The morning sun cast a soft, golden light over the hospital as Vrindha was discharged. The nurse handed her the papers, including the official notice of her suspension and the withdrawal of the shares. Vrindha's heart sank as she looked at the documents, the reality of her situation weighing heavily on her shoulders.
As she stepped outside the hospital, a wave of anxiety washed over her. How would she explain the injury to her family? What excuse could possibly cover the shame she felt? The ride home seemed unbearably short, each minute bringing her closer to the inevitable confrontation.
Vrindha's family home was a large, bustling joint family household, filled with the constant chatter and activity of fifteen members. The front door creaked open, and she was immediately met with a barrage of questions and worried faces.
Aunt:"Vrindha, why you were not back home last night ? Hey, what happened to your neck?"
The uncle noticed Vrindha's neck from his wife words. The concern flickered in his face.
Uncle:"Are you alright? How did this happen?"
Vrindha's parents, standing at the back of the group, looked at her with a mix of concern and embarrassment. Her grandmother, noticing the tension in the air, stepped forward and gently guided Vrindha towards a chair.
Grandma: "Let the girl rest. It seems like the poor soul has been to the hospital herself. We can ask questions later."
Vrindha sat down, grateful for her grandmother's intervention, but she knew she couldn't avoid the questions for long. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before speaking.
Vrindha: (softly) "I... I had an accident at work. I cut my neck by mistake. It's nothing serious, but I needed a few stitches."
Her explanation was met with a mixture of skepticism and concern. The family exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves. Vrindha's grandmother shot a disapproving look at the others, silently urging them to hold their tongues.
Cousin:"An accident at work? What kind of work are you doing that involves such danger?"
Vrindha's parents, standing behind the crowd, looked visibly worried and humiliated. They had always prided themselves on their daughter's intelligence and dedication, and now they felt those qualities had led her into a troubling situation.
Father:(sternly) "Vrindha, you should be more careful. We can't afford such risks."
Her mother nodded in agreement, but her eyes were filled with worry rather than anger. She stepped forward, placing a hand on Vrindha's shoulder.
Mother: "Just take care of yourself, dear. It doesn't seem like a small cut as well. You've had us all worried."
Vrindha nodded, trying to muster a reassuring smile. She could feel the weight of their expectations and the silent judgment in the room. Her grandmother, sensing her distress, spoke up again.
Grandma: "Enough questions for now. Let the girl rest. She needs peace and quiet to heal."
With that, Vrindha was escorted to her room. She collapsed onto her bed, exhausted from the emotional and physical ordeal. As she lay there, she could hear the muffled sounds of her family's gossiping from the other room.
The voices were a mix of curiosity, judgment, and concern. Her parents' voices stood out, filled with worry and a hint of shame.
Aunt: "You should have married her off way before. If she keeps behaving like this, she will be your burden forever."
Mother: (defensively) "What are you talking about, Akka? She is the sole breadwinner and not our burden. We are just waiting for a good match."
Aunty 2: "Until then, will she sleep in the lab itself?"
YOU ARE READING
The Undefined
Mystery / Thriller"Things are beautiful when they are just left undefined". What happens when a delicate undefined bond gets bounced in the hands of the society?Will it survive hardships or just break like any other bonds?...... _______________________________ Things...
