Hidden Longing's

58.Truth

Gayathri's pov:

As Bava distanced himself, engrossed in his laptop, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration. He didn’t even want to help me downstairs, leaving me bored and restless. I hesitated, but finally gathered the courage to ask, “Bavaa?”

He looked up from his screen with a questioning gaze, and I nervously smiled. “Please drop me downstairs. I want to spend some time with everyone,” I said, hoping he’d agree. But he shook his head, dismissing my request.

How dare he? I’m his wife—shouldn’t he listen to me? I sighed, feeling defeated, and then decided to ask for my phone. “Bava, can I get my phone?”

He looked at me and said, “Your phone is gone long ago.” I understood he meant it was probably lost in the accident. But before I could dwell on that, he added, “Why do you even want your phone when you’re just going to block numbers?” His mocking tone made it clear he was referring to how I had blocked his number before the accident.

I was taken aback. Was he holding a grudge? Shouldn’t I be the one who’s upset? But here he was, angry at me for no reason. My frustration boiled over, and I angrily retorted, “Please drop me downstairs. You’re having a good time with your laptop while your wife is here.” I mumbled the last part to myself, unsure if he even heard it. He continued working, completely ignoring me.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Bava got up to answer it, and when he opened it, I saw Daddy standing there. I couldn’t help but smile at him, and he smiled back, walking over to sit beside me.

“How are you, ma?” Daddy asked, his voice full of concern.

“I’m fine, Daddy,” I nodded, smiling at him.

“I hear you got good marks in your exams,” he said, and I nodded again, pleased that he knew.

Before I could respond, Bava interrupted, “Mavvaya, I’ll be downstairs. Call me if she needs anything.” He exchanged a nod with Daddy and then, before leaving the room, he glanced at me. I quickly looked away, not wanting to meet his gaze.

Daddy’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Gayathri, ma?”

“Yes, Daddy?” I responded, my heart suddenly racing as I sensed something serious was coming.

“Did you love Arjun?” he asked, his tone gentle but firm.

I was shocked by the question. In our family, love was almost a forbidden topic. I didn’t know how to respond, but I found myself nodding yes, bracing for a lecture.

But instead, Daddy ruffled my hair affectionately and said, “Maaa?”

I looked at him, confused.

“I’m so happy,” he said, a wide smile on his face.

His reaction puzzled me. “When we heard about the accident, we rushed to the hospital. That’s when we heard Arjun’s confession to you,” Daddy continued.

“Confession?” I echoed, not understanding what he meant.

Daddy went on, “He loves you a lot, Gayathri, ma. He told us everything. I couldn’t ask for a better match for you.”

I was taken aback by this revelation. Bava had confessed his love for me? When? Why hadn’t he told me? My mind was swirling with confusion.

“It’s your time to maintain that love you have for Arjun,” Daddy said, blessing me with a gentle touch on my head.

“Daddy?” I asked hesitantly.

“Yes, ma?” he responded, encouraging me to speak.

“Why did you agree to this marriage?” I asked, still trying to make sense of everything.