Diminutives

Aviary-3

"I will drop you home", Omkar offered Mayura. It was getting dark while she walked slowly through the deserted roads. The recent revelations about Raghav has hit her badly. She nodded and sat in his car without much thought. Once they almost reached near her home, she asked him to drop her a bit further. She didn't want her parents to be bothered by Omkar's presence. But before she could get down, he held her hand, "Come back to me". 

Mayura was astonished and pulled away her hand from his grip. Fear crept into her as she recalled his past deeds. Involuntarily, she reached the door and was relieved to find it unlocked. Omkar smiled sensing her fear and spoke, "I won't hold you against your will, Mayura. Not anymore. I want you to come back to me on your own". She shook her head in denial.

"You are not going win Tara's custody", Omkar appeared to be confident, "once I win custody battle, I won't allow you to even get a glance of our daughter. Do you want to suffer, Mayura?". She shook her head while tears adorned her cheeks. Even the thought of staying apart from her child broke her. He wiped her tears tenderly with his thumb, "I don't want to hurt you, Mayura. Every drop of your tears burns me. But your stubbornness is forcing me and destroying our life". She remained quiet as if pondering on his words. 

"What haven't I given you to keep you happy. A beautiful mansion, expensive jewelry, designer clothes ..I gave you every luxury even before you asked for it", Omkar tried to paint himself white and coaxed her, "Have I ever been disloyal to you?". Mayura kept quiet since she knew the answer. "It's been a long time since we parted but I never even thought about another woman other than you. Because I love you, Mayura. Only you". She has to agree that Omkar loves her. In his own twisted way, he loves her and still faithful to her. "Even I love you, Omkar", she uttered softly.

Omkar grinned like a Cheshire cat, "Then come back to me, Mayura. I will forget everything and we will go ahead with our lives like it never happened", he held her hand again, "we will have more children. They will be able to grow up under our care and guidance". Something in her snapped and she woke up from her trance. Sensing her change, he decided to be firm. "If you refuse, then you will end up with nothing. Men like Raghav will always lurk around in pretense to help you. But they are hungry wolves. Won't it be better to live with me rather than taking chances?". "Perhaps", she has to agree but she added, "Perhaps not. There are still good humans in this world, Omkar". He laughed wickedly, "Not for you, Mayura. You have a tendency to attract the wrong kind. Don't you think?". She looked at him being astonished at his audacity to hold her responsible rather than repenting his ill deeds. She quickly opened the door and stepped outside. Before she left, he warned her, "You have time till tomorrow, Mayura. Tell me your decision before the judgement"

As Mayura walked into her home, she saw her parents lost in their conversation. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have pushed for Mayura's marriage", her mother blamed herself. "It's not your mistake. We both failed to identify the brute behind his charm", her father consoled her. "What if the judgement is not in her favour?", she was anxious. "Then we will support our daughter and give her strength to fight for justice. Our values will give her courage", he consoled her again, "Don't worry. It will all be fine. We are in this together". "What would have I done without you?", amidst tears her mother smiled at her father. Her father embraced her mother showing his companionship. Mayura could only gaze her parents in awe.

Mayura'a parents were a normal couple. Not highly educated or rich people. Two individual who were tied into an arranged marriage by their respective families. They may not be madly in love with each other. But they have respect and understanding for one another. It urged them to stand hand in hand to face the world. None wanted to own the latter but to be part of their lives. They had their share of short comings but they complimented each other like puzzle pieces. They didn't blame their partner unfairly but face difficulties as a team. Their simple yet fulfilled relationship created a tiny fairy land of their daughter. Mayura reminisced that her life was perfect until she left her parents' house. Life gave her many hardships but her childhood was gleeful.

Mayura was tired of fighting against the man she loved and for rights over her daughter. Omkar has given her an easy way out. She can lay down her weapons and go back to the beautiful aviary he had build for her. In the lap of luxury and  amidst affection of her child, she may learn to adjust. Just like many women compromise in their household. She can give up her identity and become a beautiful doll of Omkar. His love eventhough dark shall help her to cope. She can create a false paradise and enjoy in it. She was in double mind to whether accept Omkar's offer.

But one look at her parents gave Mayura the answer she sought. She deserved better. Tara deserved better. Even if she compromised with Omkar, she can't give a good environment for her Tara. Her daughter will never grow up into a strong individual but a timid person with a deformed perception of life. As a mother and a woman, her self-esteem is worth to fight for. Her identity is needed for betterment of next generation too. Not just for Tara but for many little girls who will be soon be facing the vicious world.

With the new strong resolute, Mayura walked ahead. But once again, she was stalled. Raghav abruptly came infront of  her before she could enter her home. Last thing she wanted was to disturb her parents further. So she pulled him aside and rebuked, "What do you want, Raghu?". "Mayura, please don't misunderstand. I was about to tell you everything today", he told her. "How cliched !!", she scoffed at his attempt. ". "I agree that I always hid my true feelings for you", he spoked firmly, "But when I knew you were going through a tough time, all I wished was to aid you in your fight". "Thanks for your support", she mocked even though she knew that without his help, she would have been lost.

"I love you, Mayura", Raghav confessed his feelings, "today I wanted to propose you after telling you the truth", he spoke honestly. "Enough Raghav", Mayura folded her hands being exasperated, "Leave me alone. If you ever considered an ounce of good will for me, please leave me in peace". He remained frozen at his spot as she walked away from him.