Awnirudh was left baffled in his bedroom after his brief encounter with Vandita. For a moment he couldn't decide what would be the best thing to do. Should he run after Vandita and ask her the reason of her behaviour? Or should he just let her be.. How could he just let her be? She was HIS Vandita! Since Awnirudh had brought her in this Haweli as his wife, Vandita had never shied off from expressing herself. She had never withheld a question. What amazed Awnirudh the most was her ability to reason rationally. He was hopeful that one day Vandita would definitely make a name for herself, she would definitely be the person Awnirudh had dreamt her to be.
Then what was the meaning of this sudden strange behaviour?
An unknown fear engulfed Awnirudh.
She had touched fourteen. Was she experiencing the inevitable? Was she developing an infatuation for him?
"Oh God", Awnirudh murmured inaudibly as his mind started to race.
"I'll have to talk to her and clear things out. It's not her time to get infatuated or do foolish things."
With this thought in mind, Awnirudh had quickly got dressed in his regular cotton trousers and linen shirt. Finger brushing his hair backwards, he rushed downstairs towards Vandita's room.
On his way down Koeli stopped him. Koeli was a child widow and had been working in the Roy Chowdhury mansion since Awnirudh's mother's time. She, being the only female attendee in the Haweli had been close to Vandita since her arrival. It's been five years now and Koeli loved and respected her Vandita bahu beyond measures.
"Barrister babu, some visiters have come in and are enquiring about you." Koeli said.
"Oh.. well, please ask them to wait in the hall and I'll join them shortly. Don't forget refreshments." Awnirudh quickly rushed towards Vandita's room after instructing Koeli.
The door was closed. It's very unlikely of Vandita to lock her door, that too in the middle of the day. He knocked.
"Vandita, please open the door."
He waited for a few seconds before knocking again.
"Vandita, I want to talk to you."
Vandita responded in an unusually loud voice.
"Barrister babu, give me a minute."
Awnirudh couldn't help but wonder what might she be doing in her bedroom.
After a good two minutes, Vandita opened the door. But there was something unusual about her that struck Awnirudh. Her clothes are disheveled reveling a good view of her developing bosom. The red bindi on her forehead has smeared. She was standing there at the door as an epitome of awkwardness, fidgeting her fingers and biting her lips.
"What is it that you want to talk to me about?" She asked shyly.
Awnirudh entered her room as Vandita made way for him. He gestured her to sit on the bed and pulled a chair for himself facing her.
He couldn't help but notice how eagerly Vandita is staring at his lips. Her gaze was almost on the verge of making him feel uncomfortable.
"Vandu", Awnirudh snapped his fingers to bring her back to reality.
This is not the time to play games. This is to be dealt with utmost seriousness.
"Vandita, is there something that's bothering you?" asked Awnirudh lovingly.
"Did anything happen in school? Did father tell you anything? or Koeli? or anyone else?"
"Tell me Vandita.. what is bothering you?" Awnirudh pleaded. "I promise I'll fix it."
Awnirudh spoke in a haste and waited for Vandita to respond. He could see a veil of pain come down on her. His own heart twitched at the sight. His Vandita was in pain!
"Barrister babu..." Vandita spoke up after a long pause. "We are married for the last 5 years," she paused.
"Yes girl, we are". Awnirudh replied patiently anticipating the next round of questions.
"So why do we not share the same bedroom like the other couples?" enquired Vandita. "Why do we sleep separately? Why is it that Koeli told me that my marriage is incomplete?"
Awnirudh could see tears building up in her eyes. Her voice choked when she asked the last question. "Why is our marriage not complete Barrister babu?"
In this world nothing has been dearer to Anirudh than his Vandita. She is his wife. She is the legitimate bahu of the Roy Chowdhury dynasty and there is nothing in this world that Awnirudh would not do for her. But a complete marriage?
What did she mean by an incomplete marriage? What exactly is she looking for as a completion?
Awnirudh was stunned for a moment.
Then slowly took her hand in his and said, "Vandita.., my little Vandita, who said our marriage is not complete? They don't know anything about us..about our relationship."
He could see precious tears rolled down her red cheeks.
He wiped her tears slowly.
"We have a relationship that's originated in our hearts. You are my little Vandita and I'm your Barrister Babu. I'll be by your side for ever. I'm your shield Vandita. I'll help you to fight the world."
Awnirudh stopped and couldn't help but looked at her face.
What a lovely face she has! The last traces of tears are making her large eyes glisten. Her quivering red lips are trying to utter words.
"I don't want your protection." Vandita murmured.
Awnirudh was surprised. This wasn't exactly the answer that he had been expecting. He had never experienced such a behaviour from Vandita.
"Then what do you want Vandita? Tell me.." Awnirudh asked.
"Love..." uttered Vandita.
Complete silence prevailed for a full minute before Awnirudh spoke.
"Vandita..." he called her name is the softest way possible.
"Look at me Vandita." He slowly brought her hands to his lips and planted a kiss on the back of her palms.
Vandita looked up.
"Who told you that I don't love you?" Awnirudh kissed her palms again.
"Name the person, and I shall make him see the love that we share..."
Vandita slowly looked up with swollen eyelids.
"Everyone Barrister Babu... Everyone says so... " She murmured.