Duty of Love

Chapter 29

Meera's POV

" What! Why"

I was looking at Deva like he had grown two heads while he was coolly  going around doing his work

" Is it bec..ause of any...thing I..I said yesterday" I was stammering  while asking the question that was burdening me from the moment he told me about the move.

He stopped to look at me. He was staring intently at me when he asked,

" Do you remember anything?"

" I don't " I lied  while stealing my eyes away from him

" So then how can you think it is because of something you said ?" without taking his eyes from me he asked

" Suddenly  you decide this after last night ...." I trailed off but I was sweating  bullets because of his questioning  and stare.

" I think it is the need of the hour" Deva finally answered and went out of the room

I could only stare at his retreating back .

" Mom, Dad..." I called out as I knocked on their door

" Meera, what is the matter?" Mom asked

I was a nervous wreck  facing Mom and Dad. How will I talk to them about Deva's move? How will I face them? These questions  were roaming around my mind.

Understanding my dilemma, Dad extended a glass  of water

" We are with Adi in his decision" Dad answered  my unasked question

" I didn't ask him for it" I clarified nervously

" Meera , don't make me feel guilty again. Adi had already reprimanded me for even thinking about you like that" Mom said

" I never want to be the reason for breaking up a family" I spoke out my fear

" Meera, I have always been proud of my Adi. He is never one to shy away from responsibilities. Whatever decision he makes, he always thinks it through and is utmost certain . Only once he took one under immense pressure and emotional stress. Still, it was one of the best decisions of his life but in his turmoil he misunderstood  the whole situation. This time I am sure , my son will never allow the same mistake to happen again . It may feel wrong at this moment but I am sure it is the right one in the long run" Dad explained  to me

I felt much better after clarifying the air with Mom and Dad. As I was walking back to the room, I was stopped by Anaant.

" Bhabhi, I know I was not a best brother neither to you nor to Bhai but just know one thing , from now on, I will be beside you both. I know this comes 8 years late....." he took a deep breath and continued, " Anyways,this is for the new start. Hope you will accept this" he passed me a gift wrapped box.
" Bhai is waiting outside for you near the car" saying this Anaant went away

I walked out to see Deva standing near the car. He opened the door and gestured me to enter.

We rode for about 10 minutes when we came in front of a two storied  house. He got out and I followed him. The house looked old but beautiful nevertheless. 

" This was my grandparent's house. I loved to spend my time here" Deva said as we entered.

He took me around the whole house. I could see some people working here and there.

Finally, he took me to an open courtyard which literally  took my breathe away.

" This is my favorite place in the whole house. Whenever I am sad or happy , this is my go to place" Deva explained.

" I have tried to maintain the place as it is from the time I could. I used to say that I will live here with my family . " Then going near a swing , he touched it lovingly and said , " I used to dream that I will spend my evenings with my wife, on this swing, watching our kids play"

In that moment, I was able to see his dream as real as it can be.

Sensing his presence near me, I turned to see him gently smiling at me . He then took my hands in his, which still had Anaant's gift and asked,

" Will you help me in realizing that long forgotten  dream? I have a lot of beautiful memories in this house.Will you be with me to make more beautiful  memories with you and our kids? Will you help me in making this our home?"  His eyes were pleading to me .

I took my hand from his. Without answering  him, I took that time to open Anaant's gift. It was a wind chime and was making the most beautiful  music with the wind.

I looked around and slowly went to hung the chime at the entrance to the house from the garden. Then I turned to smile at Deva.

It was a silent promise for a new start.