Her ears were ringing.
Anupama was trying to hold back her tears. Her heart was galloping, her breath came out harshly.she was trying to keep herself together... But everyone speaking all at once wasn't helping.
"Are mard hai, rk baar pair fisal gaya to kya galat kiya? Agar ye gawar jara dhang se rahti to Vanraj bahar kyu jata? "...... Baas words were like molten lead... Searing her ears and burning her heart.
" Beta rishto me is tarah ki takrar hoti rahti hai, lekin iska matlab ye to nahi ki rishte khtm kar diye jaye?! "... Hasmukh Shah... Ever the wise person spoke softly.
There gaslighting tactics would have worked any other day, she would have gladly forgiven her husband.. Accepting whatever scrapes of affection he threw at her. But not today. Anupama has gone beyond their reach.
Because her husband... Vantaj cheater Shah has gotten another woman pregnant.
But Anupama didn't reveal the pregnancy to Shah family... She knew that poor baby will be Weaponised by everyone in that cursed house.... Used to shackle her there... Making her their slave forever.
Her salvation was already in her hands though... He dance performances at a state level competition for go unnoticed. She was invited to perform in USA. An international cultural event... All expenses paid.
But she needed to focus, she needed to get out of that madhouse and this doomed marriage.
" I had to give up on my education and hobbies because of you and your son baa. If your son desired sophistication then why did he marry me? He knew I was still studying. You knew my background. Still you chose me to be his bride. But ever since I got married I never had a moment of peace. All I got was your taunts and Vanraj's Neglect. He can spend his time and money with that other woman while I slave away for you, an you dare to call me a gawar! "
Baa shouted, " Pati ka naam nahi lete you fool! "
" Vo mere pati nahi hai! ",. Anupama shouted back, startling everyone.
" Agar vo dil se khudko mera pati mante... To mujhe kabhi dhokha nahi dete. Mai mar jaungi leking ab inke sath nahi rahungi. "
Vanraj thundered, his fury visible, " To jao yaha se, de dunga talaq tumhe. Tumhe kya lagta hai, tum mere bina jee logi? Samaj me jeena mushkil ho jayega tumhara jab sat pe divrcee ka stamp lagaye ghumogi. "
" So be it. ".... She said calmly.
4 months later, Anupama's heart was again thundering in her chest, her ears ringing... But it was because of exertion of her dance performance.
The cacophony of applause didn't stop for 10 minutes, her idea of performing classical with live rock music while explaining different human emotions was well recieved. She smiled ear to ear, elated for a job well accomplished.
And for first time in life, She was just Anupama... Away from the tags of daughter, wife and divorcee.
What she didn't realise though... Was her future awaited somewhere in audience... A man applauding and whistling most loudly, his face glowing with pride, and his eyes shining bright with hope and joy...
" I must see her after the show. " Thought one Anuj Kapadiya.
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