Seven Vows Part 1- Published

The Pooja

Evening everyone was assembled near the pooja room. Sreedhar was wearing blue sherwani Sudhir had gifted. Tilak had always given his brother pocket money for his birthday and this year was no different. Sreedhar looked at his watch and the whole family became solemn for a moment. Murali used to gift Sreedhar a new watch every year from the time he had started earning. Maheswari had scolded Murali for extravagance, but it had hardly mattered to him. But today that watch reminded everyone on Murali's absence

" I have got a gift. Can I give " asked Suman diverting everyone's attention

" Why are you asking. You have every right to give gift to your devar " told Renuka

Suman closed her eyes for a moment. How can she tell them she is living a lie. A lie of being Murali's wife whereas the truth was in her heart only one man resided and the society called him her devar. She recollected herself and put forward a hand made greeting card

" Many Many happy returns of the day Sreedhar ".

Sreedhar took the beautifully painted card. Only he had noticed her wavering when Renuka Bhabi addressed him her devar. It hurt him also. The lie the society including his family believed of their relation. From outside it looked a simple card. But Sreedhar had known such cards of Suman which will have secret pockets with secret messages. Everyone in hostel will see friendship day cards, valentine day cards, so the real secret message Suman used to hide in those cards. He knew this card also had a hidden message. Everyone appreciated the painted card.

" Come let us do the aarti. Suman you made the Tulsi Mala. You put it on Krishna. Sreedhar you take the aarti everytime beta. Take it today also " told Maheswari

As Suman put the Tulsi Mala she had only one request to Krishna keep Sreedhar always safe, healthy and happy

After that Sreedhar took the aarti. He prayed to give both of them strength to fight through the battle he has undertaken for him, for her.

After distributing Prasad everyone assembled at dining table where Maheswari had made delicious pooris, halwa Sreedhar's favourite. Vindhya had prepared her special rasmalai which Sreedhar loved a lot and Renuka had prepared Samosa chat which Sreedhar called her speciality.

Suman was taking care of kids and didn't go near kitchen as she felt it was better that way. Nobody asked her also as it was expected she didn't know much of Sreedhar's tastes and she had not been long enough for him to like something special from her.

Once back in room Sreedhar caressed the surface of the card to check for hidden openings. Finally he managed to find it and a folded paper fell from that place. He opened it

Sreedhar,

5 months back sitting in a room wearing a white saree I only had one thought. It was about you. I never wanted you to see me like this. I never wanted to come in front of you. I never wanted our paths to cross because I can suffer pain, but I cannot see you in pain. But that was not to be. We came face to face in the most unusual circumstances. You unlocked the hoards of memories I had kept locked in my heart from the day this white dress became my companion. Then I realized I have lived the most beautiful moments of my life with you. Those 15-16 months has given me everything to last a life time. I can live with the memories, content teaching dance. The fact that I still hold the special place in your heart is more than enough for me to sail through this tough life. I am happy, really happy for what all you have done for me. I want you to move on Sreedhar, for your sake, for this family's sake. Let this relation remain formal [Suman]

Sreedhar read it once again and then shred it "Suman you are happy and you want me to believe it. You want to live a lie your whole life and you say you are comfortable in it. One remark of me as your devar you cant take it and you have to hold yourself to play the role. We cannot run away from truth Suman and one day everyone will have to face it. We cannot live this lie. We cannot. He closed his eyes.

Suman sat in her room. She had written in her letter she was comfortable living like this. But was it the truth. Was she really comfortable living the lie. She was, till he came. But now, she was scared to accept it. But that was the truth. She wanted to be in his arms tonight. They were playing with fire and she didn't know what all it will burn.