A Love unspoken : An Unseen Affection

chapter:9

The Mukherjee Haveli

The large chandeliers of the Mukherjee Haveli gleamed as Aparajita’s grandparents and parents sat in the drawing room, engaged in a heated discussion. Aparajita’s grandfather, a man of traditional values, spoke with conviction.

“We cannot keep this news to ourselves. Aparajita has begun her womanhood. It’s our duty to inform her in-laws.” His voice carried a tone of finality.

Her father, visibly uncomfortable, clenched his fists. “She is just a child, Baba. How will she handle the responsibilities of a wife and a daughter-in-law? My daughter still plays hide-and-seek with the younger children.”

“Every daughter must take this step one day,” Aparajita’s grandmother interjected. “We cannot keep her here forever. If her in-laws find out from someone else, it will be seen as a breach of trust.”

The argument continued, with Aparajita’s father refusing to yield. “Let’s wait for a year or two. She’s barely twelve. This is too soon.”

Later that evening, in the privacy of their room, Aparajita’s mother placed a comforting hand on her husband’s shoulder. “I know you love her more than anyone else. But this is the way of life for daughters. Sooner or later, she must leave us. It is better to let her go now, with dignity and honor.”

Her husband sighed deeply, torn between his love for his daughter and the societal expectations pressing down on him.

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Bishnupur Rajbari

The sprawling halls of Bishnupur Rajbari were bustling with activity. Aarish, now a graduate in business administration, had joined his father in managing the family business. Days were filled with meetings, paperwork, and understanding the intricacies of the empire he was destined to lead. He  was fast learner and was grasping the business tactics very fast.

One evening, the family gathered in the drawing room. Aarish’s grandfather, seated at the head of the table, cleared his throat. “I received a call from Mukherjee Haveli.” he began, his voice grave. “They informed me that Aparajita has started menstruating. It’s time to think about her bidaai.”

Aarish looked up sharply, his brows furrowed. “Bidaai? Isn’t it too soon?”

His grandmother, ever the traditionalist, shook her head. “Beta, she is no longer a child. The Mukherjee family has done their duty by informing us. It’s time for us to fulfill our responsibilities.”

Aarish stood up, pacing the room. “But she’s just a girl. Why the hurry? Let her stay with her parents for a few more years.”

His grandfather’s voice grew stern. “You have begun your professional journey. It’s time you take charge of your personal life as well. Aparajita is your wife. She belongs here, in her rightful home.”

Aarish’s irritation was evident. “Why must you always rush? Marriage was forced upon me when I wasn’t ready, and now this? Can’t we let her enjoy her childhood?”

His grandmother’s tone softened, but her words carried weight. “Beta, society is watching. If we delay her bidaai now, people will start questioning. They’ll say there’s some fault in her. Do you want her to face that humiliation? Leave your stubbborness and prepare yourself. ”

Aarish fell silent, a storm of emotions raging within him. He felt powerless in decisions that concerned his own life, he had no say when he was going to get married and not when his wife will come home.