Bhumi was sitting on the sofa, fully dressed in the attire of a bride, with her heavy lehenga occupying the space for three people. The entire room smelled of wrapping paper, oils, and fatigue. Bhumi's mother, sister, mother-in-law, and other members of her family and extended family were sitting in solemn silence in the small suffocating room. Although Bhumi was the exalted bride, the happiness was missing from her countenance. At the moment, there was no exaltation or excitement in the room; everyone's eyes were fixated on Bhumi.