Love's Patient Path

Part 10

Anirudh's frustration had reached its peak. His eyes, filled with disappointment, darted across the room, absorbing the reactions of the stunned family members. He closed his eyes momentarily, rubbing his face with his palm, as if trying to erase the distressing images from his mind. A heavy sigh escaped him, echoing the weight of the situation.

The room hung in tense silence as Anirudh, taking a deep breath, finally spoke, his words cut through the silence like a sharp blade. His question was like a sudden storm in the tranquility of the room, "Your grandparents live in Calcutta, right?" The family exchanged puzzled glances, not fully comprehending the sudden shift in conversation. Anirudh, with a determined yet agitated tone, continued, "Do meet them once before leaving for London."

The suddenness of his statement left everyone in shock, including Saudamini, who stammered, "What do you mean by leaving for London?"

Anirudh chose to remain silent, his gaze shifting to Som. "Som, arrange for Saudamini's trip to Calcutta, today," he instructed, his tone unwavering. Som, though taken aback, nodded in compliance, sensing the gravity of Anirudh's anger.

Saudamini, refusing to accept the situation, demanded an explanation. "I'm asking you something, Anirudh. I'm not going anywhere without you!"

Anirudh's response was curt, "Yes, you are. So pack your bags by the afternoon."

Bondita, unable to hold back her concern, softly uttered, "Par Barrister Babu..."

Anirudh cut her off with authority, "No one can change my decision, not even you, little one. Don't try."

Bondita fell silent, sensing the gravity of the situation. Saudamini, however, wasn't ready to accept defeat. "I love you, Anirudh. You can't do this to me." she declared, a desperate attempt to manipulate the situation.

Anirudh scoffed at her words, "Is that why you've been accusing me of having an affair since the day we came here? No, Saudamini, you can't love anyone but yourself."

Saudamini, feeling the ground slipping beneath her, tried another tactic. "Think about it, Anirudh. You know Dad won't like it. You have no idea what he can do to your career."

The family's collective eyes widened in surprise at Saudamini's audacity to threaten Anirudh openly. Anirudh, however, only smirked in response, "Do whatever you can. You can't use my career as a pawn in your games, Saudamini. Your threats won't work anymore."

Saudamini's eyes widened with shock, realizing the gravity of the situation she had put herself in. Anirudh's stern determination and unyielding resolve left no room for negotiation. Saudamini's desperate attempts to salvage a situation was slipping away from her control

Her pride wounded, Tried to portray bondita as the cause of this upheaval. "You can't just discard everything we had because of her," gesturing towards Bondita with disdain. "This little nobody is turning you against me, Anirudh. Can't you see that?" she exclaimed, attempting to sway everyone's sympathy.

Anirudh, however, was unfazed by her manipulations. He maintained his composure, casting a steely gaze at Saudamini. "No one is turning me against you, Saudamini. Your actions speak for themselves," he retorted.

Som, in the background, was discreetly making arrangements for Saudamini's trip to Calcutta, adhering to Anirudh's instructions. The family, torn between shock and curiosity, observed the unfolding drama, waiting for the resolution of the conflict. 

"You're doing this because of her, aren't you? This illiterate girl who has nothing to offer."

Anirudh's patience wore thin as he snapped back, "This girl has more integrity and goodness in her than you could ever fathom, so be respectful. don't forget, she's my wife mini. You'll leave for Calcutta this afternoon. This chapter ends here"