3 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧

Prithvi gently guided Tara to stand in front of the large mirror in their room.

The early morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft, golden hue over everything.

It had been three months since the incident, and Tara had no clear clue of what had happened to Padma, except knowing that Padma had died in a car accident.

He carefully picked up the saree, a beautiful silk piece with intricate embroidery, and began to drape it around her.

"Stay still, Tara. I know how to do this," Prithvi said, his voice soft and reassuring.

Prithvi's hands moved with tender precision as he wrapped the saree around Tara, his fingers deftly folding and tucking the fabric to perfection.

The delicate touch of the saree's silk against her skin brought a slight shiver, but his warmth and care enveloped her.

Next, he reached for the nuptial chain. His eyes met hers, filled with a quiet reverence as he gently fastened it around her neck.

The symbolic weight of the chain settled against her skin, a reminder of their bond and his unwavering support.

Prithvi then took a small bottle of attar and dabbed a few drops behind her ears, the fragrant aroma filling the room.

His fingers traced the outline of her ear gently, adding a touch of intimacy to the moment. He stepped back briefly, admiring the subtle elegance of the scent blending with her natural essence.

Her hair, now grown out to a short, soft layer, framed her face delicately. He then picked up a set of bangles and slid them onto her wrists, the tinkling sound of glass against glass echoing softly.

Finally, he picked up the small kohl stick, leaning in close as he carefully lined her eyes, accentuating their natural beauty.

The dark kohl brought out the depth in her eyes, making them shine with a renewed vigor.

As he finished, he took a step back, admiring the transformation. Tara looked radiant, her beauty enhanced by the love and care he had poured into each gesture.

She gave him a small, grateful smile, and he responded with a tender kiss on her forehead.

Prithvi moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. They stood in front of the mirror, their reflections a testament to their journey together.

He gently kissed her shoulder, his lips lingering on her skin as he whispered,

"You look beautiful, Tara."

Prithvi's words lingered in the air, and Tara felt a warmth spread through her chest.

She turned slightly in his arms, looking up at him with eyes filled with gratitude and love. His hands moved to her face, gently cupping her cheeks as he leaned down, their foreheads touching.

"Thank you," Tara whispered, her voice barely audible but heavy with emotion. "For everything."

Prithvi smiled, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "Always," he replied softly.

"I want to show you something," Prithvi said, his voice low and filled with anticipation.

Prithvi led Tara to the bed, helping her sit down gently. She watched him curiously as he walked over to a drawer and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box.

He turned back to her, a soft smile playing on his lips, and returned to her side, he knelt in front of her.

"I had these made especially for you," Prithvi said, opening the box to reveal a pair of exquisite silver anklets, sparkling in the soft light of the room.

"I wanted to gift them to you on our first wedding anniversary."

Tara's eyes widened in surprise and delight. She reached out to touch the anklets, her fingers tracing the delicate patterns etched into the metal.

"They're beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Prithvi taking one of her feet in his hands. He carefully fastened the anklet around her ankle, the cool silver contrasting with the warmth of her skin.

He repeated the process with her other ankle, making sure each clasp was secure.

"There," he said, looking up at her with a smile. "Perfect." Tara couldn't take her eyes off the anklets, feeling the weight of Prithvi's love and thoughtfulness in each delicate link. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude and affection.

"Thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "They're perfect." Prithvi stood, pulling her up with him, and cupped her face in his hands.

"You're perfect," he murmured, leaning in to capture her lips in a tender kiss. Tara responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulled him closer.

The kiss deepened, filled with all the emotions they had kept bottled up for so long. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.

"I love you," Prithvi whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

"I love you too," Tara replied, her voice steady and sure. They stayed like that for a moment, savoring the closeness and the connection between them.

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The early morning light filtered through the windows as Prithvi, with Manik in his arms and supporting

Tara, walked towards the puja hall.

The house was filled with the soft murmur of morning prayers, a sense of peace and devotion enveloping the air.

As they entered the puja hall, they saw that everyone had gathered for the morning prayer.

The room was adorned with fresh flowers and the flickering light of oil lamps. The aroma of dhuni mingled with the floral fragrance, creating a sacred atmosphere.

All the men, including Prithvi and Manik, were dressed in traditional dhotis, a symbol of purity and devotion like always they used to.

Prithvi's strong presence was a comforting sight, and Manik's innocent face mirrored the tranquility of the moment.

Kusum was at the center, her head bowed in reverence as she led the prayer. She looked up and smiled warmly at them, her eyes reflecting pride and love.

Prithvi gently guided Tara to sit beside him, ensuring she was comfortable. Manik nestled in his father's arms.

The family joined their hands in prayer, their voices blending harmoniously as they chanted the morning hymns.

The rhythmic sound of the mantras filled the room, creating a serene and meditative ambiance.

After the prayers, Kusum performed the aarti, the small flame casting a warm glow on their faces. She applied a red tika on everyone's forehead, a mark of blessing and protection.

When she reached Tara, she lingered a moment longer, her touch gentle and reassuring.

Prithvi looked at Tara with deep affection, his eyes conveying his unwavering support and love.

As the prayer concluded, the family remained in the hall for a few moments, absorbing the tranquility and unity of the moment.

Prithvi held Manik close and reached out to hold Tara's hand, their fingers intertwining.

She looked serene and beautiful, her presence a beacon of strength and grace despite all that she had endured.

Prithvi's thoughts drifted as he gazed at her, his heart swelling with a mixture of love and gratitude.

In his mind, he found himself speaking to her, the words flowing naturally from the depths of his soul.

"I got the love from you which I craved for once in my life," he thought, his eyes softening as they traced the delicate lines of her face.

"Your strength, your courage, and your unwavering love have given me more than I ever dreamed possible."

Tara seemed to sense his gaze and turned to look at him, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

Prithvi smiled back, his heart warming at the sight of her. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, conveying without words the depth of his feelings.

Kusum noticed the silent exchange and smiled knowingly, her heart filled with pride for her son and daughter-in-law.

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The bedroom is softly lit by a single oil lamp on the bedside table, casting a warm, gentle glow across the room.

The night outside is calm, with the sound of crickets chirping and a cool breeze rustling the leaves of the trees.

Prithvi sits cross-legged on the bed, with Manik nestled comfortably in his lap. Manik's small feet rest on a wooden slate, which is propped up by pillows to keep it steady.

Tara sits nearby, her short hair framing her face as she watches them with a loving smile.

"Okay, Manik, let's try writing 'अ' again," Prithvi says gently, holding Manik's foot and guiding it to grip the small piece of chalk.

Manik looks up at his father with determined eyes, then focuses on the slate.

Prithvi patiently helps Manik trace the letter, their movements slow and deliberate. "You're doing great, son. Just like that," he encourages, his voice full of warmth and pride.

Manik manages to draw a wobbly 'अ' on the slate, and Prithvi beams with pride.

"See? I knew you could do it," he praises, giving Manik a gentle hug. Manik giggles, his eyes shining with joy and accomplishment.

"Okay now, let's write 'आ'," Prithvi suggests, his tone still gentle but with a hint of challenge. He shifts the slate slightly, positioning Manik's foot for the next attempt.

Manik's face lights up with concentration as he tries to form the new letter. Prithvi's hand guides his foot steadily, and Tara leans in closer, her eyes filled with encouragement.

With careful movements, Manik slowly traces the shape of 'आ'. The letter is a bit shaky, but recognizable. Prithvi and Tara exchange a proud look.

"That's it, Manik! You're doing so well," Tara praises, her voice soft but enthusiastic. "You're getting better with each try."

Manik smiles broadly, looking up at his parents with a mix of pride and excitement. "Can I write another one, Baba ?" he asks eagerly.

Prithvi nods, his heart swelling with love. "Of course, you can, my brave boy. Let's do it again."

As they continue practicing, the room is filled with the sound of chalk against slate, the gentle murmur of encouragement, and the shared joy of small victories.

Tara watches them with a content heart, knowing that this moment is a testament to their strength and unity as a family.

Finally, as Manik grows tired, Prithvi sets the slate aside and gently lays Manik down on the bed.

"Time to rest now, little one," he says, tucking the blanket around him.

Manik nods sleepily, his eyelids growing heavy. "Goodnight, Baba. Goodnight, Ma," he murmurs, drifting off to sleep.

Prithvi leans down to kiss Manik's forehead, then moves to sit beside Tara. He wraps his arm around her, pulling her close.

"We're so lucky to have him," he whispers, his voice filled with emotion.

Tara rests her head on Prithvi's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "Yes, we are," she agrees softly. "And he's lucky to have you."

They sit together in the quiet of the night, the bond between them strengthened by their love for their son and each other.

The future holds many challenges, but in that moment, they know they can face anything as long as they are together.

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Her eyes fluttered open in the middle of the night, the room enveloped in a calm darkness, save for the gentle glow of a dim oil lamp. She noticed Prithvi was not on the other side of Manik.

Sitting up, she saw him at his desk, the soft light casting long shadows across his hunched form, his back towards them. Curiosity and concern led her to quietly approach him.

Prithvi, clad in his dhoti, sat in the wooden chair, his shoulders slightly slumped.

As Tara drew closer, she saw he was staring at the slate with the wobbly letters Manik had practiced earlier in the day.

Her breath caught in her throat when she noticed the slate was spotted with tear drops.

Prithvi suddenly sensed her presence behind him and looked back, his eyes red and glistening with unshed tears.

"Tara... Why are you still awake?" he asked gently, his voice tinged with the sadness he was trying to conceal.

Tara's heart ached seeing him like this. She moved closer, her bare feet silent on the wooden floor, and rested her hand on his head, her touch tender and reassuring.

She softly stroked his hair, feeling the tension in his body slowly ease under her gentle touch.

Prithvi closed his eyes for a moment, leaning into her touch, drawing strength from her presence. He opened his eyes, looking up at her with a mixture of love and sorrow.

Tara whispered, her voice filled with concern, "What's troubling you?"

He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting back to the slate. "I just... I want the best for Manik. He works so hard, but... it breaks my heart to see him struggle."

Tara knelt beside him, taking his hand in hers. "He's doing so well. You've been so patient with him. He'll get there, step by step."

Prithvi nodded, though his eyes still held a trace of doubt. "I know, but I wish I could do more for him. I feel so helpless sometimes."

Tara squeezed his hand, her eyes never leaving his face. "You're doing everything you can. Manik knows how much his baba loves him."

Prithvi looked at her, the love and gratitude in his eyes shining through his tears. He reached out, pulling her into his arms, holding her tightly.

Prithvi rested his head on her chest, and she could feel the steady beat of his heart against her own, a rhythmic reminder of their bond. He gently rocked himself, seeking solace in her embrace.

Tara took the slate from his hand and examined it, her fingers tracing the wobbly letters Manik had written. She could see the effort and determination in each stroke, a testament to the boy's resilience.

"We should be happy about this," she said softly, her voice filled with pride.

"Our Manik can do all those things like other children. He wrote for the first time today... I will keep it as a frame."

She looked up at Prithvi, her eyes shining with a mixture of joy and tears.

"This is a milestone. It's something to celebrate. Manik is growing, learning, and he's doing it with our love and support. That's what matters."

Prithvi nodded, his tears mingling with hers as he gazed at the slate. He could see it now-the progress, the determination, and the love that had brought them to this point.

"You're right," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Tara. For reminding me."

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, drawing strength from their shared love and the small victories that marked their journey. Tara gently wiped away Prithvi's tears, her touch tender and reassuring.

"We're in this together," she said softly. "And we'll make sure Manik knows he's never alone."

Prithvi smiled, a sense of peace settling over him.

"Yes, we will," he agreed, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Together."

As they sat in the quiet of the night, Tara's mind drifted back to her own childhood, to the times when she sat with her father learning to write, dreaming of becoming a doctor.

"I used to love studying with Baba," she said softly, almost to herself. "I always dreamed of being a doctor."

Prithvi's ears perked up at this unexpected revelation.

"You wanted to be a doctor?" he asked, his interest piqued.

Tara blinked, realizing she had spoken her thoughts out loud.

"Yes, but that was a long time ago," she said quickly. "It doesn't matter now."

Prithvi looked at her intently. "Do you still want to study, Tara?" he asked gently.

Tara shook her head, her eyes downcast. "What would people say? And who would teach me? It's too late."

Prithvi moved closer, his hand gently tilting her chin up so she had to look at him.

"I'll teach you," he said softly but firmly. "If you want to learn, we'll find a way."

Tara's eyes filled with uncertainty. "But what about society? They'll never accept it."

Prithvi's gaze was steady, his voice filled with conviction.

"Let them say what they want. This is your life, Tara. You deserve to follow your dreams. And I'll be with you every step of the way."

Tara sighed, shaking her head again. "It's not just that, Prithvi. I don't know if I have the strength to start all over again. So much has changed. I've changed."

Prithvi took her hands in his, squeezing them gently.

"I know it's daunting, Tara. But you are one of the strongest people I know. You've faced so much, endured so much. You can do this too."

Tara's eyes glistened with tears. "But what if I fail? What if it's all for nothing?"

Prithvi's expression softened, his voice gentle but firm.

"Failure is a part of learning, Tara. And even if you stumble, I'll be there to help you up. We'll face it together. Every step, every challenge."

Tara looked away, her mind a whirlwind of doubts.

"I don't even know where to start. How would it even work?"

Prithvi leaned closer, his eyes searching hers.

"We'll find a way. I can help you," Prithvi said, his voice steady.

"You know, I wanted to do a PhD once, but I couldn't because of....leave it. But I can teach you. There are always solutions if you're willing to look for them."

Tara looked at him, surprised. "I didn't know that," she whispered. "I had no idea you wanted to study so much."

Prithvi smiled softly, his eyes reflecting a hint of his past dreams.

"There are many things you don't know about me, Tara. But what's important now is your dream. You have a right to pursue it."

Tara shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes.

"It's not that simple. What if I fail? What if I can't do it?"

Prithvi gently cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away her tears.

"You won't fail, Tara. And even if you stumble, I'll be there to catch you. We'll do this together. I believe in you."

Tara remained silent, her mind racing with possibilities and fears. "I just don't know," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Prithvi lifted her chin again, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I believe in you, Tara. More than anything. And I promise you, no matter what, I will be here to support you. To help you. To be by your side."

Tara's resolve began to waver, the strength of Prithvi's conviction starting to seep into her doubts.

"But what if...?" she began, but Prithvi cut her off gently.

"No more 'what ifs,' Tara. Just think about what you want. What you truly want. And let's make it happen. Together."

Tara felt a tear slip down her cheek, her heart swelling with the overwhelming support and love emanating from Prithvi.

"Alright," she whispered, her voice trembling with newfound hope. "I'll try."

Prithvi smiled, a look of pride and love shining in his eyes. He pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing the top of her head. "That's all I ask," he murmured against her hair. "Just try. We'll make this work together."

Tara felt a sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time. Wrapped in Prithvi's arms, she knew that with him by her side, anything was possible.

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The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows, illuminating the small study area Prithvi had set up for Tara. A simple wooden desk stood against the wall, adorned with a few books, a slate, and some paper.

Prithvi entered the room, carrying a tray with a pot of tea and two cups. He placed it on the desk and looked around, satisfied with his efforts. He then called out, "Tara, come in here."

Tara entered hesitantly, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in the sight. "What's all this?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Prithvi smiled, pulling out a chair for her.

"This is where we'll start your studies," he said warmly. "I've gathered some books and materials to help you. We'll take it step by step."

Tara sat down, her fingers lightly tracing the edges of the slate.

"I don't know where to begin," she admitted, her voice shaky. "I never learned to read and write properly."

Prithvi poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her, then sat down beside her.

"We'll start from the basics," he said reassuringly. "It doesn't matter where you begin. What matters is that you're starting."

He reached behind him and brought out a stack of books, some of them worn and well-used.

Tara noticed the titles and realized they were Prithvi's old textbooks, the ones he had studied from before his dreams were put on hold.

"These were mine," Prithvi explained, gently placing them on the desk.

"I wanted to pursue a Ph.D., but life had other plans. Now, they can help you."

Tara looked at the books, then up at Prithvi, her eyes filled with gratitude and determination. "Thank you," she said softly. "For believing in me."

Prithvi's eyes softened as he reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "Always," he replied. "We're in this together, remember?"

He looked around the room, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "This was the place where Jay and I used to study," he said quietly. "We spent countless hours here, dreaming of our futures."

Tara could see the mix of emotions in his expression and reached out to hold his hand.

"We can make new memories here,"

she said gently. "Together."

Prithvi smiled, a sense of peace settling over him. He opened one of the books, a simple text on basic alphabets, and placed it in front of her.

"Let's start with this," he suggested. "I'll guide you through it, and we can discuss any questions you have."

Tara nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. She took a deep breath and opened the book, ready to embark on this new journey with Prithvi by her side.

The room was filled with a sense of quiet anticipation, the start of a new chapter in their lives.

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𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙐𝙀𝘿....