Barrister Babu

Chapter 97: Calling Routine

A new morning unfolded quietly over the Roy Chawdhary haveli.

After finishing her bath, Bondita stood before the mirror, gently squeezing the water from her long hair. The damp strands rested against her back, darkening the fabric of her saree. She adjusted her pallu and stepped out, her thoughts already drifting toward the study.

Patibabu had not returned to the room last night.

Remembering the silence with which he had walked away after dinner, Bondita made her way toward the study without delay.

The door stood slightly open.

She pushed it gently and stepped inside. And there he was.

Anirudh had fallen asleep on the chair.

Books lay open across the desk, loose papers scattered in quiet disorder, as though he had been thinking long after the night had settled. His spectacles had slipped slightly down his nose, and his head rested awkwardly against the back of the chair.

Bondita's expression softened immediately.

"Patibabu..." she whispered.

She walked closer and, with careful fingers, brushed the loose strands of hair away from his forehead. Her hand lingered there for a moment before gently moving through his hair.

The familiar touch stirred him.

Anirudh shifted slightly, his brows easing, though his eyes remained closed.

"Patibabu..." she called again, a small hope in her voice. "Are you going to join the puja?"

"Hm..." The sound came faint and sleepy.

She leaned a little closer. "Patibabu?"

Anirudh frowned slightly, still caught in sleep. "Bondita..." he murmured.

"Hm?"

"Let me sleep."

Bondita blinked. Then a soft sigh escaped her, followed by a quiet smile.

Of course.

Bending slightly, she placed a gentle kiss upon his forehead. "I'll bring coffee for you after the puja then," she whispered.

He did not respond this time, already slipping deeper into sleep.

Bondita straightened and took one last look at him before quietly stepping out of the study.

The house temple was calm when she entered.

As expected, Trilochan was already there.

"Good morning, Kakasasurji."

He turned toward her and nodded. "Good morning, Bahu."

Bondita moved toward the flowers and began preparing the aarti arrangement for Dugga Maa. Trilochan sat beside her and quietly helped, separating the flowers and placing them within her reach while she arranged the thali.

After a few moments, Trilochan cleared his throat. "Bahu..."

Bondita looked up. "Ji?"

"I wanted to tell you something."

"Ji, Kakasasurji?"

He hesitated for a moment. "Uh... actually..." Then he shook his head lightly. "No, it is fine."

Bondita arched an eyebrow. "Come on, kakasasurji. Now you have to say it."

Trilochan remained quiet for a few seconds. His fingers paused over the flowers before he resumed separating them. "I am okay with Chandni coming to the haveli after getting discharged from the hospital."