A Love unspoken : An Unseen Affection

chapter:7

The Bhattacharya Rajbari was bustling with activity in a way it hadn't been in years. Aarish wandered through the chaos, his thoughts a mixture of intrigue and frustration. Ever since he'd agreed to the marriage, the elders had taken over his life. His grandfather's face beamed with newfound energy, and his father walked around with a sense of satisfaction. His mother, as always, was the graceful orchestrator, delegating tasks to the servants and ensuring everything was perfect.

But for Aarish, it was overwhelming. After all, they had set the wedding date before he returns to the hostel. He didn't take any part in it.“Not that it would have mattered,” he muttered as he had to get married sooner or later, flipping through the pages of the historical book he was reading in his study.

The Rajbari's excitement reached its peak today as his mother and other women went to Aparajita's house for the Aashirbad ceremony. Gifts and jewelry were to be given to the bride, symbolizing the families' respect and commitment to the marriage. Aarish found it amusing yet unsettling. The ceremony, the rituals, the expectations—it all seemed so distant to him, even though he was at the center of it. His Aashirbad happened yesterday when Aparajita’s family Come to their rajbari and gave his gifts and blessings. He tried to look happy and behaved cordial with them.

That evening, his mother returned. Aarish was still in his study, lost in the pages of a book on Indian dynasties. She walked in without knocking, her light footsteps making Aarish look up.
“Did I disturb you, baban?” she asked, her voice as gentle as ever.
“No, Maa,” Aarish replied, putting the book aside. “Do you need something?”

She shook her head, sitting down on the chair opposite him. “Can’t I come to talk to my son without needing anything?”

Aarish smiled faintly. “Of course, Maa. What’s on your mind?”

For a moment, she seemed to gather her thoughts, her eyes scanning the room before they rested on Aarish. “Nothing as such unique but I wanted to talk about your wedding,” she said softly.

Aarish’s smile faded. He leaned back in his chair, preparing himself for another round of explanations or instructions.

“Don’t think we are forcing you into this,” she began. “I know it feels like your choice didn’t matter, but it did. Your great-grandfather is old, and his dreams mean the world to him. This marriage is part of those dreams.”

“I understand, Maa,” Aarish said, his voice measured. “I’ve already agreed, haven’t I?”

His mother smiled but shook her head. “Agreement is one thing, baban. Acceptance is another. I want you to truly accept Aparajita into your life.”

Aarish didn’t respond immediately. His mother continued, “You know, she didn’t even know she was getting married until recently. Imagine that—a girl who doesn’t understand the meaning of marriage, yet she trusted her family enough to accept their decision without a second thought. That’s the kind of faith she has in her family.”

He frowned, guilt tugging at him. “She’s just a child, Maa. It feels… wrong.”

His mother leaned forward, her eyes glistening with emotion. “That’s why it’s your duty to ensure she never regrets this decision. Take care of her, Aarish. Protect her happiness. Marriage is never easy for a woman. They leave their home, their family, their everything, and step into a new world. Don’t you think she deserves someone who will make that transition easier for her? Who will understand her dreams?”

Aarish nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. “I’ll do my best, Maa. I promise.”

His mother placed a hand on his head, blessing him silently before leaving the room.