Diminutives

Victimizer 3

Reyansh took Pranati to dining table after dressing her for the day. They had breakfast with his mother and Vardhan. Some random news channel was running on television but none of them paid attention, except for Pranati. Amidst the loose talk and delicious dishes, she stole glances at the screen as if expecting something. She relaxed on finding none and focussed on her family.

 "Bro, can you drop me to college?", Vardhan asked Reyansh, "I missed my bus today". "Like always", Reyansh replied with a slight firm tone but nodded. Both boys kissed their mom and said bye to her. Reyansh pecked Pranati's forehead and asked to relax for the day. "You need to rest properly", he winked at her, "after last night", he sensuously rubbed the love bite on her neck that she had skillfully hid under make up. Anjana laughed softly and looked away while Pranati blushed.

"Have a nice day", Reyansh told his brother once they reached college gate. "Getting a lift to college was just an excuse, Bro. I wanted to talk to you", Vardhan told him. "Since when do you need an excuse to talk to me", Reyansh was surprised since he never acted like a big brother but a good friend to Vardhan. "I never judge people or put my nose in other people's life. So apologies in advance, if I am crossing the line", Vardhan gave the preface, "Pranati is more like a sister to me. I am sure Mother also feels attached to her like a daughter rather than seeing her as your wife. We all care a lot for her". 

Reyansh raised his eyebrow still trying make sense of his words. So far Vardhan has explaining a situation about which he is fully aware and happy about. But he knew that his brother is going to say something that will upset him. "Your acts are destroying Pranati", Vardan spoke in one breath, "you may have good reasons to cheat on her. Perhaps as a wife, she is unable to satisfy you needs". "Vardhan!!", Reyansh raised his voice in anger. Vardhan raised his hands to show that he didn't mean to offend. 

"I am sorry, Bro. Either stop cheating on her or consider other options so that Pranati is not hurt",Vardhan made his point. "Options? What options?", he sneered at him. Varshan knew very well that Reyansh will never divorce Pranati. "May be you can plan for a child", he suggested, "when she is mother of your child, she may feel less insecure. If nothing, she will stay busy taking care of the little one". Reyansh looked away to hide disappointment in his eyes. Like everyone else he also yearned for a child. A girl or a boy, a mini version of Pranati. 

Doctors have strictly warned against planning a child. According to them Pranati's body is not  strong enough to carry a baby. She needs more time to heal and be healthy. Another reason she constantly feel inadequate in their marriage. "I won't compromise on Pranati's health to bring our child into this world. When it is right time, we will be blessed with a child", Reyansh spoke plainly. "Then be discreet. Don't rub your infidelity on her face", he directly indicated his brother's behaviour during Riya's wedding. 

Reyansh sighed, unable to defend himself before his baby brother. Vardhan always reminded him of their late father. A simple man who always kept his family happy. He wished he could be more like his father but he wasn't. He was complicated and twisted. "Take care, Bro", Vardhan patted his shoulder, "I know your life resides in Pranati. Perhaps unknowingly but you are burning her".

Anjana came to Pranati's rooms. She quickly turned off the television when her mother-in-law walked into her room. She was keenly scanning news channels.  Anjana sighed and took the remote from her hands, "You need to get out of this room, Pranati". She shook her head, "I can't. I shouldn't", she wheeled herself to the window, "It was fine until I went to Riya's wedding. I should have stayed at home. If I haven't gone then I wouldn't have seen her with Rey". 

"I am to be blamed", Pranati spoke to herself. Anjana rubbed her temples in irritation. Her daughter in law is an innocent dove. It was adorable but at times her naivety got on to her nerves.  "Yes, it is your fault", Anajana's words were blow to her. She never expected the motherly figure to put blame on her. 

"Being there was not your fault, Pranati. But feeling insecure and then getting sad was your fault", Anjana rebuked her, "Why did you stay mum and let that woman flirt with your husband? If you ordered Reyansh to stay beside, then we both know well that he would have obeyed like a pet. He is loves you so much that you can put him on leash with words. Instead, you remained tight lipped and behaved like a tragedy queen". 

"I wanted to but I couldn't ", Pranati looked down at herself. She was no longer a confident girl but a woman held captive in a wheel chair. Anajan lifted face by her chin, "You can. Only you can", she wiped Pranati's face, "This wheel chair is only holding your body. Don't let it capture your mind and soul. Else we all will lose Rey". Pranati nodded. "You are the same Pranati for us. We don't see you as an invalid. For us, you are the same woman who brought colours into my son's life". Pranati nodded again but this time, she hugged Anjana tightly. "We all are with you, Pranati. Especially Rey. He lost his direction. Only you can bring him back before it is too late".

Few days passed. Pranati and Reyansh were trying their best to get back to their life. They tried to forget their tension and live with their love. While having breakfast, Pranati quickly noticed a news on TV channel. Socialite Mallika Mittal missing. She looked at timidly at Anjana who seemed to be equally tensed but she managed a pokerface. They both gazed at Reyansh but he didn't seem to notice and continued eating his food. 

"What happened, Pranati?", Vardhan asked her and then turned to TV screen. For few moments, he watched the news with interest. "Most probably a publicity stunt", he brushed aside the news, "she might be enjoying in a private condo while spreading rumours". "Possibly", Reyansh finally spoke . He greed to his brother, "Or perhaps ran away to escape from her meaningless materialistic life to gain peace". Vardhan laughed at his joke, "Is it possible, Rey? Socialite turned to Hermit ! ". Anjana tried to act normal and smiled at her boys but Pranati looked at the news nervously.