Big Little Brother

23. Truth behind marriage??...

Akshat glanced at the boy sleeping beside him in the passenger seat, his mouth slightly open, lost in a deep sleep, unaware about the consequences he is going to face about the stunt he has pulled...He shook his head in disbelief...

The memory of two days back replayed in his mind...

Flashback

They all were still at the hospital after getting the news that Vishal was okay...

Ridhima hesitated as she approached Akshat and Atharva

Ridhima - The doctor said Vishal can be discharged by the evening...

The boys exchanged a glance, both knowing there was more on her mind...

Ridhima continued - Vishal and Aditya live alone… Aditya is just a child... How will he manage everything on his own?? ...I was thinking… maybe we could move them into our house....

Atharva  irritated, snapped at her - 

You didn’t think to ask us before the marriage, so why bother asking now??... Do whatever you want....

Ridhima’s face fell, the pain evident in her eyes.... Akshat quickly placed a calming hand on Atharva’s shoulder....

Akshat - Mom, it’s okay... They can move in with us...

Atharva looked at his older brother in disbelief, as if Akshat had lost his mind.... Ridhima managed a small smile, but Akshat’s next words wiped it away from her face....

Akshat - But Mom , before you do that, we need you to tell us the truth....

Ridhima blinked looking at him - What truth are you talking about, Akshat??...

Akshat -  The truth behind this marriage...Did Mr Bhardwaj force you into it??... Why all of a sudden?? How did you end up marrying him??...

Ridhima bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly- I… I love him, beta... That’s the only truth....

Akshat narrowed his eyes, not entirely convinced by her words...

Akshat - Mom, what was so urgent that you couldn’t wait or at least talk to us first??... Did Mr. Bhardwaj pressure you into this??... Because as much as I know you wouldn’t make such a hasty decision without a good reason.... Is there something you’re not telling us??...

Ridhima shook her head, her voice rising  a bit defensively- I love him, Akshat!!...Why is that so hard for you to understand??...

Akshat could see her agitation, but something felt off....

Atharva said raising his right eyebrows - Or are you just scared we would have  stopped you?? Is that the reason for you rushing into this marriage, thinking that we'll be hindrance??...

Ridhima's eyes filled with tears, and she shook her head vigorously-  It’s not like that, baccha… I know we went about it the wrong way, but believe me, I love him....

Akshat sighed, trying to remain calm...

Akshat - Mom, I don’t know why, but my gut tells me there’s more to this than just love... It doesn’t make sense to me... You know more than you're letting us show??...

Ridhima- Akshat, love just happens ....
It doesn’t follow any rules.... Don’t you think I deserve a second chance ??...

Atharva crossing his arms over his chest said firmly- Of course you do, Mom... We’re not saying you don’t....
All we are saying is that you should have told us about the marriage beforehand.... Marriage is not a game you know it better than us ... Its a big decision....