Part 1
The tension at the table was palpable, an undercurrent of hostility pervading the normally inviting room. Ela surveyed her oldest daughter and son-in-law worriedly. They were eating in stony silence, and both of them looked angry and uncomfortable. Even the normally irrepressible Roshni had noticed the coldness between the two, eyes widening as Prithvi snatched his hand away when Damini and he reached out for the same dish. Damini's mouth tightened, but she didn't say anything and soon they both stood up and excused themselves, going off in opposite directions without sparing a glance for each other.
Roshni turned to look at her mother, anxiety written all over face - "What was that, Mamma?", she asked in a small voice. Ela reassured her - "They must have had a fight... It's common in a relationship. Don't worry" she said, hoping that was all there really was to it. Somehow, she had the feeling that the problem went much deeper... " I must speak to Damini soon" she thought, resolving to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as possible.
************
Damini stood by the window in her room, trying hard to keep from crying. What was wrong with Prithvi? He'd been so supportive always, taking care of not just her, but her whole family. The way he'd stood by Avni had filled her with pride and gratitude. And when he'd reassured her that he would solve all her problems, she'd believed him entirely. That was the Prithvi she knew and loved, the man who was her friend, her anchor, her life... This Prithvi was a stranger who seemed disgusted by her, who insulted her by day and rejected her every night... Tears pooling in her eyes, Damini wrapped her arms around herself, feeling cold and lonely. "Can't you see you're hurting me, Prithvi? Doesn't it matter to you anymore?" she whispered softly, wishing he'd come and answer her...
She was jolted out of her reverie by a soft knock on the door. Wiping her tears away hurriedly, Damini turned to see her mother looking at her with concern.
"Are you ok, beta?" Ela asked, walking up to her.
"Of course Mamma" Damini lied, with a big smile "I was just getting some fresh air" she said, hoping her mother wouldn't notice her red eyes.
"Don't lie to me, Damini. I know you and Prithvi are having problems" Ela said, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder.
The gesture broke Damini completely and she hugged her mother tightly, weeping her heart out while Ela softly stroked her hair. When she calmed down a bit, she whispered "I don't know what is wrong, Mamma. He is ignoring me and I can't take it anymore"
Ela sighed, "You have to talk to him,Damini. If you stay away because he is ignoring you, everything will be lost. Eye for an eye doesn't work in relationships. Sometimes, you have to swallow your pride and take the first step..."
Damini said slowly "Mamma, I want to talk to Prithvi, but I can't get through to him..."
Ela smiled "Why don't Prithvi and you take a vacation? Shayad different mahoul mein, you'll be able to talk things through better... A change of air could work wonders..."
Kissing Damini on the forehead, Ela left, leaving her to think about what she'd just said...
*************
Prithvi stepped in the bedroom, tired beyond belief. The strain of fighting his feelings was starting to get to him. His revenge was important, no doubt, but each time he saw Damini's face fall after he'd said something nasty, he wanted to kick himself for hurting her. "I'm so sorry, Damini" he thought, looking at her curled up in bed.
He wanted nothing more than to hug her tight, to kiss her and forget everything else, but he couldn't do that - not now, not ever.... Sighing, he slid into bed, taking care not to touch or wake her. "If only things were different..." he thought, as he fell into a tortured sleep...
Edited by diya86 - 14 years ago
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