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Gauri, a young village girl holding firm views about morals a...
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"My dear, it is time to stay robust and be there for your new family."
Gauri sighed tiredly and nodded.
Feeling agitated and lonesome, she wanted to divulge in someone, and who was better than her grandmother at consoling? With everything that has been happening since her arrival, she didn't get a chance to reach her family. But all this time she didn't talk to them, stressing they might sense the edge in her voice- the buried hysteria, and immediately want her to return. She can't leave now, not after knowing the verity about her husband and receiving a message from the otherworldly creatures. Moreover, her clueless mother-in-law would be alone once again.
There was so much she didn't know and was sure would discover in the upcoming days.
"I know, grandma. I just wanted to hear your voice. Once again, I apologize for calling so late. You must be deep in sleep."
"Oh sweetheart, you can talk to me anytime you want. There's no problem. The High King will recover soon. I suggest you start chanting the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, which has the power to help an ailing person. Lit five lamps in the early morning- the Brahma muhurta, in the temple and chant it 108 times. Then offer cow milk, Ganga Jal, Bel Patra, sandalwood, rice, white flowers, and fruits to the Mahalingam. Since you are married now, tie Mahadeva and his better half Goddess Parvati together using a Raksha Sutra or Kalawa. This makes Goddess Parvati happy and she blesses the happy couple.
Oh! From couple I remembered, tomorrow is Karwa Chauth. It would be your first Chauth after marriage. Your mother-in-law must have forgotten to mention it with everything transpiring in that palace. Don't eat anything tomorrow and break the fast with the moonrise in the evening in the presence of your husband. Wear red garments and complete shringaar of a newlywed. I don't have to tell you about the ritual. You've seen your mother doing it plenty of times. Okay?"
The last part made Gauri chuckle bitterly. Will her husband even participate when he is still hungover on his previous relationship? He has cleared numerous times how he would never love but try to accept her as his wife. Earlier, the idea of celebrating these festivals used to make her excited but today she was dreading the thought of spending more time with him. He has explained how she was important to the beast, but not once he said that he wanted her to stay. He has been insisting that he would let her go if she wanted to leave. She is nothing but a convenience to keep a monster under check.
"Okay, grandma. I will. How are Ma and Baba?"
"They are fine. Your mother is dying to talk to you. Here.."
As soon as the phone came into her mother's hand, Gauri burst into tears and started crying. She has missed them the most. Rukmani started crying too, her heart going out to her only child. After talking for a long time and filling each other with whatever they'd missed, Gauri realized it was past 11 at the night. She immediately bids them farewell and rushes to see her mother-in-law.
