The Forbidden Marriage

61•एकषष्टिः

Minakshi glanced at the receptionist, who looked bewildered, and then back at Hemavan, who stared at her as if she were a ghost.

"Can we talk about this matter while walking towards Trishul?" she asked, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

Hemavan remained silent for a moment, then finally, hesitantly, nodded his head. Minakshi smiled, waiting for him to move, but he stood there, his mouth open in a silent "O."

"Please lead me—" she prompted gently.

"Oh yes, yes," Hemavan quickly responded, shaking himself out of his stupor. He began walking toward the lift, and Minakshi followed closely behind, Damru's hand securely in hers.

The walk through the hospital was tense and silent, Hemavan lost in deep thought and shock. He frequently glanced at Minakshi and Damru, his mind clearly struggling to process their sudden reappearance. Each look was filled with unspoken questions, but he remained speechless, too stunned to form the words.

As they reached the lift, Hemavan pressed the button, his hand trembling slightly. They stood in silence as the lift ascended, the tension in the small space palpable. Minakshi squeezed Damru's hand, drawing strength from his innocent presence.

When the lift doors opened, Hemavan led them down a quiet corridor, his pace brisk but unsure. They reached a guarded door, and Hemavan nodded to the security personnel, who stepped aside without question.

Hemavan paused, his hand on the door handle. He turned to Minakshi, his eyes filled with a mix of disbelief and hope. "I still can't believe it's you," he whispered.

"It's me," Minakshi said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I will explain everything once Trishul is stable."

Hemavan's eyes fell on Damru, his face a mask of confusion and unease. He hesitated, then asked, "Who is he?"

"My son," Minakshi replied firmly.

Hemavan sighed, running a hand through his hair, frustration etched across his features. He looked overwhelmed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

"Are you ready to face the family?" Hemavan asked, his voice low. "Ambika, Katyayani Maa, and Kakai are also inside the room."

(Bengalis call their father's younger brother as Kakai, here referring to Kashyap)

Minakshi felt a surge of anxiety and fear wash over her, the words hung in the air, each syllable tightening the knot of dread in her stomach. Her heart raced, pounding in her chest like a war drum. She felt paralyzed, her feet rooted to the spot. The thought of facing Trishul's family, of confronting their questions and their hurt, threatened to overwhelm her.

But she knew there was no other choice. She had to face them. She had to explain. For Trishul, for herself, and most importantly, for Damru.

She glanced down at Damru, who was clutching her hand with a mix of curiosity and confusion in his eyes. He was her source of strength, her anchor. His innocence, his love, and his trust were what kept her moving forward. She took a deep breath, drawing courage from his presence.

Minakshi forced herself to nod. "Yes," she said, her voice shaking but resolute. "I'm ready."

As Hemavan pushed open the door, Minakshi felt her legs trembling. She took a step forward, feeling as if she were walking through water, each step heavy and deliberate. She could feel the weight of her anxiety pressing down on her, threatening to pull her under.

But then she looked at Damru again. He gave her a small, innocent smile, and she felt a flicker of hope. She had to do this for him. She had to be strong for him.