A Family's Unspoken Love - Part 13
The Devi Temple perches in the embrace of nature atop the Grandmother's Kavu hill. It's a place where more people visit less frequently, resulting in a tranquil and noise-free atmosphere.Nearby, a stream flows, and the harmonious sounds of birds and the gentle breeze create a soothing ambiance for the eyes and the mind alike.
Achu, Hari, and Deepu hold a special affection for this place. Whenever they have spare time, the three friends climb the hill and spend moments here.
On this particular day, Hari removed his shirt and entered the temple with a sense of determination. Speaking to himself, he folded his hands and closed his eyes, saying, "Mom, Devi, I'm going to share something with Deepu that I've been carrying for years.
Please be with me in my mother's presence." He opened his eyes and gazed expectantly at the goddess. It felt as though Devi was smiling at him, sending a shiver down his spine. With a contented smile, he prayed to the goddess once more before exiting the temple.
Later, Deepu arrived at her grandmother's house and found Hari waiting near the temple as if he were anticipating her arrival. As she approached, he stood up from where he had been sitting.
With a warm smile, she inquired, "Have you been waiting here for long?"
Hari replied, "No, just ten minutes," accompanied by a smile. His thoughts were occupied by how Deepu would react to what he was about to say.
"Hey, what's on your mind?" she probed, lightly touching his face with her fingers.
"Nothing," he replied, attempting a smile.
"Alright, but where's Achu? Did she go to sleep?"
Hari answered, "She hasn't arrived yet. She'll be here shortly."
"Okay, but I'll go check on her. You come along."
Hari declined, saying, "I'll stay here. You go and freshen up."
"Alright, I'll be back soon." Deepu entered the temple.
Hari had moved away from the temple and was now near the stream. After some time, Deepu joined him.
"What's bothering you? Why are you lost in thought?" Deepu patted him on the shoulder, inquiring about his demeanor.
He remained seated, contemplating. "Is there something on your mind?" she asked, lifting her chin to look into his eyes.
"Would you be angry with me if I told you something?"
Deepu regarded him with suspicion. "What on earth have you done?" she asked, lifting her chin higher.
"Deepu, don't tease. You need to take this seriously," he urged.
"Alright, Harry. Go ahead," she said, prompting him to continue.
"Here it is—I have feelings for someone."
Deepu was taken aback. "What...?"
"I'm in love, Deepu, and it's the kind of love that binds me to you."
She looked at him, stunned by his revelation.
"Is what you're saying true? Who is this person, and what are you doing? How do you know them? Why haven't you told us anything?" Deepu fired a series of questions at him.
"Please, hold on for a moment. I'll answer all your questions."
"Alright, but answer me quickly," she demanded.
"But first, will you answer my question?" he countered.
"What question?"
"Deepu, I haven't yet expressed my love to that person. Do you think they would reciprocate my feelings? I'm asking for that person."
Deepu smiled faintly. "No one could possibly not like you," she assured him.
"Is that true?" he inquired, his eyes widening.
"Yes," she nodded.
"Who is it? This person we're talking about..."
"It's someone we all know well, Harry," she replied.
Numerous faces flashed through her mind. "Is it a familiar face?" she asked.
"It's a young man who is going through a difficult life in the village. I'm not sure if he'd understand my feelings, though," he said, expressing his apprehension.
"Hari, if you have feelings for someone, you should express them openly, regardless of the response," Deepu advised. "Perhaps this young man feels the same way about you?"
Hari was doubtful. "It's not possible; he's facing too many hardships. Would he even consider such feelings?"
"No one's life is free from challenges, Hari," Deepu comforted him. "When you tell him, you'll understand his perspective. First, open your heart to him. We can figure out the rest later."
"Is that so?"
"Yes," she affirmed. "Now, go ahead."
She moved aside, and as she stood up, he got to his feet. "Deepu, I love you," he declared, his voice resonating in the breeze.
Deepu looked at him, shocked by the revelation. She stood there, stupefied, as he gazed at her with love in his eyes.
