Short Stories collection

Unwanted marriage (Part3)

The warmth of a late afternoon sun bathed the Maheshwari haveli, casting a soft golden glow across the living room. Diya sat in a quiet corner, her head bent over a stack of legal documents. She had long since grown accustomed to balancing her professional work with the responsibilities of being a daughter-in-law. But today, there was something else in the air—an undercurrent of tension.

In the center of the room, Savitri was speaking with one of the distant relatives about a recent property dispute. The conversation had escalated, and now it was about to turn into a full-fledged family discussion. The dispute was about the Maheshwari family land that had been passed down through generations—a land Diya knew had been mishandled in recent years.

Abhimanyu had been in the room, leaning against a pillar, observing the conversation as he always did. His usual quiet demeanor was even more pronounced today, but as the conversation progressed, he could see the storm brewing.

Savitri and Harish had already made up their minds about the issue. They planned to settle the matter with a few informal settlements, essentially bypassing the legal avenues that would ensure fairness and accountability. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence in Kesarwadi —in the past, the Maheshwari family had always preferred resolving issues behind closed doors, away from the prying eyes of the law.

But as the discussion grew more heated, Diya's pen paused mid-sentence. She could no longer stay silent.

Diya (firmly): "This is wrong. You can't just bypass the law. The land rights of the Rajputs should be decided fairly, according to the legal system, not through some backdoor deal."

The room grew still. Everyone turned to look at her, surprised by her outburst. Savitri's eyes narrowed as she stood from her chair, her voice cool but firm.

Savitri (with a hint of disdain): "Diya, this isn't your concern. We've handled matters like this for generations. The Maheshwaris have always resolved their issues privately, and this time is no different."

Diya (standing up, her voice unwavering): "I understand your family's traditions, aunty, but tradition does not justify injustice. What you're proposing is unlawful. There are people who have worked on this land for years. Their rights deserve to be protected. Ignoring the legal process only breeds corruption."

The tension in the room escalated. The relatives shifted uncomfortably, while Harish looked at Diya with a furrowed brow. Abhimanyu, who had been observing silently until now, felt a subtle shift in his chest. Diya's voice was resolute, unwavering. She wasn't afraid to speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it made those around her.

Harish (sternly): "You are a guest here, Diya. Your job is to keep the family's dignity intact, not to meddle in business that doesn't concern you."

Diya (stepping forward, her voice calm but strong): "The truth matters more than dignity, Papa. If we do this, it will only tarnish the reputation of the Maheshwari family in the eyes of the people. A family built on respect should not act out of fear or convenience."

Abhimanyu, who had been silent until now, stood straighter. He was not shocked but had hint of pride. His eyes locked on Diya, impressed by her strength, her conviction. Savitri and Harish were both visibly uncomfortable, their expressions betraying a hint of anger, but neither spoke.

Diya's gaze moved to Abhimanyu. She hadn't expected him to speak, but when she saw him standing there, looking at her with a kind of quiet understanding, she realized that for the first time, he wasn't just her husband by default—she expected him to be her husband in all means and sense. But he didn't and she left as she could not bear his deserted behaviour at the moment.