Let's meet again for the first time.
Her mother shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Who will marry you now, when people get to know you were left by Vikram?" Before I could even process what I was doing, the words left my mouth.
"I wil...
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ANIKA'S POV
I sit on the edge of the bed, adjusting the pleats of my saree. I chose a simple saree, hoping to blend in, there's nothing happy about this day. I feel like a burden here.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Despite the simplicity of my outfit, I feel out of place here, like an intruder in a room where I no longer belong. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel the weight of it pressing down on me. But there's nothing I can do, I'm stuck here, in this strange situation. The room is quiet, and the tension from last night lingers in the air. I can feel my anxiety rising, the silence in the room weighing heavily on me. I don't know what to do. Should I wait here for someone to call me, or should I just go out and face the awkward stares and uncomfortable silence. What should I do? What if no one calls me, am I going to sit here till someone notices, I am so confused.
As I am pacing around, chewing my nail in stress, the door creaks open. Aarav enters into the room, his shoulder stuff and his eyes heavy with exhaustion. It's evident on his face that he didn't get much sleep last night too. Without a glance in my direction, he strides into the closet and slams the door shut. I can feel my frustration and hurt rising as I watch the door. Why is he acting like this? I didn't ask him to marry me, I would have found another solution to deal with my mother. I can't help but glare at the closet, my anger building. I wanted to scream, to shout at him, but I knew it won't help.
A knock on the door snapped me back to reality, breaking the silence. I took a deep breath and turned towards the door, my heart still racing from my frustration. I wondered who it could be on the other side, I open the door slightly. It's bhabhi, I open the door ajar, "Good morning." She greets a small smile on her face. I smile forcefully, "Good morning." She eyes me up and down, "good you're ready!" She exclaims. She takes a hold of my hand, "come on!" She seems excited, what can be so exciting, I wonder curiously. "By the way, you look beautiful." She grins. I smile back. She's so tiny, and so adorable, I think I understand why Aarav likes her. But she's very chatty, not that I am complaining because no one here wants to talk to me Or see me, but she's eating my ear off.
"Oh by the way, I am shivani. Rudraksh's wife. At first I was very confused as to how people knew you because I had never seen you, but Rudra told me all about you. You seem to have irritated him a lot in childhood." She giggles, "I didn't do anything, he was irritated by everyone." I pout. She laughs, "that's true that does sound like Rudra."
"Where are we going?" I ask her cautiously.
"To the kitchen. It's your pehli rasoi today." She says, my steps falter a bit, "But.." I start but don't know how to continue, she obviously knows the atmosphere, no one's happy, they wouldn't want to do any rituals right now.
"Hey, it's going to be okay." Her cheerful energy makes me question how she can remain so upbeat in this tense situation. I follow her, feeling a little nervous about what lies ahead. Despite my anxiety, I couldn't help but be intrigued by her infectious optimism.
As we enter the kitchen, Aunty and Badi Maa, who are already there, look up from their work, their eyes moving between Bhabhi and me. I can feel the tension in the air again, and my nerves kick in. Despite her cheerful demeanor, I know Bhabhi's smart enough to understand the situation. I can already feel the awkwardness in the way Maa and badi maa are eyeing me, their faces unreadable.
Bhabhi steps forward, her voice gentle but firm. "I know what Aarav did was wrong. I'm not stopping you from being mad at him, Chachi, but she's your bahu, and it's still her first day here. You made me feel so loved on mine." She sniffles, wiping at her eyes. "God, why am I crying? I don't know, but she deserves it too. Please let her do this."
Bhabhi's words hang in the air like a prayer, her voice cracking slightly. I can see the earnestness in her eyes, the tears threatening to spill over. Badi maa looks taken aback by the sudden display of emotion, her stern expression softening slightly. She glances at maa who is silently watching the whole scene play out. After a moment of silence, aunty finally speaks up, her voice firm, "Aur koi rasam toh nibhayi nahi, ye nibha ke kya karegi," Aunty says, looking disappointed. But Badi Maa puts a hand on her shoulder.
Translation: they didn't follow any other ritual, why to follow this one?
"Shivani is right, Naina. Let her do this," Badi Maa says softly. When I first heard Aarav call her badi maa I was so confused. I thought he had two mothers, so when I met her I asked her why did Aunty and you married the same man, she was taken aback then she sat down and explained the meaning of that relationship, I was so embarrassed I still remember I used to run away whenever I saw her until one day she gave me my favorite besan ke ladoo and told me to stop running away from her.
Bhabhi grins as Aunty finally agrees to let me do the ritual. I can feel her relief as she wipes away her tears, her energy still buzzing with optimism. Badi maa looks at me curiously, her eyes scrutinising me. I can sense her sympathy but she keeps silent, her expression unreadable. I feel a wave of gratitude towards Bhabhi for speaking up for me.
They walk out of the kitchen, leaving me with Bhabhi. "Do you need my help?" She asks, her concern evident.
"No," I whisper. "I know nothing is okay, and everyone is upset with us, but they are good people. You grew up with them so you know that. Don't worry, they will get over it soon." She winks, trying to lighten the mood.
I try to smile, but tears sting my eyes. I don't know what I'm doing, but I hug her. She stiffens for a moment, oh no I have made it awkward, as I start to pull back, she hugs me tightly. "It's okay. You can always talk to me. Anyway, I need a friend. I have never had one," she whispers. "I'll just be outside. Come if you need any help." She waddles away, saying, "God, this is so hard. I'm going to scold Rudra for putting me in this situation." I watch her waddle away, her voice carrying through the air. Despite her pregnancy, she still has that cheerful energy flowing through her, like nothing can dampen her spirit.
I giggle at her antics, feeling a small flicker of warmth. I decide to make poha and sandwiches. I remember how Aarav used to over eat when I made those sandwiches, he told me I make the best ones in the world, not that I'm making them for him. He doesn't want me in his life anyway; I'm just doing it to save time. I carefully gather the ingredients for the poha and sandwiches and start prepping. The smell of spices and the soft thudding sound of the knife against the cutting board fill the kitchen. As I work, I can't help but think about the last time I made these for Aarav. The memory of his smile and the way he would always ask for more makes my heart pang.
I shake my head, trying to push the thoughts away. I'm not doing this for him. I'm doing this for myself. I serve the breakfast to everyone, who are already waiting in the dining room, my hands trembling slightly.
I look at them as they start eating, trying to capture their reactions. But I get none, well except Bhabhi's she gives me a thumbs up and I smile gratefully at her. Dadu hands me an envelope, "You did a good job. Thank you for the meal." He smiles, his eyes soft, I feel happy inside. Bade Papa gives me an envelope too, but no one says anything. It's like my presence has destroyed their mood. I look towards our room, for any sign of Aarav, but he doesn't come for breakfast, and the silence around the table is suffocating.
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Author's note: The translation is not up to the point but please make it work, I am busy with college these days 😭 Anyways thank you for 1k reads Love:)
