It was a pretty bright morning the sun was up the rays filtered through to the breakfast room. Everyone was at the table, the loud conversation poured into Gyan's ears. He was sitting between his sister and his mother listening to his mum talking about the expansion of her charity.
"As much as I want to move some of our operations to Mysore I'm not sure, I'm not confident of it. Your dad has great contacts there he grew up there and still stays connected to his old friends but he refuses to help me" she explained.
His father shook his head as a smile played on his lips. He was sitting at his usual place next to his wife.
"You don't need his help Kamya" Gyan's grandmother began "My son is where he is today because of your support, he needs you. You don't need his support." she declared proudly.
Gyan's grandma was a feminist. She had grown up in times when working women were not an acceptable scenario but Devyanima, as she is fondly known, never understood what it meant to be a homemaker.
Gyan remembered the stories his father proudly told about their grandma. She was married at 14, was a mother at 15, and a homeless widow at 17. His father was just 2 but he understood their situation more than most.
Devyani's parents were conservative her in-laws were cruel. When she was thrown out of her husband's house after his death she returned to her parent's home. They let her stay but it was not a happy place for a widow and an orphan.
She was constantly reminded of her dependence, duty, and weakness. Her father was a true believer that a woman's rightful place was in her kitchen never letting her forget she was forever his burden.
Devyani soon realized her only escape from misery was courage. She started making dresses for kids. She copied the popular styles in the movie magazines and used old curtains and bed covers to make clothes for her son. Her neighbours noticed, and soon she had ordered. She overcame every hurdle to set up a boutique.
Devyani raised her son to respect women and the strength they carry. Respect was embedded in the psyche of every family member. Watching the women in his family Gyan's mind thought of Raiza. He was not yet familiar with her life story but from Ara's brief explanation, he knew she was a strong woman. He wanted to be an important part of her life. She was becoming his obsession with his every waking thought always revolving around her.
"Where are you lost, brother?" Mara questioned bringing him back to reality.
Gyan smiled "What did I miss?" he whispered to his sister.
"I will tell you only if you tell me her name?" she replied.
He looked at her surprised "How did you know? " he questioned.
"Written all over your face" she retorted.
He laughed "You have met her" he stated fanning her curiosity.
She squinted her eyes.
"First what did I miss?" he asked.
"Usual mum and dad complimenting each other. Those two love birds are making me jealous" she joked.
"You have your own store of compliments" He added eyeing her fiance.
She looked at Sid their eyes met and he smiled. She sighed "Don't pay attention to my brother darling" she squeezed his hand.
Siddharth nodded at Gyan who returned it politely. They didn't share any brotherly moments despite the engagement and the impending wedding. Siddharth was the brooding man in his sister's life. And Gyan couldn't connect with him. They simply acknowledged each other's existence in the life of the one woman they both loved.
"Tell me who is it? " she asked again.
Gyan smiled as he declared her name with reverence "Raiza"
Siddharth coughed as the water he was drinking spilt.
"Careful honey" Mara helped him as he tried to regain his breath.
"Sorry I didn't realize the water was cold" he made an excuse.
As Sid settled down his focus on his food Mara returned to the conversation with her brother.
"I know only one Raiza brother a pretty woman I met at your party" she explained.
"It wasn't my party sister it was Ara's party, Her company asked me to be the guest of honour" He clarified.
"Whatever it's the same" she retorted stubbornly.
Gyan shook his head "From what she told me you made an impression".
She giggled "She made quite an impression too"
"Well I can arrange for you two to meet" he suggested.
She thought for a few moments "Maybe sometime next week" she stated "Sid and I are going to Pune to see a prospective property." she added excitedly.
Gyan nodded "Anything for you sis" he stated a little disappointed.
He had hoped he could meet Raiza again using his sister as an excuse. "I will find a way to see you again," he thought.
"Who is Raiza?" his mother whispered close to him so only they heard a conversation.
"Someone" he replied.
His mother raised an eyebrow questioning but he only smiled and raised his glass of juice to her and took a long thirsty sip. He had hoped no one heard his conversation with Mara. But since his mum had picked on her name his father will soon know of it and then his grandma. He sighed closing his eyes for a few moments before making the decision he had been thinking about.
When the breakfast finished he excused himself to his room as the rest of his family moved to the pool. He quickly typed a message and sent it before sitting on his bed. He sent a silent prayer that Raiza should be in a good mood and accept his lunch invitation.
Gyan turned the tv and watched the news headlines. Accidents, Murders, and scams were blasting on the news channel. He couldn't focus his attention and tried to listen closely but was soon distracted by the message tone on his phone
A single word "Yes" from Raiza
YOU ARE READING
Raiza's Burden
Lãng mạnRaiza fell in love with the charming and passionate Siddharth she was sure it was meant to be. A love to last a life time. His passion turned dark and she escaped. Two years after their divorce he returned in her life will she survive his darkness o...
