A Love unspoken : An Unseen Affection

Chapter:8

The days after the grand wedding were fleeting. Aarish, although newly married, felt nothing had changed in his life. He had left for his hostel almost immediately after the ceremonies, barely having time to adjust to the new role of a husband. For him, the world remained the same a world filled with books, lectures, and long walks through the serene campus in Nainital. Aparajita was still just a name, a memory from the elaborate wedding rituals.

Months turned into three years, and Aarish’s life revolved around his studies. Pursuing his degree in business administration, he remained focused on academics, with no time to dwell on the fact that he was married. Letters from home were sparse, and Aparajita’s existence faded into the background of his busy life.

It wasn’t until the end of his final semester that his father called, breaking the monotony lifestyle.

Aarish stood at the common telephone of the hostel, as informed by the warden that his father will be calling. The phone rang, startling him. He picked it up.

"Hello, Baba?"

"Aarish, how are you doing?" His father’s voice was firm, yet kind.

"I’m doing well, Baba. Preparing for the final exams," Aarish replied.

"Good, good. Listen, your graduation is approaching, and I hope you haven’t forgotten our expectations. It’s time for you to join the family business."

Aarish paused, unsure how to respond. "Baba, I haven’t thought about it much, but I’ll come home after graduation, and we can discuss it."

His father chuckled. "Discuss? Aarish, you’re the heir to our empire. There’s no discussion needed. Finish your studies and return home. The business needs you."

"Of course, Baba." Aarish’s voice carried a hint of reluctance, but he knew he couldn’t argue.

"Good. We’re all waiting for you, especially your mother. And Aparajita… it’s been three years since the wedding. She’s grown up, you need to be  a good husband."

The mention of Aparajita stirred a strange emotion in Aarish—guilt, curiosity, perhaps even indifference.

"I understand, Baba. I’ll be home soon."

---

Mukherjee Haveli

Meanwhile, Aparajita’s life had undergone significant changes. At 12 years old, she was no longer the child bride who had once struggled with her saree. Now, she carried herself with grace and maturity. Her days were filled with learning household skills: cooking, knitting, embroidery, and puja rituals which she will need to become a good daughter in law.

She was homeschooled by private tutor and spent her evenings reading novels and poetry.

Despite her disciplined routine, Aparajita’s bubbly nature shone through. She loved dressing up, experimenting with hairstyles, and adorning herself with simple jewelry.

After her marriage, her grandmother made her wear saree. Earlier reluctant but within few months she learned to wear the saree gracefully. 

Her fondness for food often earned her teasing from her elder siblings, but her cooking skills had become impressive for someone her age. She loved cooking and knew good amount of dishes though sometime needed her mother's assistance.

One fateful morning, however, brought a turning point in Aparajita’s life.

She woke up with a dull ache in her stomach. She clutched her stomach and cried out. " Ahh, why my stomach is aching so much?"