Unbinding Tradition

68. Struggles 😦

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Tae carefully lowered her ghunghat over her face, ensuring that it covered her modestly before stepping out of the house. Jasoda Kaki walked beside her while Raghu Kaka locked the door and went to start the car.

Once he brought it near, Jasoda Kaki helped Tae settle into the back seat before taking her place in the front. Raghu Kaka then started the car, driving towards the temple.

The ride was quiet, with only the soft hum of the car and occasional honking from passing bullock carts filling the air. Tae gazed out of the window, her hand resting protectively over her belly. The temple visit had become a part of her routine, a place where she found peace and a connection with the divine.

After a while, the car halted in front of the grand, ancient temple, its stone steps leading up to the main sanctum. The trio stepped out, and Jasoda Kaki instinctively took Tae’s hand, helping her climb the stairs slowly, while Raghu Kaka followed behind them.

Upon reaching the temple, Tae settled in front of the Shivling, kneeling down on the cool marble floor. Jasoda Kaki handed her the brass pot filled with water. Tae poured the water over the Shivling, followed by milk, and delicately placed fresh flowers and belpatra on it.

Closing her eyes, she folded her hands in deep prayer.

"Thank you for always keeping your blessings upon us, Shivji. I know Sa has stopped visiting you, but I also know that he still believes in you. Please always keep him happy and protect our baby."

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she gently pressed her forehead against the Shivling, her hands coming together to clap, the sound echoing in the silent temple.

After completing her prayers, Tae stood up and gave a small nod to Jasoda Kaki and Raghu Kaka. Together, they made their way down the temple steps.

As Raghu Kaka went to bring the car, Tae and Jasoda Kaki stood waiting near the entrance, the gentle breeze rustling the edge of Tae’s pallu. That was when Tae noticed two familiar figures approaching the temple.

Bua-sa and Hetal.

Tae’s breath hitched slightly, her fingers tightening around the folds of her lehenga. Hetal, once a proud and poised woman, now appeared fragile, her eyes vacant, her expressions lost. Bua-sa, however, was a stark contrast—her face twisted in bitterness, her gaze burning with pure hatred.

Bua-sa’s eyes flickered downward, noticing Tae’s slightly visible baby bump. Her fists clenched, her lips curled in anger. In her mind, this child was responsible for her own daughter’s downfall.

After their failed attempt to marry Hetal to Jungkook, Bua-sa had desperately sought another groom. But one by one, every proposal she brought was rejected. Rumors had spread—about Hetal’s arrogance and delayed marriage. The repeated rejections had crushed Hetal, breaking her completely until she lost her mental stability.

And now, standing before the woman she blamed for everything, Bua-sa’s anger boiled over.

Without a second thought, she stormed toward Tae.

Tae, unaware of her intentions, took a step forward and was about to greet her with respect when—

Bua-sa- You wretched woman!

The temple bells rang, but their sacred sound was drowned by Bua-sa’s venomous words.

Tae froze, her eyes widening. Even Jasoda Kaki stiffened in shock.

Bua-sa- You ruined my daughter’s life, and now you dare stand before God as if you are some pure soul? Look at my Hetal! (her voice cracked with rage as she pointed toward her daughter, who stared blankly into space, unaware of her surroundings)