Bondita asked thoughtfully.
"Oh ho Baburani, you are a grown women now. And the best part is your husband loves you... don't ask too many questions." Koeli remarked. "I'll have to give this news to Bare Malik, your Uncle-in-law. He would be extremely happy." Koeli quickly rushed out of the room.

"Why should I not ask questions?" Bondita thought. But she was relieved as Koeli finally said that her marriage is complete. All questions can wait but before that she needs to find her Anirudh Babu.

Bondita quickly got out of her bed and went to her bathroom to freshen up.
It was after an hour when she saw Anirudh standing infront of the telephone lost in thought.
She tiptoed and hugged him from behind.
Anirudh was startled.

"Haha.. Barrister babu you got scared" Bondita laughed out loud. Her laughter was like a clear stream of waterfall flowing down from a valley of eternal happiness. There was no dilemma, no perplexity in her appearance. As if she has totally forgotten about the previous night.
"That's a good sign."
Anirudh thought and smiled.

"Bondita, you indeed have scared me." Said Anirudh instead. "How are you feeling now?" He asked.

"Good... Better... Best... I'm feeling the best Barrister babu. I'm very happy today." Bondita took a swirl before hugging Anirudh again.

"Good to know Bondita. May I know the reason for your happiness as well?" Anirudh asked cordially.

Bondita stood on her toes to reach up to Anirudh's ears before whispering.
"Barrister babu, I'm happy because our marriage is complete now."
She hid her face in her hands playfully immediately after saying these words.

Anirudh was stunned. He was expecting a backfire as a consequence of the previous night, but not this!

"Our marriage is complete? What are you saying Bondita? Who told you all these? Who is teaching you all these?" He fumed up.
"Koeli didi said.." Bondita was taken aback a little by this sudden change in Anirudh's behaviour.

"Ok... So now Koeli has become your principal... I see." Anirudh was visibly enraged now.

" Listen Bondita... Listen very carefully. Our marriage was complete before in our own way. Nothing, I repeat nothing happened last night that would possibly have changed anything between us."

"But Barrister babu... " Bondita objected.
But before she could complete her sentence, Anirudh interjected.

"Bondita... Nothing happened.. Don't get ideas."

Anirudh noticed Bondita's face losing its colour. As if someone has drained away all the blood from the face. His own heart twitched in pain but his head knows this is absolutely the right thing to do.