Ishana:
Okay!
(The cousins leave for their rooms with their wives and luggage in tow. The hallway briefly echoes with suitcase wheels, then silence returns.)
Father (watching them go):
Let them be, Ishana.
They finally have some free time to spend with their wives. On regular days, they're always caught up with work and barely get time together.
Father (pausing, then with a thoughtful look):
But... didn't you notice something a little off between them?
Ishana (nodding slowly):
Yeah. It was weird.
Neither of them really talked to their wives… and their wives didn't say a single word either.
Father (concerned):
Exactly.
I think there must've been a fight before they got here. We should try to resolve it somehow. It's a family occasion, after all.
Ishana (firmly):
You can count on me, dad.
I'll keep an eye on them—and talk to bhabhi if needed.
Father (smiling faintly):
Good. Now, I'm heading to check on the party arrangements.
Ishana:
Alright!
– Behind Closed Doors
(Cousin 1 enters the room, shuts the door with a firm hand, and turns to face his wife with visible irritation.)
Cousin 1 (angrily):
Can't you ever say no?
Why did you agree when she asked about the party?
What do you think she's imagining now—that i don't even know what my wife like's.
Can't you at least pretend everything's fine?
Wife 1 (arms crossed, calm but icy):
I have feelings too.
I'm not just going to do whatever you tell me to, got it?
I have my own life. You don't get to rule over me.
And why should I pretend everything's perfect when it's not?
Wife 1 (voice rising):
Since the day we got married…
You've never even touched me. Not once.
May I ask why?
Cousin 1 (rolling his eyes, irritated):
Don't bring this up again.
I didn't touch you because… you don't match my standards. Simple.
I only married you because my parents pressured me.
Don't expect anything more.
Wife 1 (hurt, but defiant):
Oh, now I don't meet your standards?
Do you think I married you because I was in love with you?
Please. There's no way I could ever like an arrogant jerk like you.
Cousin 1 (coldly):
If you don't like me, then fine—let's just get a divorce.
Why are you even asking why I haven't touched you?
Wife 1 (voice breaking slightly):
If I could, I would have divorced you a long time ago.
But if I do… my parents will be heartbroken.
I can't put them through that.
Cousin 1 (mocking):
Don't act all sympathetic in front of me. It doesn't suit you.
Wife 1 (quiet but sharp):
Sympathy doesn't work on someone who has no heart.
Cousin 1 (pointing a finger):
Listen—my sister knows me very well.
So behave yourself in front of her.
Act like we're a loving couple. Smile. Laugh. Play along.
And don't you dare ruin her mood with your emotional drama. Got it?
Wife 1 (eyes locked on his, voice cold):
Don't worry. I won't.
Because I actually want her to be happy.
She deserves better than what I got.
She's stronger. Smarter. Better than you'll ever be.
(Silence hangs between them. Cousin 1 clenches his jaw and turns away while Wife 1 quietly sits on the edge of the bed, expression unreadable.)