The preparations for the journey to Rajkot Haveli felt almost theatrical, like we were trying to announce our arrival to the whole world. Trucks lined the drive, filled with boxes of sweets, jewelry, silks, fits and anything else that would make our presence felt in the town and to distribute it among the civilians.

I watched the cars lined up in front of me as I took a step toward the gate, where Ekaksh stood, his figure as unyielding as ever.

I wore the dark green saree his mother had given me to wear, its heavy border weighing down on me, a reminder of the cage I felt trapped in. Everyone else had left for Rajkot in the morning, but because Ekaksh fucking Rathore claimed he had "urgent" business, we were only setting out now, late in the afternoon.

I had wanted to go with Myra, but Dadi said

"How can you go when your husband is here? Come with him."