Village meets city love

Chapter 25- A Journey Towards Reconciliation.

The household began their daily routines as usual. The relationship between Aarti and Meena improved a little, though not by much. Aarti and Meena still had some tension between them, but they managed to find small moments where they understood each other better. Despite the palpable tension, both women navigated through daily chores and routines without directly addressing their differences.

Lavanya, preparing for her new job, went out to purchase some new clothes. She returned home around 2:30 PM. At 3:00 PM, she received a call from her Father, who asked her to attend a relative's function with Varun in their village, expressing how much they missed her.

That night at the dinner table, Lavanya brought up the function. "Amma, Appa called today. There's a function at our relative's place, and they want Varun and me to attend," she said.

Varun, in a gentle tone, responded, "Lavanya, it will be difficult for me to get leave from work right now. If you want, I can take you to visit your parents next week."

Before Lavanya could reply, Meena interjected. "Why are you talking nonsense? She says she has to go to her relatives' function, and you're saying you'll go next week?."

Turning to Lavanya, Meena asked, "Lavanya, if you’re okay with it, I can accompany you. We both can go by bus."

Lavanya replied, "It's fine, Amma. You already have joint pains, so it would be difficult for you to travel. I can manage alone."

After the conversation, everyone completed their dinner and retreated to their respective rooms except for Meena, who was waiting for Arun to return from his part-time job. She had already informed him that he should not eat food from outside and should eat only at home.

Aarti, who wanted to wait for Arun, decided to accompany Meena in the hall and sat silently on the sofa. Meena wondered why Aarti was sitting in the hall instead of sleeping.

When Aarti explained her intentions to wait for Arun, she got scolded by Meena. "Don't you have a brain? It's not good to stay awake at night for a pregnant woman. Why are you harming my grandchild? Go get some sleep. I will make sure Arun has his dinner," Meena said strictly.

Though Aarti was sad about not being able to wait for Arun, she felt happy seeing the concern and care from Meena for her and the child. She knew Meena showed her care in a strict and emotionless way but could feel her good intentions. With a nod, Aarti left for her room.

Meanwhile, Lavanya prepared for her journey. As she packed, Varun approached her with a hesitant smile. "Lavanya, can we talk?" he asked gently.

She turned to face him, her expression guarded. "Hmm," she replied.

Varun knew the strain in their relationship was caused by his actions. Lavanya had stopped talking to him inside their room and only spoke to him outside when necessary. Varun decided it was time to make amends and strengthen their bond.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Lavanya sighed softly. "I'll be fine, Varun. You focus on your work. I'll call home once I reach."

Varun took a deep breath. "I know I’ve hurt you deeply,” he said, looking into her eyes. “I’ve realized how wrong I was. I shouldn't have forced you and blamed you for being a housewife. Please don't be distant and preoccupied. Give us a chance, Lavanya. I want to make things right. I want to start over if you’re willing to give me a chance.”

Lavanya’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “It’s not that simple, Varun. Trust is not easily rebuilt.”

“I understand,” Varun said, his voice heavy. “But I’m willing to put in the effort. I want to support you in every step. I know I haven't been the best husband, and I want to change that. I want us to work together to make our marriage what it should be.”

Lavanya sighed deeply. "Let me think, Varun. I will share my thoughts with you after this visit to my village."

With that, she switched off the light and lay down on the bed on the left side, while Varun lay down on the right. Looking at the ceiling, Varun thought about he had taken the first step towards rebuilding his relationship with Lavanya. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he was willing to try.

Early the next morning, Lavanya got ready to catch the bus. Varun dropped her off at the depot.

Lavanya's journey to her village was long but gave her time to think. She thought about her relationship with Varun. She wanted to give him a chance, but she felt he had some motives whenever he tried to talk to her. She couldn't place her trust in him like before. She hoped that whatever fate had store for her was good. She wanted to take this trip as a break to think and refresh her mind before she shared her thoughts with Varun.

Upon reaching her parents' home, Lavanya was welcomed with warmth and affection. Her mother, seeing the tiredness on her face, insisted she rest. Lavanya called her in-laws and sent a message to Varun that she had reached safely.

As she lay down, Lavanya couldn't help but think about how different her life had become since her marriage. Despite the ups and downs, she felt a deep sense of belonging and commitment to her new family.

Back at home, the atmosphere was tense. Meena continued her usual routine, but her mind kept drifting to Lavanya. She couldn't deny the emptiness she felt without her. Despite their differences, Lavanya had become an integral part of the household, and her absence was palpable.

In the evening, Aarti and Meena found themselves in the kitchen together. The silence was heavy, and Aarti finally broke it. "Aunty, is there anything specific you need help with?"

Meena glanced at her, her expression softening for a moment. "Just make sure the vegetables are cut properly," she said, her tone less harsh than usual.

Aarti nodded, grateful for the small reprieve. As they worked side by side, the tension eased slightly. It was a small step, but it was something.

Varun, returning from work, noticed the slight change in the atmosphere. He approached his mother, asking about her day and requesting a strong cup of coffee. Meena sighed, "It's been quiet without Lavanya. But Aarti has been helpful."

Varun smiled, "That's good to hear, Amma. Aarti is trying her best. Maybe we can all find a way to get along better."

Meena nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Perhaps you're right, Varun. We'll see." She told him, "Go refresh and have the coffee." Varun left with a nod.

Varun, who had seen Lavanya's message, chuckled. "She said she would call home, but never mentioned she would sent me a message." Even with the small message, Varun felt a deep sense of connection with Lavanya. Despite the physical distance, their bond felt stronger than before. In that moment, both felt a sense of peace, knowing that no matter what, they would face the future together.

Lavanya, resting at her parents' home, felt a mix of emotions. She was glad to be with her family, but her mind kept wandering back to Varun and their conversation. She wanted to believe in his sincerity, but trust was not something that could be easily restored. As she lay in her childhood bed, memories of her early days with Varun flooded back. The initial excitement, the dreams they had shared, and the gradual drift that had occurred. She wondered if it was possible to reclaim those lost moments and build something new from the ashes of their strained relationship.

Perhaps this visit would provide the clarity they both needed, a chance to reflect and rediscover the love that once bound them together. As she drifted off to sleep that night, she held onto the hope that their journey ahead might lead them back to each other, stronger and more resilient than before.

Note to Readers: I have added a song to accompany Lavanya's journey to the village. Please listen to it while reading this part of the story to enhance your experience.