His Brown Bride

23

Rajiv's POV










Her diary has been a source of inspiration for me.

Like she mentioned, the sky is the limit.

I won't give up either.

I'm now at the company, and I think I've come up with a permanent solution to save it from bankruptcy, which is, relocating to Mumbai.

That's right, I'm planning to move the entire company, as well as my family, to Mumbai.

A new city, a new beginning, and a fresh start.

"The probabilities are fifty-fifty. It could either be revived or not," the director spoke up.

"We create unique materials, which unfortunately became too expensive for the people of Banaras. However, there's a good chance that Mumbai's market will embrace them, and if they do, it could be a huge success," he added.

I nodded in agreement, my confidence bolstered. "I'm confident they will. I conducted thorough research on all major Indian cities before concluding that Mumbai is the ideal location for the company's relocation."

••••

"We're selling the villa and moving to Mumbai, Mother," I shared, bracing myself for her reaction.

Her eyes widened in shock, and she recoiled as if I'd delivered her a blow.

"What?" she exclaimed, her voice shrill with disbelief.

I steeled myself and nodded, meeting her gaze. "Yes, Mother. I've decided."

"Rashi's marriage is arranged. We can't just abandon it! And what about Rajesh? He's still away. Who knows when he'll return? What will we do in Mumbai, anyway? This city is our origin and our heritage. Our ancestors' blood runs through its streets. You can't just decide about this overnight. I won't let you do it," she protested.

"I knew you'd react this way, but it's too late. I've already finalised the paperwork with the bank," I said, my voice firm but still having some guilt.

"You're welcome to stay in our old house if you wish, but I'm moving away. Also, Rashi." I paused, my gaze moving to her as she entered the living room, her eyes lowered, and her face shrouded in a sorrow that pierced my heart.

She'd been unhappy since Grandma's decision to either marry or face a cursed life.

However, I couldn't bear the thought of letting her be trapped in a loveless marriage.

"Rashi will be coming with me too," I asserted.

"You'll continue your education and follow your dreams because no one deserves a loveless marriage."

Her face transformed radiantly with hope and joy, like I had just lifted a weight from her shoulders.

I offered her a gentle, reassuring smile as she nodded, tears of happiness and liberation streaming down her face.

However, my mother's face contorted in anguish, her eyes welling up with tears, as if her world was shattering. "One by one, my children are abandoning me," she exclaimed.

"Just kill me and be done with it," she whispered, her words subverted with deep sorrow, and she rushed out of the room, leaving me feeling consumed by guilt.

But Rashi's sudden embrace dispelled the shadows of doubt in my mind.

She threw herself into my arms, her warm tears of joy seeping into my skin, and I knew I was doing the right thing.

Mother still had a choice, and I was giving her the freedom to make it.

We could leave the suffocating traditions of Grandma's behind to start afresh in Mumbai.

I'd even reach out to Rajesh and call him back to join us with Divya.

We'd build a life together, free from the shackles of the past.

But my mother—I know her too well.

She'd never disobey Grandma or choose her children over that tradition.

••••

"Will you really be moving?"

My hands hovered over the luggage in hesitation as I turned to face my mother.

Her eyes, brimming with unshed tears, pleaded with me to reconsider, and that tender gaze tore my heart.

"Who's left in Banaras for us?" I asked, struggling to sound burly, my voice firm but still vulnerable.

"Why cling to this city when a brighter future awaits us in Mumbai? You know the company's struggling. I have to relocate it, no matter how much it hurts me or you."

I continued packing.

My hands trembled as I folded each garment because her eyes never left me.

"Are you seriously asking what's left for us here?" She asked, her voice splintering with shock and dismay.

"This is your birthplace, your father's ancestral land—the soil that nurtured our roots. What could possibly await you in Mumbai that's worth leaving this legacy behind?"

I took a deep breath, then replied, "Rajesh has already agreed to join us in Mumbai. I'm extending the same invitation to you. Come with us if you want. But my decision is final. It won't change."

Her eyes, still converging unshed tears, stared at mine, searching for the son she once knew, the one who never dared to disobey her.

A deep sadness flickered across her face. "I came to tell you that your grandmother wishes to speak with you," she said, while the lines on her face deepened.

"Since you refuse to listen to me, I hope you'll at least grant her the respect of hearing her out. Call her." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me feeling like a stubborn, rebellious child.

I carefully placed my ex-wife's diary in the luggage.

Her written thoughts had inspired me to not give up.

I inhaled deeply, the musty scent of the old book filling my lungs, and then zipped up the luggage.

The sound resonated through the room.

"There's nothing left to discuss with Grandmother," I whispered to myself.

"I'm an adult, capable of making my own decision. I don't need her approval or guidance."

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