𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐀 : 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐅𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

CHAPTER 20

"Prithvi, do you have any idea what your Dadi will do to Tara in your absence?" Kusum's voice held a note of concern, her brows furrowing with worry.

"For Dadi, too, I have arranged something," Prithvi replied confidently, his tone tinged with determination.
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As the new day began, everyone gathered at the dining table for breakfast. Amidst the clinking of cutlery and the aroma of freshly cooked food, Prithvi's voice rang out, commanding the attention of all present.

"I have something to inform all of you," he announced, his tone serious yet determined.

The room fell silent as Prithvi's words echoed in the air, each syllable laden with the weight of his decision.

Prithvi took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"All of you know my friend Abhijeet is in America, and a few days ago, I received a letter from him informing me that he was involved in an accident there. None of his family members are able to go to him, so I've decided to go there myself."

His announcement hung in the air, leaving a palpable tension in the room as everyone processed his words.

Deepak's voice cut through the silence, his tone harsh and accusatory.

"What do you mean you're going? Last time you went off like this, it was to chase after that useless PhD degree. I won't allow you to abandon your responsibilities of been Thakur again."

Prithvi's expression remained impassive as he responded, his voice cold and detached.

"I am not asking for permission. I am simply informing you of my decision."

Deepak's words stung, but Prithvi refused to let them shake his resolve.

"If someone's father is like you, who doesn't want his children to pursue their dreams and achieve success, then what can they do?" Prithvi retorted, the bitterness evident in his
tone.

"You..." Deepak began, his anger evident in his voice, but Padma quickly interjected.

"This is how you talk to your father?" she reprimanded Prithvi, her tone stern. "Don't forget, Prithvi, he provided you with shelter and food to survive."

Prithvi's gaze hardened as he met Padma's eyes.

"Yes, how can I forget?" he replied bitterly. "Besides doing all this, he also turned our lives like a living corpse."

" You can't say... " Padma was about to interject, her voice filled with indignation, but Prithvi cut her off with a firm tone.

" I have made some arrangements for you too, Dadi," Prithvi declared, his expression serious.

"You are aging, and it's time for you to focus on your spiritual well-being and reconnect with relatives. I have already made all the arrangements. You will visit Varanasi, then Rishikesh, followed by a stay at Ramu Dadu's home, and finally Mathura. You will spend the next few months traveling to these places."

Padma's retort was sharp. "But I don't want to go," she snapped harshly.

Prithvi remained composed, unmoved by Padma's resistance. "I am just informing you, Dadi," he replied calmly. "Your bags are packed, and you will start your journey from tomorrow."

Padma's features hardened, her tone bitter. "I understood, I have become a burden, right? That's why you are doing this to me!!," she accused, her words laden with resentment.

As Prithvi stood firm in his decision, a tense silence enveloped the room. Padma's words hung in the air, casting a shadow over the otherwise subdued atmosphere. Breaking the palpable silence, Prithvi spoke again.