CHAPTER 5
After 10 Days
Prisha entered the house and called out, "Mom... Mom!" Her mother walked out of the kitchen and asked, "Prisha, you’re back. How was your exam?"
"It was good. Finally, my exams are over. Only practicals left," Prisha said, sitting on the sofa. It was her last semester, and she just wanted to get a job as soon as possible so she could give her mother everything she deserved.
"Prisha, I need to talk to you about something important." Prisha looked up as her mother continued, "Your Grandma is sick. I have to go to the village for a few days."
"Mom, I can’t go. I have practicals and two projects to complete," Prisha said worriedly.
"I know, which is why you’re going to stay with your sister. I’ve talked to her and Mr. Rawat, and they have no problem with it," her mother informed her with a smile. Prisha started shivering with fear as memories of those horrible days flooded back. She began sweating, and her mother asked worriedly, "Prisha, are you okay?"
Her mother handed her a glass of water. After drinking it, Prisha said sternly, "No, Mom, I don’t want to go there. I’ll stay here."
Seeing her panicked face, her mother grew concerned. Before she could ask more, Prisha continued, "It wouldn’t look good if I stayed at Di’s place. I mean, I’m not comfortable living there with her in-laws."
Prisha sighed in relief as her mother relaxed. Her mother stroked her hair and said, "Prisha, don't worry. Tina told me her in-laws are nice people and don’t mind if you stay there. I’ll be at ease knowing you’re with them. Otherwise, I’d be worried about you being alone."
Despite her resistance, Prisha's mother insisted, and Prisha finally agreed to stay with Tina.
Night,
Prisha was standing on her balcony, staring at the night sky. She was scared, wondering what Shaurya might do. What if everyone found out what Shaurya had done to her? This would bring problems to Tina’s life, which she wanted to avoid.
Lost in her thoughts, her mother approached and asked, "What’s wrong, Prisha? Are you worried about something?"
Prisha turned to her mother, made her sit on the bed, and rested her head on her mother’s lap. "Mom, I’ll miss you."
Her mother smiled and said, "I’ll miss you too, but tell me the real reason. Why do you look so upset? You can share anything with me."
Prisha blinked back tears, wanting to tell her everything, to cry in her arms, but she couldn't.
Composing herself, she said, "I’m worried about placements. I want the best job so I can give you a better life."
Her mother kissed her forehead and said, "You will get the best, my baby. You’re a good girl who deserves the best in life."
"You’re wrong, Mom. It’s a myth that good things happen to good people," Prisha said, recalling the days spent with Shaurya.
Her mother chuckled and said, "It’s not a myth. Good people may suffer, but bad things pass. I have faith in God. I know my daughter will have a wonderful future with a loving husband and lots of cute kids."
Prisha remembered her marriage with Shaurya. No matter how much she tried, it was hard to forget him and their so-called marriage. Without replying, she closed her eyes and let sleep take over.