Remarriage

Adhiraj sat in the dimly lit room, flanked by a handful of men, each of whom exuded a sense of menace and disregard for morality. His chest heaved with barely contained fury as his gaze swept across the faces of those seated before him. Eyes burning with indignation, he spat,

"Until I am alive, I will not let you all engage in these heinous activities. Don't you feel any shame in calling yourselves human? How can you even think about this?"

Each word dripped with contempt, echoing against the walls as he stood up, his resolve unwavering. It was clear that he was prepared to walk away from this treacherous gathering, determined to put an end to their nefarious plans.

However, just as he turned to leave, one man, his voice low and unsettling, called after him.

"It will be beneficial for both of us, Rathore Sahab."

Adhiraj felt a surge of rage as he spun back, his hand moving instinctively to deliver a swift slap across the man's face. The violent crack echoed through the room, leaving the man's head tilted away, blood trickling from his split lip.

"Dare you to say this. I will never allow you all to operate your vile business here—NEVER!"

Adhiraj's declaration hung heavy in the air as he stormed out, leaving the stunned men behind him, their intentions faltering under the weight of his conviction.

As he exited, the man who had taken the slap glared at Adhiraj's retreating figure, fury radiating from him.

"You will pay for this, Adhiraj Rathore. You will pay for this slap on my face with your life,"

He hissed, every syllable laced with venom. One of his cohorts approached, seeking direction amidst the brewing storm of revenge.

"Your cousin is so stubborn Rishabh, he will never agree to this business. How will we do that now?"

He asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice. Rishabh looked at his subordinate, a sinister smirk creeping across his lips, as dark and malevolent thoughts began to take shape in his mind. Adhiraj might have walked away for now, but the battle lines were drawn, and consequences were brewing on the horizon.

__________

Adhiraj stepped into his home and was greeted by a lively atmosphere. His mother and grandmother were seated on the couch, engaged in a video call with someone. He smiled at them and inquired,

"Whom are you talking to, dadi?"

His mother and grandmother exchanged smiles before his mother replied,

"You came home early today, that's good. We can have dinner together."

Adhiraj smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Namaste, bhaiya," a voice from the phone greeted him. He walked over to his dadi, who was still seated on the couch, and she handed him the phone. Adhiraj looked at the screen and asked,

"How are you, Samrat?"

His younger brother smiled and replied,

"I am fit and fine, bhaiya. How are you?"

Adhiraj smiled back and said, "I am good."

The family continued their conversation before finally ending the call. Adhiraj then made his way to his room.

_________

Adhiraj entered his room to find Brinda sleeping in an uncomfortable position, as if she had fallen asleep while waiting for him. He smiled at the sight, walked over to her, kissed her forehead, and gently adjusted her into a more comfortable position. He then headed to the bathroom to take a refreshing bath and change into more comfortable clothes.

Upon returning to the room, Adhiraj found his wife sitting on the bed, fully awake.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" she asked.

He placed the towel on a chair and approached her, sitting beside her and pulling her onto his lap.

"Because you were sleeping so peacefully, and you need all the rest you can get," he replied.

She smiled, pecked his cheek, and murmured, "I have to make dinner."

Adhiraj shook his head and said,
"We have helpers for all the work. I do love your nurturing and caring side, but for now, I want you to focus on nurturing and caring for our little one the most."

Her smile widened, tears glistening in her eyes, which made him concerned.

"What's wrong, Brinda? Are you okay? Is something hurting?" he asked, wiping away her tears.

She smiled, shook her head, and said, "You are the healer of all my pains, Sarpanch ji."

He smiled, kissed her, and began to show her affection. She wrapped her arms around him, reciprocating his love. After a while, he pulled back and said.

"Let's go, it's time for dinner."

She nodded, and they both made their way to the kitchen area to enjoy their meal.

_______

On the other hand, Samrat arrived at the entrance of the hall where his best friend's birthday party was being held. As soon as he entered, he was greeted with a warm hug. He smiled and hugged her back, saying.

"How are you, Tripti?"

She smiled and replied, "I'm so happy you came, Samrat. I thought you wouldn't show up."

He smiled, playfully hit her head, and said.

"How could I not come, you silly girl? You're my friend. I had to come to save myself from you. I value my life, you know."

Teasingly, she hit him on the shoulder and said.

"Come on, I was waiting for you to cut the cake."

He draped his arm around her neck, causing her heart to skip a beat. She looked at him with admiration in her eyes, but his voice brought her back to reality as he said.

"Let's go."

She smiled and asked, "You didn't tell me how I look."

He stepped back, looked at her, and replied, "Just like a bandariya (monkey)."

Her mouth dropped open in shock at his words.

"Get out of here! You're no help. At least don't say that on my birthday."

He chuckled, patted her head, and said.

"You're so beautiful."

His compliment made her smile, but his next words made her eyes flash with anger.

"A beautiful monkey."

"Samrat, you're dead," she threatened.

"Okay, I'm sorry, but you actually look..." He was interrupted by her saying.

"I don't want to hear anything else. Let's go. I need to cut the cake. It's getting late, and everyone is waiting for me to cut the cake, including me, waiting for you."

She said with an angry pout on her lips making him chuckled, he muttered a sorry to her. After that, they both made their way inside.

_______

Brinda gazed at her husband's peaceful sleeping form, gently caressing his forehead and cheek and whispering softly.

"I sense that you are keeping something from me and the family members, Sarpanch ji. You have seemed tense for the past few days, despite your efforts to conceal it. I can tell that something is weighing on your mind."

With those words, she embraced him tightly, resting her head on his chest and planting a tender kiss. She whispered slowly with an unrecognisable feeling in her heart.

"I love you so much, Sarpanch ji."

*
To be continued........