His lecture hall become tense when he begins teaching, his tone is rushed, sharp, and impatient.
Every time a student hesitates to answer, he cuts them off mid sentence and scolds them for not paying attention in the class.
The classroom goes quiet. Students exchange glances, clearly uncomfortable.
Another student [quietly to friend],''He's never like this. What's wrong with him? Why he become so strict?''
Meanwhile, Radika wasn't doing any better.
She avoided her friends. She kept her head down in class.
Her usual laughter was missing. Even Sara, who always pulled jokes out of her, couldn't crack her this time.
They finally confronted her in the cafeteria.
"Radhika," Hima said, gently. "You've been acting weird these days. Is something wrong?"
"We're your friends," Sara added. "Don't shut us out."
Radhika looked up from her untouched plate. Her voice was tired.
"I'm fine guys. Just tired."
"Is this about your family radika?" Rohan asked, carefully.
That hit too close.
Her hands tightened slightly, but she kept her voice neutral. "Can we not talk about this?"
"You're pushing everyone away," Sara whispered.
"I'm used to it," Radhika replied flatly, then got up and walked away.
The three friends sat in silence, concern in their eyes.
"She's hurting," Hima murmured.
"And hiding something," Rohan said. "Something big."
Back at home, silence stretched between Rudra and Radika like a wall.
He stayed on the sofa. She on the bed. Neither spoke.
They were under the same roof, same room — but worlds apart.
Even his mother noticed.
She decided to talk with him and called the rudra.
"I don't know what's going on between you two," she said as she placed a cup of tea in front of Rudra. "But it's not normal."
Rudra didn't look up.
"She barely talks. She doesn't smile. She walks around like she's invisible," his mother continued
"And you — you're always angry. Irritated.
Rudra stayed quiet.
His mother's voice softened.
Rudra this marriage is big turn in her life, she didn't even ready for it. Today her parents called me and asked ''How she is doing?''. She stopped talking with them after your marriage. Don't make her feel alone.
"Talk to her, Rudra. Whatever happened… don't let it destroy both of you. Don't let silence win."
Her words sank deep.
Rudra realised his mistake and how his foolish jealousy had made things messy so he decided to break the silence.
[The room is quiet. Radhika stands at the window, arms wrapped around herself. The moonlight falls gently on her face.]
[Her phone lights up. Another call from her mom. She stares at it… then turns it face down. Again.]
[She exhales shakily, voice barely a whisper to herself.]
Radhika (whispers):
"Everyone left."
"My sister left... My parents gave me away like I was just the next best option."
"And now even he… he doesn't talk, doesn't look at me..."
[Her voice cracks. She wipes a tear but more fall silently.
[She hugs herself tighter, her breathing uneven. The only thing listening is the moonlight.]
Just then rudra entered the room.
The light was off, but moonlight poured in through the window.
Radhika stood there, her back to him, arms wrapped around herself.
She was staring up at the sky — unmoving. The silver light kissed her face, revealing soft trails of tears.
Rudra's heart dropped.
She was crying. Silently. Alone.
He stepped forward slowly.
"Radhika…" he said gently.
She didn't turn around.
He gently patted on her shoulder.
She let out a shaky breath. "I miss them," she whispered. "My parents. Even after everything. Even after they made me marry like this… I still miss them. I hate that I do."
Her voice cracked. "But I can't face them. I don't know how."
She paused.
"I don't want to feel this alone anymore."
Silence.
Then — softly, bravely — she turned… and stepped forward.
And hugged him.
She buried her face in his chest, arms wrapped tightly around him like she didn't want to fall apart.
Rudra stood frozen for a moment. Then, slowly, his arms moved.
One gently rested on her back. The other reached up — and softly patted her head.
"I'm here," he whispered.
"You're not alone anymore, Radhika."
She didn't reply. But she didn't need to.
In that quiet room, under the soft moonlight, her trembling breath slowly calmed.
And in that fragile hug, something heavy lifted between them — not completely healed, but not broken either
THE NEXT MORNING....
STAY TUNED.........