"Piya Tose Naina Lage!" is a fictional story based on a social and family backdrop, depicting the emotional journey of a young woman, 'Nishtha,' who is bound in an unwanted marriage against her dreams and desires. The story progresses with Nishtha's... "Piya Tose Naina Lage!" is a fictional story based on a social and family backdrop, depicting the emotional journey of a young woman, 'Nishtha,' who is bound in an unwanted marriage against her dreams and desires. The story progresses with Nishtha's struggles, hopes, and the changing hues of relationships in her in-laws' house. It carves out the tender layers of the female mind, familial responsibilities, and love. All characters and events are based on the author's imagination. The purpose is solely for entertainment.<br />
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Wrapped in a red Banarasi saree in a room, she sat on a chair, dressed like a bride. Lines of worry were etched on her face. Her mind was restless. As time went by, her nervousness increased. Just then, the door of the room opened and a woman entered.
"Nishtha, beta! Come, Pandit ji is calling for the wedding rituals."
The girl, Nishtha, immediately said in distress,
"But! Mother, we don't want to get married. We want to fulfill our dream."
"Enough! If you mention dreams even once more, I'll beat you myself. I'm tired of your madness for dance. You've been educated, that's enough. Get married, go to your own home, and manage your household," Nishtha's mother scolded her. Tears welled up in Nishtha's eyes. Nishtha's mother covered her face with a veil and dragged her away by the hand. Nishtha was pulled along like a lifeless doll.
Only a few main guests attended the wedding. Nishtha's mother seated Nishtha in the mandap near the groom. Nishtha sat in the mandap, crying under the veil. The groom sitting next to her was looking angrily at his father standing in front of him. There was no happiness on his face either, as if he was being forced into this marriage.
***
Two days later, a plain house in a narrow alley, built many years ago, came into view. The cracks on the walls proved it. Three rooms were in a line, and in front was an open courtyard. Basil plants were placed in the middle. Many flower pots were kept around them. And a large jamun tree was also present in the courtyard. The kitchen was in front of the third room, but there was a small gap between them.
***
The clock hands showed five in the morning. The sun's rays had not yet appeared, so it was quite dark. The door of the room near the main entrance opened slowly and an elderly man came out, chanting "Ram Naam". This was Murari Purohit. In one hand, he held a small copper lota. He came to the basil plant, poured the water from the lota into the basil, and stood with folded hands.
"Babuji! You're awake...?" His eldest son, Pratyaksh, came out of his room, rubbing his eyes.
"Yes, I'm awake. See if Bahu is up!"
"Is there something you need...?" Pratyaksh's brow furrowed.
"Make me a cup of tea," said Murari ji, returning to his room. Pratyaksh thought for a while and then moved towards the other room. When he knocked on the door, Nishtha, who was sleeping inside, opened her eyes instantly. The door was open, the lights were off, but Pratyaksh hesitated to enter the room. Nishtha got up, quickly adjusted the pallu of her saree over her head, got off the bed, and came to the door. As the yellow bulb in the courtyard illuminated Nishtha's face, Pratyaksh was captivated. Dressed in a red cotton saree, with vermillion in her hair parting and a mangalsutra around her neck, she was declared a married woman. Her fair complexion, deer-like eyes adorned with kohl, bangles filling her wrists, and henna on her hands...
"Yes...?" Nishtha said softly, adjusting her pallu.
"Uh... a cup of tea for Babuji," Pratyaksh said in a serious tone, looking away from her face.
"At this hour...?" Nishtha said helplessly.
"Babuji wakes up at this time and drinks tea at this time. So, get used to waking up at this time every day, because this is not your parental home, it's your in-laws'. There are certain ways here that you need to learn," Pratyaksh said in his serious voice.
"Yes," Nishtha muttered to herself and walked towards the kitchen.
Pratyaksh shook his head and went into the room where his younger brother, Poorna, was sleeping. He was around ten years old. He lovingly stroked his head and bent down to kiss his forehead. "As soon as Bhabhi came, you forgot your brother," he pouted. Just then, the sound of utensils falling came from the kitchen. Pratyaksh immediately went into the kitchen.
"What's happening? Why are there so many utensils making noise...?"
"Oh... it slipped by mistake, Ji," Nishtha said nervously.
Pratyaksh took a deep breath, moved Nishtha aside, and started making tea himself. "First, open these closed eyes."
"Ji...?" Nishtha didn't understand his words. She looked at him with confused eyes.
"You're sleepy. Go back to sleep."
"But the tea...?"
"I used to make it every day, and I'll make it today too."
"No, Ji! Why will you make it when I'm here? Move aside..." Nishtha said, but when Pratyaksh glared at her, she sat down quietly on the floor. Pratyaksh started making tea.
"What time did you wake up at your home...?"
"Ji, seven o'clock!" Nishtha said hesitantly.
"But! Your mother was saying that our daughter wakes up at 5 o'clock and performs puja...?" Pratyaksh looked at her with suspicion, and Nishtha's throat went dry. What should she say now? She didn't understand anything. Pratyaksh shook his head.
"Babuji married me to liars. Now suffer for life!" Pratyaksh said without any hesitation. This statement pricked Nishtha.
When the tea was ready, he strained it into a cup, took it out of the kitchen, and said, "Poorna, when you go to school today, get his tiffin ready on time, lest he has to go without it like yesterday."
"Yes! Yes!" Nishtha nodded. After Pratyaksh left, Nishtha sat down dejectedly. "I thought I would fulfill all my dreams after marriage, but in two days, I realized that nothing can happen for me in this house. And on top of that, this Pratyaksh Ji doesn't talk pleasantly. After all, I am his wife. If only we hadn't been caught while eloping, we would be somewhere else today. I don't know what punishment Baba gave me by marrying me off here..." As she spoke, big tears welled up in her deer-like eyes.
"Make aloo parathas," Pratyaksh called from outside. Wiping her tears, Nishtha started cooking with a heavy heart.
***
Gradually, the darkness began to dissipate, and the sun's rays spread everywhere. Pratyaksh had left with Poorna. He was going to drop him at school first, and then to the shop. They had a stationery shop in the main market, which was doing quite well. Earlier, Murari ji managed it, but he had a heart attack, after which he often fell ill. Therefore, Pratyaksh had to leave his studies midway and take over everything in his father's place.
***
After they left, Nishtha started cleaning the house. Murari ji had gone to his friend's place. By eight o'clock, Nishtha had finished all the housework. She was just about to sit down for breakfast when someone knocked on the door. Nishtha took a deep breath, left her breakfast plate in the kitchen, and went to open the door. Standing there was a tired-looking Shravan.
Shravan smiled slightly and walked inside. Nishtha closed the door.
"Water!" Nishtha brought him water.
"Thank you, Bhabhi."
"Shall I serve breakfast...?"
"I'll bathe first."
"Hmm," Nishtha said and went to the kitchen.
Shravan watched Nishtha leave and then smiled and drank the water. Murari ji had three sons. The eldest was Pratyaksh, then Shravan, and the youngest was Poorna. Pratyaksh managed the shop. Shravan was practicing nursing at the hospital. He had a night duty the previous night, so he came in the morning.
In the afternoon, when Pratyaksh came for lunch, he saw Nishtha sleeping comfortably in the room, as if she had slept through the night. Pratyaksh stood at the door for a while, glaring at her, then shook his head and went into the kitchen himself. After eating, he went back to the shop.
To be continued
In the afternoon, when Pratyaksh came to have a meal, he saw Nistha sleeping comfortably in the room like a horse. Pratyaksh stood at the door for some time, staring at her, and then shook his head and went to the kitchen. After eating, he went back to the shop.
When Pratyaksh came home, Nistha woke up from her sleep. She changed her clothes and then fed the horse before sitting down to do some school work. Pratyaksh worked for a while and then looked at Nistha and said,
"Bhabi Ma!"
"Yes..?"
"Today, I told my friends that my new Bhabi Ma has arrived. Do you know what they said?" Pratyaksh stopped speaking.
"What did they say..?" Nistha asked curiously.
"They said that now your Bhabi will throw you and your father out of the house. I told them that my Bhabi Ma is not like that. (pausing) Will you really do that..? Bhabi Ma! Will you throw us out of this house..? Please don't do that. Otherwise, my friends will laugh at me. My father and I will manage to live under a tree, but please don't throw us out of this house." Pratyaksh looked sad as he spoke. Nistha stared at him, dumbfounded.
"Bhabi Ma! Will you really throw us out of this house..."
"Are you crazy..? You're saying all sorts of things. Did I say I would throw anyone out of the house? Your friends are crazy, they just say anything. Tomorrow, I'll take you to school, and you tell me which kid is it that's putting these ideas in your head, and I'll pull his ears. For now, just do your work..." Nistha spoke angrily, and Pratyaksh started working without saying anything. Nistha gently placed her hand on his head and shook her head.
After finishing the school work, Pratyaksh went to play with his friends in the alley. When Nistha came out of the room, she saw the dirty clothes hanging on the wire outside the bathroom. She took a deep breath and moved forward. She took down all the clothes, filled a large tub with water, and put them in it. Then she sat down and started washing the clothes. After hanging the clothes to dry, as soon as she was free, she heard Murari ji calling for tea. Nistha looked at the time and saw it was 4 pm. She quietly entered the kitchen and started making tea. She made tea for Murari ji, Shravan, and herself. First, she took a cup of tea to Murari ji's room, and then she took her and Shravan's tea to his room. Shravan had just gotten up and was using his phone. When he saw Nistha enter his room, he turned off the phone and immediately sat up.
"Bhabi, you're..?"
"I made tea, so I thought I'd bring it to you."
"Thanks." Shravan took the cup of tea from her. Nistha sat on the bed and drank her tea. "Are you going to the hospital today..?"
"Yes, I'll go at 7 pm. I have night duty today, and then morning duty." Shravan said slowly.
"Okay." Nistha just nodded her head.
After drinking the tea, Nistha came to the kitchen and started preparing dinner. A little while later, Pratyaksh returned home from playing, and around 6:30 pm, Pratyaksh also returned home after closing the shop. By 9 pm, Nistha had finished her work. When she entered the room, she saw Pratyaksh and Pratyaksh both lying on the bed watching TV. Nistha removed her pallu from her head and sat beside Pratyaksh. Pratyaksh glanced at Nistha and then looked at the wall clock. He got up from the bed and looked at Pratyaksh.
"Let's go to sleep."
"No! Bhai, I want to sleep beside Bhabi Ma." Pratyaksh immediately snuggled up to Nistha.
"Pratyaksh!" Pratyaksh said, staring at him. Pratyaksh shook his head while still hugging Nistha. Nistha smiled slightly and stroked Pratyaksh's head, looking at Pratyaksh, and said in her sweet voice,
"If he wants to sleep beside me, let him sleep. He's not bothering me at all."
After hearing Nistha's words, Pratyaksh took a deep breath and left the room. As soon as Pratyaksh left, Pratyaksh happily kissed Nistha's cheek.
"You're the best Bhabi Ma."
"Okay, naughty one." Nistha laughed.
Then both of them started watching cartoons on TV. When Pratyaksh entered Murari ji's room, he saw that he was already asleep. He lay down on the charpoy and closed his eyes to sleep, but suddenly, Nistha's innocent face appeared before his eyes. Pratyaksh quickly opened his eyes. "I'm thinking about this too much," he thought to himself and shook his head.
The next morning, just as Pratyaksh was about to take Pratyaksh to school, Nistha came running to the door.
"Listen, ji!"
"What is it..?" Pratyaksh asked impatiently. Nistha looked a bit nervous.
"That...that can we also go with you to drop Pratyaksh off at school..?"
"What will you do..?"
"Brother, let's go, please." Pratyaksh held her hand and said. Pratyaksh looked at Pratyaksh and said slowly,
"Come on."
As soon as Pratyaksh agreed, Nistha quickly went inside, closed everything, and came out, adjusting her pallu on her head. Pratyaksh started walking ahead, while Nistha held Pratyaksh's hand and walked at a distance.
"Bhabi Ma, you're going to beat my friends."
"Just think of it that way, take care of your brother, and I'll handle the rest." A mysterious smile was on Nistha's lips.
"Let's go quickly." As Pratyaksh watched Nistha and Pratyaksh chatting and walking, he turned back and said in his serious voice, and both of them increased their pace.
To be continued.
"Bhabi Ma, are you going to beat my friends?"
"Consider it like that, just take care of your brother, I'll handle the rest." A mysterious smile was on Nishta's lips.
"Let's go quickly."
Nishta and Poorv walked while whispering to each other, and Pratyaksh turned around and said in his serious voice, and both of them slightly increased their pace.
After some time, the three of them were standing outside the school. Nishta looked at Pratyaksh. "I'll just drop him off inside."
"He'll go." Pratyaksh said.
"Let him go, brother," Poorv said with a pout.
"Okay, go, but come back quickly."
"Hmm." Nishta held his hand and moved towards the inside. They had just entered from the main gate when Poorv pointed towards the park and said, "Bhabi Ma, Monty is there."
"Go, call him and bring him to me." Nishta saw that child from a distance, Monty! He was very round. Poorv ran and came to Monty and said, "Oye Motu, come, my Bhabi Ma is calling you."
"Why should I go?" Monty got a bit scared after hearing Poorv's words.
"Come, or my Bhabi Ma will come here and beat you a lot." Poorv showed him his eyes, and Monty got a bit scared. He came silently with him to Nishta. Nishta looked at him angrily and caught his ear and said, "What were you saying to Poorv...?"
"Nothing..." Monty got a bit scared.
"So, you were just saying it? Hmm, tell me..." Nishta made her eyes big to scare him. Monty got even more scared. Nishta twisted his ear slightly and threatened him, "If you trouble Poorv even slightly from now on, you will see, I will beat you a lot. Now, go from here..." After saying this, she let go of his ear, and Monty looked at Poorv and said, "I will tell my mom."
"Yes, yes, tell her, I am not scared of your mom." Nishta showed him her eyes, and he ran away scared. Poorv smiled and looked at Nishta and went to his class after saying goodbye. After Poorv left, Nishta also came outside. Pratyaksh was waiting for her.
"Are you going home...?"
"Yes." Nishta shook her head.
"Okay, I am going to the shop from here." Pratyaksh said this and went from there. Nishta also moved towards her home.
When she came home, Nishta started finishing the remaining work. It was Pratyaksh's daily routine; he came home for lunch in the afternoon. He came today and again found Nishta sleeping. He uttered from his mouth, "How much this girl sleeps." Then he shook his head, ate food, and went to the shop.
In the evening, Poorv felt like going out today. Shravan was at home, so he told Shravan to take him out for a walk. Shravan smiled and nodded in agreement. Shravan also asked Nishta to go with them, and she also went along. When all three returned home after a walk, Nishta felt something strange. After coming to the courtyard, she felt that someone had come home. Nishta moved a bit forward, and her eyes fell on Monty, who was standing holding his mom's hand. A bandage was tied around his head, as if he had an injury. Monty's papa was also there. Mr. Murari was sitting calmly on a chair, while Pratyaksh seemed a bit angry. She understood that something was wrong.
As soon as Monty saw Poorv and Nishta, he immediately hid behind his mom and said, "Mom, Poorv has come."
Monty's mom looked at Poorv and said angrily, "You were the one who made Monty's head bleed...?"
Poorv looked at him with confused eyes. He didn't know when this happened.
Mr. Murari said in a stern voice, "Come here, Poorv."
"Yes, Baba." Poorv left Nishta's hand and stood in front of Mr. Murari.
"Did you fight with this child and make his head bleed...?" Mr. Murari asked.
"No, Baba, I don't know where his head got hurt, but I didn't hit him." Poorv immediately shook his head.
"So, my flower-like child is lying...?" Monty's mom said, narrowing her eyes.
"Let's talk peacefully, Monty's mom." Monty's papa seemed a bit calm.
"You just stay quiet. Our child's head was beaten by this child, and you're still saying let's talk peacefully." Monty's mom said angrily.
Mr. Murari bowed his hands and said, "Please forgive us; we apologize on behalf of Poorv. He is a child, and it was a mistake. He won't do such a thing again."
"But Baba, he is lying." As soon as Poorv said this, Mr. Murari slapped him on the cheek. Poorv's eyes became moist. "Shut up!"
Seeing this, Nishta's heart felt like it was cut. The slap was on Poorv's cheek, but she could feel the pain on her own cheek.
"Look, in just one day, my child's flower-like face has become so pale." Monty's mom touched Monty's swollen cheeks and said.
"Oh, sister, your eyes are bad, not anyone else's. The one you keep calling a flower-like child is not a flower from any angle. If you want to see a flower-like child, see my Poorv. That's how flower-like children are. People aren't even ashamed to call a donkey a flower." Nishta moved forward angrily and said this. Everyone was surprised to hear her, especially Pratyaksh!
To be continued...
"Oh sister! Your eyes are bad, not anyone else's. The one you're calling a 'flower-like child' isn't a flower from any angle. If you want to see a flower-like child, look at my Purn. That's what a flower-like child looks like. People don't feel any shame in calling a bull a flower." Nidha moved forward, her voice rising in anger. Everyone was taken aback by her words, and no one more so than Pratyaksh.
"Wow! Bravo! One, you're a thief; two, you're acting all haughty. Purn made a mistake, and now you're scolding us for it." Monty’s mom said with a cutting remark.
"Nidha, you stay quiet." Pratyaksh moved forward and held her hand. Nidha shook off his hand and moved to Murari Ji, holding Purn's hand. She spoke in a slow but angry tone, "I don't know how this child got hurt or who hurt him, but I can say for sure that Purn didn't do it. Purn is denying it, and still, you're not believing him, Babu Ji. I'm really surprised you don't trust your own children," she glanced at Monty’s mom, "and you're trusting someone else... Let's go, Purn! Whether anyone believes you or not, your Bhabi-Ma believes you." Saying this, Nidha took Purn with her into the room.
"Hmph! People get pricked even by the truth. Let's go, Monty..." Monty’s mom held Monty’s hand and walked away. Monty’s papa looked at Murari Ji and said, "Mistakes happen with children. Let's drop the matter here," and with that, he bowed his head and left.
After they left, Murari Ji sat silently. Pratyaksh came to him and said softly, "Let it go, Babu Ji."
"Forget it? What was that way of talking in front of everyone, Bahuriya...?" Murari Ji was really upset with Nidha's words. She had said the truth, but still, Murari Ji couldn’t tolerate her speaking like that. He was very traditional.
Pratyaksh didn't say anything. Shravan came forward and said, "So, she didn’t say anything wrong... When Purn was denying that he hadn’t hit the child, then it’s clear. But you hit him without listening to him. Babu Ji, he’s a child, but he understands what’s right and wrong. I don’t think Bhabi said anything wrong."
"Shravan, I didn’t ask for your advice," Murari Ji said in a stern voice. Shravan nodded his head and walked to his room. Murari Ji looked at Pratyaksh and said, "Make her understand properly that she shouldn’t talk in that tone again. She’s the daughter-in-law of this house, and she should stay within her limits."
"Yes, Ji, I’ll make her understand." Pratyaksh nodded immediately. Murari Ji got up from his chair and went to his room. After he left, Pratyaksh took a deep breath and headed to his room. When he entered, he saw Nidha consoling Purn, who was crying. Pratyaksh moved forward and took Purn away from Nidha. Seeing this, Nidha immediately said, "What are you doing?"
"Be quiet! If I hear even a peep from you, I’ll beat you." Pratyaksh said angrily, looking at Purn. Purn looked at Nidha, crying. Nidha moved forward, took Pratyaksh's hand off Purn, and hugged him again. She looked at Pratyaksh and said, "He’s already crying; you’re making him cry more. Don’t you feel any pity?"
"Purn, I said get up and go to Shravan..." Pratyaksh said sternly. Reluctantly, Purn had to leave Nidha and go. Nidha watched him leave, looking surprised. The moment Purn left, Pratyaksh grabbed Nidha's arm and looked at her angrily. "Stop acting like only you love Purn, and no one else does... And today, you spoke so much in front of Babu Ji! If you talk like this again, I’ll drop you off at your home. Stay there in grief. I don’t want a wife who disrespects my Babu Ji."
Nidha looked at him with astonished eyes, "Does that mean a person can’t even express their feelings now?"
"If you want to express your feelings, do one thing - get on the bus and go straight to your home in the morning..." Pratyaksh said and walked away. Several emotions played on Nidha's face. Then, in anger, she turned to the wardrobe, took out her bag, and started packing her clothes, "I won’t come here again..." After packing her clothes, she directly went to Shravan's room, where Shravan, Purn, and Pratyaksh were. "Shravan, can I have your phone? I need to make a call."
"Yes, Bhabi," Shravan handed her his phone. Nidha dialed a number and put the phone to her ear. After one or two rings, a familiar voice came from the other end, and Nidha's eyes welled up with tears. She said with a choked voice, "Bhaiya, can you come to pick me up?"
To be continued...
"Yes, Bhabhi," Shravan said, extending his phone towards her. Nishtha dialed a number and put the phone to her ear. After a ring or two, a familiar voice responded, bringing tears to Nishtha's eyes. With a choked voice, she said, "Brother, please come pick me up..."
Pratyaksh and Shravan looked at her in surprise. Pratyaksh had only threatened her to scare her, but she was actually calling her brother.
Nishtha's brother said something on the other end, after which Nishtha softly replied, "Okay, make sure you come in the morning." She hung up, handed Shravan his phone, and left the room.
"Brother, what is happening...?" Shravan asked, bewildered. Pratyaksh said nothing. Pooran looked at Shravan and sobbed again, "Brother, will Bhabhi really leave...?"
"She won't go anywhere. Stop crying. I'll find out who bashed Monty's head," Shravan said, gently stroking Pooran. Pooran buried his head in Shravan's chest and started crying again.
Pratyaksh, sitting there, blurted out in frustration, "This is why... this is why I didn't want to get married. I saw the behavior of Shlok's (Pratyaksh's cousin's wife) wife. How she troubled Bua, Shlok, and everyone else for two years... And now this madam! I just said a little something, and she's called her brother. Now we have to deal with her tantrums. This is just the beginning; who knows what else she'll show us."
"Don't compare Nishtha Bhabhi with Shlok's wife. Nishtha Bhabhi is a million times better than her," Shravan said. Pratyaksh retorted irritably, "You've figured out so much in just two days about who she is and who she isn't..."
"Brother! You can tell from someone's words. You don't need years to understand someone; a moment is enough."
"Alright. Don't preach too much here," Pratyaksh said, getting up and leaving the room. Just then, he heard someone sobbing. He looked towards the kitchen and walked in that direction. Standing at the doorway, he peeked inside to see Nishtha cooking while sobbing. Seeing this, Pratyaksh couldn't help but smile.
"Either cry first or cook, but not both," Pratyaksh said softly.
Hearing Pratyaksh's voice, Nishtha glared at him with angry eyes. She slammed the pot she was holding onto the stove and said with a choked voice, "I'll do both at the same time. Do you have a problem with that...?"
"Why would I have a problem? You do your thing."
"You are just like that, merciless! Heartless! What difference does it make to you? What do you stand to lose? You must be feeling so relieved. Be happy. I'll leave tomorrow... and I won't come back. No one will hear my voice again..." She began to hiccup as she cried. "I wish! I wish I had never been married here. I wish!" She kept crying, while Pratyaksh stared at her, speechless. What had happened that she was crying so much? That she was scolding him so much? Pratyaksh glared at her and shook his head before leaving.
After dinner, as Pratyaksh was heading to Murari Ji's room to sleep, Shravan stopped him, "It's not my night duty today, brother. You can sleep in your room. I'll sleep with Babuji."
"Hmm. Check on Babuji once or twice during the night..."
"Yes! Don't worry. I'll take care of it," Shravan said, and Pratyaksh went to his room. Although Shravan usually slept with Murari Ji, due to his night duty for the past few days, Pratyaksh had to sleep with Murari Ji because they couldn't leave him alone, as his health often deteriorated at night.
Shravan also proceeded towards Murari Ji's room. Pratyaksh entered his room. Nishtha was sleeping with Pooran's head in her lap. He quietly sat on the bed.
"Is he asleep...?" Pratyaksh asked Nishtha, but she didn't respond. Pratyaksh's eyebrows furrowed. "I didn't say anything that warrants such a reaction."
"Perhaps those words were insignificant to you! But for me, every word of yours was like a dagger," Nishtha said without looking at him. "My love for Pooran is an act to all of you. My saying something is disrespect to all of you. Home! This home! Is it not mine anymore...? I came to this home after marriage. For all of you, my home is my marital home, and for my parental home, my home is my marital home. And if you think about it, truly, then I don't have a home at all!" Nishtha's eyes welled up with tears again as she spoke. Her words pierced Pratyaksh's heart. He had spoken casually, but he never knew that Nishtha would derive such a deep meaning from his words.
"Nishtha, my..." As Pratyaksh opened his mouth to say something, Nishtha continued crying, "I'll leave tomorrow! I've become an eyesore in just two days. If you can't bear it, I won't come here." By saying "all of you," she was targeting Pratyaksh. She was scolding him, and he was listening. She then wiped her tears, tucked Pooran properly in between them, and lay down herself, turning her back towards Pratyaksh. Pratyaksh kept staring at her, her words echoing in his mind.
To be continued:
It was Sunday. Nishtha slept late. As she sat up, her gaze fell upon the courtyard through the window. The sun was almost directly overhead. Her eyes widened in surprise. She looked at the wall clock; it was eight in the morning. By this time, she would have finished all her chores. She hit her head and immediately got out of bed and went outside. It was quiet outside too, but she didn't pay much attention to it. She went straight to the kitchen to cook quickly, but the food was already prepared. Seeing this, she was even more surprised.
When she came back outside, her eyes fell on Purn, who was sitting there, looking dejected. Nishtha went to him, placed her hand on his shoulder, and said, "What happened? Why is your face so long so early in the morning? Did your bitter bitter-gourd brother say something?"
"Bitter bitter-gourd who...?" Purn asked.
Nishtha made a twisted face and said, "Your elder brother, who else?"
"Ohhh, you're praising me," Pratyaksh said suddenly. Nishtha's throat went dry. She slowly turned and looked behind her. Pratyaksh was looking at her with a gaze that could devour her. Shravan, meanwhile, was barely able to suppress his laughter. Nishtha looked at Purn helplessly and whispered softly, "Couldn't you have told me earlier that he was here?"
"You didn't ask, Bhabhi Maa," Purn said innocently.
Seeing the two of them whispering amongst themselves, Pratyaksh said with a bit of anger, "Talk to me, looking this way."
Nishtha looked at him, made a face, and started walking back towards the room, saying, "I don't want to talk to you anyway. Let's end the conversation here."
"Nishtha, come back. Where are you going... I'm talking to you."
"Don't," Nishtha, who had gone into the room, said in a slightly louder voice, holding the door and peeking out, after hearing Pratyaksh, and went back inside.
Pratyaksh closed his eyes in anger, then turned back and looked at Shravan, "See how she talks."
"So you have upset her."
"Yes brother, it's all your fault. You got angry with Bhabhi Maa, so now you have to suffer. And I'm telling you beforehand, if Bhabhi Maa leaves from here, I will go with her too," Purn said, making a face, and went into Nishtha's room. Pratyaksh was staring at Purn, dumbfounded. "This little squirt is threatening me. This is the limit now."
"Brother! You know how attached he has become to Bhabhi in just a few days. He calls her Bhabhi Maa, meaning he considers her like his mother," Shravan said. Pratyaksh took a deep breath and came into his room.
Nishtha stood with the cupboard open, looking at the clothes inside. She had packed all her clothes in the bag just last night, but now all her clothes were back in the cupboard.
"I put them there because! You are not going anywhere. That's the end of it."
"The end of it! Will your wishes always prevail...? First, you told me to go to my home, and now you're saying I'm not going anywhere...? Stick to one thing, Pratyaksh Ji," Nishtha turned to Pratyaksh and said irritably.
Pratyaksh glared at her and continued, "I have told your brother not to come. Babuji has gone to Haridwar for four days with a friend. When he returns, I myself will drop you off."
"What, Babuji has gone to Haridwar for four days?" Nishtha's eyes lit up.
"Yes," Pratyaksh said casually.
"This is such good news... I mean, why didn't you tell me earlier?" Nishtha looked at Pratyaksh with a smile and then went to Purn, took his hand, and said happily, "You were saying there's a bird's nest on the jamun tree, let's go see."
"Yes! Yes! Bhabhi Maa, it has two chicks too," Purn said, leaving the room with Nishtha, while Pratyaksh watched the two of them go, surprised.
To be continued:
It was Sunday. Nishtha woke up late. As she sat up, her gaze fell on the courtyard from the window. The sun was almost overhead. Her eyes widened in surprise. She looked at the wall clock; it was eight in the morning. By this time, she would have finished all her chores. She hit her head and immediately got out of bed and went outside. It was quiet outside too, but she didn't pay much attention to it. She went straight to the kitchen to cook quickly, but the food was already prepared. Seeing this, she was even more surprised.
When she came back outside, she saw Purn sitting there, looking dejected. Nishtha went to him, placed her hand on his shoulder, and said, "What happened, why the long face so early in the morning? Did your bitter bitter gourd brother say something?"
"Bitter bitter gourd who...?" Purn asked.
Nishtha made a face and said, "Your elder brother, who else?"
"Ohhh, I'm being praised," Pratyaksh said suddenly. Nishtha's throat went dry. She turned slowly and looked behind her to see Pratyaksh looking at her with a gaze that seemed like he wanted to devour her. Shravan, meanwhile, was struggling to suppress his laughter. Nishtha looked at Purn helplessly and whispered softly, "Couldn't you have told me earlier that they were here?"
"You didn't ask, Bhabhi Maa," Purn said innocently.
Seeing the two of them whispering to each other, Pratyaksh said with a bit of anger, "Talk to me, looking this way."
Nishtha looked at him, made a face, and started walking back towards the room, saying, "I don't want to talk to you anyway. End of discussion."
"Nishtha, come back, where are you going... I'm talking to you."
"Don't talk to me," Nishtha, who had gone into the room, said in a slightly louder voice, holding the door and peeking out, after hearing Pratyaksh's words, and went back inside.
Pratyaksh closed his eyes in anger and then turned to look at Shravan, "See how she talks."
"So you have angered her."
"Yes brother, it's all your fault. You got angry with Bhabhi Maa, so now you have to suffer. And I'm telling you beforehand, if Bhabhi Maa leaves from here, I will also go with her," Purn said, making a face, and went into Nishtha's room. Pratyaksh was staring at Purn, dumbfounded.
"This tiny boy is threatening me. This is the last straw."
"Brother! You know how attached he has become to Bhabhi in such a short time. He calls her Bhabhi Maa, meaning he considers her like his mother," Shravan said. Pratyaksh took a deep breath and came into his room.
Nishtha was standing with the cupboard open, looking at the clothes inside. Just last night, she had packed all her clothes in a bag, but now all her clothes were back in the cupboard.
"I put them here because! You are not going anywhere, end of discussion."
"End of discussion? Will you always have your way...? First, you told me to go to my home, and now you're saying I'm not going anywhere...? Make up your mind, Pratyaksh ji," Nishtha said irritably, turning to face Pratyaksh.
Pratyaksh glared at her and continued, "I have told your brother not to come. Babu Ji has gone to Haridwar for four days with a friend. When he returns, I will personally drop you off."
"What, Babu Ji has gone to Haridwar for four days?" Nishtha's eyes lit up.
"Yes," Pratyaksh said casually.
"This is great news... I mean, why didn't you tell me earlier?" Nishtha looked at Pratyaksh with a smile and then, going to Purn, took his hand and said happily, "Weren't you saying there's a bird's nest in the jamun tree? Let's go see."
"Yes! Yes! Bhabhi Maa, it has two babies too," Purn said, leaving the room with Nishtha, while Pratyaksh watched them go, surprised.
To be continued:
Both the devars and the bhabhi came into the courtyard and started looking at the jamun tree. Then, Prithviraj pointed to one side and said, "Bhabhi Maa, look over there, there's a nest."
"Yes, I see. Oh, there aren't any birds there. Let's go up to the roof and see." Nistha went upstairs with Prithviraj. Pratyak came outside into the courtyard and looked up to see Nistha and Prithviraj both busy looking at the bird's nest. He helplessly shook his head and went back inside.
"Prithviraj, does this tree bear jamuns?"
"Yes, it does, and they're very big." Prithviraj said, gesturing with his finger and thumb. Nistha laughed and mussed his hair. Nistha looked into the nest. A bird had just arrived and was sitting there. Maybe she had come to feed her children. Nistha smiled at this sight. The bird began to feed its children with its beak.
After watching for a while, Nistha came back downstairs with Prithviraj. Just then, Shravan called out to Prithviraj, and he went to him. Nistha came into her room and saw that Pratyak was doing some calculations. Nistha wrinkled her nose and picked up a sari from the wardrobe to go take a bath. A little while later, she came out of the bath and stood in front of the dressing table. Nistha hit her wet hair with a towel. A drop from her hair became free and fell on Pratyak, who was sitting on the bed. Some drops fell on his face, and some on the diary he was holding. A look of irritation appeared on Pratyak's face. As he raised his eyes to say something, his gaze met Nistha's, and it just stayed there. In the red sari, with the deep back of the blouse, her black mole on her back was clearly visible, and her thin waist caught Pratyak's attention. Nistha was engrossed in herself and had no idea that Pratyak was staring at her.
After a while, she turned around, and Pratyak quickly looked away. Nistha adjusted her pallu and went out of the room. After Nistha left, for some reason, Pratyak felt a strange emptiness. His gaze became restless. He put his diary aside and got off the bed, going outside. The sound of bangles came from the kitchen. He directed his steps towards it. He stood at the door and started looking at Nistha, who was busy heating food. And he was busy admiring his wife.
Shravan and Prithviraj came there and saw Pratyak standing at the kitchen door. Prithviraj said, "Brother, why are you standing here? Either go inside or move out of the way so we can go in."
Pratyak was suddenly brought back to reality by Prithviraj's voice. He quickly moved away without saying anything. Prithviraj didn't pay much attention because he was a child, but Shravan was a bit puzzled by his brother's strange behavior.
Nistha served food for everyone and then came back to her room with Prithviraj. She was eating while feeding him. After finishing the meal, Nistha finished the remaining work in the kitchen and then started doing other household chores. After eating, both Prithviraj and Pratyak went outside. After finishing all the work, Nistha came to Shravan's room. Seeing Nistha, Shravan said, "Bhabhi, do you need something?"
Nistha shook her head. "Can I use your phone?"
"Why, what's wrong?" Shravan didn't just casually give him the phone like yesterday because he was afraid that, just like yesterday, she might call her brother and have him come here.
"I want to talk to my mother," Nistha said. Shravan slowly handed her his phone. Nistha took the phone and went to her room. She dialed her home number. As she expected, her mother answered.
"Hello, Mataji, I am Nistha. How are you?"
"Yes, I am fine, beta. How are you, and how is everyone at home?" Nistha's mother asked. Nistha shook her head and said, "Everyone is fine here."
"And how is your husband?"
To be continued...
"Hello, Namaste Mother. I am Nishtha, how are you...?"
"Yes! Yes! Greetings, live long, I am fine, dear! You tell me how you are...? And.. and how is everyone at home..?" Nishtha's mother asked. So Nishtha nodded her head and said, "Yes, everything is good here."
"And how is the son-in-law...?"
"Yes, he is also fine." Nishtha sat down, leaning against the headboard of the bed.
"Is everything alright between you two..?"
"What good can be alright, oh, he doesn't even look at me. And you ask if everything is alright..?" Nishtha said, making a sour face. Hearing her words, her mother was a bit surprised and said, "What do you mean...?"
"Now what can I tell you," Nishtha said, explaining Pratyaksh's behavior, whatever he had done or was doing with Nishtha after the wedding. After that, Nishtha said worriedly, "Now you tell me, what is my fault in this. He is the one who is acting so aloof." Saying this, she made a face.
"Nishtha! Nishtha! Nishtha! What can I do with you. Why don't you understand. Oh, has anyone ever escaped the heat of a fire? You! If you try, won't the son-in-law talk to you properly? It's a new marriage, talk sweetly with him..." As soon as Nishtha's mother said this, Nishtha made a sour face and said, "From the heat of this fire, he is sitting miles away."
"It's okay, you take the fire to him."
"What do you mean...?" Nishtha was confused. So Nishtha's mother hit her head, "Why do I have to explain everything to you. Sometimes understand on your own."
"That's why! That's why! I used to say since childhood that when I learn to speak, then marry me. But! You were in a hurry to become a grandmother, in that pursuit, you picked me up from there and dropped me here." Nishtha said irritably.
"Alright, my dear, now listen to me carefully and start acting on it." Saying this, Nishtha's mother began to tell her something. Nishtha was listening very attentively to all her words. After some time, both of them finished talking and hung up the phone. Nishtha sat there thinking about her mother's words. Meanwhile, Shravan, standing by the door, went to his room without saying anything.
Then Nishtha took a deep breath and nodded her head, "Mother, honestly, what kind of things is she teaching me. Does anyone teach such things? (Then thinking) But! The words are useful. (With a sly smile) Now, try to escape from this fire, Pratyaksh ji. If I don't burn you too, my name isn't Nishtha." Saying this, she started laughing herself.
An hour later, Pratyaksh came home with Poorn and went into Shravan's room. Seeing this, Nishtha, who was washing clothes in the courtyard, made a face. "Hard-hearted person, didn't even look at me once.. Hmph."
It was afternoon. Nishtha was sitting on the bed, stroking Poorn's head, who was sleeping next to her. It was the summer season, so the cooler was on in the room. Nishtha's gaze fell next to Poorn, where Pratyaksh was sleeping comfortably. She smiled slightly and gently reached out her hand and stroked Pratyaksh's head as well. "Grumpy!" she muttered softly, then chuckled softly to herself. Meanwhile, Shravan was lying in his room, watching the fan spinning on the ceiling, while his mind was occupied with something else at that moment.
In the evening, everyone had tea, after which Nishtha looked at everyone and said, "What should I make for dinner...?"
"Make whatever it is," Pratyaksh replied casually. So Nishtha glared at him for a moment and then walked away with a pout.
At night, when everyone sat down to eat, Nishtha served Dal-Chawal to Shravan and Poorn and placed a folded paper in front of Pratyaksh's plate. Seeing this, Pratyaksh glanced at the paper and then looked at Nishtha. Meanwhile, Shravan and Poorn, eating their Dal-Chawal, kept looking at Pratyaksh sometimes, and sometimes at Nishtha. Pratyaksh said in his serious voice, "What is this...?"
"I have made exactly what you asked me to, look (she picked up the paper from Pratyaksh's plate, unfolded it, and showed it to Pratyaksh) You can read, can't you, so please read. It's just that the name of the dish you told me was quite unique, meaning I heard it for the first time, you taste it and tell me if it turned out well." Nishtha said. When Pratyaksh looked closely at the paper, it was written, "Make whatever it is." Reading this, Pratyaksh glared at Nishtha, while Shravan and Poorn both covered their mouths and laughed.
To be continued:
When Pratyaksh started staring at her angrily, Nistha looked away and said to Shravan and Purn, "You both tell me, didn't they say exactly that?"
Both of them nodded their heads in response to Nistha's question.
"Are you both my brother or my enemy?" Pratyaksh looked at them and showed them his eyes, and both of them looked embarrassed and lowered their heads and started eating quickly. Nistha made a bad face seeing them scared of Pratyaksh. Then she remembered what her mother had said. Nistha pressed her tongue with her teeth. Then she quickly came to the kitchen, served food in a thali for Pratyaksh, and kept it in front of him. In her sweet voice, she said, "Please forgive us, Swami! We made a big mistake. Please just enjoy your food. If you need anything, tell us, and we will bring it."
The three of them looked at her in shock. Pratyaksh said with wide eyes, "Who is Swami...?"
"Oh, you are Purn's brother! We were calling you Swami. You are our Swami. Without you, we have nothing. Oh! You got caught up in the conversation. Forget all this and have your meal," Nistha said, blinking her eyelids frequently. Pratyaksh shook his head helplessly. His wife was really a drama queen. Then he started eating calmly. Shravan saw that Nistha wasn't eating, so he said, "Aren't you eating?"
"No! Our Swami will eat first, then we can eat. Dear brother-in-law!" Nistha said with a gentle smile.
While eating, Pratyaksh looked at Nistha and thought to himself, "What a crazy girl. I don't understand her. One moment she's one way, and the next moment she's another. Sometimes she gets stuck on things and sometimes she chirps up about small things. Sometimes she gets so angry. She doesn't hesitate to speak her mind. She's sweet and a storm. A minute! A minute! But why are you thinking so much, Pratyaksh?... (Then to himself) I won't think about it if I don't have to. My wife, after all. I can put it off for a bit."
Pratyaksh seemed to have dozed off when Nistha's voice said, "Should I get you something else?" He just shook his head slightly. After they all finished eating, Nistha ate and cleaned up the remaining work. Before going to her room to sleep, Nistha looked at the main gate, which was closed. Then she came inside and saw that the three brothers were watching cartoons on TV comfortably. Seeing this, she smiled to herself.
As soon as Nistha entered her room, Shravan got up and pulled Purn with him, saying, "Let's go to sleep."
"But brother, I'll sleep with Bhabi Ma," Purn said, holding Nistha's hand.
"Let him sleep," Pratyaksh and Nistha said simultaneously. Shravan looked at them and then at Purn and said, "I have chocolate. Will you come now...?"
When Purn heard about chocolate, he immediately let go of Nistha's hand and looked at her, saying, "Bhabi Ma, I'll sleep with you tomorrow." Nistha shook her head, laughing. Shravan glanced at Nistha and Pratyaksh and then took Purn to their room.
Shravan brought Purn to his room, sat him on the bed, and said, "You used to sleep with me before, so you'll sleep with me from today on. Not with brother and Bhabi."
"Why...?" Purn asked, and Shravan just petted his head and said, "Because you're big now." He couldn't explain it. Then, with a slight smile, he took out a chocolate from his bag and gave it to Purn.
Meanwhile, Pratyaksh closed the TV and closed his eyes to sleep. Nistha was also lying beside him at a distance, continuously staring at the ceiling. Neither of them was asleep. After some time, Nistha turned slightly towards Pratyaksh and whispered softly, "Pratyaksh Ji!"
"Hmm," Pratyaksh said without opening his eyes.
Nistha moved a bit closer to him and held his arm tightly. "Why don't you talk to me nicely?" she asked.
"Do you talk to me?" Pratyaksh opened his eyes and turned towards her. Now they were looking into each other's eyes. Nistha made a face and said, "I do, but you're always angry."
"Hmm! So I stay angry?" Pratyaksh said, slowly moving the hair that had fallen on Nistha's face behind her ear. For a while, Nistha looked at him, then turned her back to him and lay down. "Go to sleep," she said.
Pratyaksh looked at her and then put his hand on her back and started moving his fingers. Nistha shivered as Pratyaksh touched her. She tightly closed her eyes and pressed her lips together; she had intertwined her hands. Pratyaksh's finger moved and stopped at a mole on Nistha's back. "Don't wear this saree from now on," he said and withdrew his hand and lay straight. Nistha heard him and turned to look at him. "What do you mean?" she asked.
"That I don't like such useless clothes," Pratyaksh said very seriously. Nistha immediately sat up and raised her eyebrows. "What useless clothes? It's just a saree," she said.
To be continued...
"I really don't like such indecent clothes at all," Pratyaksh said with considerable seriousness. Nishtha quickly sat up and raised her eyebrows, "What indecent clothes have I worn? It's just a sari!"
"I didn't call the sari indecent."
"Then...?"
"I was talking about this... this thing you're wearing on top. How revealing it is, have you noticed? Clothes that are just an exhibition of the body in the name of fashion are indecent in my eyes, and that's what you're doing here. Besides you, Bajuji, Shravan, and... and Pooran also live in this house. So, it would be better if you stayed within your limits," Pratyaksh said without looking at her.
Upon hearing Pratyaksh's words, Nishtha considered the matter. She said softly, "I know. But all this was stitched by Bhabhi. I had asked her to keep it simple, but! She didn't listen to me at all. Alright, if you don't like it, then I won't wear such blouses. I'll tell Mother to get others stitched. When I go home sometime, I'll bring them."
"Hmm! Go to sleep now."
Nishtha gently lay down next to him and closed her eyes, resting her head on his arm. Feeling Nishtha's head on his arm, Pratyaksh immediately opened his eyes and looked at her. She, with her eyes closed, was comfortably lying there, treating his arm as her pillow. He got annoyed, "My arm is not a pillow for you to lie on so comfortably. Lie a little further away and why are you clinging like this...?" Pratyaksh said in his serious voice.
Hearing him, Nishtha slowly opened her eyes and looked at him, "I am neither paper nor are you Fevicol that I would stick to you. Huh..." Nishtha narrowed her deer-like eyes slightly.
"Nishtha!" Pratyaksh said in his cold voice, while his eyes were staring at her.
"I'll remember this, you'll see," Nishtha said irritably and lay down a little further away from him. Pratyaksh did not respond to Nishtha's words. Meanwhile, Nishtha muttered to herself, "Truly, the Almighty made them from a different kind of clay. Even Mother's words failed. Where she was saying to get closer to them, and now that I got close, what are they saying (imitating Pratyaksh) don't cling. Huh... truly very heartless. Now what should I do..." saying this, she started thinking about something, and it was unknown when she fell asleep while thinking.
In the morning, Pratyaksh was at the shop, Shravan at the hospital, while Pooran had already left for his school. Today, Nishtha was alone at home. By 9 o'clock, she had finished almost all the housework. After that, she came into her room, took out her bag from the closet, and sat on the bed with it. From the bag, she took out a wooden box and held it gently to her chest, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes. She opened the box to find ghungroos inside. She slowly held the ghungroos in her hands and kissed them.
"My dream is now confined only to a box like these ghungroos," she said with a choked voice and then looked at her feet where silver anklets were present. She removed the anklets from her feet and wore the ghungroos. Her eyes were moist, and there was a smile on her lips. Since childhood, she was more interested in dance than studies. She believed that dance flowed in her very veins. When she reached eleventh grade, a Kathak guru came to their school to teach dance to students participating in the annual function. Nishtha also participated, and from there, her inclination towards dance increased even more. She started learning dance by insisting on her mother. Even when she moved from school to college, she continued. As soon as her college studies were completed, talk of marriage suddenly began at home. On her wedding day, there was also her dance competition. She really wanted to participate in it, but she couldn't. The day before her wedding, she had even tried to run away so that she could participate in the competition, but Nishtha's aunt saw her and she was caught right there. And after that, her marriage was arranged. In place of these ghungroos, silver anklets were put on her feet, which felt no less than shackles to her because this was not her dream, her dream was these ghungroos.
She took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and taking off the ghungroos from her feet, she put them back in the box and kept it in the closet, and wore the same anklets, which her family had put on her feet against her will. Perhaps! This was now her destiny.
Three more days passed like this, but the banter between Pratyaksh and Nishtha did not decrease. Nishtha would always do something that would make Pratyaksh very angry. Shravan and Pooran would just laugh seeing the two of them arguing. It was night time when everyone had gone to sleep, except Shravan, who was making his files. Just then, he received a message on his phone. Shravan casually picked up his phone and checked it. The message read, "A storm is coming to your house tomorrow morning." Reading this, Shravan's eyes widened in surprise, and involuntarily, he exclaimed, "Bua is coming, oh no!"
To be continued:
It was nighttime, and everyone was asleep. Except for Shravan, who was preparing his files. Just then, he received a message on his phone. Shravan picked up his phone and checked it. The message read, "A storm is coming to your house tomorrow morning." Reading this, Shravan's eyes widened in surprise, and he involuntarily exclaimed, "Bua is coming, oh no!"
This message was from Shlok. It meant he was informing Shravan that his mother, Shravan's paternal aunt, was coming home the next morning. Shravan made a face, put his phone down, put his files aside, and lay down on the bed next to Poorna.
"I don't know why Bua is coming now. One thing is for sure, they must have some work. Otherwise, they can't go anywhere without a reason." Thinking this, he fell asleep.
The next morning, Murari ji had returned from Haridwar. After meeting him, Pratyaksh went to the shop. Shravan, in his haste to go to the hospital early, had also forgotten to mention that Bua was arriving today. Nishtha had dropped Poorna at school and then, upon returning home, got busy with other chores. As soon as she was free from her work, someone knocked on the door. Wiping the sweat from her forehead with the edge of her sari, Nishtha walked towards the door. As soon as Nishtha opened the door, a woman stood there, adjusting her round-framed glasses, and stared at Nishtha from head to toe. Seeing them, Nishtha quickly covered her head with her sari, bowed down to touch their feet, and said in surprise, "Greetings, Bua ji!"
"Move aside. Aren't you going to let me in?" Bua ji made a face and, hitting her shoulder, pushed her aside.
Nishtha immediately moved out of her way. Bua ji handed the bag she was holding to Nishtha and said, "Hold this and bring some really cold water."
"Yes, Bua ji, I'll get it right away." Nishtha quickly went to the kitchen.
"Murari! Murari!" she said, entering his room. At that moment, Murari ji was reading the newspaper. Seeing his elder sister, he was both a little surprised and happy.
"Sulakshana Didi!" Murari ji closed the newspaper, placed it aside, and got up to touch Sulakshana ji's feet. Sulakshana ji smiled and patted Murari ji's shoulder. "Be well."
"You're here suddenly! You didn't even inform us before coming," Murari ji said as they both sat down. Sulakshana ji made a face, "Why, shouldn't I have come without informing...?"
"Oh Didi! You're getting offended. That wasn't our intention. This is your home, come whenever you wish and stay here with full right," Murari ji immediately replied.
"We know that," she said, smiling slightly. By then, Nishtha had brought them ice-cold water. Murari ji was present, so Nishtha had to cover her head. As she walked towards Sulakshana ji, her foot suddenly got caught in her sari, making her stumble. The glass of water in her hand fell directly onto Sulakshana ji's face. Sulakshana ji's mouth fell open involuntarily. Some water also spilled onto her clothes. Seeing this, Nishtha bit her tongue and squeezed her eyes shut. The mistake was made! Murari ji, seeing this, said with a little anger, "Nishtha, what have you done...?"
"I... I apologize, Babu ji. But my foot suddenly got caught in my sari," Nishtha said hesitantly.
"What kind of way is this to serve water, hmm! Is it better not to serve at all, instead of throwing it directly on my face...?" Sulakshana ji said angrily, removing her glasses and wiping water from her face.
"Forgive me, Bua ji, I'll bring you another glass of water right away," Nishtha said, quickly leaving the spot.
"Are you alright, Didi?" Murari ji asked. Sulakshana ji replied with a frown, "I'm fine."
A little later, Nishtha brought them water and said very softly, "Bua ji, should I bring tea...?"
"No! Otherwise, there's no telling. This time, like you threw water, you might throw tea as well. What will it cost you, but I'll get burned, won't I?" Sulakshana ji said sarcastically.
"Bring tea, but be careful," Murari ji said softly. Nishtha nodded and left.
To be continued:
After serving tea to Sulakshana ji, Nishtha returned to her room and sat down. She removed the pallu from her head and said with a pout, "Did I deliberately spill the water? It fell by mistake, but no. Hmph!"
A little later, Murari ji asked Nishtha to serve food for Sulakshana ji. Nishtha served his food and then learned that she would be staying there for a few days. Nishtha returned to her room. In the afternoon, when Pratyaksh came for lunch, he was very happy to see Bua ji.
"Babua! How are you..?" Sulakshana ji said, placing her hand on Pratyaksh's head. Pratyaksh nodded his head and smiled, saying, "Yes, I am fine. How are you..?"
"I am also absolutely fine."
"How is everyone at home..?"
"Everyone is fine," Sulakshana ji said with a smile.
"I'll be right back." Saying this, Pratyaksh left from there and came into his room. Seeing Nishtha awake, he said in surprise, "You didn't sleep today..?"
"I didn't feel like it today," said Nishtha, who was folding clothes.
"Okay, fine. I'll just go wash my hands and face, you set the table."
"Yes." Nishtha nodded her head. Pratyaksh went out. Nishtha, after keeping the folded clothes in the cupboard, went to set the table for Pratyaksh. After a while, he ate and went back to the shop. After he left, Nishtha lay on the bed for a while. It had only been a short while when Sulakshana ji's voice came from outside, perhaps! She was calling her. She got up and went outside.
In the evening, a charpai was laid under the tree. Sulakshana ji and Murari ji were both sitting there and talking. Purn had gone to play after finishing his school work. Meanwhile, Nishtha was preparing dinner in the kitchen. The weather had become quite stifling, and on top of that, it was hot. Nishtha kept wiping her sweat with her pallu while cutting vegetables. Sulakshana ji had requested pumpkin vegetable, puri, and halwa. The pumpkin was quite hard, which she was cutting with great difficulty. While cutting, her finger turned red because the blunt side of the knife kept pricking her. First, the heat, and then this pumpkin wasn't cutting. So she got a little irritated. "This Bua, she's like a pumpkin herself. And she wants to eat pumpkin... Hmph. Uff, this heat! It's draining my life." As she muttered and cut the vegetables, the knife suddenly grazed her finger, and blood started to come out. Nishtha immediately put her finger in her mouth. When the bleeding stopped, she started cutting vegetables again. As soon as she finished cutting the vegetables and placed them on the slab, someone knocked on the door.
"Bahuriya, just see who has come," Sulakshana ji called out to Nishtha. Nishtha was surprised. They were sitting in the courtyard and the door was right there, so they could have opened it easily. But still, they told her. She got annoyed and went to open the door, and there stood Pratyaksh with Purn. Nishtha glared at him angrily and stomped away. Pratyaksh's forehead furrowed. He thought to himself, "What did I do now, that she's glaring like this? I've just arrived. She has her limits."
Coming inside, he closed the door and came to Murari ji and Sulakshana ji.
"Bahuriya, bring some water for Babua," Sulakshana ji said, to which Pratyaksh immediately replied, "No, there's no need for that."
"Son, it's hot, you should keep drinking water."
"But I'm not thirsty right now. When I get thirsty, I'll get it myself," Pratyaksh said.
Nishtha had taken a bottle from the fridge and filled a glass with water. Hearing Pratyaksh's words, she glared at the water in anger, "Are they making a fool out of me? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, hmph..." Picking up the filled glass of water, she brought it to her lips.
After some time, Shravan also came home. Everyone was talking in the courtyard. Meanwhile, Nishtha was cooking while listening to their conversation. After the food was ready, she served everyone and came back to the kitchen and sat there. Just then, Sulakshana ji tasted the vegetable and said with a pout, "Uhhhhh.... do you put so much sugar in pumpkin vegetable! I wanted to eat vegetable, but you've made kheer. It seems like you poured the sugar meant for the halwa into the vegetable. Hey Bahuriya, did you even learn to cook before coming from your paternal home, hmm..?"
No one said anything after hearing her words. Nishtha was also simmering inside. Firstly, she was cooking in such heat and had been at it for so many hours, and now she was being told that she hadn't cooked properly. Shravan tasted the vegetable, and he found it good. "Bua! It's made properly. Where is the sugar excessive..? I didn't think so."
"You're a boy, what do you know about taste? (Raising one hand) Nothing ever falls too much from my hands. Exactly precise. And the eater just keeps praising it. (Looking at the food on her plate) You've ruined such expensive pumpkin. I would have made it better," Sulakshana ji said with a pout. Upon hearing this, Nishtha's body seemed to catch fire.
To be continued:
"You're just a boy, what do you know about taste?" Sulekshana Ji said, raising one of her hands. "Nothing ever falls from my hands, it's always precise. And the person eating just keeps praising. I wasted such an expensive pumpkin, I should have just made it myself." She said, making a face. Hearing this, Nishta felt like she was on fire.
She wanted to get up and take the plate away from her and say, "Make it yourself." But, oh! She couldn't say anything.
"Aaah! I'm a boy, so I don't know about taste," Shravan said, making a face.
"Shravan, eat quietly," Pratyaksh said in his cold voice.
Everyone started eating their food. After everyone's meal was over, Nishta collected all the utensils and kept them aside, then she ate her food. By the time she finished all the work, it was almost 10 pm. Everyone was sitting in the courtyard. Nishta turned off the kitchen light, closed the door, and went to her room. She quickly turned on the cooler and sat in front of it. She removed her pallu from her head and took a few moments to breathe calmly in the cooler air. But today, perhaps it was not written in her fate to have peace. She had only been there for two minutes when suddenly the room lights went off, and the cooler stopped giving cold air. Darkness spread throughout the room and the entire neighborhood. Nishta got even more annoyed.
"Did the light have to go out now? Does everyone have a grudge against me? And this light has an extra grudge against me. It didn't even let me take a moment to breathe calmly," she muttered and lay down on the bed in the dark. She closed her eyes and started moving her pallu to get some air. Due to the tiredness of the day, she fell asleep in a few moments.
Everyone else decided that they would sleep outside in the courtyard tonight. So, Shravan had set up everyone's bed there. A light breeze was blowing outside. Pratyaksh suddenly remembered Nishta. He looked towards his room, then towards the others, who were all lying on their beds.
"Brother, you do one thing, you and your wife go to sleep on the roof. It's better than dying of heat in the room. At least you'll get some air," Shravan said when he saw Pratyaksh in a dilemma. Hearing his words, Pratyaksh slowly nodded his head. Pratyaksh first set up his and Nishta's bed, then came to his room. Pratyaksh had lit the phone light. When he saw Nishta, he was surprised. This girl was strange; she was completely drenched in sweat in the heat, but she was sleeping peacefully. He came near her and patted her cheek, saying,
"Nishta! Nishta! Wake up, let's go to the roof and sleep. It's very hot here."
Hearing his voice, Nishta woke up reluctantly and came upstairs with him. Pratyaksh gave her some water, and then Nishta turned her back to him and fell asleep comfortably. It was a bit more peaceful here than in the room. Pratyaksh propped himself up on his elbow and watched Nishta sleeping. Then he smiled to himself and thought,
"She's so full of sleep. Look at how she fell asleep as soon as she lay down on the bed." Then he gently held her hand and kissed it. "And she's also full of anger. I don't know how much anger she has. And how often her mood is bad. Every time! Every time! She's just irritated. Crazy girl."
Pratyaksh lay down straight and kept his head on his hand, gazing at the open sky. The stars twinkled, showing their happiness. The moon was a bit incomplete, hiding behind the clouds, just like a lover hides behind her beloved, feeling shy. The birds on the tree and their children were also sleeping peacefully in their nest. Now Pratyaksh's eyes were also getting heavy, watching the moon's hide-and-seek. He closed his eyes and went on a journey to his dream world. After he fell asleep, Nishta turned towards him in her sleep and placed her head on his chest, hugging him. The power outage lasted until 6 am, and as soon as the light came back, Sulekshana Ji woke up. Muraari Ji also had a habit of getting up early to bathe and worship. He went to his room to worship. Sulekshana Ji saw Shravan and held his arm, shaking him.
"Shravan, wake up," she said.
"What happened, Bua?" he said, forcing himself to open his eyes.
"Go tell the girl to wake up and make tea," she said.
"I'll make it," Shravan started to get up, but Sulekshana Ji showed him her eyes and said, "Will men do work when women are at home? Hmm...?"
Shravan looked at her angrily and made a face, then picked up his phone and dialed Pratyaksh's number. As the phone rang, both Pratyaksh and Nishta woke up with a start.
Nisha glared at him and picked up her phone. She dialed Pratyush's number directly. Both Nisha and Pratyush's eyes widened in shock as they heard the ringing tone. Nisha, who had unknowingly fallen asleep very close to Pratyush, quickly moved away from him. Pratyush got up, picked up his phone from beside his pillow, and opened his eyes with difficulty. He saw the flashing name on the screen and wondered why Shravan was calling so early. He answered the phone, "Hmm...?"
On the other end, Shravan said, "Brother, Bua is saying that you should wake up Bhabi and come down to make tea for Bua and Babuji." Pratyush replied, "We're coming down." and hung up the phone. He looked at Nisha, who had once again moved away from him and fallen asleep. Pratyush shook his head helplessly, placed his hand gently on her arm, and woke her up, saying, "Nisha, let's go down. The lights are on, and make tea for Bua and Babuji."
Nisha woke up with irritation and angrily looked at Pratyush. She spoke in a slightly suppressed tone, "You people don't know, but I'll tell you. After working all day, a person gets tired. He needs some rest. I was in such a bad state yesterday! Did you even notice? No, you didn't. Why would you? Because what importance do I hold in your life? I'm just a free servant. Yesterday, it was so hot, and everyone had different demands. The power went out at night. I couldn't even sleep properly. And now, wake up and get back to work. Do you think I'm crazy? No, I'm not!"
Pratyush listened to her and spoke in a serious tone, "Nisha, this isn't the way. You're doing it for others; you can do it for your family too." Nisha got angry, threw a pillow at Pratyush, and got up with tearful eyes, saying, "You've made my life hell."
As she left, Pratyush let out a deep sigh and shook his head. "This girl can't be managed. She takes out her anger on me." He got up, made his bed, and went downstairs.
Nisha went downstairs, took a bath, and then went to the kitchen to make tea. She felt a lump in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes. This wasn't easy for her! Her mother had taught her everything, but at her parents' house, no one had ever demanded so much from her. She could do things at her own pace. But here, in her in-laws' house, she had to do almost everything herself, and there was a lot of pressure on her. She was being asked to get up at 6 am, sometimes even earlier, whereas she never used to wake up so early at her parents' house.
Just then, Pratyush came to the kitchen to get water and saw that the tea was boiling, but Nisha was crying. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and said, "Nisha, the tea is boiling." Nisha shook off his hand and cleaned her tears, then added milk to the tea. Pratyush looked at her for a while and then left.
Nisha made tea, served it to Sulakshana and Murari, and then brought tea to Pratyush in his room. She put it on the table and came back to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As the darkness slowly faded, she finished making breakfast, packed lunch boxes for Pratyush and Shravan, and then went outside.
In the courtyard, Pratyush and Shravan were sleeping, embracing each other. Nisha approached them, gently stroked Pratyush's hair, and spoke softly, "Pratyush, wake up! It's time to go to school."
Shravan stretched and said, "Bhabi, let him sleep a bit more."
Nisha insisted, "No, get up! You'll be late for school." She picked up Shravan and cradled him in her arms. Shravan leaned his head on her shoulder, still half asleep. Nisha took him to the bathroom, bathed him, got him ready for school, and was about to leave when Sulakshana said, "Where are you going, Bahuriya?"
Nisha stopped and looked at her, "To drop Shravan at school."
Sulakshana frowned, "You won't go. (looked at Murari) You go, drop him off, and come back. It's not good for the daughter-in-law to go out." Murari went to drop Shravan off at school. As soon as he left, Nisha lifted her veil slightly and glared at Sulakshana before going to her room.
In her room, she saw Pratyush getting ready to go to the shop. When he saw Nisha, he turned to her and pulled out a new phone box from the wardrobe, saying, "I brought this new phone for you yesterday. I and Shravan leave early in the morning. If you need anything, how will you let us know? Even Babuji doesn't have a phone. That's why I bought one."
Nisha smiled and took the phone from Pratyush's hands. Pratyush, while brushing his hair, said, "I'll come back in the evening and save all the numbers."
Nisha asked, "Sim card?"
Pratyush replied, "The shopkeeper had already put it in."
Nisha looked at the new phone with sparkling eyes.
After Pratyush left, Shravan also got ready and went to the hospital. Nisha served Sulakshana and Murari their meal and then cleaned the house. After finishing, she had her meal and went to her room. Sulakshana called out to her, and Nisha went to her, irritated.
"Yes, Bua Ji?"
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing."
"Come sit with me. Murari has gone to his friends' place after having his meal." Sulakshana said, and Nisha sat beside her. Sulakshana straightened her legs and said, "Since you're sitting, massage my feet too. I'm feeling some pain."
Nisha started massaging her feet without saying anything. Sulakshana looked at her for a while and said, "Why does your face look so gloomy? What's wrong?"
Nisha replied, "Your face is the reason my face looks gloomy."
To be continued...
Nishtha began massaging her feet without saying anything. Sulakshana Ji watched her for a while and said, "Why the long face? What happened?"
"It's because of you that my face has fallen," Nishtha said irritably. Sulakshana Ji looked at her with surprised eyes, as if trying to believe whether she had heard correctly or if her ears were ringing. Sulakshana Ji glared at Nishtha and, hitting her on the arm, said, "Get away." Nishtha pouted and moved slightly away.
"What have I done to you? Did I ask you to move mountains?" Sulakshana Ji said. Nishtha, annoyed, replied, "After making me do all this, the only thing left is to move mountains. This is too much, Aunt."
"Hey girl! You have too sharp a tongue. I absolutely do not like it when someone speaks so much in front of me," Sulakshana Ji said. Nishtha didn't say anything and started massaging her feet again. Sulakshana Ji was staring at her. After a while, Nishtha made a pitiful face and said, "Can I ask you something?"
"Yes, ask..." Sulakshana Ji raised her eyebrows and said.
"How long are you going to stay here?" Nishtha asked, baring her teeth.
"I'm in a hurry to get rid of you here. Hmm...? Don't forget, this house is mine too. I am the daughter of this house. I can stay here as long as I wish. And you don't need to run things here too much. Understood?" Sulakshana Ji narrowed her eyes.
"No, you're misunderstanding. I was asking because after you leave, I'll go to my parental home for a few days. Mother was calling," Nishtha said, making an excuse. Hearing her, Sulakshana Ji said in her grave voice, "I'll only stay for two or three days."
"Alright. Then I'll leave after two or three days. (Then, after a pause) Really? You'll leave in two or three days? Look! Aunt, I don't like jokes. What if you say after two or three days, 'My dear, I was just kidding, I'll stay for more days'," Nishtha said, making a face as if she was about to cry. Sulakshana Ji looked at Nishtha with eyes that could devour her, and Nishtha flinched and bowed her head, resuming her foot massage.
"A girl shouldn't talk so much," Sulakshana Ji said. Then looking upwards, "My quiet and simple Babua has gotten such a talkative wife. (Glaring at Nishtha) And not very bright either. Now nothing can be done for my Babua."
"Hey! Aunt, why are you saying that? If God is merciful, we will soon have a son and a lovely daughter. And both of them will be like me, because if they are like Pratyaksh Ji, I won't be able to handle it. Listen, Aunt, what I'm saying is that Pratyaksh Ji is grumpy. It would be better if they are like me...?" Nishtha said, looking at them with twinkling eyes. Sulakshana Ji stared at her, wide-eyed. How much this girl talked!
"Before marriage, your mother didn't tell me that her daughter was so sharp-tongued."
"Tch! Look, Mom didn't even tell me about this great quality of mine."
"This isn't a quality," Sulakshana Ji said irritably and hit her arm. Nishtha, annoyed, got up and, rubbing her arm, said with a pout, "I'm not massaging your feet anymore. Not only are you making me work, but you've been hitting me for so long. It hurts me too." Saying this, Nishtha left. After she left, Sulakshana Ji held her head, "This girl has given me a headache in such a short time. Oh God! Give this girl some sense. Otherwise, my Babua's whole life will be ruined."
As usual, Pratyaksh came home in the afternoon. Sulakshana Ji was resting. Seeing this, he came to his room, but here too Nishtha was sleeping soundly in the cooler's breeze. Pratyaksh watched her for a while and then shook his head, ate his food, and went back to the shop. After Purn's school got over, Murari Ji brought him home today. Nishtha had also woken up from her sleep. Purn came straight to Nishtha's room and, hugging her happily, said, "Bhabhi Ma, do you know that Monty's head was broken by an older kid in our school? They had a fight. And that Monty blamed me so that he could harass me."
"And how did you find all this out...?" Nishtha asked. Purn said, "Monty himself told me today."
"Now leave these things and change your clothes quickly. I'll set the food by then," Nishtha said, untying the tie around his neck. Purn happily said, "We went to the shop today. Me and Baba. Lajjo Didi had come there with gajar ka halwa and aloo chole ki chaat for Pratyaksh Bhai. I ate that too, so my stomach is full, Bhabhi Ma. I won't eat anything."
"What...?" Nishtha was surprised. Then, gritting her teeth, "Who is this Lajjo Didi! Tell me, who was bringing gajar ka halwa and aloo chole ki chaat for him to the shop."
"She's his friend. She studied with them in college. They are still friends today," Purn said with a smile and went to change. Nishtha's eyes suddenly narrowed, "Lajjo Rani, you're very clever, but your game won't work here. And I won't spare Pratyaksh Ji today. Just let them come. I'll give them a proper taste of their own medicine." In anger, she threw the tie she was holding onto the bed and walked out of the room.
To be continued:
"She is my brother's friend. She studied with them in college. They are still friends today," Purn said with a smile and went to change his clothes. Nishtha's eyes suddenly narrowed. "Lajjo Rani, you are very clever, but I won't let your plans succeed here. And I'm not letting Pratyaksh Ji off today. Just let him come. I'll serve him a proper carrot halwa." Angrily, she threw Purn's tie onto the bed and walked out of the room.
In the evening, Murari Ji and Sulochana Ji had both gone out for some work. Purn was playing with the children in the street. Nishtha was cutting vegetables, repeatedly checking the time. She seemed a little angry and was muttering to herself. After a while, someone knocked on the door. Nishtha held the knife in her hand. She got up and went to open the door. Just as she had thought, it was Pratyaksh, who had returned home after closing his shop. He smiled slightly and walked inside. Nishtha closed the door without saying anything.
"Here are the vegetables you asked for," Pratyaksh said, smiling and handing Nishtha the bag full of vegetables. Nishtha grabbed the bag, glaring at it, and put it in the kitchen before returning to Pratyaksh. He was now taking out his clothes from the cupboard. As Pratyaksh turned around after getting his clothes, he was startled to see Nishtha standing right behind him and yelped for a moment.
"Why are you scaring me by doing these witch-like things?"
Nishtha forced a smile, adjusted Pratyaksh's shirt collar, and moved closer to him. Placing one hand on his chest, she looked up at him. Pratyaksh looked at her, perplexed. He couldn't understand what Nishtha was doing. But! From what he knew of Nishtha so far, he was sure something
"So! Wait there!... I'll tell you right now," said Pratyaksh, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her close. Nishtha, like a kite with a cut string, fell straight into his arms. The bowl of halwa in her hand dropped to the floor. Nishtha's eyes widened in surprise at Pratyaksh's sudden move. Pratyaksh glared at her, tightening his grip on her arm and waist, and said angrily,
"Why do you always act like a child...? Hmm, you've grown so big. Yet, you're always so childish."
Seeing Pratyaksh's anger, Nishtha suddenly became frightened. She lowered her eyelids, looking as if she was about to cry. Pratyaksh smiled slightly, then hid his smile again and said, pretending to be angry,
"Where does all this mischief come from in your little brain! Purn is much more sensible than you."
"You are very bad," Nishtha moved away from him, rubbing her eyes and started crying. Pratyaksh looked at her strangely. He himself was mischievous, but if she scolded him a little, Madam would start crying. Now the fault was his, and she was shedding tears, as if she was the victim. Pratyaksh took a deep breath, shook his head in negation, and left. After he left, Nishtha immediately stopped crying. Her face, which had become sad after hearing Pratyaksh's scolding, suddenly started to smile. Then, laughing softly, she thought to herself,
"Seeing my tears, Pratyaksh ji melts. Now, whenever he scolds me, I'll shed a few tears."
When Murari ji and Sulakshana ji returned home, Nishtha went to Sulakshana ji, gently held her arm, and said softly,
"Auntie, come aside for a moment."
"What happened...?"
"First, come! Are you going to have this entire conversation standing here, Auntie? Come," saying this, Nishtha pulled her into the kitchen. Then, lifting her veil, she said,
"Look, Auntie! You didn't like the vegetable I made yesterday. So, I've cut the vegetables and prepared the spices. You make it your way. This way, I can also praise the food made by your hands." Nishtha showed her teeth.
"You want me to do the work...?" Sulakshana ji glared at her. Nishtha pouted and said,
"I'm not making you work. You yourself said that I don't cook well. My mother didn't teach me. So, you know how to cook very well, don't you? So please make it. I have prepared everything. Look! I've cut the vegetables and prepared the spices. All you have to do is cook it."
"Hmmph! I'll tell you, and you do as I say," Sulakshana ji said. Nishtha pouted and mumbled softly,
"She's even lazier than me."
"Are you going to keep mumbling? Come on, cook. Add the oil," Sulakshana ji said. Nishtha looked at her strangely.
"Hey! Auntie, I'll turn on the gas first. You're quite foolish." Sulakshana ji stared at her in disbelief. This girl said whatever she wanted directly to your face. She never cared whether it made the other person feel bad or good.
Sulakshana ji kept instructing, and Nishtha followed her instructions. After the food was ready, Nishtha served everyone, and then ate herself and started doing the remaining chores. After finishing her work, she went straight to her room. The others were sitting in the courtyard, talking. After a while, everyone went to sleep. Pratyaksh also came into the room and closed the door, then came to the bed. Nishtha was waiting for him to come. She quickly presented her phone to him and, looking at Pratyaksh with sparkling eyes, said,
"You said this morning that you would save everyone's numbers when you came."
Pratyaksh took her phone and saved his and Shravan's numbers in it. Handing the phone back to her, he said,
"I've saved my and Shravan's numbers. Save whoever else you deem necessary."
"Okay," Nishtha put the phone aside and then looked at Pratyaksh, pouting, and said,
"Now that you're married, you should improve a bit."
"I should be saying that line to you," Pratyaksh glared back at her.
"I don't eat carrot halwa or aloo chhole chaat made by someone else at a shop," Nishtha said tauntingly, while Pratyaksh looked at her in surprise, as if asking how you knew. Understanding his gaze, Nishtha said,
"Purn told me."
Pratyaksh looked at her for a moment, then shook his head and lay down on the bed.
"You are impossible to understand."
Today, Nishtha had come to the market with Sulakshana Ji to buy some clothes. She hadn't eaten anything since morning and her stomach started rumbling. She made a sad face and said, "Bua! Listen, please feed me something now. I haven't eaten anything since morning. As soon as the household chores were done, you brought me here. I'm hungry."
"We are going home now. You can eat after we get home. And don't talk too much," Sulakshana Ji said as they walked. Nishtha stopped near a chaat stall and said, "Bua! Listen."
"What is it...?" Sulakshana Ji also stopped beside her.
"Bua, pleeeeease..." Nishtha said with a face that looked like she was about to cry. Sulakshana Ji stared at her for a moment and then, making a face at the stall owner, said, "Brother, make one for her."
Hearing her words, Nishtha hugged her happily. Sulakshana Ji pushed her away and said in a scolding tone, "Hey, ox-brain! We are standing in the market. At least don't show such madness here."
Nishtha ate her chaat leisurely, and then after visiting one or two more shops, they returned home. Nishtha gave Sulakshana Ji water and said in a slow, tired voice, "Bua! I am very tired now. Truly. I am going to sleep for a while. If you need anything done, please do not wake me up. Please do it yourself, okay?"
"Have at least one cup of tea first."
"Is this the time to drink tea? Uff, Bua! Can't you see how hot it is already? I'm not going to the kitchen now." As Nishtha started to go to her room, Sulakshana Ji immediately said, "If you're not making tea, at least make lemonade. (Calling out to Murari Ji) Murari, do you want lemonade? Bahuria is going to make it...?"
"No, Didi! I want tea. Bahuria, please make a cup of tea for me," Murari Ji said as he came out of his room.
Nishtha glared at Sulakshana Ji and stomped her feet as she went into the kitchen. Seeing her go, a sly smile spread across Sulakshana Ji's lips. She thought to herself, "I am also a mother-in-law. I know very well how to keep daughters-in-law like you in line."
Entering the kitchen, Nishtha put the tea on to boil and, while making lemonade, said irritably, "This Bua is very clever. Earlier, she only used to make tea, now she's making me make lemonade too. Uff, Bua! You're going to drive me crazy."
Nishtha gave them the tea and lemonade and then went to her room.
It was evening. Murari Ji, Sulakshana Ji, and Pratyaksh were all sitting in Murari Ji's room. Pratyaksh seemed lost in deep thought. Murari Ji's forehead also showed lines of worry. Sulakshana Ji was waiting for them to speak. After a long time, Pratyaksh said with seriousness, "Bua! Ten lakhs might not be possible, but up to five lakhs can be arranged. I have that much savings."
"Yes, Didi! Ten lakhs is a very large sum. Where will Pratyaksh get so much all at once?" Murari Ji said, looking worried.
"I know, Murari, but I am also helpless. Otherwise, I would never have come here to ask for money. Ishki's (Sulakshana Ji's younger daughter) in-laws are demanding a big car as dowry. I will return all the money gradually after the wedding. The wedding is in two months. If a big car is not given as dowry, they will back out of the wedding. Which I don't want. The match is very good. The boy is in a government job," Sulakshana Ji said. Hearing her, Pratyaksh said slowly after thinking, "I'll see. Don't worry."
"But! Pratyaksh, this isn't about ten thousand, it's about ten lakhs, son," Murari Ji said worriedly, to which Pratyaksh smiled slightly and said, "I know, Babuji. That it's about ten lakhs. Don't worry. I will arrange it."
"I knew my dear son would surely understand my helplessness," Sulakshana Ji said softly, stroking Pratyaksh's head.
Meanwhile, Nishtha was standing outside the door, looking at Pratyaksh with surprise and concern.
After dinner, everyone had gone to their respective rooms to sleep. Praatyaksh came to his room and lay down quietly on the bed. He was worried, constantly thinking about where he would get five lakh rupees from now. He had told his aunt not to worry, that he would arrange it, but now he didn't know what to do or who to talk to. Seeing the lines of worry on Praatyaksh's forehead, Nishta also became very anxious. She quietly moved towards him and lay her head on his arm and placed one hand on his chest. Praatyaksh slowly opened his eyes and looked at her. He didn't say anything nor did he ask Nishta to move away from him. He just lay there.
"V...v...I mean...you seem to be a bit troubled. Is everything okay, Praatyaksh ji?" After some time, Nishta lifted her head and looked at him.
Praatyaksh looked at her and smiled slightly and shook his head. Then, he placed his hand on her cheek and said, "I'm not troubled. You go to sleep. You have to wake up early in the morning, don't you?"
"No! I'm not sleepy. You tell me what's wrong?" Nishta said insistently.
"There's nothing to tell, so what can I say?"
"You're lying, aren't you? Your face says so." (pulling both Praatyaksh's cheeks) "My innocent husband! Tell me the truth."
"There's really nothing," Praatyaksh tried to brush it off again, but Nishta was not Nishta. She opened her large eyes and stared at him and said, "I'm asking you out of love, but you're not digesting it. Tell me quickly, or else (making a fist and tapping his stomach) I'll hit you and all the truth will come out."
Praatyaksh looked at her emotionless. This little girl was scaring him, making big eyes and even threatening him. But the next moment, Praatyaksh burst out laughing. He patted her head, and Nishta started rubbing her head, confused. Praatyaksh, still trying to control his laughter, said softly, "The truth won't come out of the stomach; it will come out of what I ate just now." Praatyaksh started laughing again. Nishta looked at him, smiling slightly, and got lost in his laughter. Since she had come here, today she had seen Praatyaksh laughing like this for the first time.
"I heard you and your aunt talking," Nishta said softly after a while. But Praatyaksh didn't say anything. So Nishta got up and sat on the bed and held his hand, pulling him up and saying, "Get up once."
"What's up?" Praatyaksh sat up and Nishta looked at him and said, "You don't need to get money from outside; I have it. You can take it from me and then return it later."
Praatyaksh was surprised to hear Nishta's words and looked at her. Nishta smiled and nodded.
"Where did you get it from?" Praatyaksh asked. Nishta smiled, got down from the bed, opened the wardrobe, took out the jewelry box from the locker, and placed it in front of Praatyaksh. Praatyaksh was still looking at her in amazement. Nishta showed him her jewelry and said, "Sell all these. This gold necklace my father bought for two and a half lakh rupees, and this nose ring, these gold bangles, these earrings are also gold, more than one lakh rupees, and this necklace that you people gave. This maang tikka. There are also some silver ornaments. (removing the gold earrings from her ears and placing them in front of Praatyaksh) Sell these too. You will get at least five lakh rupees." Nishta looked at Praatyaksh, who was staring at her. Nishta looked at him questioningly, "What's wrong with you? Why are you looking at me like this?"
"I'm looking at my wife, whose childhood hasn't even ended. Whose brain keeps producing absurd thoughts every moment. Who gets fits of doing madness and talks nonsensically. Now, suddenly, she's talking so sensibly," Praatyaksh said slowly, holding her hand and seating her in front of him.
To be continued...
