Hare Krishna

Chapter 3

As Rajendra left the room, a defiant fire ignited in Nitara's eyes. She couldn't let his cruel words break her spirit. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she turned towards the door he had just exited and spoke with a determined tone, "If you think you can control my life and happiness by marrying me off to a mute and poor man, then you are gravely mistaken, Uncle!"

Her words reverberated through the room, a declaration of her inner strength and a refusal to be confined by his manipulative plans. Nitara refused to be a mere pawn in Rajendra's game of power and control.

"You may have forced me into this marriage, but you will never break me," Nitara continued, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I am not defined by the circumstances you impose on me. I will rise above them and shape my own destiny."

Anubhav stood beside her, his eyes filled with admiration and support for the courage she displayed. Even though he couldn't speak, his presence was a silent reassurance that they were in this together.

Nitara's words seemed to hang in the air, challenging Rajendra's authority and defying the chains he tried to bind her with. His sinister smile faltered for a moment, and perhaps, in that fleeting instant, he realised that he couldn't control the indomitable spirit of the young woman before him.

With newfound strength, Nitara stood tall, her resolve unshaken. "I won't let you dictate my happiness," she declared firmly. "I will find a way to make the best of this situation, with or without your approval."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words and determination palpable. Nitara had spoken her truth, asserting her right to chart her own course, even amidst the uncertainty of her current situation.

Anubhav's heart swelled with admiration for the brave woman he now called his wife. He might be mute, but through their unspoken connection, he communicated his unwavering support and the promise to stand by her side as they faced whatever challenges lay ahead.

“Namaste bhabhi ji. Welcome to the family. I am Sharat, your husband’s friend.”

As Nitara smiled and nodded in response to Sharat's warm greeting, a small glimmer of relief washed over her.  Despite the circumstances, it felt comforting to have someone by her side who welcomed her with open arms into this new, albeit unexpected, phase of her life.

“Namaste Sharat bhaiya," Nitara replied softly, grateful for the kind gesture and the presence of a friend amidst the unfamiliarity of her new surroundings.

Seeing the determination in Nitara's eyes, Sharat recognized the strength she carried within her. He knew that she was not one to be easily defeated by challenges. She had a resilient spirit, and he silently vowed to support her and Anubhav through whatever lay ahead.

As Nitara handed her phone to Sharat, she expressed a simple yet profound desire – to capture the moment.

"Can you please click a photo of me and Anubhav ji?" she asked, holding onto Anubhav's arm.

Sharat smiled, understanding the significance of this moment. With a sense of camaraderie, he took the phone, preparing to capture the memory for them.

“Thank you, Sharat bhaiya," she said, taking her phone back.

"You both look great together," Sharat remarked, trying to lighten the mood. "It's a beautiful moment to cherish."

Anubhav's gaze never left Nitara, silently conveying his appreciation for her willingness to embrace this unexpected union with grace and poise.

“Let's face this together," she whispered to Anubhav, her voice filled with determination and hope.

In that moment, as the camera clicked, Nitara's smile held a hint of something deeper – a silent promise to herself and to Anubhav that she would navigate this uncertain path with grace and resilience, and that she would strive to find happiness and love in the most unexpected of places.

Anubhav signalled for an auto, and as it came to a stop, and he got in. To his surprise, there was already another person inside. With limited space available, he hesitated for a moment before sitting beside the stranger, his shoulders almost touching.

Nitara followed Anubhav into the auto, and seeing the lack of space, she sat closely beside him, their arms brushing against each other. She could feel a hint of discomfort in Anubhav's posture, and she tried to offer a reassuring smile, silently letting him know that it was alright.

Feeling a bit self-conscious, Anubhav kept his gaze down, avoiding eye contact with Nitara or the stranger. He had grown accustomed to navigating through crowded spaces but sitting so closely with someone, especially someone he barely knew, brought a mix of unease. It was one of the reasons he preferred his old motorcycle.

Nitara, on the other hand, felt a sense of curiosity and intrigue. She glanced at Anubhav from time to time, subtly studying his unique features – his sharp jawline, dusky complexion, and those mesmerising silver eyes. There was an air of mystery about him that piqued her interest.

The stranger inside the auto seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, not paying much attention to the two beside him. He simply adjusted himself slightly to accommodate the crowded space, keeping to himself during the journey.

Anubhav's muteness seemed to hold an unspoken story of its own. Nitara admired his ability to navigate the world despite this challenge, and she silently respected his strength and resilience.

As the auto reached their destination, Nitara and Anubhav stepped out together, the brief journey leaving an imprint on their thoughts. It was a small moment of closeness, an unspoken connection that they both felt but didn't yet have the words to express.

As Nitara and Anubhav walked together through the compacted colony, she observed her surroundings with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. The neighbourhood was bustling with life, and the narrow alleyways were filled with the sounds of vendors, children playing, and the hustle of daily activities. The women curiously stared at her, whispering among themselves.

After a few minutes, they turned into an alleyway, and Nitara noticed an 8-story building ahead. Anubhav stopped in front of it, gesturing for her to go inside first. As they stepped into the building, she noticed that it had a manual elevator – a relic of the past in a world now filled with modern conveniences.

Anubhav pressed the button for the fifth floor, and as they ascended, Nitara couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension about what awaited her in their new home. She stole glances at Anubhav, noticing how he occasionally looked at her, perhaps trying to gauge her reaction to this modest abode.

Anubhav took out his phone, and with nimble fingers, he typed a message for Nitara. He turned the screen towards her, and in the text, it was written that he had a younger brother named Dhruv, who was a heart patient. He requested her to be kind and understanding towards his little brother, who meant the world to him.

“I have a younger brother. His name is Dhruv. He has a heart condition. Please be kind to him.”

As Nitara read the message, her heart softened even more towards Anubhav. She could feel the love and concern he had for his younger brother, and it touched her deeply. In that simple text message, she saw a glimpse of the caring and compassionate man that Anubhav was beneath his silence.

She nodded with a gentle smile, acknowledging his request. Through this gesture, he had opened a window into his life, sharing a part of his world with her. Nitara felt honoured that he trusted her with such personal information.

Anubhav's eyes met hers, gratitude and vulnerability shining in his silver gaze. It was a silent plea, asking her to understand the weight of responsibility he carried for his brother's well-being.

He unlocked the apartment door and gestured for Nitara to wait at the threshold. Curiosity filled her eyes as she stood there, wondering what he was up to. After a few minutes, Anubhav returned, holding a small brass pot filled with rice. He placed it gently at the doorstep, and with a soft smile, he gestured for Nitara to kick it lightly.

Nitaras eyes welled up at this thoughtful and traditional gesture. It was a beautiful housewarming ritual, a symbol of prosperity and new beginnings. She took a moment to appreciate the significance of the act before obeying his silent instructions. With a gentle kick, the rice scattered in a delicate arc, marking their entry into the new home and a fresh start to their lives together.

As Nitara stepped inside, she looked around the small, cosy apartment with a sense of wonder. Everything was neatly arranged, and despite its simplicity, there was a warmth that enveloped the space. The living room caught her attention, and she couldn't help but notice the four cushioned chairs arranged around a small tea table.

As she glanced back at Anubhav, standing by the entrance with a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

“You have a beautiful home,” she smiled at him.

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