Miracle Marriage

Chapter 17

 Bala's Answer

"I need to speak with you, doctor," I said as he walked into our room. He hummed at me while undressing. I drew nearer to him.

"Doctor, I heard from Nandhini Akka about what you said to Valli Athai, I think you were a bit offensive. I was angry, but I am fine. Thinking from her side I believe she was just being caring in her way," I said what I wished to say but he was still silent. He wore his lungi and an inner baniyan. "Sathya," he called me. His demeanour was gentle and serene. I felt affection in his voice. "Sathya, I'm aware that what I said to her was harsh, but she is conscious of my purpose. Since I was a youngster and saw her life, I am aware of how difficult and unfair it was for her. I learned from her past that I would never treat my wife in such a way. That type of unfair and repulsive living is something I would never stand by and let happen to my wife. That was all I did. I gave her what she wanted to see—a husband sticking up for his wife in the face of opposition from his family. She wanted to witness a spouse helping his wife achieve her goals. And I have no doubt that she is pleased and proud of how I have behaved. Remember, Sathya: In a relationship, there is just equality; there is no superior or inferior." First time hearing anything intriguing from a man, I can't believe my ears. I used to think that after Appa, I could only hear talks like this in films, but in this instance, my husband discusses the freedom and equality of women. I'd want to repeat the phrase "I am so lucky" from Durga. I giggled as I hugged him.

"So, do you feel fine now?" He asked embracing me

"Yes, I am fine now. I feel so lucky to be your wife, doctor,"

He laughed. "Well, I am also lucky to have a wife like you," his heartbeat awoke me, I suddenly pushed him back, blushing. "Let's go to sleep."

I recalled the time when we almost kissed on the train as I lay on the bed next to him. My cheeks went crimson, and my body began to heat up. He exudes such calmness. His long, warm, and broad hand caught my attention, and I recalled how it grabbed my waist, slipped into my cheek and jaw, and held onto my hand the entire way home. I reached out and gently touched it. What do my heart and stomach feel like? My heart beats like a Parai (a type of drum). I moved close to doctor. His body heat and fragrance dominate me like an enchantress from a fairy tale. I'm tempted to embrace him. I long for him to hold me. What ought I to do? I slid my eyes shut and tensed my hold on his hand. "You are an Idiot, Sathya" I chastised myself. Suddenly, his hand encased around me like a wing. What? I was stunned. He was smiling and glimpsing at my silliness all this time. I felt mortified. Oh my god! this is really embarrassing.

"What is it, Sathya? Are you cold?" He asked,

"What? Hmm... a little," I lied.

"It may be because of the long journey, don't worry, come close and let me hug you. You will feel comfortable,"

I crept towards his warm body, blushing, without trying to face him. Like a kitten, I snuggled and buried my face in his chest. His mighty hand enveloped me in the blanket again, drawing me closer to him. I had a sense of safety, contentment, and love. Is this how every woman feels? Is this the way it should feel? I thought as I fell asleep under his wings, listening to our hearts beat together.

I awoke late in the morning. I slept like an infant, unaware that the rooster had clucked, the sun had risen, and the doctor was nowhere to be found. After quickly washing and heading to the kitchen, I rushed. I was astonished by what I saw there, and it made me miss home. I spotted him seated on the kitchen counter eating puri as his mother cooked on the side. It reminds me of the happy times I had with my sister at home. She used to prepare meals as I sat next to her and ate them.

"Ahh! Sathya, you are awake. Come, have coffee," he called

"Sathya, there is coffee in the pot-ma," said Amma

I felt not right, "Amma, give me that, and I will do it," I took the spatula from her.

"Ok-ma, at least drink the coffee,"

"I will," I looked at the doctor, who was beaming at me. I felt ashamed to look at him again. His heat and scent are still permeating my body. Amma noticed a dramatic change in the atmosphere, which was hushed and odd.

"Then take care of the puri-ma. I am going to the front yard. Eat, if you are hungry." She gave a shy giggle before walking out of the kitchen. Normally, I never grasp things of this nature so fast, but today I understood just what had prompted her grin. Am I maturing?

"Sathya, one more," his face arrived closer to mine and whispered.

"Huh! What are you talking about? It's morning," I replied impulsively, thinking of something else in my mind. Huh! I want to die.

"Ehh! I was talking about the puri, what were you thinking?" he asked laughing silently.

Oh my God, I want to quietly vanish from this world. I want the Earth Goddess to devour me, just like she did with Sita. I made a pretty humiliating statement. I hurled the spatula to the counter and quickly left for our room. Amma was lounging in outside. I took a little pause in front of her before smiling awkwardly. I dashed inside the room, flung myself onto the bed, and cocooned myself in the covers. Why did I think that? Just why did I say that? What will he think of me? He must hate me, right? I heard Amma yelling at the doctor, "What did you do to her-da, Bala? Why did she run off like that?" "I didn't do anything-ma, I swear," I feel sorry for him. Then I heard a footstep approaching me. I looked out of my blanket covering. It was him.

"My dear wife, I didn't know your thoughts were still stuck yesterday night. I apologise," he stated.

"Ahhh! Doctor! Stop teasing me," I screamed and covered myself with the blanket again.

"Ok, sorry, sorry, just letting you know, that, you were so cute just now and I loved it," he whispered in my ear. I felt like my heart just skipped a beat. I am speechless.

"I will wait outside for you, let's go out. I want to show you some places," he left the room. I smiled to myself confirming all these strange feelings and changes happening to my mind and body... is love. I have fallen in love with him. I love him.