(Note - the next chapter will be uploaded after hitting the target)
I really appreciate the people who leave their opinions behind.
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Author pov
For 3-4 days, Indra didn't speak to Tulasi much. Tulasi tried to talk to him many times, but Indra refused to even look at her.
During the nights, he started sleeping outside in the hall. Tulasi used to cry every night.
Rudra's marriage preparations have started, and Anuja refused to participate in any of it, but because of Indra's orders, she did it.
Nalini seemed extra happy these days. Everyone in the house observed it. She finally hit the age of 18 today. Anuja was happy to see her daughter grow into a beautiful and mannered woman.
"Nalini, now you're a grown woman. You're so beautiful; I bet many men will line up infront of the house for you." Anuja says while pinching her cheeks.
Nalini's smile dropped immediately. She knows what her mother was thinking, and other aunties were also discussing the same thing.
Tulasi was standing in a corner... Today everyone was at home since it's Nalini's birthday. Indra's relatives have also arrived, along with some village officials.
They prepared a huge meal setup for everyone. Anuja told Indra that the woman of the house will prepare everything, but Indra refused. He knows how hard it is to prepare meals for many people.
Everyone celebrated Nalini's birthday. Women in the family were in a separate room, gossiping about each other's lives.
Tulasi didn't say anything; those women only know how to discriminate against people. And... not to mention, most of them don't like Tulasi since she's just a woman from a low caste and also because she didn't bring any dowry with her.
"Anuja ji, your daughter-in-law has been married for 2 months, and she still isn't pregnant yet" some unknown lady spoke out.
"Yes, yes... My daughter-in-law became pregnant the next month after the marriage." The other one said.
"That's because you handpicked your daughter-in-law. She's healthy and came from a rich and good background. No wonder God blessed her with a child so soon" the first one said while narrowing her eyes towards Anuja.
Anuja felt extremely disrespected. She knows exactly what they're implying. Nalini watched Tulasi covering her head. She knows how Tulasi must've been feeling right now. But she can't even console her right now.
"And I heard that your second son is going to marry a widow. Wow, your sons are doing charity work for sure." Some lady spoke and everyone started laughing.
Anuja was boiling in anger now. She knows that everything they're saying is true, and she's mad that she can't change anything now.
Tulasi's pov
I was feeling so vulnerable. They're saying such words, and I couldn't even defend myself. How is it my fault that I'm low caste? Am I not a human? And... Dowry, I don't have anything. My parents didn't even spend a penny on me because I was a woman.
I couldn't hear anything anymore. I excused myself that I needed to work around the house and walked out. I lied, and it's really a bad thing to roam around the house, which is filled with men now.
But then I saw my parents and brother entering inside the house. I..Indra ji invited my family too? They were smiling extra, and I watched as Indra ji escorted them inside with respect since they're his in-laws now.
I was not happy to see them. My life was atleast better without them in it. I watched as my mother walked towards me.
"Hayee, my daughter is glowing now. Look at you, so changed. You didn't even send a letter or visit us after your marriage. Did you forget your parents already?" My mom spoke while holding both my hands.
Indra ji was taking my brother and father towards the male guests. They all were drinking alcohol.
My mother's hold got tightened immediately after Indra ji left. I hissed in pain.
"Maa, what are you doing... It hurts." I said, trying to retract my hands back.
"You've grown horns after entering into this house. Look at you, all glowing in golden ornaments and expensive clothes." My mother said while caressing my golden bangles that were given by Indra ji.
"They're pretty, but don't you think that it'll look better in your mother's hands?" My mother asked with a psychotic grin.
"Maa, they're gifted by Indra ji. I can't just give it to you." I said.
"what a waste. You're so happy in this house while we suffer there. Don't you want your family to be happy? Why not send us some money? I bet your husband would do anything for you." My mother asked. I was disgusted by her actions and words.
"Maa, didn't you say that it's a good thing that I'm gone from there? And... I know that Indra ji paid off the debts and even gave you guys some money. What else do you want?" I spoke in anger; I'll not just back down and do whatever she says now.
"You don't raise your tone on me. What!? You're jumping like a monkey because your husband is a sarpanch? Did you forget what happened when you were a kid? What if I said that to your husband?" I was shaken by her words. How can she threaten her own daughter like this? She's just a monster in disguise as a mother.
"Maa! I was a victim. I barely escaped death that day, and you're using this to threaten my marriage? Are you even a human?" I spoke with tears and anger.
"Don't teach about humane things. I lived longer than you and... If it weren't for that incident, I would've made you get married so much earlier, but the whole village knew about it. And I couldn't find anyone that would marry you. You're so fortunate that a handsome and rich man from another village married you." My mother's words were stabbing me like spikes.
"Now... If you just guide me towards the lunch area, I would be very pleased. Also, I want some money. You better give me some before I leave." I was controlling my sobs. I can't just cry and seem weak infront of her now. I remember how she used to torture me for the smallest things.
Nalini walked towards us with a smile and greeted my mother.
"Aunty ji, It's nice meeting you. Indra bhaiya told me to take you to the lunch area. All of our relatives are in that room; come with me." Nalini guided my mother to other guests.
I just stood there; I didn't know what to do. How can I just give her money when I don't have anything? And if I didn't, then she might tell everyone about my traumatic incident. I'm already crumbling in problems; I can't afford to form more misunderstandings between me and Indra ji.
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