Siya POV:
"I want to talk, Dadaji, so after breakfast, I went to meet him in his office. On reaching his office, I knocked. "Come in," Dadaji said, and I entered.
Dadaji gestured for me to take a seat as he continued reviewing some documents. "What's on your mind, beta?" he inquired.
"Dadaji, actually, I work part-time in a bakery after college. I understand our family is rich, and my job at the bakery might not align with our reputation. However, I genuinely want to work. Can I continue, Dadaji?" I asked.
Dadaji paused for a moment, studying my earnest expression. With a gentle smile, he responded, "Beta, your determination and willingness to work are admirable. Our family values hard work and dedication, regardless of our financial status. If working at the bakery brings you fulfillment, go ahead. Your efforts are valuable, and I appreciate your sincerity. Don't worry about what others may think; follow your passion and contribute in a way that makes you happy." His supportive words lifted a weight off my shoulders, reaffirming the importance of pursuing one's aspirations.
"But if you are doing it out of financial need, you don't have to. We are here to help with your financial requirements as you are a member of our family and my granddaughter. Don't hesitate to ask for money or any help. If you are doing it with passion, go ahead, but rest assured, we will take care of your needs," Dadaji reassured.
"It's essential to pursue your passions and learn independently, beta. Your dedication is commendable, and I support your endeavors. Remember, our doors are always open for any help or guidance you may need," Dadaji affirmed, creating a comforting blend of familial support and personal growth. With his words echoing in my mind and tears flow down from my eyes and abhiram entered.
As Abhiram entered, he noticed the emotion in the room and the tears glistening in my eyes. Dadaji acknowledged him with a knowing smile, recognizing the significance of the moment. Abhiram, sensing the heartfelt exchange, offered a reassuring nod.
"Abhiram, sit beta," Dadaji invited, and Abhiram took a seat. Curiosity bubbling within me, I couldn't help but inquire, "Dadaji, how much do you know and how?, I asked as I sense something from the way he talks."
"I know everything about the way they are treating you. Your dadaji and I are friends; he told me everything they did to you. His last wish for me was to marry you to my grandson because he knew how you would be treated after he left. I agree, not only because of his last wish but also because I know you and your mom, beta. I have known you since birth, and I know what a kind-hearted and innocent person you are,Dadaji said.
You know everything, Dadaji," I uttered and tears flow from my eyes. Dadaji, sensing the emotional intensity in the room, extended a comforting hand, offering reassurance. "Beta, your journey hasn't gone unnoticed. We, as a family, share both joys and sorrows. Your dadaji's wish and my support stem not just from a sense of duty but from a genuine care for your well-being," he said, his voice a soothing balm in the midst of emotional turmoil.
As I collected myself, Dadaji continued, "Your strength through adversities has only deepened our conviction to stand by you. You are not alone, beta. The tears you shed are not just yours; they are shared among those who care deeply for you." His words echoed with a profound understanding, weaving a tapestry of support that transcended the struggles of the past.
"This is for you, beta," Dadaji said, handing me two gifts. "Your dadaji gave me these to give you after the wedding. It's a gift from your dadaji and mom," Dadaji explained with a sense of solemnity, as if passing on cherished memories through the carefully wrapped packages.
"Thank you, Dadaji. You guys can talk; I'll take my leave," I expressed, excusing myself from the emotional exchange. Stepping out of the office, tears flowed down my cheeks, and I hurried to conceal my vulnerability from others.
Reaching my room, I placed the gifts on the bed and retreated to the bathroom. Alone, the solitude provided a sanctuary to release the pent-up emotions. I let my guard down, allowing tears to flow freely as the weight of the past and the revelations of the present found their way out in the privacy of that moment.
Upon unwrapping the gifts, mumma gave me the pendant featuring a picture of me and my mumma stood out, a symbol of our bond captured in a timeless keepsake and a photoframe of our family that showcased a snapshot of our happy family – papa, bhai, mumma, me, Dadaji, and dadi. In that single image, the warmth of shared smiles, the embrace of familial bonds, and the unity of generations spoke volumes. It served as a tangible reminder of the love, laughter, and strength that defined our family, creating a visual tapestry of joy and togetherness. Alongside, the heirloom necklace held its own significance, a connection to our family's rich history.
Dadaji gave me a delicate heirloom necklace that had been passed down through generations, a testament to the enduring legacy of our family. Alongside it was a handwritten letter from him i opened the letter.
The letter from Dadaji
"Dear Beta,
If you are reading this letter, it means circumstances have taken a turn that I couldn't witness and I am no longer with you and you are married. I want you to know that my love for you is eternal, and the decision to entrust you with this responsibility was not made lightly.
I know everything that happened to you, even the nightmares that haunted your nights. It pains me to acknowledge the struggles you endured. Life is a journey, and I arranged this marriage with the hope that you would move out from the difficult circumstances of your family.
With the responsibility now passed on, the family home and office are in your name. It is not just a transfer of assets but a testament to the faith I have in your strength and resilience. Embrace your new journey with courage, and may the legacy of our family continue to thrive under your capable hands.
I regret not being able to shield you from those hardships, but in your new family and with your husband, find solace and joy. They are here to care for you and create a life filled with love.
Remember, you are not alone. Embrace the support around you and build a future filled with happiness.
With love,
Dadaji"
As I read Dadaji's letter, a mix of emotions enveloped me – a sense of loss, responsibility, and a profound connection to the legacy he entrusted to my care and again I cried and close the letter and kept gifts where I kept the belongings of mumma and Dadaji.
As I emerged from the emotional solitude of the bathroom, Abhiram entered the room. A heavy silence hung between us before he cautiously broke it, asking, "Are you alright?" I responded with a half-hearted, "Huh."
His concern persisted, "I mean, are you fine now?" I feigned a smile, replying, "Yeah, I'm perfectly fine."
His gaze held a mix of understanding and curiosity as he asked, "Why did you cover for me from dadaji and say you know about my business trip?"
"I covered for you because I understood you wanted space from me. But, Abhiram, let me be clear – no matter how much you distance yourself, I'm committed to giving this marriage a chance. I'll always be here for you, as long as you don't cross my limits." My words held a mix of determination and a plea for understanding.
The room fell into another heavy silence after Abhiram's brief acknowledgment. Eventually, he broke it by announcing, "I'm going to the office," and left without further words. The weight of unspoken tensions lingered, leaving behind a sense of unresolved emotions.
As the door closed behind him, I couldn't help but ponder the complexities of our relationship and the challenges that lay ahead.
The entire day passed in a whirlwind of ceremonies and celebrations for the muh dikhai ceremony. Night descended, and Abhiram arrived home late. I waited patiently, feeling the passing hours, and eventually, I dozed off while reading a book on the balcony.
At around 1:10 AM, I was abruptly awakened. Startled, I found Abhiram had already changed. "I reheat the dinner for you," I mentioned, heading to the kitchen to attend to the late-night meal for both of us.
Returning from the kitchen with warmed plates, I found Abhiram seated in the living room. The soft glow of the lamp illuminated the room, casting shadows on the emotions lingering between us. Without exchanging words, I placed the dinner in front of him.
"Why didn't you eat dinner?" he asked. I hesitated for a moment, meeting Abhiram's gaze before responding, "I wanted to wait for you. I thought we could have dinner together."
"You don't have to wait for me," Abhiram said gently, acknowledging the sentiment behind my actions. We continued to eat in silence, the air carrying a mix of unspoken emotions and a shared understanding that transcended words.
After finishing the meal, we retired to our room. The day's events and our shared late-night dinner had woven a subtle tapestry of connection between us. In the quiet of the night, as sleep gradually enveloped us, there was a sense of peace, hinting at the possibility of a renewed journey ahead.
Author's note:
Thank you so much for all your support.
Next is Abhiram point of view so stay tuned. Love you guyz.....
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