episode : 3

[Location: Hriday’s Cabin – Dim lighting, Rupsa is still standing, staring at her boss]

👩‍💼 Rupsa (thinking to herself):

“Oh god! This must be some sort of roleplay test before a big project… Yes, probably that!”

(She smiles lightly and says:)

👩‍💼 Rupsa:

“Well, sir, if that man is offering a lot of money… maybe I’ll consider it.”

(Hriday keeps looking at her for a moment, then says in a calm, flat tone:)

🧑‍💼 Hriday (coolly):

“I think so.”

(Rupsa laughs, voice slightly shaky:)

Rupsa:

“You mean… I guessed right? This isn’t about a project?”

(Hriday remains silent. No smile. He just sits down and flips through some files. Then, he looks directly at her.)

🧑‍💼 Hriday:

“There’s a contract marriage proposal. Six months. No emotions. In exchange—money. And a few other benefits.”

(Rupsa is stunned again. Her smile fades. She stands frozen.)

👩‍💼 Rupsa (softly, with a trembling voice):

“You’re… serious?”

🧑‍💼 Hriday (with a firm look):

“Yes. You have time to think. But not much.”

(Silence in the cabin. Outside, night has fallen. Rupsa stands still, realizing—this isn’t a drill. This is real.)

---

[Scene: Outside Hriday’s cabin – moments later]

Rupsa is trying to open the door when Piyasa walks in.

Piyasa (curious):

“Hey! Why did the boss call you again so suddenly? What happened?”

Rupsa pauses. Her hand on the door handle. Her face looks unusually calm.

Rupsa (gently):

“Nothing… nothing much.”

Piyasa (frowning):

“You’re lying. Your face says something else. Did he scold you?”

Rupsa smiles faintly, avoiding eye contact.

Rupsa:

“I’m just really tired, Piyasa. I’ll tell you later…”

She slowly enters her cabin and quietly closes the door behind her.

Piyasa (to herself, whispering):

“Something’s definitely off…”

---

[Scene: Rupsa’s home – night]

Rupsa brings warm water from the kitchen and sits beside her mother. Her mother is lying down, eyes closed, a thin sheet over her. Occasional coughs shake the room.

Rupsa (gently):

“Ma, I’m applying a warm compress… bear with it, you’ll feel better.”

Her mother barely nods, pain visible on her face.

Rupsa holds her mother’s hand. Her eyes well up, but she doesn’t cry in front of her.

Rupsa (thinking):

“Mom’s medicine, injections, diet… everything’s become so expensive. Whatever savings I had… all gone.”

Hriday’s face flashes in her mind.

Hriday’s voice (flashback):

“If someone is okay marrying me for six months… I’ll pay whatever she asks for.”

Rupsa sits in silence. She pulls the sheet gently over her mother.

Rupsa (to herself):

“Can I really do this? Just for six months… just for money… for Ma?”

Suddenly, thunder crashes outside. The window panes tremble. Rupsa flinches, then hugs her mother tighter.

---

[Scene: Hriday’s Office – morning]

Rupsa slowly walks into her boss’s cabin. There’s hesitation in her voice, but her face is steady. Hriday is at his desk going through some files. He looks up.

Hriday (calmly):

“Yes?”

Rupsa (clearly):

“I agree.”

Hriday (raising an eyebrow):

“Excuse me?”

Rupsa:

“What you said yesterday… six months marriage… I accept.”

Hriday (eyes widen slightly):

“…Seriously?”

Rupsa nods. Her expression is firm.

Rupsa:

“Just one condition — I want everything in writing. Contract, terms, payment. All of it legally documented.”

Hriday (surprised):

“…Interesting. I didn’t expect you to say yes.”

Rupsa (coolly):

“People like you are fun to surprise.”

A smirk tugs at Hriday’s lips.

Hriday:

“Fine. Let’s make this official then.”

Rupsa turns and walks out. Hriday watches her leave, a mysterious glint in his eyes.

---

[Scene: Hriday’s Cabin – after Rupsa leaves]

Hriday leans back in his chair, a faint, unreadable smile on his lips. Just then, Shiv bursts in.

Shiv (excitedly):

“Good morning, sir! Rupsa ma’am was here, right? What did she say?”

Hriday (calmly):

“She said yes.”

Shiv (shocked):

“What?! Rupsa ma’am agreed? Seriously?”

Hriday:

“Yes. Contract marriage. Six months. She asked for full documentation. Quite professional, I must say.”

Shiv (in disbelief):

“But… I thought you were joking… She literally avoids your name like it’s the plague!”

Hriday (lightly smiling):

“Apparently, life surprises us both, Shiv.”

Shiv:

“So… what now?”

Hriday (serious tone):

“Draft the contract. Today. With full legal terms. And make sure my mother doesn’t find anything wrong with it.”

Shiv (scratching his head):

“Ugh… convincing Mom is going to be the real challenge!”

Hriday (coolly):

“That’s your problem now, Shiv.”

Shiv walks out grumbling, muttering under his breath:

Shiv:

“Boss drops one bomb after another, and I’m left defusing them… This marriage might just turn out to be an office landmine!”

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