The darkness of the night slowly receded as the first light of dawn crept into the room. Roji lay in bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she listened to the gentle hum of the air conditioner. She had grown accustomed to the early morning hours, when the world outside was still and quiet. It was a time for reflection, a time to gather her thoughts before the chaos of the day began.

As she lay there, she could feel the weight of her responsibilities bearing down on her. The marriage, the children, the family business – all of these things hung over her like a constant threat. She thought about Vikram, her husband, and the way he treated her. The verbal abuse, the emotional manipulation, the complete lack of empathy. She wondered how she had ended up in this situation, trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who seemed to despise her.

Roji slowly got out of bed, her movements quiet as she didn't want to disturb the children. She made her way to the bathroom, the cool tiles beneath her feet a welcome respite from the warmth of the bed. As she washed her face, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The dark circles under her eyes were a testament to her sleepless nights, her skin pale and drawn. She looked like a shadow of her former self.

With a sigh, Roji began her morning routine, going through the motions with a sense of detachment. She dressed in a simple yet elegant sari, her hair pulled back into a neat bun. As she finished getting ready, she heard the children stirring in their rooms. It was time to put on a brave face, to be the mother and wife she was expected to be. But deep down, she wondered how much longer she could keep up this facade.