The Forbidden Marriage

58•अष्टपञ्चाशत्

Minakshi stood at the stove, her small kitchen filled with the rich aroma of simmering spices. The phone was balanced precariously between her shoulder and ear as she stirred the pot with both hands, adjusting the flame beneath the bubbling curry.

"Damru said to bring toys for him," she said with a smile, her voice soft yet animated.

"Obviously. He doesn't have to say it," came Trishul's reply from the other end of the line, his tone warm and amused.

"I know." Minakshi laughed, a light, melodic sound that filled the room. "Have you eaten breakfast?"

"Uh... Um—"

"Don't tell me you have skipped breakfast again!" she yelled, her frustration tempered by concern.

"It's not like I haven't... I mean, I had some milk," Trishul stammered.

"Just some milk will not do. You have to eat more," she admonished, shaking her head even though he couldn't see her. "Learn something from your son. He never misses a chance to devour."

Trishul's laughter echoed through the phone, a comforting sound that briefly lifted Minakshi's spirits. Then, more softly, he whispered, "If you were here with me, maybe my wife could have forced me to eat."

The smile faded from her lips, replaced by a pained sigh. "Oh... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad," he quickly added, his voice tinged with regret.

"It's okay, Trishul. I know I'm not a good wife," she said quietly, her words carrying a weight of unspoken sorrow.

"Minakshi, don't say that," Trishul said firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. "You're doing the best you can. Look at Damru—he's happy, healthy, and full of life. That's because of you."

Minakshi felt a tear well up in the corner of her eye, but she blinked it away, focusing on the rhythm of her stirring. "But it's not enough, Trishul. You need more than just a mother for Damru. You need a partner, and I'm not there for you."

"You're still my partner," Trishul insisted. "We may not be together physically, but you're still living in my head rent free. I can't survive without you."

A small, bittersweet smile crept back onto Minakshi's face. "You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"No, I'm saying it because it's true," Trishul replied. "You've been strong for so long, and I admire you for that. We'll figure this out, together."

She sighed, the weight of her worries momentarily lifted by his words. "Thank you, Trishul. It means a lot to hear you say that."

"Listen, Minakshi," he said, his tone softening, "when I get back, we'll take some time for us. Maybe a short trip, just the three of us. We need it, and we deserve it."

"I'd like that," she said, a genuine smile breaking through. "I miss you."

"I miss you too. And remember, we're a team. No matter the distance."

"Okay," she replied, her voice steadier now. "I'll hold you to that trip, you know."

Trishul laughed. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Minakshi chuckled, the sound mingling with the sizzle of the food on the stove. "Alright, I should finish up here. Damru will be hungry soon."

"Take care, Minakshi. And remember, you're amazing."

"You too, Trishul. Talk to you later."

As she hung up the phone and returned her full attention to the meal, Minakshi felt a renewed sense of hope. The future might be uncertain, but with Trishul's unwavering support, she felt ready to face whatever came next.