The Foster child

Chapter -6

Days rolled by and Maya started attending her school. She was a smart child and with her friendly nature she could make friends. She got used to the new school environment and also with the people here. Science is her favourite subject and she wanted to become a doctor. She spent her leisure time in the library and read the books related to science.
The hostlers were given a basic cellphone and they can speak to their family.
Maya shared her interests with Dharani. In the meantime, Dharani got a marriage proposal and her grandparents went to the groom's place to know more about them.
Dharani and Prithvi were the only people left in the house. Dharani thought of going to her pedda thatha's house. She doesn't want to stay alone with  Prithvi considering her feelings towards him. So, she decided to inform prithvi about her journey. Kasturi and Vikram had their journey in the morning, so Dharani made sure that she starts her travel in the afternoon. She informed Kasturi about her visit to her grandfather's house. Kasturi nagged her and tried to convince her to stay but Vikram saved her.
She went to Prithvi's room and knocked it.

Prithvi:
" Yes. Come in. Dharani. Do you need something".

Dharani:
" Ya. It's already 1:30 pm. Shall I serve your lunch. Do you want me to get it here".

Prithvi:
" No ma. I will come down. I don't want to trouble you people anymore. I can walk now with this stick. I am feeling very bored staying in this room for a long time. I think in a week's time I would get better so that I can report to my duty ".

Dharani:
" But you hardly took bedrest. You were suggested for a complete rest for 3 months but you are saying that you will join in duty in a week. Are you not bothered about your health ".

Prithvi chuckled at her questions but answered her

Prithvi:
" We are needed by the country. I  can't rest for days. Incase of any emergency, I can't let it go unbothered. So, I need to report to duty even if I am not recovered completely.

Dharani had many questions in her mind  like " if there is an emergency in our house ,can you be reachable. Can I be able to call you when I am in a need. Are you this  responsible  only to the nation or even to the members of this family. But, she could not dare  question him.  she knew that   nation safety is his  first priority . She stared at him for a long time out of concern  and admiration.  Prithvi shook her by her shoulder and spoke.

Prithvi,:
" Oh God Dharani, You already started dreaming about your future husband. Come come lets go. I am hungry".

Dharani;
" Mama wait . Are you happy with my marriage proposals. Are you ok, if I get married to some one . I mean ,I stayed with you people for about 21 years don't you feel connected".

Prithvi:
" Of course , I will be very happy about your marriage. It's the first function in our house after many years. I may not take part  in  the wedding preparations but  I will make sure to take leave for atleast  3 days. I trust my dad, he will select the best person  for you. Don't worry. "
Saying this he patted her head like a child.

Dharani lost her last ounce of hope on her love. The reality started hitting her hard and it was making her difficult to digest the truth. Now, she needs to let go of her love and start a new life with a stranger. She walked out of the room as she felt suffocated staying there. She came back to the dining area and arrange all the dishes and plates with water glasses. She waited for Prithvi to come. When Prithvi came and took his seat,
both of them had  their lunch in silence. Dharani cleared the table after lunch and she was even done with the dishwashing. She  made Ragi porridge for Prithvi and kept it on the kitchen counter.
By the time she came back from the kitchen, Prithvi is watching something on the TV. She made her way to her room. She got ready and packed her luggage. She thought of staying there for 3 days. Her grandparents would come back in 2 days. She asked  the house help Jaya Amma to take care of  the house chores and Prithvi's meals.
When Prithvi saw her coming down with a luggage, he asked