Chapter 8: New Beginnings

The assistant called while I was at home packing my things, putting my personal items into boxes one by one.

The flat was silent except for the whirr of the ceiling fan. I folded my sarees, wrapped my childhood photo frames in newspaper, and packed away my diaries. Each item felt like a chapter closing.

She cautiously reminded me, “Mrs. Iyer, according to company policy, cancelling means a 30% penalty.”

Her voice was hesitant, wary of my reaction.

I laughed. “Who said I’m cancelling? Arjun doesn’t want to cancel, so let him handle the follow-up. If he wants to keep up the act, let him.”

My tone was brisk, my mind made up.

This house was bought by Arjun before our marriage. Over the past year, I helped him pay part of the loan.

I remembered each EMI, each cheque written with hope for a future that now seemed out of reach.

I’m not worried about where to live.

I took a deep breath, feeling oddly light.

Before we got married, I had my own small flat, fully furnished, never rented out—always kept empty.

A sanctuary, my backup plan. My mother called it my "Mayka Lite"—just in case.

So, between me and him, there’s nothing to fight over.

No children, no joint accounts, no shared heirlooms—just memories, some sweet, some bitter.

I don’t want this house, and the renovation costs are all his problem.

I zipped up my suitcase, heart steady.

When Arjun came back, my things were already packed into two large suitcases.

He entered, expecting normalcy, and stopped short at the sight.

He looked shocked. “Ananya, what are you doing?”

His voice trembled, the first crack in his composure.

“I tried so hard to make you happy. Even if you don’t appreciate it, you don’t have to go this far, do you?”

He stared at me, as if searching for the woman he married. I met his gaze, silent, my decision already made. The sound of my own breathing was the only answer I offered, as I turned to face the world outside, alone but unafraid.

I paused at the door, listening to the distant sound of temple bells from the lane below, letting the familiar chime steady my heart. Outside, the evening sky was heavy with the promise of rain. I stepped into the corridor, suitcase in hand, ready to build a home that was truly mine—come what may.