Barrister Babu: One Shots- Until you Came.

Chapter 17: A Mother-in-law Found [Part 3]

Shubhra's POV:-

As I stepped out of my room, my heart filled with a mix of emotions. The sight that greeted me in the hallway wasn't a pleasant one. There, lying on the floor, was my husband, Binoy Roy Choudhary. The stench of alcohol filled the air, and broken glass from a shattered liquor bottle lay scattered around him. I rushed towards him, worried about his well-being.

"Binoy, what happened?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

He tried to get up, but a sharp piece of glass had pierced his toe, causing him to wince in pain. His intoxicated state seemed to numb his senses, as he brushed it off and continued to mutter incoherently.

"I was going to sign the deal with Shivanand Bhaumik, Saudamini's father. Everything was planned, and now it's all ruined!" he slurred, his words slumping together.

My heart sank as I heard those words. I knew how much Binoy had invested in this business deal, believing it would secure a prosperous future for our family. And now, his hopes were shattered, just like the glass beneath him.

As I helped him to his feet, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt mixed with relief. I was glad that Anirudh wouldn't be stuck with Saudamini due to this twist of fate. However, witnessing my husband's broken state, I realized that this turn of events had dashed his dreams.

I guided Binoy back to our room, supporting him with each step. He rambled on about how Anirudh's actions had ruined everything, failing to understand the depth of his son's convictions. The weight of his disappointment pressed upon me, reminding me of the challenges that lay ahead for Anirudh and Bondita.

In this conservative society, how would they be treated as a progressive "couple" challenging the norms? Would they face resistance and ridicule, or would their ideals find acceptance? These thoughts clouded my mind as I helped Binoy settle down on the bed.

Binoy's snores soon filled the room, indicating that he had succumbed to the alcohol-induced slumber. I sat by his side, watching his troubled expression ease into tranquility. My heart went out to him, but I couldn't deny the satisfaction that his plans with Saudamini had been thwarted.

Anirudh's POV:-

Bondita's enthusiasm was contagious as she explored my bedroom, her eyes widening at the sight of my perfume collection. I watched her with amusement, marveling at her innocent curiosity. She picked up one of the bottles, attempting to spray it but ended up sneezing instead.

Chuckling, I couldn't help but find her adorable. She had a way of brightening even the darkest moments with her zest for life. I walked over to her, a smile playing on my lips.

"That's a perfume, Bondita. It's used to make things smell nice," I explained, trying to contain my laughter.

She wrinkled her nose and giggled. "Phus-phus makes things smell nice? But it made my nose itch!"

I couldn't help but chuckle at her description. "Yes, sometimes certain fragrances can be strong. Each perfume has a different scent, and some people like different ones."

Bondita tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Pati Babu, why do you have so many perfumes? Do they make you smell nice all the time?"

I ruffled her hair affectionately. "Well, Bondita, different occasions call for different scents. Perfumes can make you feel confident and special. It's like wearing a different personality with each fragrance."

She looked at me, her eyes filled with wonder. "So, by wearing different perfumes, you become different people?"

I smiled at her innocent interpretation. "Not exactly, Bondita. It's more about expressing different aspects of your personality. Just like how you have different clothes for different occasions, perfumes can enhance your mood and make you feel good."

Bondita nodded, her curiosity satisfied for the moment. "I understand, Pati Babu. Perfumes are like a secret weapon to make you feel confident and special."

I couldn't help but admire her astuteness. "You're absolutely right, Bondita. And I have a feeling that you'll find your own favorite perfume one day."

She beamed at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Really, Pati Babu? Will you help me find it?"

"Of course, Bondita. I'll be more than happy to help you discover the perfect perfume that resonates with your personality," I replied, touched by her trust in me.

As we continued our conversation, a sense of contentment washed over me. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, I was grateful for the presence of Bondita in my life. Her unwavering support and infectious spirit reminded me of the beauty that existed beyond societal norms.

Then, Bondita and I engaged in a casual conversation about her family. Bondita spoke fondly about her "maa, "mama", "mami", and her cousin, "Sampoorna Didi". I listened attentively, gaining insight into Bondita's upbringing and the people who shaped her.

As their conversation continued, Bondita mentioned her beloved "baba" who she believed resided among the stars, as her "maa" had told her. I was momentarily captivated by the joy and enthusiasm with which Bondita shared her father's teachings. I admired her father's progressive mindset, which had encouraged Bondita to be bold, curious, and unafraid to question societal norms. Her father's unwavering support had instilled in Bondita the confidence to challenge the misogynistic traditions that prevailed in the then Indian society.

After collecting my thoughts, I smiled warmly at Bondita and took her to the window. I pointed out a couple of constellations and began to explain their significance. As I spoke, a flicker of a flashback appeared in my mind, reminding me of a time when Saudamini and I had gazed at the stars together. Our romantic encounter played out vividly in my memory, but I quickly pushed it aside, refocusing my attention on the vibrant and bright young girl standing before me.

flashback~

"I love gazing at the stars, Anirudh. It feels like they can see me, like guards of light for the heavens. They say shooting stars fulfil wishes- oh, look! There's one falling right there! It's so pretty, Anirudh, please, let's ask for something before it melts away."

I looked at my beloved then closed my eyes, wishing for nothing in particular but praying for what I was feeling in the moment to last forever.

Did I believe in falling stars?

No.

Would my wish come true?

I didn't know.

Did I want it to come true?

With all my beating heart.

flashback ends~

Narrator's POV:- 

Anirudh's progressive nature prompted him to see Bondita not just as a child, but as a potential force for uplifting women in the future. He believed in her abilities and recognized her potential to challenge the status quo, bringing about positive change. As they stood by the window, gazing at the vast expanse of the night sky, Anirudh vowed to nurture Bondita's spirit, ensuring that she would have the freedom and support to fulfill her dreams and contribute to a more equitable society.

Their time together at the window marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. Anirudh understood that his role extended beyond being Bondita's protector; he was also her mentor, guiding her towards a future where she could overcome obstacles and become a beacon of hope for others. With determination and hope in his heart, he embraced the responsibility of shaping Bondita's journey, knowing that their bond would not only transform their lives but also inspire others to challenge the oppressive norms that held them back.

Together, Anirudh and Bondita stood side by side, ready to embark on a path that would defy expectations and champion the cause of equality and empowerment. The stars above them twinkled with promise, mirroring the spark in their eyes as they set out to create a future where freedom, acceptance, and the pursuit of equality would prevail.

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