Anidita: Responsibility Or Love?

Chapter 16: Bondita's Definition Of Love

It was early in morning in Roy Choudhary mansion. Everyone heard a female singing a hymn.

"This is not Bondita bahu's voice, Bihari! Then who is doing the Arti?" - uttered Trilochan Kaka who was in his room getting ready for the day.

With the same curiosity of Kaka, Anirudh, Batuk, Somnath, Binoy uncle came to the house temple. They were shocked to see Swabhagyawati wearing a traditional bengali saree rather her half saree and trousers. Kaka was very happy to see Swabhagyawati doing the Arti. He understood that it was Bondita who was standing behind Swabhagyawati helped her wearing the saree and do the morning Arti. After the prayer service was done Swabhagyawati was highly praised by Trilochan Kaka.

"Wah! Swabhagyawati bahu I really very happy to see this new version of yours. I know Bondita bahu would've helped you right?" - asked Kaka with a wide smile on his face.

"Yes KSJ, Bondita didi helped me with the saree and also taught me the sholks and hymns." - replied Swabhagyawati

Somnath was mesmerized with Swabhagyawati's new look and was constantly gazing her all through which Anirudh noticed.

"Som, is Swabhagyawati not looking good enough today?" - interrupted Anirudh

"What are you saying Dada, today she is looking very beautiful. I've always seen her in trousers, pants, gowns when we first met but now she is looking so like Bondita bodi. A perfect wife!" - Somnath

"You love her so much?" - uttered Anirudh smiling

"Just how much you loved Saudamini..." - Somnath

Somnath suddenly realised that he took out the name of someone he shouldn't and indeed Saudamini's name made Anirudh furious.

"Appologies Dada, I know she lied to you, lied to all of us. You and Bodi went through so much because her but dada in your heart have you ever thought of replacing her?" - Somnath

"What are you saying Som! I haven't heard Saudamini's name since years and her thought at least didn't crossed my mind since past 3 years when we came to know that she had been married to some merchant in Bombay. How can you at least think that Saudamini would still have a space in my heart." - uttered Anirudh confidently and smiling for the silly question which Somnath asked.

"But Dada, if not Saudamini then who? Because I can say that Bondita bodi still hasn't taken her place. Dada to be honest, I used to hate Bondita Bodi first because she was adored by all and also that being nothing at all she married a well educated barrister but now Dada, I pity her a lot." - Somnath looking at smiling Bondita

"Pity? What do you mean by that Som? Bondita has everything, a happy family, a good education and a better future!" - replied Anirudh confidently

"Do you really think so Dada? You are her husband and can't you make out the sadness behind her smile Dada? Everyone in this house can see how much she is adjusting with you and almost everyone. You talk about better future? How can she have a better future when all in her mind would be the thought that although she has everything but not the heart of her husband. Happy family? Can't you see Kaka, how much weird ideas he discusses with Batuk and Swabhagyawati just to make you and Bodi close to eachother! Dada don't make Bodi suffer in the name of responsibility. If possible make her feel loved too." - said Somnath and went towards the idol of goddess Durha to take blessings with Swabhagyawati.

Somnath's words struck Anirudh and left him in moan.

"Anirudh why are you standing there come here take the blessing of goddess Durga." - interrupted Trilochan Kaka

Anirudh went and took the blessings of Goddess Durga with Bondita. When Bondita was busy praying in front of the idol he was busy looking at the smiling Bondita.