PRIDE |All She had was hope All he had was Love| RaYa

Chapter 4

The sweet scent of jasmine filled the forest, as Priya and Ram stood opposite each other in complete silence. And as the pandit started chanting the mantras, the forest came alive with its own orchestra, playing one enchanting symphony after another. The leaves danced to an unheard beat, whispering their songs to the wind. The mantap sheltered by the mighty trees, glowing in the cascading light, as a brilliant white shaft illuminated Priya's nervous face. The tall trees of the Kashyapi had now become personal guests, almost like individuals with their various emotions, while one tree looked hunched over, with its branches hanging as though in dejection, partly covering the rest of it, the other one stood tall despite its great age, with every branch apparently alert, as though it is gazing into a distance that mere humans can'tsee. The presence of the trees made Priya feel as though she wasn't alone. But on the other hand, the thought of these ancient trees looking down at her ferociously, as though judging her every move, made her uncomfortable as well.Although hesitant at first, Priya mustered the courage to surrender herself physically and emotionally to this auspicious moment, and as she did so, she felt like a huge load was removed from her chest and she could now breathe freely. She didn't have to fight her inner fears anymore; this was going to be her new life,and she was going to make it beautiful, come what may. Her future husband now stood beforeher, and she only wanted to entertain good thoughts in her mind and heart; she would love and respect Ram dearly and serve him to the best of her ability. When she was a child Priya's dad had always taught her to love unconditionally and never to have any ill feeling towards anyone, no matter the situation. Mr. sharma's words echoed in Priya's ears as she bowed her head down to Ram in respect. The stone-faced Ram leaned forward and tied the mangalsutra. Happiness filled the air as Priya's mother pressed her fingers to her mouth,blinking glad tears away, while Mr. sharma nodded his head, smiling broadly. Guru Tai and Sumedh Rara stood a few steps behind, calm and composed, as they watched young couple exchange vows.The ceremony was over in a flash. To Priya, it allseemed like a dream. She had mustered the courage to embrace her new life ahead, but the thought of leaving her parents and settling into anew home made her heart pound with anxiety and fear. Hot tears flooded Priya's cheeks and dripped off her chin as she hugged her Dad one last time. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but all that came out were deep, gut-wrenching sobs that tore through her chest and convulsed her small body. Meanwhile,Ram had started walking towards her, emotionless, as if he wanted to separate her from her father. As he drew closer, Priya huggedher father tighter, not wanting to let go. Above them all, the tall tress of the Kashyapi stood like mute spectators watching Priya's tears wet the forest floor, almost like they were hiding some ghastly secret. Even the wind in their boughs sounded thin, sickly, and fearful. The golden sun hid beneath the clouds, and the wildlife was silent, as if they, too, felt Priya's sorrow in their hearts. As Mr. sharma hugged Priya back, he looked up at the tall trees. Their starkness and immutability made him realize he had to be strong. Priya's mother on the other hand hid herself behind a tall tree and cried her heart out. Priya was a part of her soul, and she was going away forever.Mr. sharma wiped furiously at his eyes as he watched Priya walking away. Priya wanted to run back and throw her arms around him one last time, but Ram had gripped her hand tightly, and Priya was afraid to free herself. She had to start a new life, and she was prepared, but the sight of her father sobbing inconsolably on her mother's shoulder broke her heart. She had never seen him so frail, so weak. "Will you write me a letter every week?" Mr. sharma cried, his voice breaking. Before she could answer, Priya disappeared into the depths of the forest towards Pravadh. Guru Tai and Sumedh Rara, onthe other hand, were busy evaluating the sacks of jewelry and gold they had received as dowry. Sumedh Rara was more interested in the money that he was about to receive from Priya's parents than the wedding itself.Time flew. On her first morning at the Sayan home, Priya was up and about early, before anyone else. She took a hot bath and took a moment to pray to the Lord. Looking out at the dark, jagged mountains, Priya wondered what she would wear. The sun was rising, projecting brilliant colors through the trees. The Sayan home admired the shimmering shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow; and as the ancient house began to glow softly, Priya put on the lucky saree that was given to her by her mother and excitedly prepared the paraphernalia she needed to perform the Tulsi Puja. Everyone in Pravadh knew about the sacred Tulsi plant in thefront yard of the Sayan home; the site was considered extremely auspicious, so much so that on festive occasions, the locals would standin line to offer their prayers to the plant. Priya, who had been brought up in a religious household, had performed the Tulsi Puja every morning with her mother in their own home, which had a Tulsi plant as well. The sharmas believed that if the Tulsi Puja was performed in the morning, the entire day would go well and the evil spirits would keep their distance from the house and it's occupants.Just as Priya was about to enter the front yard with her aarti thali, her arm was grabbed from behind. Priya quickly turned her head, and realized it was Guru Tai, who reluctantly released her grip and stared at her. Priya felt it would anger Tai even if she moved an inch. Tai then seized Priya's hand, forcing her to put the puja thali down, and a chill went down Priya's spine. Tai walked Priya through the shadows of the ancient arches, all the way to the front yard, in silence. She sat on the top stair at the entrance to the Sayan home, looked at Priya, and pointed to her legs. Priya understood what she wanted right away. She knelt down and started massaging Tai's misshapen feet. Priya felt helpless, as though she was caught in the woman's clutches, but she smiled weakly, as she progressed to her legs. Deep down, Priya did not feel comfortable; she felt that Tai didn't like her. Nevertheless, Priya wanted to care for Guru Tai, as though she were her own mother, and she sincerely tried. Tai, on the other hand, seemed constantly displeased with her. Tai told Priya to massage her legs harder. Priya, pressed her flesh more vigorously as Guru Tai, her lips curving into a thin smirk, lounged on the stairs, studying her bright red toenails. The worldwas at her feet.And as the twilight melted away, the majestic sunrise, with its red–orange glow leaked over the horizon, as if the light itself was being poured from a molten sun. Priya continued pressing Guru Tai's legs for over an hour withouta break, and not once did Tai ask her to stop. Priya's hands had started to ache, the pain now visible on her face. Searing fiery bursts pulsated through her hands, intensifying each time she pressed, jarring and brutal. With each movement, the pain amplified, her muscles quivered, and consciousness ebbed. Black mistsswirled at the edges of her mind, but still Priya pressed away, not wanting to disappoint Tai. As the sun rose higher into the blue sky, powerful rays flooded the Sayan home, lighting every blade of grass, shining from each leaf. Priya started to sweat; she hadn't eaten all morning, but she continued to press. The sun, now gettingbrighter and hotter, started to bother Tai, who was lounging on the stairs all this while. Tai stood up, almost pushing Priya aside. She gave Priya a cold, dirty stare before disappearing intothe house, leaving Priya alone on the stairs. Priya wondered if Tai was upset with her. Perhaps she hadn't pressed Tai's legs hard enough? Unsure and anxious, Priya stood up hesitantly and walked into the house to apologize to Tai. She noticed the Aarti Thali, which she had earlier put down. She forgot about the apology and picked up the Thali instead. Seeing nobody around, she walked straight to the Tulsi plant in the front yard. She smiled as it glowed in the sun, its rays warming the soft green leaves, like kisses from the divine.She closed her eyes, bowed her head, and offered prayers to the sacred Tulsi plant.Ram had quietly observed Priya all morning; she accidentally woke him while getting dressed. Once awake, Ram could not go back to sleep. He witnessed how his mother had prevented Priya from performing the Tulsi puja. Taking her to the front of the house, she asked her to massage her legs. Priya had agreed without the slightest hesitation, kneeling with a cheerful smile and massaging Guru Tai's legs with vigor. Ramcouldn't help but notice how Priya, despite her exhaustion, wore a constant smile as she rubbed his mother's legs. The beads of sweat forming on his wife's forehead made him wonder if he had ever done anything as kind for his own mother. He had appraised Priya too quickly; he thought she was just a beautiful girl who could cook for the occupants of the Sayan home, please him in bed, and help his mother with everyday chores. As he watched her now, he felt guilty for once seeing her that way. Priya was like no other woman he had ever met. She was selfless, polite, and charming. Most beautifully, despite his mother's rude behavior, she carried herself with dignity and grace all morning. As Ram stepped out of the Sayan home to visit the woods, he followed behind her. He watched as Priya prayed to the Tulsi plant with so much devotion that he could have watched all morning.Within minutes of Ramesha leaving for the forest, Priya finished the Tulsi Puja and bowed her head down one last time when a violent scream ripped through her heart and jolted her senses. "How dare you?