Three Documents and a Mangalsutra
I prepared three documents:
- Temporary separation between Arjun and me — six months.
- Agreement: no private contact between Arjun and Priya, or we go to court.
- Financial settlement: all joint savings transferred to my name as compensation for his betrayal.
Then, I placed my mangalsutra on the table.
“If you see her again, I’ll divorce you.
I’m not removing this because I reject marriage,
but to protect my dignity.”
Arjun went pale. His mother wept silently.
Priya murmured:
“I’m sorry, sister-in-law. I’ll return to my mother’s house.”
Rohan folded the papers.
“I’ll explain this to the family.”
The Return of the Red Dress
Weeks later, Priya called me to Juhu Beach.
She brought the red dress — washed, folded neatly.
“I’m giving it back… not to you, but to my conscience.”
I stared at the waves.
“You can return the dress. But what about trust?”
Her eyes were swollen.
“I’m moving away. Rohan told me to think for myself. I’m not asking for forgiveness — just that you don’t hate yourself for trusting the wrong person.”
The sea breeze lifted the fabric.
I said softly:
“Burn it — not to erase it, but to end it.”
We lit the dress. The red glow flared and faded.
That evening, Arjun emailed me proof he’d joined an ethics course.
He stood outside, saying quietly:
“I’m not asking for forgiveness. Just a chance to restore what I stole — your peace.”
I closed the door.
I was tired… but strong.
Six Months Later
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