Meenakshi served coffee to everyone and then entered the bedroom with a cup for Aakash. He stood by the window and his frustration and anger was clearly visible in the way he clenched his jaw. This was the first time Meenakshi had ever seen him so disturbed.
“Aakash, have this coffee,” she said softly breaking his trance.
He turned towards her, took the cup and sat down on the bed. Meenakshi sat beside him.
“How dare he do such a thing? What are we supposed to say to her parents? No words can justify what they have done. I agree they are in love but love isn’t the same after marriage. It requires commitment and responsibility. He still depends on me for something as simple as recharging his phone. Now what will he do with her? Didn’t he think about the responsibilities that come with marriage?” Aakash vented out his frustration and raked his fingers through his hair.
Meenakshi gently patted his back to calm him and the cup in his hand paused midway to his lips at her touch. He closed his eyes, feeling the comfort she offered, as if her presence slowly untangled the fear and tension wrapped around his heart.
“Calm down, Aakash. Uncle needs your support today to handle this and you can’t do that unless you stay calm and clear-headed. They will definitely be upset and might create a scene but we have to handle it,” she said reassuringly.
Aakash nodded his head and felt calm in her presence. When Meenakshi withdrew her hand, he immediately felt the loss of her warmth.
A few minutes later, they heard a car pull up outside and realized Sharmi’s family has arrived. They looked at each and Meenaksi gave a gentle nod before they stepped out of the room. Balaram opened the door and a man around his age rushed in and immediately slapped Sharmi. Rajesh quickly pulled her behind him and everyone immediately understood that the man was Sharmi’s father. The woman beside him was her mother and another man, likely her brother, stood next to them. He grabbed Rajesh by the collar.
“How dare you, you moron? You have brought shame to our family” Sharmi’s brother shouted and slapped Rajesh.
Padma and Lavanya screamed at the scene. Aakash quickly stepped in between them to stop Rajesh from being hit again.
“Please calm down. What they did is wrong, but please sit down, we can talk this through,” Aakash said in a very calm and pleading tone. But the family turned their anger towards him as well.
“You want us to sit down and have coffee with your family after what your brother has done?” Sharmi’s father thundered.
Aakash took a deep breath before turning his attention to Sharmi’s father.
“Sir, I understand your emotions. We are just as shocked as you are. But shouting and fighting won’t solve anything. It’s not just my brother, your daughter married him with her consent. Please try to understand. Let’s sit down and talk,” he said calmly.
After a moment, Sharmi’s father sat down opposite Balaram, while his wife and son remained standing behind him but still glared at Rajesh and Sharmi.
“I don’t want any discussion. I can’t face my relatives, so we are taking our daughter with us,” Sharmi’s father said firmly.
Rajesh immediately stepped forward, shaking his head in denial.
“No. She is not going anywhere with you. We are married, she is my wife,” he said holding her hand firmly.
Sharmi’s family burst into mocking laughter at his words while Balaram and Aakash clenched their teeth at his reckless attitude.
“Your wife? Really? Then tell me, how are you going to take care of her? Do you even have an income to provide her basic needs? Let me remind you something. You still depend on your brother even for your own expenses. Do you think I don’t know about you? I know everything. That is exactly why I wanted her to marry a man capable of taking responsibility.” Sharmi’s father sneered.
“He will find a job soon. And whatever happens, I’m not leaving Rajesh,” Sharmi said firmly.
Her mother rushed forward to slap her but Sharmi quickly hid behind Rajesh.
“Shameless girl. We raised you like a princess and gave you everything. Your father found a groom, a senior executive. He is earning lakhs and yet you chose to hide behind this useless fellow?” her mother shouted.
Padma stepped forward, unable to tolerate the insult thrown at her son.
“My son is not useless. He will find a job. And he has a family that stands by him, so mind your words,” she said and her voice trembled with anger.
“Padma, calm down and try to understand their situation as well ” Balaram said and then turned to Sharmi’s father.
“I understand your concern. But they are already married, so let’s discuss what needs to be done next. There is no point in dragging her back or trying to arrange another marriage. Let’s be practical.” Balaram said and Sharmi’s father fell silent, as though considering his words.
At that moment, Sharmi rushed to him and fell at his feet.
“Appa, please forgive me. I know how much you love me and everything you have done for me. But I truly love him. I believe in him, he will take care of me. We are both educated, we will find jobs and build our life together. Please accept us. I never meant to hurt you or bring shame to our family. I just… couldn’t marry anyone other than Rajesh,” she pleaded and tears streamed down her face.
“Sir, my father is right. What has happened cannot be changed. Let’s focus on what should be done next,” Aakash said calmly.
Meanwhile, Meenakshi served coffee to Sharmi’s family but they refused. Aakash gestured to her not to insist and she quietly stepped back.
“They are married now. Nothing can be undone. So let’s make it official and arrange a wedding reception. We have a daughter and I don’t want people talking behind our backs,” Padma said.
Everyone turned to her in shock while Rajesh and Sharmi exchanged relieved smiles. Aakash looked at his mother unbelievably. Balaram glared at her and that shut her instantly from speaking further.
Sharmi’s parents and brother stepped outside for a private discussion. After a few minutes, they returned inside.
“Let him find a job. Until then, Sharmi will stay with us. We will fix a date for the reception and make further arrangements once he is employed,” Sharmi’s father said.
Balaram and Aakash exchanged a glance and Aakash felt Sharmi’s father was right in his point so he nodded his head to his father.
“We understand your concern for your daughter and your suggestion is reasonable,” Balaram agreed.
But Rajesh immediately rejected the idea.
“I don’t trust them. Sharmi is not going anywhere without me. What if they force her to marry someone else or take her away from this city?” he said, holding her hand tightly.
“Rajesh, be sensible. They are her parents and their concern is valid. You both are married so there is nothing to be worried. Find a job and we will arrange the wedding as soon as possible,” Aakash said but still, Rajesh refused to budge.
“Sharmi, your parents are right. They are worried about your future. They have raised you and they only want the best for you. Listen to them and go with them for now. Both of you can focus on finding jobs and then settle down in life. Its not like you won’t be meeting so you don’t have to worry ” Meenakshi said gently.
“No. My father has always threatened to take me away from this city. I don’t trust his words. I’m not leaving Rajesh,” Sharmi said firmly.
Everyone looked at her in shock.
” Sharmi, they are your parents…” Meenakshi began but Aakash held her hand and shook his head, silently asking her to stop.
“If you refuse to come with us today, then forget you ever had a family. We will never come to your help again, even if this idiot leaves you on the streets to fend for yourself,” Sharmi’s father thundered.
” Sharmi, trust your parents and trust us ” Balaram said to convince her.
Still, Sharmi lowered her head but stood firm in her decision.
“From now on, you are dead to us,” her mother declared, before the family walked out with their hearts shattered.
Silence filled the room and none spoke for a while until Balaram started speaking.
“You both are grown adults and should take responsibility for your actions. You have hurt both families and when you were given a chance to make things right, you chose to ruin everything again instead of thinking about your future. You cannot be this selfish,” Balaram said deeply disappointed.
“What is your plan now? What have you decided?” Aakash asked and anger simmered beneath his calm tone. Meenakshi quitely placed her palm on his back without anyone noticing to calm him.
“We need one month. We will find jobs. I have already spoken to my friends. I will get a job soon,” Rajesh said confidently.
“You have been saying that ever since you finished college and I already see the future.” Aakash muttered gritting his breath.
He shook his head feeling disappointed and more frustrated and walked to his room. Meenakshi followed him and saw him head into the bathroom with his track pants and T-shirt and shut the door behind him.
Once he came out, she took her turn to change. When she stepped out, Aakash had already shut the door and was waiting for her.
“Are you okay?” Meenakshi asked, taking her place on the bed.
“I don’t know… but I’m sure there is going to be a lot of drama from now on,” he said, lying down on his side.
“kavala padadheenga kanakku pulla. Ellam sari aagidum. Ippo amaidhiyaa thoongunga ” ( Don’t worry, Accountant sir. Everything will be fine. Calm down and sleep),” she said softly.
His lips curved into a smile like it did, every time she called him “Accountant sir“.
Early the next morning, as usual Meenakshi woke up to the alarm and got ready to start her day. She opened the door and the moment she crossed Rajesh’s room, she heard muffled moans. Her cheeks flushed instantly and she hurried towards the kitchen, swallowing her embarrassment.
“Oh my God… my poor ears,” she muttered to herself. She peeked into the hall and noticed her father-in-law was missing.
“Poor man must have taken refuge in his wife and daughter’s room,” she whispered with a soft giggle before starting her work.
Around 8 a.m., everyone gathered for breakfast but Rajesh’s room remained shut. No one glance in the direction of their room. They ate in silence until the door finally opened. Sharmi walked out with Rajesh following closely behind her.
Rajesh sat in his usual place and pulled Sharmi to sit beside him.
Aakash noticed Meenakshi serving breakfast and paused mid-bite. He looked at her and pointed to the chair next to him, silently asking her to sit and eat. Meenakshi only smiled and shook her head. Aakash glared at her and pointed to the chair next to him but she shook her head.
She went into the kitchen and returned with his lunchbox.
Later, when Meenakshi walked with him to the gate, Aakash paused and turned to her.
” From tomorrow, I want you to sit with me for breakfast and I m not taking a no. Also if anything happens, call me immediately. You don’t have to endure anything. And don’t forget to eat on time, Meena. Do you understand?” he said in a firm tone.
Meenakshi playfully saluted him. ” Saringa Kanakku pulla, purinjudhu ” ( Yes, Accountant sir. Understood) ,” she replied.
Aakash chuckled at her and left for the office.
Meenakshi returned inside and saw that everyone had gone back to their rooms, while Rajesh sat watching TV.
She glanced at the dining table and it was a mess. Sighing softly, she cleared everything, then had her breakfast before starting to wash the vessels.
She overheard Padma talking to Balaram about arranging a wedding reception for Rajesh and Sharmi.
“Let your son find a job first. What will you tell the guests who come for the function? You may feel proud that your son got married even before finding a job for himself. Aakash waited all these years to settle down before getting married but your foolish son couldn’t even wait a few years after finishing college,” Balaram scoffed.
“Don’t compare Aakash and Rajesh. They are different. Aakash is responsible but that doesn’t mean Rajesh won’t take care of his wife. At least he married someone beautiful, unlike the girl you chose for Aakash. I couldn’t even introduce her as my daughter-in-law to anyone but I can proudly say that Sharmi is my daughter-in-law,” Padma said.
Meenakshi froze at those words.
“How dare you speak like that about Meenakshi? Don’t forget, she is the lady of this house now and she has every right to throw all of us out if she wishes, including your son and his wife. Never compare Meenakshi and Sharmi again,” Balaram thundered before walking out.
Meenakshi quickly wiped her hands and stepped out of the kitchen, only to see Padma handing money to Rajesh.
“Take her out and buy whatever she needs, clothes and other things,” Padma said.
Meenakshi rolled her eyes, her mind instantly reminding her of the day Padma had refused to give her even a small amount of money.
Picking up the broom, she began sweeping the house. Padma watched her closely as she skipped Rajesh and Sharmi’s room.
“Why aren’t you cleaning that room?” Padma asked sharply and Meenakshi knew this would lead to yet another argument.
“Aunty, he is married now and his wife shares the room with him. It would be inappropriate for me to enter a couple’s private space. I’m sure they can manage their own room,” Meenakshi replied calmly.
Padma scoffed at her reply.
“Aakash is already upset with Rajesh. Don’t start another issue and create a rift between the brothers. It’s just a room, you won’t shrink if you clean it. Go and do it. And don’t let your uncle’s words get into your head. I am the woman of this house, you are nothing,” she said harshly.
Meenakshi decided it was better to clean the room than continue listening to her taunts. But the moment she opened the door, she was greeted by clothes scattered all over the floor.
She immediately shut the door again, leaving it as it was. Ignoring Padma’s angry shouting, Meenakshi cleaned rest of the home and returned to her room to rest.
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A/N:
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