I stood in the kitchen rinsing dishes when the memory of that day hit me hard. My body still ached from how Aayan had used me, and I knew deep down I was his now. I did not care about my husband anymore. I did not care about my son Rohan either. Aayan owned every part of me and I wanted it that way.

A few days later I went out for a short holiday trip to the market. The house felt empty when I left, but when I came back I noticed my husband asleep on the living room couch with the TV still on. Next to the couch I saw another pair of shoes that I knew belonged to Aayan. My heart jumped. Why was he here today when everyone was home? I walked through the living room but could not find Rohan anywhere. I checked the kitchen too, but my mind was not really looking for my son. I was searching for Aayan.