Love that heals

Ashutosh:

I didn't want to make any decision without knowing the reason behind her choice. I went to the kitchen and started preparing dinner, and my friends joined me. We prepared it, and Ahmed and Tina went to set the dinner on the table. "Ashu, why do you love Rudrani that much where she didn't want you to be alive?" Artika asked me.

"It's just a game, Artika. Leave it," I said.

"Ashu, I love you. I will choose you even at the cost of my life. Why don't you understand this?" Artika said resting her head on my chest and touching my cheek with her hand emotionally.

I was about to push her away as I am in irritation but just then Rudrani entered into the kitchen and looked at us.

"I.... Rudrani, it..,"

"Go and sit in the dining hall, I will come," Rudrani said looking at Artika.

I pushed Artika away and went off from there. Artika was about to follow me but stopped by Rudrani.

"Wait, I need to talk to you," Rudrani said.

Now Artika is going to see tigress in my wife. I didn't want to interfere with them, and I chose to escape. After ten minutes, Artika and Rudrani came to the dining hall. We had the food, and I went to our room to take rest. Rudrani came to the room and sat beside me.

"Are you hurt with my answers?" Rudrani asked me.

"I was happy to know that you were frank rather than being formal and chanting my name as an answer for every question," I replied.

I am hurt, but I didn't want to hurt her.

"Don't you want to know the reason behind my answers?"

"I don't want to have unnecessary discussions with my wife," I said.

"I think you are angry with me," Rudrani said.

"How can you decide that?"

"Through your way of communication and facial expressions."

"I am not that matured to be calm even after knowing that my wife didn't want me to be alive," I answered.

"I didn't say that, Ashu. I just said that I want that unknown friend to be alive. Ashu, if God asks me to choose between you and me, I will choose you. You are important to me than me.

But in the case of that unknown friend and you, I choose that friend because I think this world needs such people more and more but are very few.

Ashu, I have never seen my pen friend till now. I just read his words. He inspired me many times without expecting anything from me. He is selfless. Do you know something Ashu? I had seen the same handwriting once when a rape victim was rescued and brought to the Home where I worked as a volunteer. That victim thought to suicide but fought back after reading his letter.

His words have the power to heal a broken soul, empower a heart which lost all hopes, can guide through the path which is far from being visible. I have never seen him, but I admire him. Nowadays even our family and friends don't have time to encourage us, hearing to our problem, but he does that work without any expectations. Even if you and I are alive, we are concerned only about our family, but if that person was alive, he brings change in the life of many people and will give hope to them. I think this society needs a person like him than us as everyone is becoming selfish day by day and not even concerned about friends or neighbors. Everyone is busy with their life. I feel he is a special person with a golden heart. That's why I chose him to be alive over you because if he is alive, he will help many others to be alive fighting back with their life rather than quitting life for simple reasons," Rudrani said.

I remembered me writing such unknown letters to few people whom I see in pain. I feel happy seeing the smile on their face after reading my letter. However, I never realized the impact of my letters on those innocent souls. It sounded good when my love appreciated me without knowing it's me.

"Ashu, you are my husband. Obviously, you have to love and care for me, it's your responsibility, and in return, you expect the same from me. Don't think I am degrading your feelings or attitude. I am just saying we are caring for each other as our responsibility and it's not unconditional and involve expectations.

But that friend is different. Even I can't be that selfless. Please don't misunderstand me; I didn't want to fake my feelings before you. After all, we should be genuine to each other if we want our bond to become stronger. However I apologize you for hurting you," Rudrani said.

Her words and the way she explained her reason mesmerized me. I pulled her closer and kissed her lips. Contrary to my expectations, Rudrani kissed me back instead of pulling herself away from me.

"I love you, Rudrani. You are amazing. Your words and opinions explained to me what you are. I am glad that I have a wife who is authentic, frank and kind-hearted. As a husband, I became possessive and hurt for some time but after understanding your perspective, I respect you more. However, opinions are never final and change from time to time. Though I was proud that my wife was truthful and didn't chant my name as the answer to those questions for impressing me, I want to change your answers one day. I want to replace the space filled by your pen friend in your life," I said.

"Ashu, you were thinking in wrong way. He can never take your role in my life," Rudrani tried to explain.

"I just said that I want to support you in your tough times inspiring you by remembering your strength to you. Don't worry; I am not possessive. I understood your view completely, and I support you too," I said.

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Rudrani hugged me, and I embraced her into my arms.

"I thought you would misunderstand me," Rudrani said.

"If my love is true, there should be no scope for misunderstanding between us," I said, and she smiled.

"Ashu, till now I never felt this comfortable to share my feelings freely with anyone. My mom said many times that girl should change after marriage. Even our marriage changed me, but this change is different and more beautiful because before marriage I have no freedom to speak my heart out and no one to understand me. Now, I have the freedom to say whatever I want and I have you in my life who always understands me. I am learning to smile, talk and be as I am. Thank you, Ashu," Rudrani said and slept on my chest.

I slept observing every feature on her face. Rudrani is looking more beautiful day by day after knowing about her more and more. Rudrani is very special in my life forever. I slept peacefully feeling my love in my arms.

Rudrani:

I woke up in the morning and found myself in Ashu's arms. He held me carefully in his arms as if I am very precious. He smiled and raised his eyebrow teasing me for my constant gaze on him. I smiled back and freed myself from his grip. I went to the kitchen to prepare coffee for Ashu and myself after getting ready.

I saw Artika in the kitchen brewing coffee.

"Good morning, Artika. Why didn't you wake me up? Sorry for making you prepare coffee for yourself," I said.

Artika didn't reply me.

"What do you want for breakfast?" I asked Artika.

"I can prepare for myself," Artika said.

"You are our guest Artika. Ashu too doesn't like making guests work. Just tell me what you want and I will prepare it for you," I said.

"Don't act too much, Rudrani," Artika said.

"I didn't get you," I said.

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"Look Rudrani, Ashu may trust you but not me. You are acting too much as if you love Ashu and you behave according to him," Artika said.

"Artika, Ashu is my husband. Of course, I like him, and I will respect him," I said.

"Oh, that's why did you choose your friend over your husband?"

I didn't reply to her and prepared coffee for everyone. I was in my work, and Artika started criticizing me.

"What a girl you are? Here, you want the love of your husband and in-laws, but when it comes to the point of choosing your friend and Ashu, you choose your friend?? You want Ashu to die?? You are such a heartless woman!! Ashu is the only one person who loved you though you don't deserve such love!"

I wanted to scold and scream at Artika, but again I remembered her mental state and kept calm. I want to solve the issue with her politely because I know Artika is a good friend to my Ashu and in no case, I am going to hurt Ashu. "No Artika, it's not what you think..." I tried to explain though it's not necessary.

"Oh please, don't give me that explanation. I wonder if that friend is just a friend or something more! I warn you never hurt my Ashu, or I don't know what else I am going to do to you. Maybe that's why you never got love from your family because they know your real face.

Rudrani, when you love your friend or boyfriend over your husband to the level where you wish your husband to die, why did you marry Ashu? Did you marry Ashu for money? Tell me Rudrani, how much do you want to leave my Ashu? If Ashu comes to know your cheap character, he will throw you on streets. So better leave with the money I give," She screamed.

Now that was enough; The words just pierced my heart. I needed to be strong!

"Listen Artika; You have no right to judge me or my character. My husband knows me better, and he loves me more than I deserve. I agree. But, I would never trade his love for anything in this world. I know my place in his heart. And no one can take his place in my heart. Am not like you to fall in love with someone's husband and ask for proof!! My love, my heart and my everything belong to my husband."

"How dare you talk to me that way, Ugly girl let me show you your place. Even Ashu must know your real face!!" saying this she ran out of the room.

I was busy in my work when suddenly I heard a shout RUDRANI from Ashutosh. I got scared. I don't know what Artika told him, but the sound of his voice shows he is very much angry. I am hesitant to go. But again I heard him shout my name another two times.

Choosing not to make him angrier I went. As I entered, I saw Artika smirking at me while Ashutosh was red with anger and was looking somewhere else. I have never seen him that much angry. I just closed my eyes and said a short prayer and waiting for Ashutosh to start scolding me.