Krishnapriya Devashree

85. Unseen Ambitions

In the evening Balram stood in the garden, his large hands carefully picking flowers one by one. There weren't many flowers this season but he had to adjust with whatever were available.

God...he had been so dumb. How could he have said those words to Mata? 

He had the utmost respect for her. But where was it when he was saying those insulting words to her? He deserves this—the scorn of his Mata, her anger.

He was surprised that Mata hadn't forgiven him immediately because she was never one to hold a grudge. She forgave him for almost everything. 

Even when the feather-brained Garud and bald-headed Uluka complained to Mata about him annoying them, she had just scolded him in feigned anger and lovingly fed them afterwards. 

Heck, she had even forgiven him when the three of them had caused havoc by creating a cyclone in the middle of Ksheersagar by fighting each other. 

This time?....well lets not talk about it. He had messed up.

Why, why Prabhu....why did you not stop me from saying those words? He was so ashamed now.

And yes, he totally deserved it. Because he had been a literal jerk with her. Just because she was younger than him in this life doesn't mean he should forget who she actually was. 

From the corner of his eye, he could glimpse Devashree taking a slow walk along the garden's path. 

He looked down at the bouquet of flowers in his hands and smiled. 

Mata will definitely forgive me when she sees these. Otherwise, I have no idea what else to do.

Just as he finished collecting a particularly stunning orchid, he heard footsteps approaching. Turning, he saw Revati coming toward him, her face lit with curiosity.

"Arya, why are you picking flowers?" Revati asked her tone light and teasing.

Balram glanced at her briefly before looking away. "I'm picking them for someone," he muttered, brushing her off as he resumed his task.

Revati's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Is it for me?" she asked eagerly, her voice filled with hope.

Balram sighed and shook his head. "No," he said simply, continuing to select the finest flowers.

Revati's face fell, and she scowled at him. "Then who are they for?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest. "You never pick flowers for me. And here I thought you were being romantic," she said, "Who could be more deserving of such beautiful flowers than your loving wife?"

"You will see."

With that, he walked over to Devashree, who was still walking slowly along the garden path. Clearing his throat, he attempted to gather his nerves.

 Devashree turned around, her hand gently resting on her bump.

"Here, Devashree. I brought these for you," he said, looking expectant and slightly apprehensive. Please forgive me...

Devashree looked at the flowers, her expression narrowing slightly. She huffed softly, the air of disappointment clear in her posture. Without saying a word, she turned and walked away from the garden, leaving Balram standing there with a sinking feeling.

Turning to look around, he saw Krishna standing nearby, observing the scene with a knowing smile. 

"What did I do now? Is she so angry? I thought she would forgive me after seeing the flowers." Balram asked him.

Krishna chuckled, patting Balram on the shoulder. "Well, you're not wrong. She definitely would have forgiven you if only you had been more careful."

Balram furrowed his brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"