He grabbed her arm then, his touch a violation that sent a fresh wave of horror through her. Bondita screamed, a raw, piercing sound that tore from her throat, and she thrashed against his grip, trying to break free. But he was too strong. With one fluid motion, he pulled her to her feet, her body collapsing against him like a ragdoll.
"Chhodo mujhe! Pati babu...pati.." (Leave me! Pati Babu... Pati...) she cried, but her voice was lost in the vast, empty house. He held her against his chest, her face buried in his shoulder, and whispered in her ear, a final, crushing blow to her hope. "Tumhara Pati Babu tumhare aansu nahi dekhega... tumhari pukaar nahi sunega... aaj tum sirf meri ho." (Your Pati Babu will not see your tears... will not hear your cries... today you are only mine.)

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