This… this was all I had ever wanted. Someone standing beside me, his presence enough to make me feel complete. I needed nothing else.
Surprisingly, I felt nothing while looking at them. My heart felt full, yet empty, so full that there was no space left for old pain or suffering. I joined my hands calmly.
“I’m well. How are you?” I asked.
I didn’t resent them. I knew they had always done great without me. These were not complaints; they were only truths I had accepted.
“We’re fine as well. We came to bless you for your new life,” they said.
I lowered my gaze slightly and nodded.“Thank you. I have received your blessings with their mere mention.”
I noticed Kunwar Agastya watching me closely.
“By the way,” I said, smiling as I turned slightly,“meet my family.”
I stepped toward Ranaji.“He is my elder brother-in-law.”
Then, I introduced Nandani.“She is my sister-in-law, and my sister too.”
In the same way, I introduced Prince Ranvijay and Princess Aishwarya. They greeted everyone courteously. Rani-maa and King Abhinandan were already known to them.
“You look happy with them,” my mother said.
I chuckled softly.
“Yes, I am.”
My father nodded.
“God bless you, Suman,” he said.“I know, we failed you as parents, and please don’t worry, we didn’t come to make things awkward; we only wished to witness your wedding.”
I joined my hands.“Thank you for being present on such an important day of my life. Please, stay for the feast.”
I could sense their discomfort, and maybe… maybe my behaviour was wrong, but I couldn’t force emotions I did not feel. Since I was sixteen, they had made me feel like an orphan. They refused to take me back and blamed me for my husband’s dissatisfaction.
“We love Suman deeply,” Ranaji said warmly.“She has brought even more light into our lives. Our brother is truly blessed to have her.”
My mother nodded awkwardly.“Ji, ji,”
Ranaji placed his hand gently on my head.“She is our child now. You need not worry about her. If you ever need anything, you may write to the welfare minister.”
They bowed and took their leave.
As they turned away, a slight ache stirred in my chest. A tear slipped down my cheek. Kunwar-sa immediately pulled me into his arms.
“Do you want me to stop them?” he whispered.
I shook my head.“I wish only for their safety as human beings.”
He kissed my forehead.“Then smile.”
I looked into his kohl-lined green eyes, and all my worries melted away.
“Aap bhi bahut acche lag rahe hain,”“You look very handsome.”I said softly.
Ranaji cleared his throat, and I stepped back, embarrassed.
“Everyone is waiting in the dining hall,” he said.
