Author's Note - Since you all are not commenting much, I have shared a short chapter. Please show me some interest and don't be a silent reader, it discourages me. I am updating very consistently so I think I deserve your attention.
Although Trayambak had warned her before leaving for office, Dhimahi's heart was restless. She had to talk to her brother. No matter what Trayambak had said, she couldn't ignore her blood. She tried calling Dhanay, but his phone was switched off. Panic crawled up her spine.
She called her parents' house. No one answered. A lump formed in her throat.
'Kuch toh gadbad hai...'[Something is wrong...] she thought to herself.
She couldn't sit still. Trayambak had strictly forbidden her from leaving the house, but she didn't care. It was Monday, and she knew he had back-to-back meetings scheduled-if she was quick, she could return before he found out.
She grabbed her bag and rushed toward the main gate. But one of the guards stood in her path.
"Ma'am, aap bahar nahi jaa sakti. Sir ne sakht mana kiya hai."
[Ma'am, you're not allowed to go out. Sir gave us strict instructions.]
"Please, emergency hai," she pleaded.
[Please, it's an emergency.]
"Maaf kijiye, lekin hum majboor hain."
[Sorry ma'am, our hands are tied.]
She realized they wouldn't budge. Her mind raced. She took out her phone, pretending to call Trayambak.
"Baby, mujhe maaike jaana hai, lekin guards allow nahi kar rahe."
[Baby, I need to go to my parents' place, but the guards won't let me.]
"Ek baar unko bol dijiye gate kholne."
[Just tell them once to open the gate.]
She paused, as if listening, then continued:
"Aap busy ho? Nahi baat kar sakte unse? Theek hai, mai ja rahi hu. Bye, love you."
[You're busy? Can't talk to them? Alright then, I'm going. Bye, love you.]
The guards looked at each other, unsure. After a beat, they opened the gate. She walked out briskly without a car. She knew all of Trayambak's cars were tracked. Public transport was her only hope.
She reached home. Her mother, Madhuri, opened the door, a surprised smile lighting her weary face.
"Arey beta, tu? Damad ji nahi aaye?"
[Oh dear, you? Son-in-law didn't come?]
Dhimahi gave a weak smile, stepping inside.
"Nahi maa, unki meeting thi. Aa nahi paye."
[No maa, he had a meeting. He couldn't come.]
Madhuri cupped her face and kissed her cheek.
"Shaadi ko do din hi hue hain aur hum tujhe itna miss karte hain." [It's only been two days since your wedding, and we already miss you so much.]
Tears welled up in Dhimahi's eyes.
"Mai bhi aap sabko bohot miss karti hoon, maa."
[I miss all of you a lot too, maa.]
She couldn't tell them everything-not the abuse, not the fear, not the silent hell she was living in, and specially not about Dhanay.That wasn't her story to break. It was Dhanay's. She asked carefully:
"Maa, papa kaise hain? Kahan hai?"
[How is papa? Where is he?]
"Kal dialysis hua tha. Aaj better hain, lekin thake hue."
[He had dialysis yesterday. He's better now, just tired.]
She tiptoed into her father's room. Madhuri gently shook him.
"Nirmal, dekho aapki beti aayi hai."
[Nirmal, look, your daughter is here.]
He opened his eyes instantly, as if he had been waiting just for this moment. He hugged her tightly.
"Meri bacchi... kitne dino baad dekha tujhe."
[My baby... after so many days, I finally saw you.]
Madhuri laughed through her tears.
"Bas do hi din hue hai, Nirmal."
[It's only been two days, Nirmal.]
"Tumse zyada apni beti se pyar karta hu, isliye jalti ho na?"
[I love my daughter more than you, that's why you're jealous, right?]
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The Oculesics- Ek Kahaani Junoon Ki
Fantasy"Kapde utar," he said coldly. ["Strip"] Dhimahi's hands shook as she reached for her dupatta. There was no point resisting. She knew it. But she was too slow. Trayambak stormed towards her, ripped her kurti, and forced her down to her knees. "Muh kh...
