Falling In Love With You

Part 20

{Please read the last part of the previous chapter. I am not sure if it was totally uploaded when most of you read it.}


"I would like to request you two to have a look at these papers, and sign them accordingly", Mr. Bose, the husband of Vibha's friend who had arranged the papers directed Siddharth and Avneet. 

Siddharth read it and passed it to Avneet. She was educated. She wasn't a master in it but she could read and write. 
She had studied till her higher secondary. Her uncle and aunt allowed that as because nowadays, it is a law to get the women education and people prefers wives who at least knows how to read.

The paper said that she was getting married with Siddharth under the law and they can't divorce before six months. 
She looked at Siddharth who looked back at her. 

He passed her a smile seeing which she took a deep breathe and twitched her lips into a small smile. 
She took the pen from him and signed the paper. 

Mr. Bose and Vibha clapped their hands. The other few officials who were present int he room joined them. 

"Congratulations on your Marriage!"
The newly wedded couple smiled, showing gratitude to their wish. They joined their hands as a sign of respect. 

"May the lord protect your relationship from evil eyes!"

They went to a temple and worshiped god, when Siddharth filled her partition with vermilion. It was the sign of their marriage.
_______
Vibha had prepared the plate of sweet, two paan and an earthen lamp to welcome her  son and daughter-in-law according to the custom of Hindus. Their marriage wasn't done traditionally so the other rituals weren't followed. 

"Welcome to our family, dear daughter-in-law!" Vibha smiled while moving the plate in a circle as a part of the ritual. 
She repeated the same for Siddharth and they touched her feet to get her blessings. 

"Live longer dear... I hope your marriage works out and I can be blessed with a grandson or granddaughter or maybe more than one," Vibha chuckled while blessing them.

Little did she know that her words made a great impact on Avneet. 
"I-is she expecting me to get pregnant? W-well why not! Who wouldn't want that?" her eyes teared up as the thought mentally. 

"I will cook you some good meal today!" Vibha sentenced. "And Avneet! Some of our neighbours are coming to meet you, so don't change your clothes."

"But mom, she won't be comfortable around them. You know she isn't a talker," Siddharth questioned. 

"What could I do. You know how they are. They have been eating my head with the shower of questions about who is the girl you brought here. I have told them that Avneet's  parents had recently passed away so she is staying with us and will get married to you today, just a registry marriage because you both don't want to have a traditional marriage right now," Vibha sounded helpless. 

Siddharth knew Vibha isn't at fault. Their neighbours has always humiliated her except Mrs. Das who is a great woman. They are all interested in Siddharth's life as despite of the struggles, he has grown up handsome and is the best son one could have. They still throws draggier at Vibha, but only when Siddharth isn't around. 
When one is not stable financially, taunts are the daily meals of them.

"Mom, I will have to go somewhere... I-I won't be able to accompany her. It is important," Siddharth sounded guilty. 

"Don't worry I will stand by her side," Vibha smiled. 

Though Siddharth didn't want to leave Avneet with the neighbours but he didn't have a choice. Though his mother never expresses but he knows how badly they treats her, only because she is poor. 
He will provide her with a better life.... very soon. 

He looked at Avneet. 
"Come to the room," his tone sounded like an order. 

She looked at Vibha and followed him. 
"I know you will tell her to stand by my side because you know how manipulating those neighbours are. I know you my son..." Vibha wiped her tear. 
___________

Avneet felt nervous. He sounded scary. He was angry. What if-

She flinched a little hearing the sound of the door which Siddharth was locking. 

He moved closer to Avneet and with his each step she felt nervous. He held her hands.   
 
"I am sorry..." his voice softened. "I won't be able to stand by your side when they will taunt you. Belief me, it is really important for me to go as it is about my job."

She felt a little ease knowing he isn't intending to harm her.

"They will humiliate you a lot and even my mother. But don't take their words in your mind. Try to be positive okay? And if anything serious happens, do let me know at night," he loosed the grip on her hand. 

"I will leave now," he looked at himself through the mirror and fixed his hair.