Driven by past love and a quest for justice, Prof. Prity Sharma fiercely advocates for same-sex marriage rights in India, challenging deep-rooted social taboos. Can she achieve her goal or something more awaits for her?
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Once upon a time, in the...
As the morning sun kissed the horizon, casting its golden glow into my cabin, it seemed to declare that it was indeed 9:00 a.m. I found myself ensconced in my comfortable Mezonite high-back cushioned black leatherette office chair.
It embraces both firm and gentle, like a supportive friend. The chair's sleek black surface gleamed softly in the morning light, providing a sanctuary of comfort amidst the day's tasks.
As I settled into this seat of productivity, the rhythmic click of my laptop keys provided a steady backdrop, harmonising with the golden tranquillity of the new day.
The rhythmic click of my laptop keys provided a steady backdrop as I delved into the task of compiling second-semester papers. The scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of paper and ink, creating an ambiance that was both comforting and slightly nostalgic.
Across my working desk sat Rahul, engrossed in his own piles of paper, yet the vibrancy of the day failed to fully penetrate the subtle undercurrent of grey that lingered within me.
Despite the focused gaze directed at my laptop screen, the spectre of Laxmi's impending marriage stubbornly refused to be banished from my thoughts.
I can't let this go easily, I thought.
Its presence weighed heavily on my mind, manifesting in the agitated tapping of my foot against the floor. Each passing moment only served to intensify my internal turmoil, leaving me grappling with a sense of exasperation that mirrored the relentless rhythm of my restless movement. The thought of Laxmi moving forward so swiftly gnawed at me.
Could it truly be that simple for her? The clock seemed to mock me, its hands crawling forward, drawing me closer to 10:30 a.m., the moment when her new chapter would officially begin.
"Prity, is something troubling you?" Rahul's concerned gaze pierced through the facade of my fake smile. I attempted to dismiss his inquiry with a shake of my head.
"No, I'm fine," I replied, but the weight of my unspoken thoughts lingered heavily in the air, refusing to be ignored.
Laxmi's ease in moving forward so swiftly gnawed at me. Could it truly be that simple? 10:30 a.m., that's when it begins, I reminded myself.
With a decisive click, I shut down my laptop, determined to confront the unsettling thoughts plaguing my mind. Glancing at the wall clock, its hands pointed to 9:15 a.m. - the perfect time for my act.
"Prity, what's going on?" Rahul's voice broke through my reverie, his concern evident as he shut down his big-fat file and looked at me with a questioning face.
"I have to leave, Rahul," I announced, retrieving my coat from its place on the chair.
"Right now? Where to?" His confusion mirrored my urgency.
"Somewhere," I replied cryptically, my actions betraying the urgency pulsing through me as I packed up my belongings and headed for the door.
"Wait, I'm coming with you," Rahul declared, his determination evident as he hastily gathered his own things from my desk.
"Are you sure?" I raised an eyebrow, questioning his sudden resolve. "You'll have to come up with an excuse for the authorities."
"I'm not letting you go alone," he insisted, his resolve unwavering as I locked the cabin door and put the keys in my pocket.
"Wait here for a minute," Rahul called out as he dashed towards his cabin, leaving me puzzled by his sudden urgency.
Why was he insistent on accompanying me? His concern piqued my curiosity, but I pushed aside the questions swirling in my mind; there was no time to dwell on them.
True to his word, Rahul returned in just five minutes, his presence reaffirming his unwavering support. Together, we swiftly exited the university building, offering a hurried excuse to the authorities.
Fortunately, the timing of our departure aligned with our respective breaks - my two periods were off and Rahul's three, making it easier to justify our sudden absence. As we ventured forth, the mystery of Rahul's actions lingered in the back of my mind, adding an extra layer of intrigue to our impromptu adventure.
I drove with such fervour that the cold December winds sliced through us like icy knives, yet I remained silent to Rahul's persistent inquiry about our destination. As we navigated through a series of turns, I eventually parked my car in front of Chandrani Pearls, a renowned jewellery shop.
"May I see your finest gold necklace set adorned with pearls, including earrings and bracelets?" I requested the receptionist, leading us to a room displaying a selection of exquisite sets.
Among them, one caught my eye - a stunning gold necklace adorned with pearls, complemented by earrings and bracelets.
"That's the one," I declared, pointing to the set on the far right, eliciting a gasp of awe from Rahul.
"Madam, your name?" As the receptionist prepared the purchase, she asked for my name.
"Dr. Sharma, Prity Sharma," I replied with a smile, the weight of my actions veiled in secrecy.
After completing the payment transaction, I exited the shop with Rahul, the elegant paper bag containing the precious gift in my possession. Rahul's curiosity finally bubbled over, questioning the extravagance of the gift.
"I can't answer your questions right now, Rahul. I'm sorry," I deflected, my attention returning to the road ahead.
His sigh echoed the unspoken tension between us as we continued in silence. The silence between us was heavy, punctuated only by the occasional sound of passing cars and the soft hum of the engine.
Arriving at Japan, a renowned stationery shop in Delhi, I indulged in another luxury - a gold nib fountain pen priced at Rs. 6000. Rahul's incredulous expression at my continuous splurging brought a private smile to my lips, a bittersweet irony.
Once our shopping concluded, I drove straight to our final destination - Sacred Heart Cathedral Church. The grand, imposing structure loomed before us, its gothic spires reaching towards the sky as if in supplication.
The air was crisp, filled with the mingling scents of incense and the faint aroma of winter blooms. Rahul's curiosity had reached its peak, but he remained silent, perhaps sensing the gravity of the moment.
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