Bade Achhe Lagte Hain | ✓

57. Pehel

Priya slammed the door behind her. It felt as if the weight of the world had suddenly crashed down on her, and she sank to the floor, her strength giving out as tears she had fought so hard to control finally flowed freely.

The silence of the room seemed to amplify her inner turmoil, highlighting the distance from the warmth she had once hoped to find. It felt like every bit of happiness she had managed to grasp had been taken away, leaving her empty and defeated.

Mahendra Sood's troubles had always loomed over her life, but today, as Mom and Mami condemned her, she found herself wishing, in a moment of deep despair, that Sir had attempted to harm her instead of Ram. At least then, she would be free from the shame that felt suffocating.

She drew a shaky breath, her vision blurred by tears. "I'm the daughter of a man who could commit such… despicable acts," Priya thought, her mind reeling with the weight of her shame. "How can I face them, or even myself? I'm tainted by his actions, and it feels like I can never escape that stain."

The sting of being Mahendra Sood's daughter had always lurked in the background, but today it consumed her entirely. The disdain in their eyes—every glance, every word—cut through her like knives. The disgust of being associated with her father felt unbearable, and she wondered if she would be better off gone, so no one would fear that he might harm her husband again.

But despite her wishes, Priya knew she couldn't just vanish. Ram would never let her go, even if it meant risking his own safety. Like today, he had defended her, standing up to his family and convincing them that her father's actions didn't define her. His fight for her showed a depth of commitment that left her feeling both grateful and guilty.

Still, doubts gnawed at her. Despite she was not responsible for her father's actions, she was still bound by them. "Mom was right," she thought. "Even if I'm not my father, his actions are a part of my life. How can I guarantee to protect Ram?"

**

She lost track of time, crying until she heard a knock at the door. It was her husband, back after taking her mother and sister home. She quickly wiped her face with her dupatta before opening the door, avoiding his gaze as she muttered her thanks for dropping her family off.

He gently took her wrist, and Priya felt the weight of his unspoken concern. She longed for his embrace to soothe her, but she hesitated, not wanting to burden him further. She choked back her tears and, still avoiding his eyes, whispered, "Can we go out some other day, please?"

When she stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in her night suit, she saw him setting the plates for dinner. A wave of mixed emotions swept over her—she was touched by his care but overwhelmed by her feelings. She was about to decline, not wanting to eat anything, but he stopped her.

"I'm not asking," he said gently but firmly.

She nodded quietly and took her seat. They ate in silence, the only sound being the soft clinking of dishes. Each bite was a struggle, and the room was filled with unspoken words and emotions. Ram's presence was comforting, yet she was caught between her own sadness and the wish that the day could have ended differently.

**

After he went to change, Priya busied herself with clearing the shopping bags scattered on the bed. Each bag held echoes of laughter and affectionate arguments about which outfit suited her best, and Ram's insistence on buying despite her protests. The image of his bright eyes, full of hope and happiness, replayed in her mind, adding to her sense of regret.

When Ram stepped out of the bathroom, she saw him holding a small red box. Their eyes met across the room, and he approached her with a tender smile. With a gentle, almost hesitant movement, he opened the box to reveal the other bangle he had planned to give her as a special gift. The sight of it made her heart ache with guilt, stirring a fresh wave of regret. He extended the box to her, his lips twitching in a soft, uncertain smile.

"Rukiye," she said, stopping him and handing back the box. "I told you I don't accept gifts until they're given the right way."

Ram looked at her, momentarily puzzled, before understanding dawned. A gentle smile spread across his face as he took her hand with the utmost tenderness to place the bangle on her wrist.

She looked into his eyes, crinkling with joy again, and realized that it didn’t matter how the world saw her, not when he looked at her as if she was his entire world.

Ram was her source of strength, even when she felt lost and alone. She understood how much he had brightened her life, even though she often struggled to accept it. And she would try to brighten his life too.

She held his hand, stopping him. "My turn," she said softly. Leaning in, her heart pounding, she pressed a soft, lingering kiss on his cheek. Then, looking into his eyes, now moist like hers, she whispered, "Happy Anniversary, Ram."