Love's Patient Path

Part 2

In the hall, the revelation of Anirudh's forgotten marriage hung in the air like a heavy storm. The once joyous atmosphere now crackled with tension as family members grappled with the unexpected truth.

Anirudh, his face a mix of confusion and frustration, almost shouted, "How can she be my wife? I never considered her as such! Everyone knows that very well!" His words reverberated through the room, stirring a sense of discomfort among the family members.

Binoy countered, "Anirudh, you may not have acknowledged it, but she took up the responsibilities willingly. Or isme galat bhi kya hai. Vo patni hai tumhari. Is ghar pe, hum sab pe, jitna adhikaar tumhara hai, utna hi uska bhi." 

Anirudh frustatedly says, "Adhikaar? Kaisay adhikaar ki baat kar rhe hai aap? Jo mainay Kabhi diye hi nhi? Are mujhe to pta bhi nhi tha ke vo yaha hai? I thought she might have already left."

Trilochan, the voice of authority, joined the discussion, "Beta, Vivah hone ke baad ek patni ko koi bhi adhikaar mangne ki zaroorat nhi hoti. Vo saare adhkaar use ape aap hi mil jaate hai. You may not have considered her as your wife, but the society does, and so do we. She is a part of this family, whether you recognize it or not."

Binoy says, "Or Kaha jaati vo anirudh? Do you have any idea how society views abandoned women? She would have faced ridicule out there. We thought you needed time to move on from the shock of marriage, and we believed you would be fine."

Anirudh, his frustration escalating, retorted, "Move on? Accept her? How am I supposed to move on when I never even considered our marriage? I can't be held accountable for something I never acknowledged."

The room became a battleground of conflicting emotions. Som, chimed in, "Dada, you left abruptly, and Boudi, She took care of us, of this house. Do you understand the strength it takes to bear that burden?"

Saudamini, an unintentional spectator to the unfolding drama, observed the familial dynamics with growing unease. The family's arguments intensified, echoing through the haveli like a discordant symphony.

Meanwhile, in her room, Bondita lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow on her face, revealing the grace that still lingered despite the turmoil. Her hand rested protectively over her stomach, a subconscious gesture reflecting the resilience within her.

The heated exchange in the hall was a stark contrast to the serene image of Bondita in her room. The family's voices rose and fell, each argument met with a counterargument, but Bondita remained detached from the verbal sparring. Her mind was a labyrinth of thoughts, emotions entwined with the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future.

Anirudh, his frustration boiling over, attempted to reason with the family. "How am I supposed to spend my life with someone I don't even know? This is not fair to me, nor is it fair to her," he asserted, his eyes reflecting a mix of defiance and exasperation.

Binoy, struggling to maintain composure, responded, "Anirudh, life is not always about what's fair. Bondita made sacrifices for this family, for you. She took on responsibilities that weren't hers to bear."

Anirudh, resolute in his position, revealed, "Baba, this doesn't change the fact that she is a stranger to me. Does it?"

The room fell into a tense silence as the weight of Anirudh's words hung in the air. Shubhra, attempting to bridge the widening gap, implored, "Anirudh, she is your wife. There are responsibilities that come with that. You can't just abandon her."

Anirudh, however, had made up his mind. With a heavy sigh, he dropped a revelation that sent shockwaves through the family. "I can't do this. I can't live a life that feels like a burden. I love saudamini. I'm soon going to marry Saudamini."