Diminutives

Aviary-1

Mayura gazed at her daughter's photograph on her phone. Her lawyer's words echoed in her mind. 'We did everything from my side. Let's wait for final hearing. I will be honest to say that we have 50 -50 chances of getting Tara's custody'. Divorce was a tough decision but legal battle for custody of her daughter was painfully difficult. Her ex-husband, Omkar had power and money while she had only truth at her side. She recalled those initial days when Omkar had taken away Tara and denied her even to get a glance of her own baby.

She looked around and noticed the people sitting on nearby tables. A boy and a girl were chatting over a cup of coffee. Mayura noticed her blushing while her beau whispered into her ears. She couldn't help but smile at their innocence. It took her back to those days when she met Omkar. He was a perfect prince charming while she a naïve beauty. 

Omkar was most sought out bachelor of the town. Rich, successful and handsome son of a reputed family. Her parents were surprised when his proposal came for their daughter. An arranged marriage was never expected from him. His family was above them. It was indeed a percious alliance that every parent dreamt for their daughter.  But still her parents made it clear the final decision laid with Mayura. 

Mayura still thanks Almighty for blessing her with good parents. Even though they were middle class family, they chose to stand by her side through thick and thin. They had always given her freedom to make choices of her life. Unfortunately she made a wrong choice regarding her marriage.

Mayura recalled the day when she first met Omkar. She accidently ran into him when he came to her college to meet the principal. She cannot lie that she was not attracted to him. Any girl would have felt an instant to pull towards Omkar. His charisma was undeniable. But more than few cursory words, they didn't share anything more. Hence she was visibly shocked when in few days, his mother came with marriage proposal. Both families agreed to reach a decision after their children spend some time with one another. A sensible act from elders yet it led to her downfall.

Mayura was brought up values and virtues. She was a always a practical woman but Omkar managed to sweep her off her feet. His charming ways were no match for her inexperienced outlook. The brief meetings they shared was enough for Omkar to impress her with his appealing manners. He made her feel so special and treated her preciously. 

Although not so romantic, Mayura was led into a dream world where he promised her a happily ever after. Omkar successfully hid his dominating nature behind glamourous personality. His aura blinded her and she failed to notice hints of his obsessive controlling nature. In few weeks they were married.

On their wedding night itself, Omkar started to show his true colours. His repetitive claim that she belonged to him appeared to be romantic to Mayura. But he was just staking his ownership on her. His over enthusiasm to dress her up in his choice of cloths and jewelry was not out of affection but pure possession. Like a fool, she labelled his odd behaviour as Love. But slowly truth showed his ugly face to her.

Omkar suffocated Mayura with his controlling nature. Soon she realised that he wanted to treated her like a toy that will behave according to his whims and fancies. He was a narcissist who cares about none but himself. For him, Mayura was a beautiful trophy he had won. She was not allowed to act or even think on her own terms. Once she realised her dire situation, she didn't waste another moment and left to her parent's home.

Mayura would have escaped but Omkar played his cards again. He arrived at her parents door and begged for mercy. He apologized for his mistakes and promised to make amends. His changed behaviour shook her resolution. She was in double mind when universe gave another indication favoring Omkar. She found out that she was pregnant. Considering future of her child and changed behaviour of Omkar, Mayura decided to reconcile. Her parents also agreed that it was a wise decision. Omkar started to attend therapy to mend his ways and Mayura tried her best to give another chance to him. For a brief period, they were happy and eagerly waited for arrival for their child.

Omkar changed once Mayura gave birth to Tara. Their daughter became his new obsession and also a tool to control Mayura. He constantly forced Mayura to act as per his wishes while keeping Tara as a bait. She complied until she could bear but one day she decided to call it quits. She left Omkar but was unable to keep Tara with her. He was influential and wealthy to manipulate officials to separate Mayura from her daughter. His intention was to break Mayura so that she will have no other options but to return back to him. But she didn't break. Perhaps, fate got merciful on her. When all doors shut before her, destiny opened a tiny window for her.

"A penny for your thoughts", a jovial voice broke her reverie. Mayura smiled at him. Her ray of hope in her dark times. Her friend Raghu ; Police Officer Raghav Shastri. Her childhood friend whom she had forgotten as time passed. In her memory, Raghu was a shy and nerdy boy who rarely spoke unless spoken to. Someone who preferred books to humans but was always smiling when they met. Her friends used to make fun that he had a huge crush on her but Raghu never made any advances to her. He remained as a good friend who was quiet and calm. Hence it was a surprise to find him being a police office that too a suave one.

Mayura met Raghu while her life was in chaos. She was running around seeking help to gain custody of her daughter. Raghu's appearance was a boon to her. His knowledge in law & order gave her confidence that none can prohibit her from meeting her daughter. He helped her to find a good lawyer and several NGO that worked for welfare of woman & children. Above all, he stood as her pillar of strength while she herself felt too weak to fight forward. Their efforts paid off when court allowed Mayura & Omkar to spend equivalent time with Tara until the custody case is resolved.

"Mayura, I know tomorrow is a big day for you", Raghu spoke to her, "I am sure you will get full custody of Tara". "What if I don't ?", Mayura didn't hide her fear from her friend. "You will", he assured her, "God forbid if verdict is not in your favour, we can still appeal in higher court. Even if Omkar get her custody, he can never prevent you from visitation rights". She bit down a sob. It was better than nothing but being just a visitor in Tara's life was painful for her. "Hey, it's just a worst case scenario. You don't have to worry about it now", he pacified her. "what would have I done without you?", she tried to smiled at him. "I would have come one way or another", he spoke dramatically and they  both laughed.