AkDha FF: Seal The Deal Ch 2: Pg 10 - Page 8

Hello, everyone.🤗 I couldn't sleep, and so decided to continue this. I hope you all enjoy it, and it's longer than the first. A huge Thank You to everyone who reviewed, encouraging me to continue.😳

Chapter 2: Decisions and Revelations

Waking up at the crack of dawn was a habit Jodha had developed early in life. Still thinking about her decision, she left the house for a stroll in the garden.

Brushing her fingers over the soft petals of a rose, her mind pondered over the matter in hand. What was the right thing to do?What would her parents have wanted? What did she really want? Did what she want even matter? Was this turn of fate her destiny?

Jodha snorted as the thought crossed her mind. She believed in God, she believed in miracles, and many other things, too. But if there was one thing Jodha did not believe in, it was Destiny. Destiny, Fate - all these were excuses cooked up by people who wanted to justify their own failures. If Fate had had her way, she would have been a docile, submissive, and weak woman, ready to obey every command issued.

But, as it stood, she was not such a woman - the exact opposite of it, in fact. She was independent, and could survive on her own. She did not need anybody, no one. She had spent all this years alone, and could do it all her life.

It still hurts, though, doesn't it? her conscience pricked. Haven't you always wished for someone, anyone to share this pain? To hold you, comfort you, love you? You can deceive the whole world, Jodha, but you cannot lie to yourself.

Go away, Jodha muttered, annoyed.

I cannot, as you very well know. I am you, Jodha.

I never thought I'd be so annoying, was Jodha's quick retort

I only annoy you cause I tell you the truth, show you the mirror.

Never knew there was a hint of poet in me, too. Jodha thought.

Have you decided what to do?'

Not yet. What do you believe I should do?

That is your decision to make, Jodha.

But, didn't you say you are me?

I am. Do you love your parents, Jodha?

Of course I do. What kind of a question is that?

Do you miss them?

Every moment of my life.

What do you think makes a house, a home?

The family, their love, care and affection shape a house into a home.

Exactly. Now, a last question. In your parents' place, what would you have your child choose?

Without a doubt, my child's freedom. With that reply, Jodha had her answer. Feeling a burden lifted off her shoulders, she smiled.

As she walked towards the house, named, ironically, Prem Nivas, she thought she might be a bit crazy for talking and accepting advice from her self. She knew, now, that she would never be forced into such an agreement.

Her trepidation increased as she set the table for breakfast, she had no delusions as to Vinni's reaction. She would be furious, and set on her decision. The echo of footsteps on the staircase distracted her from her chain of thoughts.

Wishing her guardians a pleasantry over the table, she served them breakfast.

Clearing her throat, she began, 'I have made my decision.'

Vinni sipped her juice, a smug smile on her face as she said, 'I knew you would come to your senses. Better sooner than later.'

Making sure to time it with Vinni's mouthful of juice, Jodha continued 'I reject this marriage proposal.' Inwardly, Jodha did a victory dance as Vinnie spat the juice all over herself in her shock.

Fuming, Vinni said, 'What did you say?'

'I refuse' was Jodha's curt reply.

'You do?' Vinni said, a derisive laugh bursting forth her lips, 'and what makes you think you have a choice, Jodha' she spat out her name like it was a swear word.

Vinni's bark had always been worse than her bite, Jodha knew. Yet now she appeared to have gone completely off her rocker.

As Vinni moved towards her, Jodha felt nervous, yet strangely defiant. Despite her guard, Jodha felt shock flood her system as she felt Vinni smack her across her cheek.

Reaching her hand up to touch her tender cheek, she looked at her assailant. Vinni had a mad glint in her eye, as she grinned triumphantly at Jodha, elated at her victory.

Jodha felt shocked, and disturbed. In all these years, Vinni had never once raised her hand on her. Taunted her? Yes. Ordered her around? No doubt about it. But, hit her? Never. Jodha knew that she had obeyed Vinni all these years. In case of a disagreement, they had always managed to reach a compromise. She knew her direct refusal would have been a bit of shock, but never in all her ears had Jodha expected Vinni to react this violently.

Looking away, Jodha noticed Rajeev staring at her,shock and disbelief written across his face. That was even more surprising. Always maintaining a blank look on his face, Rajeev had never displayed even a hint of emotion since the 'Incident'.

Flashback~

She remembered how Vinni had starved her one night when she was younger. Ready to keel over, Jodha had felt positively ecstatic when Rajeev offered her a glass of milk, a smile on his once handsome face. However, before she could eat, Vinni had arrived, fury written across her face as her eyes took in the scene before her.

Rajeev had paled, still before her as his eyes never once moved from the angry form of Vinni. Snatching away her glass of milk, Vinni had sent Jodha to her room. She would never forget that day, Vinni's screams ringing throughout the house all night.

Flashback over ~

She had called it the 'Incident' ever since.

From the next day, despite her many attempts to talk to Rajeev, he had rebuffed her at every turn. His curt, cold manner with her ever since then had hurt her more than Vinni ever could. Somewhere, inside her, Jodha had always resented the man for giving in. For never having the courage to stand up to his wife.

His sudden show of emotion caught her off guard. Why now? After all these years? What changed?

With all these thoughts ringing in her mind, and a last look at the occupants, Jodha left the room.

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