Eclipse 🌓 - before & after

9. Sharing problems

"So, will you suppose to share your problems with me ?"

Shubman put a hot water bag on Ishan's waist to reduce his pain. Ishan stared for sometime at Shubi's eyes, grief and guilt are flowing from there. His heart badly wanted to believe him. 

"Tell me Ishan, I'll help you in every possible way"

"I don't need help, just listen to me... why I told you nothing before marriage... actually from childhood my father and brother treat me like hell. I was clumsy... means I am, loved to bunk classes, skipping homework, playing all time with friends. Teachers and neighbours complained to papa, my school's headmaster never treated me how papa treats. He used to lock me in basement for hours, bhaiya used to beat me with belt, make sore marks on my full body. Did you notice, yesterday I never screamed when you were punishing me ? Because I'm habitual with bearing pain........"

Shubman put his head between his knees not controlling sob. 

"Hey... I didn't mean like that... my pain is gone, it's feeling good with hot bag" Ishan said.

"I... I'm worse than yo...your papa and bhaiya... they be ...beat you but I... ra... rap..." Shubman mumbled and still crying.

"But they never felt guilt after beating me. So how are you worse than them ?.... Aur tum aage sunoge ki nahi ?" Ishan said to distract him.

Shubman rubbed his eyes and stared again to Ishan to hear next. Ishan continued;

"Then I grew older, college life started. But my clumsy nature never gone but increased, their strictness increased too. They started to beat me with stick, slippers, shoes, belts whatever they got in hands. My mother tried to save me but she was also afraid of papa. I was stubborn too, I wanted to see how much they can beat me! Then one day...."

Ishan stopped and stared at Shubman. He was listening carefully.

"Continue. I'm listening."

"One day Mayank came in my life..." Ishu stopped again.

"Don't hesitate, I won't judge you"

"...Me and Mayank became close friends and then boyfriends. He cared me a lot, did everything to make me happy. So many times saved me from papa and bhaiya too. He too was joyful like me but loved me purely. Day passed, my college ends, but my clumsyness never gone, who knew this nature will be destructive for me ?..." Ishan's face became blank.

"It won't be destructive again...... I promise you. Just say next, Mayank loved you then why your papa arranged your marriage with me ?" Shubman said.

"Because he thought you can rule me. And really you did" Ishu chuckled in sorrow.

"I'll atone for it. I never brokey promise. Just tell me why Mayank let you get married ?"

"He hadn't a job but I had no problem with it. But he wanted to provide me a luxurious life, for that he requested to wait two years. But papa and bhaiya literally forced me, I hadn't a single day to wait for them. So....... poor Mayank... told me to get married! He thought I'll be happy after marriage, he hoped I may live like a queen.... The poor boy broke his heart into pieces and let me get married......." 

Ishan started sobbing, Shubman wished to soothe him but he promised not to touch him. So only said;

"Calm down Ishu. Gimme some time. I'll manage everything"

"Let me finish...... I never told you before because I was forced in marriage. If I told you, papa and bhaiya could kill me. Mayank and my mom were unrepentant. To avoid turmoil, I agreed in marriage. I was ready to accept new life but at first, it became a little tough. But still I was ready.... just for once.... I wanted to talk with Mayank.... to reduce my heartache... as there was nobody with whom I can share my sorrows. Believe me Shubi, I had no intention to betray you..... and I wasn't sticking with him... but I was hurted with so much pain.... I was crying so badly... so he just hugged me...... he too wants to see me happy with you.... I never betray you Shubi...."

What if Shubman won't touch Ishu, he himself clinched Shubi's shirt and started crying so badly. Shubman had nothing to do with that, he mildly held Ishu and said with teary eyes;

"I'm a monster Ishu that never understood your pain, never understood that pure soul like you cannot betray anyone.... You don't need to forcefully accept anything. Just wait some time, I'll heal all of your wounds... soon I'll end this marriage and give you up in Mayank's hands......"

Shubi said wiping Ishu's tears.