This special chapter is for reaching 50k+ reads. As a token of appreciation.

~❤️~

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Do vote and comment on your views. It'll help a lot with the upcoming chapters.

Also, i can see that no one likes Indra. I totally understand your views. But, when you look at him as 70's indian's view. He's a great guy. I know that this is a fictional story, but... I do want to portray how the society worked at that time. Trust me, I've been showcasing it very sweetly. everyone wants Indra as a good man, But it's not fully possible....

He can't be a 2025 diva in the 1970's, y'all.💅💅

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Tulasi's pov

When I saw Indra in those bloody clothes and with a head injury, it was like my heart had stopped beating. I ignored everyone and everything. I needed to feel him in my embrace.

He didn't let me speak about my worries. But when he announced that Rudra was going to marry Sugandha, I was perplexed. Then I glanced towards Rudra; he didn't have a smile on his face... Which was a clear sign that he wasn't happy. Then I looked at Sugandha; her head was covered with the pallu, so I couldn't read her face. 

I do want to think about them, but my main concern right now is my Indra ji. He needs his treatment. But, Maa ji seemed so mad, like a bull. 

The mother and son pair argued. Meanwhile, Nalini told me everything that has happened. I was shaken by her words; Indra ji killed that man. I was happy that Sugandha escaped that life permanently. But I'm also scared that Indra ji can go to any extent for me.

Then, maa ji ran into her room, while crying. A sign of defeat... As she can't do anything against her son's decision.

"Indra ji... Please, let's go to the doctor." I said after tugging his sleeve.

"Okay, I'll change my clothes... They're all bloody. And Rudra, come with us... You need to get your wounds treated as well." Indra ji said.

~Time skip~

All the time the doctor treated Indra ji, I was so concerned. The doctor put on a cotton patch on the injury and told him not to stress for a month. 

"Doctor saheb, take a look at my wife as well." Indra ji said, which made me tilt my head in confusion.

"But... I'm okay, Indra ji." I said.

"No, you're not. You've endured a lot mentally and physically. The doctor saheb will prescribe medicines for them." Indra ji educated me.

He cares so much about me. When I was at my parents house, they didn't give a crap about me. When I got my fever, they used to make me sleep in a corner, saying that I'll infect others if I touch them. They didn't even care to feed me three meals per day, and visiting the doctor was like asking for a golden egg. 

I obliged and answered the questions of the doctor. He used so many new instruments. I don't even know; they all looked like some toys that I used to get at the electronic repair shop. They were so useful when I played "the kitchen game" since my parents didn't buy me any real toys. 

"Indra ji.... What's that? A Heart-shaped thing with a rubber wire that the doctor used on you" I asked.

"It's called a stethoscope, Tulasi. You can listen to one's heartbeat with it" Indra ji said.

W...what? How can he even pronounce such words? It sounds so foreign.

(Don't even think about it, you people. I'll not even try to pronounce it! I know I'll embarrass myself. Indra ji will laugh at me again along with you guys.)

"Indra ji, can I listen to your heartbeat...?" Just like the doctor listened to yours?" I asked while biting my lower lip nervously.

Indra ji chuckled and nodded. I was so excited; I put on the stethoscope. Don't worry, I watched how the doctor put it on; I'm not that dumb. 

I was beyond thrilled to use it. I always looked upon doctors. They're like another human version of gods. I placed the round thing on Indra Ji's chest. I looked at him while blinking cutely. 

Indra ji held my hand while looking into me intensely. He trailed my hand at the exact spot of the heart. Oops, I guess... I'm dumb. I don't even know where to place it. But Indra ji is here to teach me everything. 

I giggled like a child that just got his favorite toy to play with. 

"Indra ji, it's beating so fast!!" I said.

"for you... Tulasi. You make my heart race just by your behavior. You're so cute that you don't even realize it." Indra ji muttered, which made me blush like a mad girl. 

I immediately backed away due to shyness. And the doctor was having his time while watching us. Indra ji cleared his throat, and we both walked out to purchase medicines. 

"Wait here with Rudra; I'll bring them." Indra ji said, and I nodded.

I watched him walk away, then... I glanced at Rudra. I know he's a lot older than me, but... I want to ask him this question.

"Rudra ji, if you don't mind. Can I ask you a question?" My tone was empathetic and low.

He looked at me and nodded. "ji bhabhi." 

"Are you happy to marry Sugandha...? Or do you even want to marry her?" I asked.

He seemed to go quiet. As if he didn't have any answer. 

"Yes... But why did you ask, bhabhi?" Rudra questioned while locking his eyes with me.

It seemed fake to me. There was no spark in his eyes when he said that. 

"I... I was just curious. You didn't even know about her. And... she's a widowed woman. Not that I don't care about them. It's just... I think your happiness matters too, right?" I said.

I had to say what I felt. I know it was a good decision to give a widowed woman a good life, that too making her your own brother's wife. But... I think Indra ji forgot the cost of it. He might have been so engrossed in Sugandha's torments and his own guilt about making a wrong decision. 

Rudra smiled genuinely. "Bhabhi, you're a kind soul. I'm more than proud to say that you're better than my mother. You care about everyone... But I'm fine. Please take care of Bhai's injury and also yourself." 

I smiled back. But... he seemed like he was hiding something. Maybe he just doesn't want to say it. I can't even force him. I know my place, and I'll not overuse it; I can't afford to. 

"Let's go now." I heard Indra Ji's voice from behind. I and Rudra ji nodded and made our way back to the house. Thankfully, there's a doctor nearby. But big hospitals are so far away. 

When we reached the house, the house seemed upside down. Maa ji threw some utensils around in anger, I guess. I have to tidy everything myself..... Even if it's her doing. Sighhh.... 

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Thanks for reading.....✨

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