Betrothed

14 \ Comfort

Things like that kiss are usually milestones in a marriage, something that people look back at and reminisce. They are supposed to open new lanes in the marriage. Vikram thought that it would be the case with them as well.

The next morning, they returned home to a surprise waiting. Divya's parents, Maharaj Shreshth Rajput Tomar and Maharani Meera Rajput Tomar had decided to stop by their daughter's marital home on their way to Ahmedabad.

Vikram stood next to his wife to greet his in laws. He looked on as she hugged them asking if they were doing well. He bent down to seek their blessings.

They settled down in the family lounge ringing for tea and snacks. Divya sat beside her father right across Vikram. Her mother sat at a right angle to the two men.

"I planned on coming to Jaisalmer to see you sometime in the next month, Dad." Divya said, the cheerful lilt in her voice audible.

"Oh beta, you should. Everyone misses you at home." He said patting her head.

"What engagements do you have in Ahmedabad?" Vikram asked politely.

"There is a symposium that we have been invited to. So, it will be a 3 day trip." he answered.

Divya looked between her parents. Something did not add up. It was not like them to drop by without a reason, even less likely to do so unannounced. She had had a great night. The last thing she wanted at the moment was to have a reason to be upset about. 

"We actually had something to tell to you." her mother began glancing at her husband briefly. He gave her a nod, a solemn expression taking over his face.

Divya felt her throat dry as her mother said those words. It was almost like the princess knew something was wrong. The tone of her mother's words only confirmed that. 

"We have decided to separate."

Divya's eyes widened slightly. Separation? Now? After all these years? She had a lot of questions clouding her mind. But she wasn't sure of how she was to voice them.

Vikram quietly looked over at his wife. Her face showed a lot of conflict as if trying hard to process what had been thrown at her.

"What do you mean by separate?" she finally said exhaling slowly. She looked at her father, trying to find something that would confirm everything that was said.

Maharaj Shreshth spoken up this time. "After a lot of discussions, we have mutually come to the conclusion that us being together is not healthy, neither for us nor for the family."

They were interrupted by the fleet of helpers who came in with tea and snacks. Divya decided to shut up for those few minutes while the tea was being served. She did not need any more audience. She could not believe what was happening.

She had always known that her parents weren't happy together, that it was not the best situation. That was precisely where the hatred for betrothals had begun for her. But after all these years, she had thought that the issue had been settled. It wasn't optimum but it was comfortable. 

Vikram said something to the king and queen, something along the lines of having tea with a quick gesture. There were a million thoughts running in Divya's head. 

"So, are you two getting a d-divorce?" she asked looking straight at her father who barely sipped on his tea. 

"Not a divorce, no. That would be scandalous." he said.