Barrister Babu

Chapter 71: Back on Her Feet

The golden rays of the morning sun poured into the Roy Chawdhary mansion, filling it with a fresh sense of life and warmth. It was not just a new day, but a new beginning. After weeks of darkness, anxiety, and emotional turmoil, there was finally light again.

Bondita stepped out onto the verandah, her anklets tinkling gently as she walked, no longer frail, no longer confined to the bed. Her steps were still cautious, but she moved with grace and confidence, her saree pleats tucked in neatly and her long braid swaying behind her.

The whole house had come alive seeing her recover—her giggles echoing again through the corridors.

Anirudh walked beside her, hands ready to catch her at any sign of imbalance. "Bondita, dhyan se. Don't overdo it today. You just started walking properly again."

Bondita gave him a side glance and a playful smirk. "Pati Babu, I am fine. If I can handle arguments like usual, I can surely handle a stroll in my own home!"

Anirudh chuckled. "Haan haan, barrister babu. But let me remind you, I am your husband. It's my legal right to be worried."

She laughed at that, her dimples showing, and suddenly twirled slightly on her heel like a child. Anirudh's heart swelled at the sight. This was the Bondita he had missed—the vibrant, fearless, curious Bondita.

All through the morning, she was pampered with love and affection. Trilochan came and sat with her, feeding her dry fruits and saying, "Tum mere ghar ki Laxmi ho. Jab tum bimaar thi, toh lagta tha yeh ghar hi bejaan hai."

Somnath brought her a fresh bouquet from the garden and placed it near her bedside. Bihari and Koyeli kept sneaking into her room with snacks and gossip, making her laugh endlessly.

But what surprised Bondita the most was seeing Mala walk in with a warm glass of haldi doodh and a shy smile. "Ye doodh pee lo, Bondita. Tumhare liye hai. Aaj se roz banaungi taki tum jaldi thik ho jao."

Bondita blinked, pleasantly surprised. "Thank you, Mala. This means a lot."

She merely nodded and left, and Bondita couldn't help but smile at how relationships were evolving around her. She hates the haldi doodh too but seeing Mala bring it for her regularly, she would drink it in happiness.

Yet, amidst all the warmth and care, one thing unsettled her: Chameli.

She had always been the one chattering away at Bondita's side, gossiping. But now... she barely met Bondita's eyes. She would murmur a polite greeting and walk away quickly. Her behavior was stiff, distant, like she was avoiding something.

Bondita noticed this but didn't question it yet. She had a lot of catching up to do, and one question weighed heavier on her mind.

As she sat on the swing with Anirudh bringing her fruits, she finally asked the question.

"Pati Babu... where is Batuk? And... where is Keth Dada? I haven't seen them."

Anirudh's smile faltered for just a split second, but he masked it well. "Batuk is in Italy. He left for further studies right after... everything. And Keth Dada is in Calcutta. He's helping Baba with the business matters. Baba needed some assistance there."

"Oh," Bondita murmured, trying to hide the slight ache in her chest. "I see."

Anirudh noticed her disappointment and quickly said, "Don't worry. They both are fine."

Bondita nodded slowly, but the unease remained.

Later that morning, she decided it was time to return to one of her favorite spaces— the kitchen.