His Childish Bride

Ch.77//💕Worshipped In His Arms

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"Why are you both smiling so much?" Raghuvendra asks, eyes twinkling with curiosity as he looks at Varenya and Jivika.

"Because Chhoto Mama has convinced Dr. Bhavya to come here with him!" Varenya says, her voice bubbling with joy.

"Hmm, that's wonderful news. After everything they have faced, they deserve to build a life together." Raghuvendra says, nodding thoughtfully.

Before anyone can say more, a maid appears at the doorway with a soft bow.

"Rani Sa, Rana Sa is asking for you."

"I'll go and see what Shiv needs." Jivika says gently, exchanging a glance with Varenya and Raghuvendra who nod their heads in response.

Once she leaves, the room becomes still, touched only by the quiet hum of the television and the occasional chirp of birds outside. Varenya picks up the BP monitor and begins Raghuvendra's weekly check-up. Her movements are steady, her touch careful.

Raghuvendra watches her with quiet affection. Ever since she took responsibility for his checkups, his health has been surprisingly steady. Less pain, fewer complaints as if her presence itself brings calm.

When Varenya finishes, she hesitates for a moment, fingers still resting on the the BP monitor. She then takes a deep breath and looks at Raghuvendra.

"Daddu, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, dear. What is it?" Raghuvendra looks at her warmly.

"Why didn't you ever get Buaji married again?" Varenya asks softly.

The question comes out gently, but it carries weight. It's been bothering Varenya ever since she learned about her uncle's second chance at love. If he could find someone again, then why not Geetanjali? But she can't ask Geetanjali directly. So she turns to the one man who has always stood by her aunt, silently yet solidly.

Raghuvendra leans back in his chair, eyes softening with memory.

"I thought about it." He begins slowly.

"When she returned from her in-laws' house, she was so broken, so quiet. But there was this fire in her eyes. Even in pain, she never begged for sympathy. She simply said, 'I want to study. I want to live for myself now.' And I saw something in her that day- a strength I had never seen before."

Varenya listens silently, her heart already swelling with admiration.

"I wanted to get her married again. But not like last time. Not under pressure. This time, I wanted her to choose- when she was ready, to whom she wanted. But her mother was rigid. Told me that widow remarriage would bring shame to the family. That Geetanjali must carry her late husband's name till her last breath. She refused to even consider the idea." Raghuvendra sighs deeply.

"What did you do then?" Varenya asks, brows furrowing.

"I didn't listen to her. I spoke to Aaradhya. She and Geetanjali were like sisters. Aaradhya too agreed that Gitu deserved happiness. We both thought she might open up to the idea in time." Raghuvendra says firmly.

"And did she?" Varenya asks softly.

"No, Geetanjali refused. But not with sadness, not even with hesitation. She told Aaradhya that she had finally found her voice. That she had learned to breathe without fear. And she wouldn't give that up, not even for love." Raghuvendra says, a smile tugging faintly at the corners of his lips. He pauses, the pride in his voice unmistakable now.