" The relation we have with eachother is not a normal one. We don't have that man- woman got married , now planning for kids. Understood to take care of eachothers family and all. I feel we are different. We mutually inspire eachother to live their individual lives, accept themselves. We are still in the process. That's why it took us so many years and tons of misunderstandings to be at this stage." I said as Yug's maternal grandparents nodded their head.

"We are glad he has such a great family to live in." Grandpa said looking at me.

"I know. We are happy to have him after our father." I replied. They both looked at Yug who was inspecting their house with antique furniture. Anagha was silently walking behind him.  Trying to save him from getting hurt.

"Why don't you have kids of your own? Yug will have company. He will grow more responsibly." Grandma said as I smiled at her suggestion.

" She is not ready yet." I answered.

"What do you mean by that? Look at her motherly affection and love she shows that boy!" Grandma argued as I laughed at her. Anagha has always been like that with Yug. I hesitated to start the topic but I wanted to know what happened with his parents. Why my dad was involved in that accident?

"Can I ask about his parents?." I spoke as grandpa got up from his bed.

"Yes. Before that, let me tell you something. Your wife, she is a kind soul. When Mitra expired. Whole village was devastated. We couldn't even visit her or look at the child. Her father had no money nor means of communication. We didn't know, we will be able to see her mortal remains." He spoke.

"But then, she gave money to her husband,  asked him to call anyone who wants to see her and the child. I am happy that she helped us on time. In a world where money plays major role, she was the one who used it for right cause. It is not much for many but we could see our granddaughter. Hold her child in our hands when her husband visited this village." Grandma said smiling at my wife.

"She arranged for a job at her hospital in Dharmasala. Now he sold his farms, house everything just to stay there, raise his daughter. He cut ties with his own parents to raise his daughter." Grandpa said lost in thoughts.  We were silent for few minutes which made me realise that small acts of kindness does take you long way. Sometimes it changes a person's lives for better.

"When we asked why she took so much pressure of helping us? All she said was, someone close to the person she loves expired on same day as Mitra, she wanted to honor his death by giving life to someone who is willing to live." Grandpa said. Tears formed in my eyes and I looked at Anagha who was busy laughing with Yug. Wiping my tears, I waited for him talk.

"Mitra was a bright student, her father had no money and he wanted best for her. When his friend advised him to get her married. He was hesitant, as she wanted to study. But poverty has its own way of playing with our fates. When rains hit them hard, all the land he owned was under landslide. A pile of mud. He had no choice but secure his daughter by marrying her." Grandpa shared with tears in his eyes.

"The day she came here, people forced them to consummate and show proof, a tradition followed by blinds which we tried to change since ages. After that her husband and in laws protected her, tried so many ways to avoid villagers eventually they gave up and made the newly married couple conceive. A shameful act." He shared crying uncontrollably.

"Now Anagha has come back just like him. This time, God was on our side. He helped us stop this practice and made villagers aware of their horrible acts. It will take time but I am happy, I saw these changes when I am alive. That is the reason, I asked to see my grandson. " Grandma spoke as I looked at them with confusion.

Him?

"Who is he? What happened?" I asked.

"Your father, came here for some camp 10 years ago. He found out how villagers force newly married couple to get pregnant. His reports were published in newspaper but local politicians covered it up and saved this miscreants. My daughter was latest victim of this blind belief " Grandma shared her story weeping a bit.

"She was pregnant and came doctor declared that she's carrying twins. One of them had no chance to survive." Grandpa said.

Twins?

My Yug has a twin???!

" Your father  told my son in law that he can save them both if they plan to join the hospital in Mumbai. Officials came here to warn villagers against blind practices. People started coming at our daughter for associating with your father. They were already angry that she got pregnant at the age of 18 years violating the rule followed by everyone. During those tough times,  your father sent a team of doctors for delivering the twins. When they were born, one of them a girl had weak heart." Grandma narrated.

" She survived right? Please tell me did!." I shouted with tears in my eyes. I couldn't believe what my dad had shared that day was not about his health or me. He realised the importance of having a child with you! He realised what he was doing to me after looking at Yug's parents struggle to protect their children! He apologized for being a strict father when in reality there are kids who come into this world only to suffer by the society!

He went through phases of realisation only to leave me alone and desperate for his guidance!

" Amogh?" Anagha called out holding my hand.

"I...I am sorry, I can't hear anymore. I...I need to..I.. " I left leaving my wife and Yug alone.

I walked out of the house wiping my tears. He was so desperate for making things right with me. He was there on that day with me. I walked back inside to look at his grandparents and Anagha who were sad.

" Did he die saving his parents? Tell me he on his duty when accident happened." I asked who which they nodded their head as yes.

"After two months,  Yug's sister had breathlessness. We called him in the morning informing about her condition. People here wanted to kill the child or leave the girl to die on its own. Which was not accepted my his parents or us. Your father,   came to us late in the evening with an ambulance. Angry villagers attacked him, so he decided to take them with him. Once they entered Mumbai, I heard there was freak accident which led to death of my daughter and son in law." Grandma shared.

I stood rooted in my place. Until his last breath, he was in duty. Anxiety hit me hard. I clearly remember how he was wheeled in. He held my hand and left it when doctors pushed him into OT. My mom signed papers when police wanted her statement. Some drunk idiot crashed into my dad's car. It was brutal but mom decided to concentrate on me more. When Yug was handed over to her with stitches on his forehead. She found ray of hope.

"Kindness always comes back. My dear Anagha saved a girl child. Provided with the life your father wanted to give. Look at the work she has done. I am sure, she fulfilled your father's wishes. Mitra will be in good place and we believe whatever happens,  whatever this world destines for us. Will take place at some point. " Grandma said holding our hands.

"Anagha has indeed honored your father in right way. " Grandpa said.  I looked at her with teary eyes. He might have been strict with me forcing his wishes on me but one thing I will always be grateful is my dad choosing this woman to be my wife.

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Emotional?

This is indeed the last chapter for this book.  I will upload epilogue and bonus chapters, a sneak peak into their lives.

I don't want to show how they progressed further in their life. It is an open ending but with a closure. Getting what I meant? I wanted to write how  Strings of heart connected two people and situations around them. I really hope you liked it!

It's not that I don't want to write. I want to but I feel the essence and thought process I had when I started this book will be lost.

Please do let me know what you think about this book? I really appreciate your comments, it encourages me so much!