I never meant to fall for her. I came for the money—fifty thousand rupees to save my son’s life. All I had to do was play husband to Radha for a few months. Simple. Clean. No strings.

But then I saw her—standing in that sunlit courtyard, laughing like she hadn’t a care, though everyone knew she was lonely. Her family needed a son-in-law for legal reasons. I needed cash. It was business.

Now, three weeks in, I catch myself watching her too long. The way she ties her sari. The way she hums when she thinks no one’s listening. Last night, she brought me tea at midnight, worried I was working too hard. Our fingers brushed. I felt it—something real.

Today, the doctor called. My son’s condition is worsening. I need the final payment. But Bishambhar says I must stay longer. And Radha… she looked at me today like I’m not just an actor in her life. Like I’m the man she’s been waiting for.

I don’t know how much longer I can lie.