The Forbidden Marriage

60• षष्टि

The train hissed and screeched to a halt at the platform, a rush of tourists and travelers moving to board. Minakshi, wrapped in a shawl to conceal her identity, held Damru’s hand tightly. Maya, Ved, and Manish stood beside her, their expressions a mix of sadness and determination.

Ved glanced at the tickets, scanning the numbers to find their seats. "Minakshi, your seat is right there by the window," he said, pointing to an empty seat.

Minakshi nodded, pulling the shawl tighter around her and guiding Damru towards the seat. She settled in, ensuring Damru was comfortable beside her.

The others lingered, reluctant to see her go. Maya's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Are you sure you'll be okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Minakshi gave a reassuring smile. "I will be fine. I’ll return, I promise."

Manish, trying to keep his composure, said, "You belong beside Trishul, not here. Go to him. He needs you."

Damru, wide-eyed and full of excitement, looked around the train car. "Maa, is this really a train? My first time in a train!" he exclaimed, momentarily lifting the somber mood.

Minakshi chuckled softly, ruffling his hair. "Yes, baccha. It’s a big adventure for both of us."

Turning to Ved, she said, "Thank you for booking the tickets on such short notice."

Ved nodded, his expression serious. "Anything for you, Minakshi. Just stay safe and keep us updated."

Minakshi's eyes softened as she looked at her friends. "Thank you, all of you. I don’t know what I’d do without your support."

Maya hugged her one last time, whispering, "Take care, Minakshi. And take care of Damru."

"I will," Minakshi whispered back, feeling the weight of their words and the strength of their support.

As the train's final boarding call sounded, they reluctantly stepped back, waving as Minakshi and Damru settled into their seats. Damru pressed his face against the window, his excitement palpable.

Minakshi watched her friends through the glass, their figures growing smaller as the train began to pull away from the station. She felt a surge of determination. She was going back to Trishul, to where she truly belonged, and she would face whatever came next with courage and love.

Damru's excitement was palpable. He bounced in his seat, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked out the window. "Maa, I can't wait to see Baba! Do you think he'll be surprised?" he asked, his eyes wide with wonder.

Minakshi forced a smile, her heart heavy with worry. "Yes, baccha, he'll be very surprised and happy to see you," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. The thought of facing Trishul's family after so many years made her stomach churn. What would she say to them? How would they react to seeing her again, and with Damru by her side?

Her thoughts kept drifting to Trishul's condition. Was he stable? Would he be okay? She tried to compose herself for Damru's sake, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm with her worries. She plastered a smile on her face and matched his excitement. "And guess what? We'll make this the best surprise ever!"

As the train journeyed through the night, Minakshi noticed the other passengers slowly drifting off to sleep. It was very late, and the stillness of the night train began to have a calming effect. She saw that Damru's energy was finally starting to wane, his eyelids growing heavy.

"Come here, baby," she said softly, pulling him closer. Damru snuggled up to her, resting his head on her chest. "Maa, I'm so excited to see Baba. Do you think he will be happy to see me?" he asked, his voice drowsy.