The Foster child

Chapter -21.

Dharani and Prithvi reached their home. Kasturi and Maya welcomed the new couple with aarthi. Vikram wore a rigid face. He felt  angry at Prithvi for his unthoughtful act. 

Throughout the time, Dharani followed Prithvi as a robot. When Prithvi was about to take the blessings of his parents, she jerked forward and came out of her trance. 

However, Vikram side stepped himself and denied his blessings to the new couple. Dharani knew that her Grandfather would never approve  this relationship. She felt very sad and had tears in her eyes. She sobbed silently.

Seeing her granddaughter in tears, Mahendra gave a long look to Vikram. He blessed the couple with a long and happy life together. Vikram went back to his room. Kasturi knew about his husband. He needs some time to digest the facts about  Prithvi -Dharani marriage.

After a small chit chat with his grandfather, Prithvi gave his Angavastram to Dharani and  made  his way to his father’s study. He knocked on the door before getting inside. 

Vikram was facing the window and  was having a cigarette. Prithvi called him slowly.

Prithvi:
“ Dad, Are you angry at me? Will you not give me your blessings “.

Vikram sighed and turned to him. He looked into Prithvi ‘s eyes and said,

Vikram:
“ Prithvi I am not angry. I am disappointed. I never thought you would take a decision on impulse.  You are  a lieutenant colonel now  and will  have a bright future in the army. I felt very proud of you when you got promoted. Now you're at the same rank as that of mine when I quit my services. 

I couldn't become successful in my career and I held all my hopes on you. I never thought you would let me down Prithvi.”

Prithvi:
“ I couldn't understand your point dad. How did I let you down? I made sure that I was dedicated to my services and that will remain the same. I will never waver my decision in serving my country. So, what made you think that I would let you down regarding my career “.

Vikram :
“ Prithvi, when you are alone, your focus is only on serving the country. But, you are married now. You will have many thoughts running in my mind. Commitment towards marriage will hamper your career.

I am not against marriage but, you are at the peak of  your career. Now, you will be assigned with some other dangerous missions. What if something happens to you?.
Where does that leave Dharani.  Let's forget about that for a while . What situation triggered your mind that you had to tie the knot with Dharani. 
As far as I knew, you never had any romantic feelings for her and not to forget she is your niece “.

Prithvi averted his gaze for a while to compose himself. After a little pause he said,

Prithvi:
“ Dad, Agastya left the mandapam leaving Dharani and our family to humiliation. People started gossiping about Dharani. She was in a mess. How can we leave her alone to face that humiliation “.

Vikram :
“ We will not leave her alone Prithvi. I am there for her. I will search for the best match and get her married.”

Prithvi chuckled at him and said sarcastically,

Prithvi:
“ What if  he even runs away like this “.

Vikram:
“ Prithvi!”.

Prithvi:
“ Yes dad. 
Dad, Dharani and Agastya were engaged for two years and they dated for a while prior to the engagement. We trust our girl but, can you shut the mouths of the society who question your girls upbringing. I am not blaming Agastya, he did what he felt was right to him. But, our Dharani's future was put at stake. I can't let my niece face more humiliation and insults. I will never let someone doubt your upbringing. Dharani getting married at the auspicious time today is the only answer to everything. So, I did what came to my mind. 
If you are still angry at me please forgive me “.