I strolled towards the river. The sound of running water weakened my knees as I approached closer. At that moment, everything seemed capable of killing me. Kneeling, I leaned forward to cup the water in my hands and noticed the dried trail of blood in the partition of my hair. I froze.
I’m his wife now.
No! He did that only to protect me. Circumstances demanded it.
I closed my eyes and splashed water onto my face. Once, twice, thrice, until the last drop of his blood was rinsed off, along with my hands and feet. Afterwards, I returned to the spot where he had been waiting for me, and suddenly, he grabbed my wrist.
My eyes widened with shock.
“Come with me,” he said, holding me by my wrist in his grip. The touch felt uneasy. However, my soul didn’t seem to mind. I knew he was protecting me, so it shouldn’t feel wrong.
“How did you find out about me?” I questioned hesitantly.“I mean, why did you come here?” as we walked through the mazes of the trees. The dusk was darkening.
“I read the letter you received. We make copies of all letters received at Suryagarh and keep them for safety reasons. While searching for a letter in that copy, I came across yours, which mentioned that your husband had died and that you are being called for the post-ritual. You didn’t share everything with Bhabhi-sa4, which made her worry about you afterwards. While speaking with Bhabhi-sa, I learned about your tribe’s custom of burning wives with their deceased husbands. So, I came here and saved you. However, I didn’t know that your people would be so wild and that the entire village would come to slaughter me.”
He turned to me, adding in a serious tone,“No one can know what happened there, or what transpired between us. I did that only to protect you; now you are completely safe. You can live your life as you did before. I won’t bother you, okay?” and I nodded slowly.
“Ji, thank you so much for saving me, but you didn’t have to do that. I’m just a maid, Kunwar-sa,” I couldn’t stop saying so.
“I would’ve done the same for anyone in your place. Don’t think you’re special,” he replied dryly, leaving my hand in front of a small cottage.“Come inside,” he said, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as soon as I noticed the darkness in the cottage.
“What is this place?” I asked, hiding my fear.
“You don’t need to know.” He responded curtly.
Yes… of course!
Stepping inside, I felt the dirt beneath my feet. But the cottage had a strange warmth. It seemed as if no one had visited here for years. The dim light streaming in through the small hollow in the wall fell on the dry leaves, a small trunk, and a few earthen pots in the corner.
He walked over to the trunk, and I followed suit in fear. I didn’t know where we were, and the mere thought of someone discovering us together felt worse than death.
The air was thick, making me uncertain about how to confront him in the kingdom when we returned. Plus, Nandani would flood me with questions and interrogate me.
“Here,” his voice caught my attention. He handed me a maroon outfit. It was used, but I didn’t dare ask to whom it belonged, so I muttered a‘thank you.’
“You can’t return to the kingdom wearing these.” He gazed at my white clothes.“Bhabhi-sa will worry, and I don’t want to add to her stress right now. She’s already suffering, and knowing what happened to you might affect her health,” he explained, and I nodded, swallowing quietly.
His bhabhi-sa was the queen of Suryagarh and never showed arrogance toward anyone. She had always regarded me as her best friend, and she was currently unwell because of her pregnancy. That’s why I couldn’t tell her everything.
“I know, Kunwar-sa, and please don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone about what happened. I understand you did that to protect me, and I can’t even think of myself as your wife—” My heart came to my mouth as he cocked his brow,“I mean, in that position in my dreams. Everyone is so happy about your wedding that they should never know about it. I hope we can both forget this day and continue our lives as they were,” I said through uncontrollable, unwelcome tears streaming down my cheeks.
“And thank you so much for saving me,” I added with a trembling voice.“I don’t know how I can repay you in this life. You didn’t even think of yourself before doing that. I mean nothing to you; I’m no one. We haven’t even spoken once, yet you came to rescue me. I will pray to God that you receive everything you desire in this world.”
He stepped closer, and I immediately lowered my gaze and stepped back. But as he placed his hand on my head, I halted. The gentle weight, screaming for protection, forced my lashes shut.“It’s okay. I can’t stand seeing a woman suffer through that. Try to forget it as a terrible memory. I can’t bring your husband back, but time will heal everything.” His words made me chuckle.
More tears streamed down my face as I shook my head.“Even if you could bring my husband back, I would never want that,” I exclaimed, adding,“I need to change.”
He pulled his hand back and nodded,“I’m standing outside.”
He stepped out of the cottage and closed the door behind him.
My chest felt heavy as I lowered my gaze to the white attire stained with his blood. I still couldn’t process what had happened. The memories of the flames, the smoke, the cries, the screams, and the blood weakened my knees, and I tried to calm myself down, closing my eyes, fisting my hands.
I’d never forget that, nor would I forget the debt he owed me.
Stripping the Dupatta5and removing my blouse and skirt, I stood naked. My long braid hung low on my hips; the burnt ends poking against my skin. I wore the dress he gave me.
