A Family's Unspoken Love - Part 14
"Deepu... I love you," his voice resonated on the breeze. Deepu gazed at the man, her eyes wide with shock. She remained stunned, observing the love in his eyes."Deepu," his voice was gentle, "I care about you, not out of sympathy or because I've seen the challenges you've faced. You've been on my mind since our school days. I've always wished to study, secure a job, and come to your house with dignity to ask..."
He paused, fixing his gaze upon her. Still unable to meet his eyes, she lowered her head.
"I understand you may need time to process all of this. Take your time to think it through. Let's wait. If everyone agrees in my family, I'll visit my brother's house tomorrow..."
She looked up at him.
"I wanted to be honest with you before I left."
He stepped closer to her, coming to a halt.
"I'm not sure how to express my love for you, Dee. Just give me a place in your heart, exclusively for me."
Tears welled up in her eyes as his words stirred her heart, causing it to race. She turned away from him, walking away.
"Deepu..."
She halted at the sound of his voice, but he didn't look back. He approached and stood in front of her.
"Deepu, please look at me." His tone was grave as he implored her.
She gazed at him, her eyes filled with tears.
"Why are you crying now? What did I say to make you cry?" he inquired, his voice tinged with frustration.
Startled, she looked at the man who had caught her in tears.
"I'm not crying out of sadness. You've invited me into your life. The rest of our lives, we'll live happily together. If Hari has a companion in this life, it's you," he declared firmly.
"Harry... I..." She struggled to find the words.
"I don't need to say much more. You'll understand my feelings over time," he assured her.
He turned his head away from her, gazing at the distance.
"Let's go, Dee. I'll always remember that I left with your acknowledgment," he said, his voice filled with tears.
She watched him, her eyes shimmering with tears, as he walked away with a faint smile. As he disappeared from sight, she allowed her tears to flow freely.
His phone rang, and he answered it immediately.
"It's Achu calling," he said.
Achu's tense voice came through the line. "Hey, what happened?"
"She didn't say anything," he replied, sounding pained.
"Don't worry. Deepu might be in shock hearing it so suddenly. You know her, she takes time to process everything," Achu reassured him.
"Hmm... Dee. Will she understand?" he questioned anxiously.
"Yes, and if she doesn't, we'll help her understand. Don't be anxious; she's meant to be yours."
A smile crept across Hari's face as he listened to Achu's words.
"I'll call her tonight anyway," he mentioned.
"Alright, Dee. You call her, and give me a ring afterward."
"I will, but please answer when I call."
"Sure, Dee."
He hung up the phone, placed it in his pocket, and lay back, hands behind his head, atop the almirah.
Back at her grandmother's house, Deepu wiped away her tears before crossing the threshold and entered the courtyard. Krishna was the only one at home; Ragini and Gayathri had gone to Giri's house.
Krishna's voice called out to her as she approached him. "Deepthi..."
She took a step closer to him. "What's the matter?"
"I have something to tell you..." his tone was solemn. "We've decided to hold your wedding before Gayatri's."
A sudden realization struck her. Deepu stared at him in shock.
"I've made up my mind. I don't want to get married now. I just want to focus on finding a job," she implored.
"I'll go to work once I'm married," he responded, looking at her sternly.
"That's not necessary, please. After I secure a job..." she looked at him, her eyes pleading.
"There's no more discussion to be had here. You will obey me. If you want, you can leave," he declared firmly.
"Dad..."
"There's nothing more to say," he retorted, turning his face away and sitting down.
With a heavy heart and mind, she retreated into the room.
