His dark obsession

5. The taste of sorrow

Samyuktika woke up with a start, disoriented. The room was unfamiliar, and panic set in. She tried to recall the previous night's events, but her memories were hazy.

As she sat up, her gaze fell upon the bathroom door. Suddenly, flashes of taking a bath surfaced. She remembered undressing, the warm water, and the soothing scent of soap.

Relieved to have some memory, Samyuktika swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for clues.

That's when she spotted the cupboard. Curious, she opened it and gasped.

Inside, a stunning anarkali outfit beckoned. The intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and delicate patterns took her breath away.

Samyuktika reached the staircase, her footsteps echoing through the hallway. As she began her descent, her foot slipped, and she lost balance. Ekansh, standing below, swiftly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Their faces inches apart, their eyes locked.

Time froze. Ekansh was mesmerized by Samyuktika's piercing gaze and radiant beauty. The anarkali perfectly complemented her features. Samyuktika's heart raced, her cheeks flushing.

No words were spoken, but the air was thick with tension. The silence was broken when Ekansh finally spoke, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Wow, you're successfully taking over everything."

Samyuktika's eyes narrowed, sensing the jab. But before she could respond, Ekansh continued, his tone now laced with amusement. "No cook will prepare the food and help her. She will cook, and today's her first rasoi, right biwi?"

Samyuktika's eyes widened in alarm. She didn't know how to cook. Her mind racing, she thought, "How did he expect me to manage this?" Ekansh's expression revealed a mixture of teasing and challenge. Samyuktika's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, unsure how to react.

Samyuktika stood alone in the kitchen, tears streaming down her face. Her hands throbbed with pain, bruised from the earlier fall. The daunting task of cooking for Ekansh overwhelmed her.

"How am I supposed to do this?" she thought, desperation creeping in.

No one was there to help her, not even a maid. Ekansh's words still echoed in her mind: "She will cook, and today's her first rasoi, right biwi?"

The silence felt oppressive, and Samyuktika's anxiety grew.

Samyuktika closed her eyes, seeking solace in memories. She recalled her dadi's warm kitchen, filled with love and laughter. Dadi's patient hands guided hers as they cooked together. "Kheer, beta," Dadi said, "is a dish of love. You must put your heart into it."

Samyuktika's thoughts transported her back to those sunny afternoons. She remembered the way Dadi measured rice and milk, the gentle simmering, and the sweet aroma wafting through the house.

With newfound determination, Samyuktika opened her eyes. She began rummaging through the kitchen, searching for ingredients. Rice, milk, cardamom, and saffron – each item brought back vivid memories.

As she started cooking, Dadi's words echoed in her mind: "Love is the most essential spice, beta."

Samyuktika carefully placed the parathas on a platter, wincing with each movement. Her bruised hands protested. Just then, the door swung open, and Leela, the maid, entered.

"Good morning, madam," Leela said, noticing the spread. Samyuktika smiled weakly. "Good morning, Leela."

Leela's eyes widened at Samyuktika's bruised hands. "Madam, what happened?" Samyuktika hesitated before speaking. "I...I accidentally burned myself while cooking."

Leela's expression turned sympathetic. "Be careful, madam. Let me help with serving." But Samyuktika shook her head, hiding her true pain. "I'll manage, thank you."

Leela nodded but lingered, concern etched on her face. Samyuktika knew she hadn't convinced Leela, but she couldn't reveal the truth.

Ekansh sat at the dining table, his eyes fixed on the spread before him. Parathas, scrambled eggs, and a steaming cup of chai – a simple yet satisfying breakfast.

His gaze drifted to the kheer, nestled in a small bowl. The familiar aroma and presentation stirred something within him.

Suddenly, memories of his mother flooded his mind. Sundays spent in the kitchen, watching her cook, and savoring her love through every bite.

Ekansh's expression softened, his eyes locked on the kheer. For a moment, the tension and sarcasm melted away.

"Mom's recipe," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Ekansh's momentary weakness vanished as he stood up, his face twisted in anger. He swept his arm across the table, sending plates and utensils crashing to the floor.

Samyuktika's eyes widened in horror as the kheer, parathas, and eggs splattered everywhere.

"What type of food is this?" Ekansh thundered, his voice dripping with venom. "You call this cooking?"

Samyuktika cowered, her heart racing. "I-I tried my best," she stammered.

Ekansh's scathing gaze cut her off. "Your best? This is disgusting! You're useless in the kitchen, just like you're useless everywhere else."

Tears pricked at the corners of Samyuktika's eyes as she backed away, trembling. Ekansh's outburst left her reeling.

Samyuktika rushed to their bedroom, her bruised legs protesting with each step. She slammed the door shut, locking it behind her.

Tears streamed down her face as she collapsed onto the bed, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Why did he have to be so cruel? She thought, recalling Ekansh's venomous words.

Exhaustion and pain overwhelmed her, but she couldn't cry loudly, fearing Ekansh's return.

As she lay there, she felt a faint memory from her childhood trying to resurface.

Samyuktika lay on the bed, her stomach growling with hunger. She hadn't eaten anything for breakfast, and now lunch seemed unlikely.

Her thoughts drifted to the ruined meal she had prepared. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes again.

How could Ekansh be so heartless? Didn't he care that she had put effort into cooking for him?

As the hours passed, Samyuktika's exhaustion deepened. Her bruised hands and legs ached, and her empty stomach protested.

Just as sleep started to claim her, she heard footsteps outside the door.

The door creaked open, and Leela entered with a tray of food.

"Madam, you need to eat," Leela said gently.

Samyuktika hesitated, but Leela's kindness was hard to resist.