The sister-in-law's new decision arose when the girl prepared to leave in the morning - to accompany me to college on my bike. Despite my protests, unable to get close to the bow and arrow, I had no choice but to agree.
Without much delay, she approached and mounted the bike, clutching an old bag of mine. Her bag had torn the day before, likely due to overpacking. Noticing my focus on the bag, she nervously attempted to conceal it. She sat on the bike, leaning to one side. After starting the bike, I realized she didn't have much experience riding one. Uncertain about where to hold for support, she eagerly anticipated each turn, causing the bike to sway slightly. I stopped the bike in front of a nearby intersection's bus stop and instructed her to dismount.
She was a little scared and got off the bike.
"Haven't you ridden a bike before?" I asked.
She bowed her head without answering my question.
"If I go this way, I won't be able to make it to college. So, I don't want to take the risk. You can catch the bus from there. Those girls waiting will be heading to college," I explained, pointing to the two girls at the bus stop.
As she started to move forward, she seemed like she wanted to say something.
"What's on your mind?" I inquired.
"I don't have any money for the bus," she admitted.
I took money from my pocket and assured her that if she stayed there, I would come and pick her up in the evening and drive ahead.
For a moment, I caught a glimpse of her in the mirror, her eyes blinking.
I tried to subject her to as little humiliation as possible. But why was she still here despite all of this?
It would be better for her than her own house. Just bear with me here...
I found an answer to the doubt that had arisen in my mind.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 🗑️ 🗑️ 🗑️ 🗑️ 🗑️ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Devika walked past us while we were on the cricket field for morning practice.
"Isn't this your girl? Why don't you introduce us..." Ajith remarked, giving my shoulder an encouraging pat.
"Don't bother... if you're so curious, why not go and introduce yourself..."
"And is that blue churidar hers?"
When Arun stepped in and asked, Ajith confirmed with a nod.
"Isn't she the one who used to come to that gallery every day during matches... I thought she must be there to learn something. It wasn't until now that I grasped what she was studying."
"What's the matter with you?"
I completed my practice and headed to class without uttering a word.
Everyone seemed to be just like Ajith and Arun. They all wanted to know about her. My peace of mind was slipping away...
I picked her up from the bus stop in the evening and headed straight home. The memories of the insults I endured because of her in college triggered a surge of anger.
As always, that night seemed endless.
My sister-in-law took notice when she rushed in the morning and started using my bike.
"Oh God, you don't apply vermilion?"
She and I exchanged nervous glances.
"Why are you both hesitating? He's also inattentive. Are you the same? Married women wear vermilion. It's auspicious. Go inside and put on vermilion."
"Sister, I don't have any vermilion..."
"Oh, if I give you one smack... not even vermilion. If you know how to wear this mangalsutra around your neck... this fool has no sense. Both are considered, my god..."
Her eyes began to well up.
"Don't cry anymore. Come on..."
My sister-in-law took her inside. When she returned, there was vermilion on her forehead.
"From now on, you must always apply vermilion. Otherwise, you will see my other face."
It was time to get on the bike, and my sister-in-law issued her ultimatum.
That day, along with the bus fare, I gave her money to buy vermilion. I wanted to ensure my sister-in-law wouldn't make any assumptions because of it.
Upon learning my elder brother had arrived, I hurried home. To my surprise, like everyone else, she held my elder brother's hand. He only had a brief comment of 'good girl.'
To be continued...