Wedding revelations-part 2
The wedding was over, all rituals complete.Everyone in Raizada mansion had retired for the night.
Except Dadi.
She walked through the darkened hallway, and stopped at Nani's door.
Her knock echoed though the empty corridor.
Nani opened the door, and was surprised to see Dadi at this hour of the night.
"Devyani, I know it is late, but there is something I need to tell you. Something that cannot wait."
"Come inside."
They sat on the chairs facing the window and looked at each other, one wary, the other determined.
Dadi broke the silence.
"Hear me out before you say anything, Devyani. Please."
Nani nodded, shocked by the word "please".
"A woman wronged her family,abandoned them in their hour of need. She shut herself away for fourteen long years, never letting herself acknowledge her mistakes, never thinking about the ones she left behind. Until one day, when she was forced to do so, by the arrival of a man who claimed to be the son-in-law of that family. He said there had been a grave misunderstanding, an injustice, and she believed him. She decided to help him. By doing so, she sought to redeem herself by bringing the family back together. She returned to her family, and set about laying the foundations for his return. But one day, an incident of grave magnitude shocked her. The loss of a new life, an unborn child."
Dadi paused to wipe away her tears.
"It shocked her into opening her eyes to the harsh truth. When she found out about the injuries leading to the miscarriage, her suspicions solidified. But she knew convincing her grand daughter of this truth was impossible. The only way she could do that was by bringing the son-in-law into the house, gaining his confidence, and then gathering proof. So she did just that. And then she began asking discreet questions, and collecting evidence. Finally, today she has enough. "
"I..I don't know what to say..Do you mean Shyam?...and proof?..."
"Yes, I have the proof. And I am going to use it now. Only then will I truly forgive myself for my sins."
Dadi turned around and walked out, leaving behind a stunned Nani.
She walked towards Anjali's room, knocked, and waited.
Anjali opened the door and stared at Dadi.
Before she could say a word, Dadi pulled her by the hand, and started walking downstairs.
"Dadi? What are you doing? Where..."
"Anjali, just come with me. I have something important to say to you."
When they were seated in the living area, Dadi took Anjali's hand in hers.
"Anjali. before I say anything, remember this. We are your family. We have always stood by you, and always will. We will help you get past this, and help you build a new life."
"I don't understand..what are you trying to say, Dadi?"
Dadi took out several papers from a bundle, and passed the topmost one to Anjali.
Anjali stared at it for several minutes.
When she finally lifted her tear-filled eyes to Dadi, Dadi saw it in those eyes.
The acceptance of the truth.
"D..Dadi..wh..where did you find th..this?"
"It was stuck to the bottom of the cradle".
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