The Foster child

Chapter -16.

Prithvi was stunned for a minute. He  stood there motionless. A long while had passed, but he still didn't speak. He didn't expect Dharani to be so brave. He can see the genuity in her eyes. For a second  he wanted to give it to his urges  and say yes.  She was a  Confident, friendly, and beautiful girl. He thought  he would wait for a few  years and then they could get married. But what if he died on any given mission. He didn't want her to be sad at all, so he decided to put those thoughts aside. So, he tried to change  her mind  and finally, he said

Prithvi :
 "I'm a soldier. My life belongs to the country, and I would die for my fellow citizens. But it's too dangerous to  get  you involved. I don't want to put your life in danger too." 

He had been ready to shed blood for his country and people long before. He always believed that his life was not his own. 

Dharani took in his meaning.  She knew that he was concerned about her life. But with hopes in her heart, she shook her head and said

Dharani :
“ Mamma, I want to be with you. I'm not afraid of anything .  If I was given a chance to spend my life with you for a fraction of seconds, I am more than happy.  with you. I am not afraid  of death. Please .“.

The moment she fell in love with him, she knew the risks. She already had an answer ready for that.       

Prithvi could see the determination in the girl's eyes. She was serious.
He  had wanted to frighten her away by laying out what she might have to go through. But it didn't work on this brave girl. She was young and should have a bright and happy future.     

However, there was no telling if he would come back safe and sound from the next dangerous mission. His future was unpredictable. With that in mind, 

Prithvi:
"No."     

He refused her bluntly. 

Dharani didn't expect him to refuse her so cruelly. Her heart was broken. She felt like weeping but she couldn't break  down  in front of him and embarass herself more.

Suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, she  forced a smile and said, 

Dharani:
"This is a turning point, Mamma. It's now or never. If you say no, I'll turn another page in my life and try to forget you. If you say yes, I'll love you with all my heart and soul. Think carefully before you answer."     

Prithvi didn't answer, but instead he walked out  of the house and went away. She wanted to stop him and ask him why he rejected her. But he didn't  give her a chance to confront  him. 

Dharani cried for a long time that day. She loved him so much . She dreamt of sharing a life with him by having beautiful memories together. But he turned her down mercilessly. 
She thought for a long time and made up her mind to give Agastya a chance. 

Now coming back to the present ,

So, Dharani said ok to her grandparents when they brought up the topic of her marriage,

Now Mahendra was clear about one thing. It wasn't that Prithvi had no feelings for Dharani.  The main reason that Prithvi had turned her down was because he was already married—to the country. The ambitious young man  wanted to hit the battlefield and protect his country.     

He  also understood that Dharani rushed her decision because she was angry at Prithvi . It wasn't a rational decision. Anyway, he couldn't get involved in their matter because. Together or not, it was up to them to decide .   

Vikram called Keshav Narayan garu(Agastya ‘s father), to come for the official looks. 

Mahendra called Prithvi to inform him about this news and know his reaction.

Mahendra:

“ Hello. Prithvi. How are you, my son?”.

Prithvi:

“ I am fine thatta. How is your  health? 

Mahendra:

“ I am good. I am currently staying with my Son. And I have news for you”.

Prithvi:

“ Oh. What is it”.

Mahendra :
“  I think Dharani  will be getting engaged to Agastya by the end of this year.  The groom's family is coming for the official looks this weekend.”

Prithvi was shocked hearing this. He turned her down and now she has every right to move on in her life. But, he could not digest this news. He went back to his rational side of thinking and tried to convince himself that Agastya would give her a better life which he could not. He stayed silent for some time and said

Prithvi:
“ That's good news thatta. I met him once. “

Mahendra :
“ Oh!. So, will you be able to come this weekend “.

Prithvi :
“ I don't think it's possible. I have some urgent work to complete. I will take my leave. Take care thatta bye.”

Saying this, he cut the call. He was not able to speak to him. The thing is, he can take leave for a day. But he knew his heart wanted. Dharani getting engaged to another guy didn't  fit in his mind. This thought is eating his mind slowly. So, he thought of not going  to his home.

One fine weekend, Agastya 's parents came to Dharani's house for the official looks. The two families got well in no time. Agastya 's  mother liked Dharani a lot. So, she insisted on getting them engaged that evening.

Dharani wanted to hold off the engagement . She even  reasoned that she needed some time as she is only 22 years old.

But his family said that it didn't matter, and that it would be more convenient for their son to take care of her, if he became her fiancee.
     
That was logic Dharani couldn't argue with them , so she agreed to get engaged to him.     

So, they decided to get engaged in two months. Everyone was happy  as it was a good thing happening in their family after a long time.  They started the preparations for the engagement. 

 For the next few days Kasturi engrossed herself in buying the jewelry and sarees. Vikram made himself busy in booking the function hall and food catering services.

Dharani went back to Bangalore. Maya went to her school. Dharani tried hard not to contact Prithvi. She made herself busy learning new concepts related to the project or experimenting her cooking skills. Meena caught the change in her behavior and asked

Meena:
“ Dharani are you ok”.

Dharani:
“ Yes. Why did  you ask?”

Meena:
“  I thought something was bothering you. You are making yourself busy all the time . Either you are studying or you are cooking something. You are not showing any interest for an outing or something “.

Dharani:
“ I don't feel like going anywhere, Meena. That's the only reason “.

Meena :
“ Is that so? . By the way I heard that you are getting engaged, congratulations “.

Dharani :
“ Ya. Thank you”.

Meena:
“ Dharani, I am your friend. I know that you  didn't agree to Agastya wholeheartedly. But, trust me . He is a good guy and  he will keep you happy.

Dharani:
“ Hmmm “

Dharani knew that it's time for her to give up on her love. She didn't initiate any conversation with Prithvi after the rejection. She spent her leisure time talking to Kasturi or with Meena and Agastya.

Thank you.
Bye. Take care.
Stay safe and stay healthy.

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