Thakur's Young Wife

Prologue

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the fields of Swarajpur. Rajnath Thakur, the esteemed Sarpanch of the village, sat in his grand estate, a man accustomed to power and privilege. Across from him sat Sudhir Sharma, a humble farmer, his weathered face etched with lines of worry.

"Mr. Sharma," Rajnath began, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "You are well aware of the debt you owe me."

Sudhir nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on the ground. "Yes, Sarpanch ji. I've tried my best, but the crops have been unforgiving this year."

Rajnath's steely gaze softened, if only slightly. "I understand your plight, Sudhir. However, you must understand that debts must be repaid."

Sudhir's heart sank as he realized the severity of his situation. "But Sarpanch ji, I have nothing left to give. My land is barren, and my family struggles to put food on the table."

Rajnath leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next words carefully. "There is a way to settle your debt, Mr. Sharma. A way that will benefit both of us."

Sudhir looked up, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. "What do you propose, Sarpanch ji?"

Rajnath's lips curved into a calculated smile. "I propose a marriage alliance. My son, Adhiraaj, is in need of a suitable bride. If you agree to marry off your daughter, Samyukta, to him, your debt to me will be forgiven."

Sudhir's heart pounded in his chest as he grappled with the weight of Rajnath's offer. Marrying off his daughter to a man twice her age was not a decision to be made lightly. Yet, the prospect of escaping his crippling debt was too tempting to ignore.

After a moment of agonizing silence, Sudhir finally spoke. "I... I agree to your terms, Sarpanch ji. If it means securing a future for my family, I will do whatever it takes."

Rajnath nodded, satisfaction evident in his eyes. "Very well, Mr. Sharma. Consider your debt settled. The wedding will take place as soon as arrangements can be made."

With a heavy heart, Sudhir rose from his seat, knowing that he had just sealed his daughter's fate. As he left the grand estate behind, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his soul. Little did he know, his decision would set into motion a chain of events that would forever alter the lives of those involved.