Ashutosh:
I knocked the door interrupting the conversation of mom and dad. Dad opened the door. I went into the room and sat beside my mom.
"Mom, please tell me what happened to my Rudrani? I am her husband, and I have every right to know about her. I don't think that me staying away from her will make her feel better. Instead, she may feel I am avoiding her and get hurt. Whatever it is I am ready to take it. I won't leave my wife though her past is horrible," I assured mom.
"No Ashu, I can't say the reason to you. If you try to move closer to her, it destroys her mental health further. Just stay away for some time, I will solve this problem," mom said, and I agreed for Rudrani.
"Ashu, don't let Rudrani know that you are avoiding her because of her health condition. She may get hurt," dad said.
I nodded and went back to my room. I closed the door. I felt lonely in the room. I am not that kind of person who feels lonely or boredom very often. I enjoy life every second, but now I feel alone. Why should I stay away from my love? What if Rudrani misunderstands me for avoiding her again? Everything was confusing and troublesome.
I didn't understand what was happening in my life. What happened to my Rudrani? Why was she that miserable last night? What was mom hiding from me?
Rudrani didn't even ask me why I was shifting the room. Does she feel comfortable without me? Maybe only if I stay away from her, Rudrani may stay happy. I think I should give time to her at least till her exams get completed. Meanwhile, I will try to know her past. Whatever may be her past, I am not going to leave her.
In the night, I went for dinner, and Rudrani didn't even glance at me. She completely avoided me. Mom shifted to Rudrani's room. I don't know what reason mom gave to her for changing her room.
Next day, my friends came to my home. Artika too accompanied them. We were talking in the living room, and Rudrani was preparing coffee for herself in the kitchen.
"Rudrani, can you please make coffee for us too, if you don't mind?" I asked.
"No, I am not your maid Mr. Ashutosh. If you think as your wife, I should do your works then I will prepare coffee but only for you, not for those unwanted guests," she said seriously.
My friends looked at me. Artika was in tears by now hearing her words.
"Ashu, we will leave," Tina said.
"No no, it's ok please wait," I said to them.
I went into the kitchen, and Rudrani looked at me.
"I will prepare the coffee for my friends, and I would like if you make coffee for your husband," I said coolly.
I decided not to say a word to her after seeing her situation yesterday. I am ready to do whatever she wants but not to leave her. Rudrani gave coffee to me and left to her room.
After some time, mom asked me to drop her at the college as she wanted to collect her hall ticket. I dropped her and waited there for her. She didn't come even after half an hour. I went inside the college to check whether she left or anything went wrong. I saw that same professor talking to her. I went to my love.
"Rudrani, are you fine?" I asked.
Rudrani didn't reply me and was talking to that professor.
"Look, I am not a girl of ancient times. Even if my marriage breaks, I won't break. I leave for myself. I am an independent woman and educated. I can lead my life happily.
Don't ever try to come into my way again. This marriage or relationships have nothing to do with my life. I am not a person who depends on others for my life. I will file a case against you, if you come in my way again, mind it," Rudrani warned that professor and sat in our car.
The drive was silent. I felt happy seeing Rudrani's courage but sad at the same time as she misunderstood me thinking that I may break this marriage.
"Drop me at your hospital," Rudrani said.
I nodded and dropped her in the hospital. Rudrani went to her cabin, and I too went with her.
"I want to be alone," she said closing the door.
I know well that she was hurt with that professor's behavior but not ready to take my support too. I sighed and called my uncle who works as Superintendent of Police. I explained the matter to him, and my uncle assured me that he would take care of the problem. I disconnected the call and took a paper and a pen to write a letter for her again. Thank God, she doesn't know that it's me who write secret letters to her.
"Hi, friend,
How are you? Are you crying again?
I know life is challenging you every time you try to find peace but do you know why? God wants to test your determination and dedication towards your goal.
Have you heard about amputee Lei Qingyao? She aspired to be a doctor and cheerful kid. Life was happy for her until the day she met with an accident. She lost her limbs. Can you ever imagine to be a doctor without limbs? If it's not Lei Qingyao, others would have given up the dream showing amputation as a reason, but she didn't. She fought for her dream and created the history by making her dream true inspite of many hurdles. Try to watch the film "Invisible Wings" inspired by her life, and she played the lead role in the movie.
Friend, acid attack or husband who can't take care of you shouldn't become an obstacle for your goal. You are having many better opportunities and remember physically and mentally you are fit. Never empower external factors to affect your inner peace. Live for yourself and your goal.
Your professor is just a jerk in your way. Kick him out of your life with your success. Answer everyone through your success. Don't let the pain bury you. Instead use every obstacle, grief, and criticism to prove what you are and bury the people who tried to suffer you through your victory.
You are strong. Keep smiling, take care, and I am always there to share your feelings.
Your Unknown friend!"
I kept the paper in an envelope and placed it under the door of her room and knocked her door. I escaped from there. Rudrani came out and took the cover. She looked around but found no one, she opened the cover and read it. Soon, she wiped her tears, and a confident smile appeared on her face.
I decided to motivate and make her happy by being a friend until she accepts me as her husband. I won't disturb her, but I will always take care of her. This distance between us will soon vanish like dust in the heavy wind of my love and care.