December 16, 2021. Goa, Maharashtra, India.
SAMRAT's POV.
I spent the entire night comforting Pragya's parents. My mother-in-law wept throughout the night, her thoughts consumed by her daughter, Pragya. Pragya was a beacon of hope for many. My father-in-law was also distressed about her, although he tried to maintain his composure. I knew he had been a General in the Indian Army. Years ago, after losing his sister and her entire family during the conflict in Kashmir, he resigned. The family was devastated by Aunt Neha, Nishant's sister's, passing. Pragya once told me he had served the nation for two decades. His military discipline is ever-present. But today, his poise had vanished, overtaken by worry. Later that night, Sonakshi and her mother, Mohini, visited us. Mohini, Mrs. Simran's childhood friend, and Sona, Sonakshi, Pragya's best friend, offered to stay. Mrs. Mohini wanted to spend the night, but mother-in-law objected. Sona, however, remained with us.***
My mother-in-law was asleep on the sofa, and Mr. Nishant had dozed off in his chair. I endured a night without sleep. How could I rest, wondering about Pragya's plight? She had spent the night away from us. It was 6:00 AM. Dawn had not yet broken. I went to the bathroom and confronted my reflection in the mirror. My hair was disheveled, my appearance unkempt. I was still in my wedding Sherwani, my eyes bloodshot, likely from crying. For a moment, I envisioned a life without Pragya. It appeared empty and dull. I was determined to find Pragya, no matter what.Suddenly, a knock at the door startled me, and I rushed to the living room. My mother-in-law was already up, approaching the door, hope flickering in her eyes. She opened it, but it wasn't Pragya. It was Malini. My father-in-law, Sona, and I gathered around Malini, eager for any positive update."What is it, Malini?" my father-in-law inquired."Pandi ji has requested your presence immediately," she replied. And so, we set out to meet the Pandit. I had been hoping for good news. We've already had our fill of Mehek. We too deserve life's sweet rewards. Along the way, I informed Abhi and asked him to meet us at the priest's place.By coincidence, my family and I arrived simultaneously. Together, we approached the priest. It might be Sona's first time in a temple, given she's Christian. But today, our visit isn't about religious ceremonies; it's about Pragya."Priest, what's going on? Didn't you say it would take longer?" Mrs. Simran inquired."My child, it's futile. I can't bring her back. Even if she returned, she'd be lifeless. By now, she might have perished. If you wish for her soul's peace, burn her possessions and scatter the ashes in water. Her return is beyond possibility," the priest declared. I was stunned, heartbroken."No, no, Pandi Ji, you must do something. I can't bear life without her. Please, do something," I begged, feeling as if I'd lost my sanity."She left just like that? On our wedding day? Is she trapped in a book like a fairy tale character? No, it can't be; she must be playing a prank. Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, you know how much your daughter loves to jest. This has to be a prank. She's probably hiding," I realized suddenly that all eyes were on me."Why are you looking at me so? Do you think I've lost my mind? That I'm insane? I'll show you. I'll prove Pragya is still with us," I affirmed. Deep down, I felt she hadn't passed away."My dear, I understand your love for her. But my son, Pragya is gone," my mother, Mrs. Vidiya, said."She's alive, Mom," I yelled. "My heart beats because hers does too. I breathe because she breathes. Can't you all see?" I cried out and began to leave, but my younger brother, Abhimaan, grabbed my hand, holding me back."Brother, sister-in-law is no longer with us," he said through tears."She isn't," I shouted back. The next moment, I received a warm slap from my brother. "She is no more. Accept the truth," he shouted again and hugged me tightly. I came back to my senses, realizing she would never return from the world she had journeyed to....After two days, we performed her final rites. I was tasked with burning her possessions."My dear, go ahead and burn them," my mother said. Everyone was shattered by her departure. We were crying; what else could we do? I had to burn all our memories—the pictures we took together, the gifts I gave her, everything. Pragya was my world. I had never imagined facing a day like this.After the ritual, we went inside. I saw her photo adorned with flowers. I couldn't bear to see her image like that. Approaching the photo, I saw her beautiful smile."Why did you do this? Why did you leave me? Pragya, why are you smiling at me like that? Answer me!" I couldn't contain my tears."I told you that book would bring a disaster like this, didn't I?" I heard my father-in-law's voice from behind me. "But you wouldn't listen. And now, look what has happened. We've lost our daughter," he continued.I turned to face Pragya's parents."I should have listened to you. I regret it now. But Nishant, what choice did I have? My father entrusted it to me, making me promise to keep it safe," Mrs. Simran said, her charm gone, her face pale."Why, Mom? Why didn't you tell us about the book earlier?" I asked, approaching her."I thought I was protecting you both by keeping silent about it," she replied. Her answer infuriated me. "And now? Do you see how you protected us? Bravo, mother-in-law, bravo!" I exclaimed hopelessly.She apologized, hands clasped together. "I am sorry, my son. It's my fault," she said through her tears. Unable to watch her distress, I fled to a corner.***
I recalled one of my cherished moments with Pragya.
"Honey, my life is meaningless without you," Samrat said."Do you think mine will get a meaning without you, Sam? Not even our lives, I want our death to be together. I just love you, Sam," Pragya smiled and kissed him. I came back from my thoughts. "Pragya is no more. So what is the point of living on earth? I don't want to live anymore. I rather die with her," I said and went to the library. Everyone followed me calling my name. After getting to my Mother-in-law's library, I locked the door and opened the book on the illusion door.