The Forbidden Marriage

62•द्वाषष्टिः

Trishul fluttered his eyes open, his vision adjusting to the dim hospital room. He sighed, feeling the weight of fatigue settle over him. His hand instinctively reached for the desk beside his bed, searching for his phone, but it wasn't there. Confused, he looked down to find his parents, Kashyap and Katyayani, engaged in a quiet conversation.

"You guys haven't left yet?" he croaked, his voice raspy from disuse.

Kashyap glanced back at his son, a gentle smile forming on his lips as he approached Trishul's bedside, with Katyayani following closely behind. They leaned over him, their eyes filled with concern and love.

"How are you feeling, baba?" Kashyap asked, his voice filled with paternal warmth.

(Baba literally means father, older people use this term to call younger man/boy)

Trishul managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, Dad. Just a little tired," he replied, trying to sound reassuring despite the lingering ache in his body.

Katyayani gently brushed a strand of hair from Trishul's forehead. "You need to rest, dear. Don't worry about us," she said, her voice soft yet firm.

Trishul shook his head, a hint of frustration creeping into his expression. "But Maa, Baba, you shouldn't be here. You'll tire yourselves out," he protested, feeling guilty for causing them worry.

Kashyap chuckled softly. "Nonsense, Trish. We're your parents. We'll always be here for you," he said, his eyes reflecting the depth of his love for his son.

Trishul sighed in defeat, knowing he couldn't argue with his parents' unwavering devotion. "Okay, but at least let me have my phone. I need to check on some things," he requested, reaching out for it.

Katyayani shook her head gently. "Not now, Trishul. You need to focus on getting better first. Your phone can wait," she insisted, her tone gentle but firm.

Trishul pouted slightly, feeling a twinge of frustration at his mother's refusal, he have to make a call to Minakshi.

Suddenly, a soft voice broke through the room, pulling Trishul out of his swirling thoughts. "Baba, Baba!" called Damru, his tiny figure wobbling as he made a beeline for Trishul.

Trishul's eyes widened in disbelief as Damru approached. What was Damru doing here? How had he come to be by Trishul's side? Was Trishul dreaming? And why was Damru calling him "Baba" instead of "King Uncle"? The questions flooded Trishul's mind, leaving him speechless.

Before Trishul could make sense of the situation, Damru deftly climbed onto the bed and threw his arms around Trishul in a tight embrace. "Baba, you're awake!" exclaimed Damru, his face splitting into a wide grin.

Despite the sharp pang of pain that shot through his injured hand when Damru accidentally bumped it, Trishul couldn't help but return the smile. This was real. Damru was here, and Trishul was awake. It wasn't a dream.

"Child, get away from him," Katyayni said, her voice laced with concern as she moved to pull Damru away,"I am sorry trishul, this little boy came and started claiming him as your son—"

Trishul's laughter bubbled up from deep within him, filling the room with its warmth. "There's nothing to claim," he reassured Katyayni, gently pulling Damru closer. "Damru is my son."

As Kashyap whispered, "Damru... He was calling for Damru in his sleep," Rannvijay glanced at him and softly replied, "My name is also Damru."

Kashyap smiled warmly, tousling Rannvijay's hair. "Of course, it suits you," he said affectionately.

"But... You knew about Damru?" Kashyap inquired, curiosity evident in his tone.

Trishul let out a weary sigh before nodding. "Yes. And of his mom, my wife... Minakshi," he admitted, his gaze drifting down to Damru as he gently kissed his forehead. Trishul was overwhelmed with emotions and questions, unsure of where to begin.