Loved her with a love - Part 2

Episode 10


We went home. She was resting in Adithi's room and my mom gave her some food as per the physician's instructions. Nethra requested us not to inform her parents as they would just come and rebuke her. This will add to her pain and in no way will give her relief or change the situation. Later, my mom came to my room and said, "I wanna have a word with you"

I said, "Yes mom, what's it about?"

She said, "It's about Nethra"

I said, "Mom I'm really sorry, actually I was very angry with her and I don't know how I spoke all that. Maybe because of anger"

She said, "There is nothing to feel sorry about. I knew you were in love with her and I also knew that you didn't realize its love. She is not a bad choice to regret; she is like this because of some bad incidents that happened in the past; she is also a girl, a human being who is deeply in need of love that was denied by her heartless parents. I'll talk to dad about this if you are serious but before that I need to clarify certain things with you"

I asked, "What is it?"

She said, "She attempted suicide because of vexation as her parents have applied for Divorce and her father is getting married to someone else after the divorce. An insecure thought of their lives and future had made her depressed and has been troubling her. That's why she had decided to end her life"

I asked, "Mom anyway they are not together and the divorce is not going to change anything. She could have told me Mom. Death is not a solution"

Mom said, "When you are depressed you won't be able to think and decide wisely. Do you know she hates men? She is friendly with you because you care for her; respected her as a human being ignoring her callous nature and grumpiness"

I asked, "What's the reason to hate men in particular?"

Mom said, "Do you remember one day when we were watching a movie she became nervous and started to shiver"

I said, "Yes, I do remember"

Mom said, "Taking advantage of her family situation one of her relative had been sexually harassing her for some time since she was thirteen years old. This has affected her psychologically; it's kind of a mental disorder. If she comes across such situations or thinks about it or if she sees something that reminds her of that she becomes nervous"

I said, "Mom, it's shocking. How could life be so cruel on somebody who is helpless?"

Mom said, "Life is like that. She wants to be happy, move around with friends and lead a normal life like other girls of her age but this incident makes her not to trust anyone and she thinks grumpiness and loneliness is a shield to protect her. She is very timid in nature and fears about life but she portrays herself as a bold and stern person. Now Arjun, tell me are you patient and matured enough to handle a wife like her?"

I said, "More than I know myself you know me better; you tell me mom will I be able to handle this?"

Mom said, "I don't know, but my advice for you is to stay calm and make her feel comfortable with you. Make her trust you and love you. Love cures and pacifies. You will have to be patient till that. It'll take time for her to develop confidence in you. Love is not the relationship of two bodies. It's the bonding between the hearts & minds of two individuals that lasts forever.

If you really love her as much as you portray, you've got to give her some time. I'm really concerned Arjun, she is not mentally sound right now and may not give in to your urge for physical intimacy. This might frustrate you to the extent of giving up your relationship leading to divorce or separation.

She attempted suicide because she didn't like her parents' divorce and just imagine her mental agony if she has to sail in the same boat. Take time, think and tell me. Are you gonna take her as your wife or are you gonna give up your love for the pleasure of physical relationship?"


Episode 11

Mom paused for a moment and continued, "If you are going for the first choice I'll talk to dad and at the right time we will talk to her mother or father"

I said, "Mom, there is no need to think I have made up my mind, It's now I love her more. I wanna go for the first option. I wanna take her as my wife, I know her heart is bruised; I wanna heal her hurting and relive her from her pains. It's no fault of hers mom. I don't know if she will ever open up or mingle with anyone like she did with us and vice versa if others would be able to understand her pain and grief or not. I want to be by her side always mom"

Mom said, "Don't be hasty in deciding. It's easy to say but practically it's difficult. As a mother I wanna see my grandchildren. When I know the chances are very less, how do you think I'll accept to it?"

I said, "Mom, It's not a decision in haste. I'll stand firm and stick on to it come what may. To fulfill your wish we can adopt children and if you want grandchildren in your genes, technology has advanced to great extent in the medical field. I don't wanna quit her for a silly reason mom"

Mom said, "Good, I appreciate your decision but time alone will reveal the zeal of your love. All that we discussed should be between you and me. You should never discuss this with anyone especially Nethra and embarrass her at any point of time in your life"

I said, "I swear, I'll not discuss this with anyone"

Mom said, "We'll talk about it later. Don't trouble her asking anything. Okay" saying this she walked to the door and before she could leave, naughtily smiling she said, "I have never come across such a worst and wild proposal ever in my life"

After the discussion I was thinking about it and I felt pity for her. I decided, I should provide her a good life and replenish all the happiness and love that she lost all these years.

I went Adithi's room to see her. Adithi and Nethra were playing chess. I pulled up a chair and sat next to Adithi and said, "Hi Nethra, how are you feeling?"

She said, "Better"

I said, "Please don't ever try to do like this again what so ever. I know you're grieving and your heart is bleeding but death is not a solution for anything. I just thought what if your attempt had succeeded. The thought of losing you made me wild and that's why I behaved badly. I didn't mean to hurt you but I meant what I said. I'm very sorry if it had hurt you in anyway"

She didn't say anything but silence. I asked, "Shall we go out for a drive and get some fresh air?

Adithi said, "Okay, let's go to ice cream parlor I need triple sundae. What do you want Nethra?"

I said, "Let me check with mom if I can take you out and if you can have ice creams"

I asked my mom and she said, "Okay do not buy Nethra a sundae but maybe a scoop if she can take it. Don't stay out for a long time. Come back soon" Adithi, Nethra and I went to the nearby park and were watching the people around, the children playing etc. A swing was free and Adithi said, "I wanna swing" and ran to the swing.

Nethra and I were sitting in a bench and she asked, "Can you do me a favor please?"

I asked, "What is it?"

She said, "I wanna see Mithra, can you take me to her? She is studying 9th standard in St. Ebenezer School, Yelagiri"

I said, "Let me check with mom and if your health cooperates we shall go this weekend"

I checked with my mom and dad during dinner. Dad said, "Let us all go and visit Mithra this week end. Anyway we were planning for a family outing; let's combine it together"

As planned we all started. On seeing her sister both of them hugged each other and cried. We didn't know what to do and how to react on seeing this. Soon they became normal and were talking about their classes, studies, teachers, hostel and lot more. We had lunch with Mithra, during lunch Mithra said aloud to everyone, "Arjun is the only person Nethra has ever introduced as her friend till now and I'm very happy that she has someone to share. Thanks a lot, please take care of her. She is very reserved and will never tell anyone what she feels"

I said "Don't worry Mithra we'll take care" and we started back to Chennai. On the way back Nethra said to my dad, "Thank you for organizing this trip uncle, I'm very happy" Dad said, "Please don't say thanks a make me a stranger. You're happy right, that's what I wanted child"

Just to divert the topic I said, "Adithi is also studying 9th standard now". Looking at Adithi, I asked, "Is Mithra's syllabus same as yours?"

Adithi said, "Yeah, Same CBSE syllabus"

Overall the trip was good. She was happy and I was happy too.

Days passed on like this and I did not discuss with Nethra about my love for her and her opinion about me except for the hospital incident. I tried to talk to her sometimes but she avoided talking about it. We completed our under graduation and went abroad for MBA and my dad helped her in getting an educational loan. After MBA I took up my dad's business and Nethra joined a company. Adithi and Mithra moved to 12th standard.

Everything was fine and I asked my parents to ask Nethra's mother for her hand in wedding. As Nethra's parents are divorced, her mother took up the responsibility of settling them. Her father remarried and had a son. Nethra felt very ashamed and awkward.




Episode 12


When my parents asked her mother, she was not much interested in the wedding. My parents were very keen on the wedding and later she accepted. Our wedding was fixed. Before the wedding I wanted to ask Nethra if she was happy about the wedding because there was no love proposal, no acceptance and we were not lovers but good friends. I called her and asked, "Are you happy with the wedding?"


She said, "I think you're ruining your life"

I asked, "Why do you say that? Don't you like me?"

She said, "It's not about like or dislike but it's because of me, my behavior, attitude etc. You'll have a tough time with me because I don't know what a family is, what a wife and husband relationship is or how to build it. All I know is arguments, quarrel, hatred, tears, pain and grief. Since I didn't have any pleasant memories during my childhood, I hate having children and I hate myself too. I hated being a symbol of sympathy and shame among my friends and relatives. I hate divorce. I think it's the more cruel than any cruelty ever existed in our society. Divorce is worse than "Sati (A practice in the olden days where a woman would be burnt alive along with her husband in his death funeral)" No man can live a peaceful life with a woman with an attitude like mine. It will lead to divorce and I will become the apt example for the saying "Like mother, Like daughter""

I said, "Nethra, You don't have to worry about the past and its negatives. All I wanted to know is if you like me or not? Give me a straight clear answer yes or no"

She said, "Yes as a friend, but"

I interrupted and said, "Thanks, I don't want any "But". We can be friends even after marriage"

She said, "To be friends we don't need a marriage"

I said, "Very true, anyway my parents will get me married to another girl and she will become possessive and will ask me not to talk to you or meet you. I can't listen to that and she'll ask who is important Nethra or I. I'll say Nethra and she'll quarrel and my life will become more miserable. I prefer to share a life of dissension with you than to share it with someone else"

She said, "Thanks for saying that I'm important, but still I have an aversion towards marriage"

I said, "You'll get over the aversion soon. Be ready for the wedding and I'll take care of the rest"

I was happy to know that she likes me and I said to myself, "I have to make her love me too. hmmm interesting task"

The wedding took place as per our customs and practices and everything went on well. All Our relatives left leaving 6 of us in the house which included Mom, dad, Adithi, Mithra, Nethra and I. After dinner we all sat in the sofa and watched TV and were talking about the days happenings. Adithi and Mithra went to Adithi's room to sleep. Dad asked us to go to our room and Mom accompanied us till the room.

Before she could enter the room Nethra held my mom's hand and said "Aunty, I'm scared"

Mom said, "There's nothing to be scared about. Everything will be fine soon"

She asked, "Aunty, Can I address you as Mom from now on?"

My Mom said, "No issues, you can address me as you prefer. But I am desirous to be addressed as Granny and please grant me that wish soon. Family planning is between the husband and wife. I just told you my desire" saying this she kissed her on her forehead and asked, "What does the mangal sutra mean to you now"

She said, "I don't know, I haven't thought about it. It's a custom so I'm wearing it."

Mom said, "You'll explore and discover its meaning soon" and she left the place.

I was sitting on one end of the cot and she stood at the other end. We were like the North Pole and the South Pole. She kept biting her nails and I understood that she was nervous. I beckoned her to come near and as she came I said, "Sit" and she sat on the cot.

I said, "You look perplexed and tired"

In her delirium she said, "Yeah, I'm tired, woke up early in the morning and didn't have enough sleep last night. I'm not confused but I'm wondering how am I gonna manage in a new place"

I said, "My home is not new to you"

She said, "My role as your wife makes it a new place to me"

I said, "The change is only in the role and not with anyone else"

She asked, "Did you hear what Mom said just now? She wants to become granny soon"

I said, "That's Okay, elders are like that"

She said, "I can't ignore it just like that, she is more than my mother to me. Nobody has ever loved and cared for me so much like her and I'm very grateful to her. Since I'm obliged to her it's my duty to fulfill her just and reasonable desire to become a granny but I don't know if I can do it"

I said, "That's lovely, but it's your wish. No troubles from my side. Okay I won't take much of your time. I'm tired too. I have few things to give you" Saying this I went to the cupboard and grabbed a bag to the cot. I smiled and gave a cover to her.

As she was opening it I said, "This is the college admission cards for Adithi and Mithra. They are going to study in the same college, same course and Mithra is gonna stay with us from now on. I don't want her to stay alone in the hostel and suffer in loneliness like you did"

Tears welled from her eyes; but she smiled and said, "Thanks a lot. I always loved and longed to stay with her"

I said, "It's my responsibility and handed over another cover to her saying, "This is for my beautiful wife".

She opened it and looking at the air tickets, and the broche from the tour operator for 10 day tour package she exclaimed, "Are we going to Mauritius?"

I said, "Yes, for honeymoon"

She asked, "Are we leaving tomorrow?"

I said, "Yes, pack your things and be ready. The flight is at 9.30 PM"

She said, "Hmmm...Okay"

I took out the last one and gave it to her saying, "This is a small wedding gift for my dear friend Nethra. Happy married life"

She smiled and took it from me and opened it. It was a cute white teddy carrying a red velvet heart. She was nervous and restless and having so many things on hand and mind, the teddy slipped from her hand and fell on the floor just like she dropped Cuckoo. Now the recorded voice screamed "DARLING, I LOVE YOU". With widened eyes she picked it and hugged it and looked at me with fright.

Smiling I said, "Hmmm Okay, good night, I'm gonna watch cricket. Take rest. Good night. Sweet dreams" saying this I went near the door and before I could leave I said, "I wish I was that teddy" and left to the hall switching on the TV. Slowly I slept off as I was tired too. My Mom woke me up in the morning with bed coffee and she said, "Good morning, hope you slept well. (Smiling she said)I appreciate your patience. What time is your flight?"


Episode 13


I said, "9. 30 pm"

She said, "Okay, pack your things and organize your trip" saying this she went to wake up Nethra.

We started off and reached Mauritius in the morning; occupied the room booked for us. Since it was booked for honeymoon the room was adorned with aromatic flowers. The look and feel of the room was extraordinary. We called our family and informed them about our safe arrival, the hotel location, room number and contact information.

We had breakfast and started off for sightseeing. Mauritius is one of the most spectacular islands of the world. The beaches of Mauritius are some of the best I ever came across. White sands and blue waters make a striking contrast that was a treat for the eyes. The climate was good and we had nice time.

Nethra was enjoying the beauty of nature and as usual I loved her company. The day went on good with fun and joy. As we were sitting in the restaurant for dinner, I asked her, "Can I take a drink?"

Shocking she looked at me and asked, "Alcohol... Liquor.... do you take liquor?"

I said, "Yes I do, occasionally"

She said, "Your wish"

I said, "Sweetheart, to do as per my wish I need not ask you. You either say yes or no because you're gonna stay with me. You should be comfortable and I don't prefer doing something that troubles you. You're my wife and I should discuss everything with you"

She said, "No, no drinking"

I said, "Okay, thank you" ordered food and as we were waiting for the food she said, "You're not like my dad"

I asked, "Why do you compare me with your dad?"

She said, "He is the first man in my life. So I thought all men will be like him. He doesn't discuss anything with my mom and similarly my mom gives him back the same. They take their own decisions on everything and it was Mithra and I who struggled between them"

I said, "A husband and wife should be like best friends to each other. There is nothing like ruling or leading the other it's just sharing life and heading together. My parents discuss every small thing right from the purchase of home appliances, investments, our education and everything. You know the next day's menu is always discussed during dinner and mom made it a practice to have dinner together"

The waiter served the dinner and after that I continued, "If dad missed a dinner that's it, his day is ruined. She'll not talk to him. He'll walk after her and beg her pardon. She will not accept it immediately, she'll hold on for some time till Adithi and I support him. Then she warns him and it's over. It will be fun watching these small plays at home and we learnt love and forgiveness from them. At the right age they involved Adithi and me in the discussion and sought our views and opinions, if our decisions were right and wise they acknowledged it and accepted it. It included our marriage too"

She said, "Yeah, I know it's fun to be in your home"

I said, "Bricks and walls make a house and it's the woman, the mother who makes it a home. My love, will you make my house a home?"

She said, "I'll try, I might fail a few times but I'll learn it from your mother. I have a request for you"

I asked, "What is it?"

She said, "I will try to change myself and live up to your expectations. Please don't leave me for any reason, I hate being alone"

I said, "I love you the way you are. You don't have to change anything for me. You are just perfect and I want you to be yourself always"

She said, "But you are changing my character. I don't talk much, but now I feel like saying all the untold that I had shut in my heart"

I said, "I'm happy to know that you are feeling at ease and comfortable with me. You can talk and do whatever you wanted to do with me okay. I love you and all you do"

She asked, "You love me so much? I don't know if I'm worth your love."

I said, "Don't speak such philosophical words" and we left to the room.

I switched on the TV and sat on the couch fiddled the remote searching for a good channel to watch while she was having a wash. I suddenly remembered about that and I took it from my bag and sat on the sofa again. She joined me on the couch to watch TV.

I asked, "How was your day today?"

She said, "It was great; Mauritius is awesome"

I said, "Yeah, I loved it" and gave her the pack saying this is my honeymoon gift for you.

She asked, "Does anybody give gifts for honeymoon?"

I asked, "Why not? Gifts are given to express love and that's what I did. I thought this will be the right time to give this gift that's why I didn't give it yesterday"

Smiling at my response she opened the pack, her face turned red and said, "Oh my god"

I asked, "You didn't like it?"

She said, "It's nice but"

I asked, "But"

She said, "I wanna talk to Mom in privacy; can you leave me alone?"



Episode 14

I said, "Okay, I'll go a walk" and left the room.

I went to the reception and made a call to my mom, my call was on waiting. She attended my call and said, "Hey Arjun, Nethra is on the other line"

I said, "Yes, I know, put me on conference without her knowledge mom"


Mom said, "That's not a good practice. Call me later I'll talk to you"

I said, "Mom, she is my wife and I need to know if she is unhappy with me"

My mom said, "It's bad, should I do it?"

I said, "Please mom" reluctantly she connected the calls and told Nethra, "Sorry dear that was an important call that's why I had put you on hold"

She said, "That's fine mom, no issues"

Mom asked, "So how was your day today? How is Arjun behaving with you?"

She started sobbing and my Mom asked, "What happened? Why are you crying? Did he force you?"

She said, "No, he is gem of a person and I'm feeling guilty I'm disappointing him, I'm not fulfilling my responsibility as a wife"

Mom said, "Thanks, for a moment I thought I have raised an animal"

She said, "No mom, he gave me a night dress as a honeymoon gift"

Mom asked, "You didn't like it"

She said, "I liked it but it is transparent and seductive. I feel shy and awkward to put it on"

Mom said, "Sweet heart listen, He is your husband and has all rights to see you like that but only if you are willing and I promise you he won't trouble you or force you. Put it on only when you're comfortable and he'll take it as a sign. My advice for you is life is beautiful enjoy it and you'll start liking this life soon. Take your time. Enjoy your honeymoon, okay"

She said, "hmmm..."

Mom said, "That's good. Good girl. Take care. Bye. Good night" and disconnected her call and asked me, "What Arjun, what is your wife saying?"

I said, "I love you mom, you handle her wisely"

Mom said, "People are more important than anything else Arjun. Relationships are more fragile; handle with care. Take care of her"

I asked, "Sure Mom. So how are you, dad, Adithi and Mithra doing?"

She said, "We all are doing fine. Enjoy your honeymoon and come back home safely. I wish your patience will be paid soon"

I said, "Thanks, I want us to be compatible people first, which is more important for a family. Am I right mom?

She said, "Yes, couples should be capable of existing together in harmony. Okay take care. Bye"

I said, "Bye, Good night" and we disconnected the call and I went to my room and knocked it.

She said, "Come in"

While entering I asked, "What did you mother-in-law say?"

She said, "Nothing, we were just talking"

I said, "Okay, I'm feeling sleepy" saying this I lay on the couch and asked her, "Can I sleep here or shall I check if another room is available"

She said, "No, you can sleep on the cot, I'll sleep on the couch"

I said, "Maybe we can take a forty winks on the couch but it is uncomfortable for an entire night's sleep so I suggest both of us sleep on the cot comfortably if you are comfy"

She said, "Okay" and we walked towards the cot as two poles and laid ourselves on both the edges facing the walls. We dozed off soon and I woke up when the hot sun's rays hit my face and found her still sleeping but she was facing me and her legs slightly wrapped on me without her knowledge. I called the room service and ordered for coffee and lay on the bed gently stroking her head as I didn't want to disturb her sleep.

She was sleeping like a baby. The name sleeping beauty was very apt for her and I wondered if the princess in the sleeping beauty fairy tale would have been as beautiful as my Nethra. In silence I asked God, Why did you put her in wrong hands instead you could have given her to me, I would have taken care of my angel. Anyway thank you lord for giving her to me. I'm happy with her.


Episode 15



The calling bell rang tringggggggggg...........


I opened the door and the room service personnel said, "Good morning Sir, Your coffee and newspaper. Have a nice day" saying this he left the tray on the table and left the room.

I served coffee for both of us and woke her up with a kiss on her forehead, she didn't refuse it. We started off with the days outing plan. Usually when we were together I used to do a lot of talking and she speaks very little which is contradictory to our gender. Similarly today I asked her; tell me some of the happiest moments in your life.

She said, "My world is very small. It consists of Mithra and me. Few years back 4 more people joined my world. Yet I have few happy moments to mention"

I interrupted and asked, "Don't you have your mother and father in your world?"

She sternly said, "No, I can never forgive them for ruining my childhood. Don't talk about them please, their thoughts make me angry"

I felt bad at her response and I was able to feel the pain and agony in her tone. I said, "Okay, go on with your happy moments"

She said, "I was very happy when little Mithra was born. I was extremely happy when you said; my safety is your responsibility. I saw a fatherly concern in it. I started liking you from that moment onwards. When you got food for me I found a motherly care. When you said the worst hostel food is good and you gave me your lunch so I can at least have one good meal a day; I saw your brotherly affection. When you surprised me with a gift on my birthday I saw a true friend in you. I was bountifully happy when your mother first kissed me on my forehead, Adithi's innocent chats and time spent with mom, dad, Adithi, Mithra and you are the finest moments in my life"

I said, "You have seen me as a father, mother, brother and friend but why is your heart refusing to accept me as your husband?"

She said, "It's because of my past dreadful experience which I haven't told you"

I said, "I don't want to listen to your past which will remind you of that and trouble you. I know you're innocent. All I would say is forget the past, I understand it's very hard but still try not to ruin the present with the past"

I felt happy that she spoke frankly and unusually, expressed herself. During dinner she said, "You can take liquor if you want" I said, "Not today, I don't feel like taking a drink now. When I feel like taking a drink I'll surely ask for your permission, dear. Okay?" she smiled and said, "Okay"

The second day of our honeymoon went on like this with a little improvement of sleeping together facing each other without any hesitation. She woke up early the third day. Sweet sound of her anklets woke me but I was pretending to sleep and I was observing her. She ordered for coffee and was trying to wake me up. She got her face near my face but took it back. Few moments later she came near to kiss my forehead but she didn't, I opened my eyes and said, "Leave off your shyness and kiss me dear" sheepishly smiling she said, "Good morning" and handed me a cup of coffee. I knew she started to love me but was reluctant to reveal it.

We went for the third day's outing and she started to walk holding my hands and allowed me to wrap my hands on her shoulder. There was progression in our intimacy and we captured it in the photo snaps. This day went on as usual with a little improvement of wrapping our hands and legs around each other.

Though longing and yearning welled up in my heart, I enjoyed this waiting. It was an interesting and exciting experience to make her bloom herself. The fourth day's outing went on like this and in the night she asked me, "It's boring, Can we play something?"

I said, "Okay, let me check if the billiards pool or any recreation centre is open in the hotel at this point of time"

She said, "Let's play an indoor game"

I said, "Oh, we don't have chess board or carom here. What do we play?"

She said, "Hide and seek"

I laughed loudly and said, "Hide and seek interesting. Okay who is gonna hide and who is gonna seek?"

She said, "I'm gonna hide and you're gonna seek" saying this she tied my eyes and pulled my hands to my back and tied them together.

I asked, "When was then rule changed. I know hide and seek where only eyes were tied but why hands?"

She said, "what if you take out the eye band with your hands before I hide and find out my hiding place?"

I asked, "Okay, but anyway I have to take it out myself once you're hid"