The Forbidden Marriage

59•नवपञ्चाशत्

Minakshi and little Damru sat on the floor of their cozy living room, surrounded by a pile of freshly laundered clothes. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm, golden light over the scene. Minakshi gently guided Damru's small hands, showing him how to fold a shirt neatly.

"See, Damru, you take the sleeves and fold them in like this," Minakshi said, demonstrating with one of Damru's colorful t-shirts.

Damru watched intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. He mimicked her movements, his little fingers clumsily folding the fabric. "Like this, Maa?"

Minakshi smiled, her heart swelling with pride and love. "Yes, exactly like that! You're doing a great job, Damru."

Damru beamed up at her, his face lighting up with happiness. "I like fwolding clwothes wid you, Momma."

"And I love folding clothes with you too, my little helper," she replied, reaching over to ruffle his hair. "Now, let's try folding these pants."

They continued their task, Minakshi patiently teaching Damru how to fold each item. Every now and then, Damru would make a silly face or a funny comment, causing both of them to burst into laughter. The room was filled with the sound of their shared joy, the mundane chore transformed into a moment of bonding and love.

As they worked, Minakshi couldn't help but marvel at how much Damru had grown. His curiosity and eagerness to learn brought a sense of fulfillment to her heart. She cherished these simple, everyday moments, knowing that they were building precious memories together.

"Look, Momma, I fwolded these pants all by myself!" Damru exclaimed proudly, holding up a pair of neatly folded pants.

Minakshi clapped her hands in delight. "You did an amazing job, Damru! You're getting so good at this."

Damru grinned from ear to ear, the pride in his accomplishment shining brightly in his eyes. "Thankew, Momma!"

They continued folding clothes, their laughter and conversation filling the room with warmth. As they finished the last of the laundry, Minakshi pulled Damru into a tight hug.

"You make everything so much fun, Damru," she said softly, kissing the top of his head.

"I love you, Maa," Damru replied, snuggling into her embrace.

"I love you too, baccha," Minakshi whispered, holding him close. In that moment, surrounded by the simple joy of their shared task, Minakshi felt a profound sense of gratitude for the love and happiness that filled their lives.

Suddenly, the room's door flung open, revealing Maya. She was breathing heavily and looked nervous, her face flushed with urgency.

At first, Minakshi's thoughts flickered to how she had forgotten to lock the door, chiding herself for being so clumsy these days. But her smile quickly dropped as she took in Maya's anxious features.

"What happened?" she asked, her smile slowly faltering.

"M-Minakshi," Maya cried out, her voice trembling. She glanced at Damru and then back at Minakshi. "Can we talk in the kitchen?"

Minakshi nodded, her concern growing. She turned to Damru, trying to keep her voice steady. "You watch cartoons on my phone, okay?"

Damru looked up, sensing the tension in the room. "Okay, Maa," he said, taking the phone with a serious expression, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Minakshi stood up and followed Maya to the kitchen, her heart pounding with apprehension. As they walked, she couldn't help but worry about what had caused Maya to look so distressed.