Dusky Moonlight

Chapter- 10(3)

It was the day before their wedding, Rathi was sitting in the garden area feeling so bored and hungry. The ceaseless waves didn't let her look anywhere else, she could watch it for the entire day. Resting her chin on her knees she respired the salty sea breeze.

Her stomach gurgled and she placed her hand on it. This hunger is killing her. It's a tradition that the bride should be in fasting the day before the wedding. Except for water she didn't have anything from the morning. It's too tiring and hard but she encouraged herself that the day will soon pass away.

She closed her tired filled eyes and the first image that came to her mind was Aadhiyan's face. Instantly she opened her eyes and patted both her cheeks to come out of him. She never felt this nervous on any other evening as tomorrow at this moment she will be with his side as his wife. Now it giving chills on her spine.

After that day, she didn't hear Aadhiyan's voice because she never tried to say anything to him nevertheless she always held him before her eyes. As the days past she's too jumbled about whatever that's happening around her. She's turning insane and she wants nothing but Aadhiyan. Her legs were pushing her to go to him and she could feel there's something weird happening in her.

When she was sitting lifelessly, Sumaya came to her.

"Rathi, have this tea. It has more sugar and ceases your hunger," she handed the glass like a lifesaving angel.

Rathi has not even had the strength to smile, she bought the hot milk tea and sipped it.

"Thank you, Sumaya," Rathi smiled.

"Ayya gave this to me when I went to the kitchen. You've to thank him," she replied and Rathi becomes silent hearing that.

"Are you nervous?" Sumaya sat beside her.

"Yes," Rathi muttered.

"I also felt nervous. At least I am here for you but for me, no one is there. But once you get married you will see heaven. My husband gives me all kind of happiness; I love him more and he's my entire world,"

"You will also enjoy the same happiness, Rathi, in fact, more than what I experienced," Sumaya's words gave peace to Rathi.

"That grandmother? She didn't stay with you?" Rathi questioned.

"She won't come out and she's already very weak. She used to help only for Ayya's family," she answered.

"Oh, have you selected the name for your baby?"Rathi conversed so that she can come out of this anxiety.

"No, it's my husband's duty," "He'll select a nice name for our baby," Sumaya told having a small smile.

"Rathi?"

"Umm?" Rathi turned her gaze.

"You'll be here and you should take care of my son," her request confused Rathi.

"Why you're saying like that. Is anything there bothering you?" Rathi asked.

"N-No, I am just saying since I am afraid. It's common for every woman who's going to give birth. I am after all a human. I can die at any moment right." Sumaya tried to reason for blurting that previous statements.

"Don't be scared, nothing will happen to you. You're going to be a wonderful mom for you baby," Rathi squeezed Sumaya's hand and smiled that everything will be alright. Sumaya nodded caressing her six months old baby bump.

"You're so sweet Rathi,"
"I never addressed Ayya as my brother but he is. He always took care of me when I was young. I am happy that I am going to see his marriage which is an important event for our generation. I am happy for Ayya that he got you as his wife," she beamed.

"Are you glad?" she added.

"Yes," Rathi nodded her head unwillingly.

"My husband and everyone were busy preparing for the marriage. Tomorrow you have to take a bath in the lake and then get ready for the marriage ritual. I don't think I can come to the lake. My husband will accompany you."

"Oh," Rathi's nervousness again augmented hearing that.

"Let's see whether it rains tomorrow?" Sumaya said.

"Why?" Rathi squinted her eyes hearing that.

"There's a belief that rain during the marriage procedurals means it's a sacred sign. Our gods were showering their blessings to you."

"During our wedding, it didn't rain, so I am waiting for yours," she cleared her doubt.

This is getting edgy for Rathi. These people were having a lot of beliefs.

Rathi sighed. "And one more thing, Rathi. You don't have anyone to say this but anyways I am telling you."

"Stay strong and our gods will protect you," Sumaya told.

"Thank you," Rathi's eyes welled with tears.

Then Sumaya asked Rathi to get some sleep as tomorrow she needs to wake up at 3 am. Closing the door behind, Rathi sat on her bed. She stretched her hands and left out a yawn.

Looking at the moon Rathi recognized that tomorrow is the full moon day because there's a slight dimish in the moon. Taking a few snuffles to calm this nervousness, Rathi laid on her back.

The darkroom is not giving less creeps and added fuel to her fears. After seeing that ghost-like thing on that day she can't help but scared of this place especially staying alone.

To distract her thoughts, she closed her eyes. And eventually dwelled in the feelings of Aadhiyan. She was thrilled to see him tomorrow and their life after the marriage.

In contrary to her initial days, Rathi believed there's a future with him and there's no promise that she'll leave him after two years. She doesn't think that thought will exist if she starts to love him. Rathi with a smile on her face caressed the pearls on her bracelet. Ever since she wore it she has an impulse to touch it. The beads were smooth and good. She never thought she would be marrying the guy who gifted this at that time. But it's going to happen.

She doesn't have faith in God, she never knew how to worship him. The person who bought her to this world was also dead and the person who raised her is also dead. Rathi has no one and she trusts Aadhiyan's going to fill the emptiness. Rathi started shedding happy tears thinking about her newfound family. Then eventually, Rathi drowsed in the deep sleep.

But destiny is a lunatic monster it will change everything in a split second and turn all upside down. Whatever that she's dreaming about Aadhiyan will end up in dismay.

From the window, the dark figure was looking at her. It's looked more like a woman's figure. The light it carried faded away and then vanished. It moved to the ocean in defeat and mixed in the tides. It lost its purpose as Rathi has decided to stay here.

She let the evil into her heart; there's nothing could save her and she can't escape without paying the price.