THE HIDDEN HALF

Chapter 41: At what cost?

*** CHAPTER 41 ***

The Sun has already begun to set by the time they reach the threshold of the village. Lying in the plains of Hooghly district, their village is a small one with hug of houses sprawled across the green fields. As the last ray of Sun bid adieu, Sanskaar's lips stretch into a smile as his eyes feast upon the serenity and peacefulness of the place. He has been to quite a number of places but as he steps out of the car, he realizes that the tranquility of this place is nonpareil. His heart chimes, 'What this place has to offer, is something that he has not even imagined,' and his heart thumps crazily with all the exhilaration.

"Sanskaar. Son, come here," his father's call breaks his train of thoughts. With a nod, he walks up to him and stands beside him. Durga Prasad places a firm hand on his back and smiles at his son.

Durga Prasad: So, how do you feel about this place?

Sanskaar: (smiles) This is so beautiful. It is all so peaceful as if whatever that you are searching for, you will find it in here. All of this so strange because I have not felt like this in a while.

Durga Prasad: (nods his head thoughtfully) Sanskaar, this place is not just some randomly strewn houses and fields. This is where our root lies, the place that made us capable of achieving all that we have today. And the one who is holding our roots firmly at this place is your grandmother, Narmada Devi. After Baba passed away, Maa did all within her might to tend to all our needs. We owe all of this to her and to her only.

Sanskaar: Yes, Papa. I understand.

Durga Prasad: (smiles) Let us go then. We will have to walk from here on. It is just a couple of houses away.

A walk for a minute or two, and Sanskaar finds himself standing in front of one of the most beautiful houses he has ever seen. Painted all in white, the house is nothing out of the ordinary, but it still stood out in its own way. Cradled in the embrace of trees so high that almost hid it from outside view, the house promised a sense of belongingness.

"Badi Maalkin, they are here," a voice from inside has all their attention and hardly a few moments later comes a woman, who despite of her age demands attention. The wrinkles on her skin fail to mar the authority she holds. Following her, comes a young woman who apparently takes care of her.

The elderly woman smiles affectionately as Durga Prasad and Ram Prasad bend down to touch her feet, followed by Annapurna and Sujata. And when Sanskaar comes forward to seek her blessings, a lone tear escapes Narmada's eyes, flabbergasted at the striking resemblance he has with Shlok. Pulling him in her embrace, she caresses his head lovingly.

Narmada: My poor child! We are so sorry for all that you had to suffer all these years.

Sanskaar: You have nothing to apologize for, Dadi. All that matters is that I am here and I will always be.

Narmada: (kisses his forehead) Thank you so much for coming back to us. Now, where is my to-be granddaughter-in-law?

Sanskaar pulls out from her embrace and turns around. His eyes, unknowingly, meet Swara's and he sucks in a deep breath. How he wishes to extend his hand towards her and pull her by his side! Why are these feelings so complicated?

Swara is the first one to break the eye-contact and Sanskaar reluctantly looks towards Anshika. With a small smile, he extends his hand towards her which she takes with another smile of hers.

Sanskaar: Dadi, this is Anshika. The one I... I am going to marry.

"Pranam, Dadi ji," Anshika bends down to touch her feet and Narmada Devi caresses her head lovingly.