Dharmini - a tale of Unwilling Hearts

Bridging the gap

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, where Dharmini sat quietly, her thoughts tangled like the intricate patterns of the henna that had only just begun to fade from her hands. The guests had left, but their presence lingered in the house like an aftertaste, a reminder of the expectations that now rested on her shoulders.

She was adjusting to the new rhythm of her life, but every step felt like she was walking on eggshells. This wasn't just about fulfilling the role of a daughter-in-law; it was about navigating the uncharted waters of a second marriage, with all its unspoken judgments and undercurrents of tension.

Meera played quietly nearby, occasionally glancing at Dharmini with those wide, uncertain eyes. Dharmini smiled at her, trying to bridge the gap between them. But she knew it would take time. Time that neither of them seemed to have enough of.

From the kitchen, she could hear the soft clinking of dishes as Gargi helped the maid clean up after lunch. Dharmini had tried to offer her assistance, but Veena had waved her off, telling her to rest. It wasn't kindness, Dharmini knew. It was control. Veena wanted her to know her place, to remind her that she was still under scrutiny, that every move she made was being evaluated.

Akshay had disappeared again, retreating into the quiet solitude that seemed to define him. His words from earlier echoed in her mind-"You did well today." A simple statement, but coming from him, it felt like a breakthrough. Yet, the distance between them remained vast, a chasm that neither of them seemed ready to cross.

As she sat there, lost in thought, Gargi approached, her presence bringing with it a sense of calm that Dharmini hadn't realized she craved. Gargi was like a breath of fresh air in this stifling household, always managing to find the right balance between tradition and modernity.

"You did well today," Gargi said, mirroring Akshayraj's earlier words as she sat down beside Dharmini. There was warmth in her voice, a hint of camaraderie that Dharmini hadn't expected. " Your Maa sa is tough, but she respects hard work. You'll find your place here."

Dharmini nodded, appreciating the support, even if she wasn't entirely sure how to respond. Gargi had been kind to her from the beginning, but there was still a barrier, a distance between them that came from their different roles within the family. Gargi, with her easy confidence and gentle authority, seemed so comfortable in her place here, while Dharmini still felt like an outsider.

"How are you feeling?" Gargi asked, her eyes scanning Dharmini's face for any sign of distress.

"I'm... adjusting," Dharmini replied carefully, not wanting to burden Gargi with her worries. "It's all so different, even though it's familiar at the same time."

Gargi smiled knowingly. "I understand. When I first got married, I felt the same way. It takes time to find your footing, especially in a family like this. But you will."

The sincerity in her voice made Dharmini feel a little lighter. For the first time since her marriage, she felt like she had an ally in this house. Someone who understood the complexities of navigating an orthodox family, someone who had once walked the same path she was now on.

" I really don't want you to go back" dharmini looked at gargi getting emotional, it was very daunting for her to be here, till now Gargi was there but she is also going which is making her anxious.

" Hey, we will come again and you can call me anytime" Gargi said putting an arm around her.

" Gargi how many times, I have told you to stop scaring people. Look how badly she is crying" they both separated after hearing harsh from behind, while dharmini quickly put on the veil.

Both harsh and Akshay were standing there. while harsh was looking at them, Akshay was looking for Meera.

" Shut up, she is missing her parents, I was just consoling her" gargi explained.