Diminutives

Aviary-4

Mayura walked ahead with her lawyer. She was informed that her case will be called shortly. Through her peripheral vision, she noticed a familiar figure moving towards her but she chose to ignore him. A good sleep at night has helped her to cool down her anger and act rationally. So today, she was less furious when Raghav came before her. "All the best, Mayura", he wished, "I am sure you will win today". Despite her resentment, she was happy to hear his wishes. He was brave enough to meet her even though she had thrashed his friendship. "Thanks Raghu", she appreciated his efforts. "I realised my mistakes, Mayura. I am guilty of hiding the truth eventhough my intentions were never wrong", he confessed, She wanted to say that he is forgiven but she couldn't. She failed to fake before her friend.

"I never had a chance with you", Raghav mocked himself, "neither in past nor now. Besides, I was too selfish to notice the turmoil in your life". Much to his chagrin, Mayura remained tight lipped. Even if he already knew her answer, it became crystal clear now. "I am leaving tonight", he informed her. "What??", she was aghast, "Where? For how long?", she shot at him. He smiled and wore his shades to hide his eyes. A clear indication that he wanted to suppress his emotions before her. "I have applied for transfer. Till order comes, I will be taking long leave", he informed. "Oh!", she was lost. "Don't worry. I will mail you contact details of few friends in Police department. They will be as helpful as I was. If you ever face any trouble, do feel free to reach them". But they won't be you, she bite her tongue not to blurt those words. Instead she sighed and spoke vacantly, "Bye Raghu. Thanks for your concern". They parted and walked away in opposite direction

"So what have you decided?", Omkar asked Mayura once they met at court. He was confident that she will accept his offer and come back to his life. He has driven her to a corner where she is helpless for their daughter. Above all, he knew she still loves him. But he knew it was still difficult of her to give up her pride. He made a mental note to devise ways so once she returns, she will forget about her self-esteem and become his perfect wife. There was still time for their case to be called and he insisted to know her decision. "I am not coming back to you, Omkar", she spoke decisively.

Omkar was startled by Mayura's firm decision. "When I get Tara's custody, you will suffer Mayura", he threatened her. "There are still chances for me to win the case, Omkar", she spoke confidently, "Even if you get Tara's custody, then I will still keep up fight for her". "What kind of a mother are you? Don't you have any concern for your daughter?", he was still baffled. She smiled softly, astonishing him, "I am doing it for Tara, Omkar. If I get back with you, sacrificing my self respect then will I be a role model for her?". Omkar was still not able to come in terms with her words and was unable to respond.

"I appreciate that you proposed an easy way out for me. But I refuse. For sake of Tara and for us", Mayura explained to Omkar, "You may give me a mansion, luxury and more children but all will be in vain. It will never be a home. Kids nurtured in such environment will be either weaklings who accept abuse or tormentors who enjoy abuse. I don't want either". "I thought you still love me", he asked desperately. "I thought so too", she laughed softly, "Perhaps, I still do. But it's high time, I got over your toxic love". Her taunts brought out his anger, "You will regret it, Mayura. I will make you cry forever while waiting for your daughter. You will die alone with your pride". She smirked and went ahead to meet her lawyer.

Judgement was passed and it ruled in Mayura's favour. She was granted full custody of Tara. Omkar was visibly shattered and behaved irrationally in court. His lawyer tried to control him to avoid contempt of court but in vain. Soon judge ordered police to keep him in custody for rest of the day. In lockup, he was sinking in agony when Mayura came to visit him. "Are you here to gloat?", he scoffed at her, "You are going to pay back by taking away Tara". She shook her head and denied his words, "You are here because of your deeds, Omkar. But unlike you, I won't hurt Tara". He was shocked. She nodded confirming, "You are her father. She needs both her father and mother. I will never prevent Tara from growing in her father's shade". "Is it the truth?", he couldn't believe her. "I don't play with emotions, Omkar. You will have visitation rights and will be part of Tara's life. I am not planning to stop your involvement in her life".

Omkar was so glad to hear Mayura. Few moments back, he was tormented with the fear that he will never be able to see his daughter. Slowly, he started to feel ashamed of himself. He felt so small before Mayura who always considered others. While he was baiting her with insecurities, she decided to allow him into their daughter's life. "Thank you, Mayura", he expressed his gratitude. Apart from a curt node , she didn't respond. "Let our lawyers draw out a feasible plan on your visitation rights", she concluded their talk and moved away but he stopped her. "I am sorry for everything, Mayura", he expressed his regret. She stood still while tears threatened to spill. For long she had wished to hear his honest apology. "I really am sorry", he reiterated, "I was wrong. Now I realised my mistakes and earnestly wants to make amends. Can you please give me another chance?".

Mayura looked on to Omkar. "I promise, I will change for good. Now even I feel that I need professional help. I am ready to continue therapy", he appeared to be honest but she was unable to trust him again. She had got betrayed by his sugar coated promises so many times that it was difficult to put faith in him. "We can't be together any more, Omkar. I don't think we can be even good friends. We are just Tara's parents. Let us promise ourselves to be good parents". He was about to implore her again but she didn't allow him, "We need to create a good environment for Tara to grow. Separately, still a fulfilling upbringing for our daughter".

Raghav was stashing his stuffs into a suitcase. After Mayura clearly rejected him, he just wanted to escape. He understood her side but some where deep down he wished she would atleast consider his proposal. If Omkar hadn't revealed his truth, he would have waited until time was favourable. He wouldn't have minded to remain as her friend for whole life. But now Mayura thinks of him as a creep who is as dangerous as her ex-husband. He laughed at him ill fate. Luck was never on his side. When they were young, he was too timid to bare his feelings before Mayura. Now when he was confident enough, Mayura is not in a frame of mind to accept him. He couldn't blamed her. After abuse she had suffered from Omkar, it is normal for her to be afraid of unstable men. It is better that he accepts his fate and move away while treasuring their memories.

A soft on knock, indicated arrival of a guest. Raghav was surprised when he found Mayura at the door.