chapter 10

At this hour, DEV and the others are sleeping soundly, their breaths deep and rhythmic, but Vaidehi lies wide awake, unable to find solace in slumber. The fever that has gripped her seems to heighten her awareness of everything she has pushed to the back of her mind. Her body feels heavy and weak, and the relentless ache in her head makes it difficult to focus on anything other than the memories that have resurfaced with startling clarity.It has been six years since she married DEV. An arranged marriage, yet one that she has found happiness in. DEV and his family have been nothing but kind to her, and she has adjusted to her role with grace. Despite this, Vaidehi finds herself yearning for the days of her past, a time before marriage when her life was marked by freedom and simplicity.She remembers those days fondly, when her mornings were her own, when she could sleep in without a second thought, wander aimlessly through the streets, and speak her mind freely. Back then, responsibilities were limited to herself, her own whims and wishes unburdened by the weight of family expectations. Now, even in her sickened state, she feels the pull of duty—a constant reminder that her role extends far beyond her own needs.Her current life demands a facade of perfection: the ideal daughter-in-law, wife, and mother. Even as she battles her fever, she is compelled to uphold these standards, to tend to her in-laws, her husband, and her young son. The very thought of taking a day off seems impossible, a luxury she cannot afford, not even for her own health.She reflects on how different things were in her previous life. There was a time when a simple cold could warrant an entire week of rest. Now, the idea of taking a single day to recuperate feels like an indulgence she cannot afford. Her days were once filled with spontaneous trips, leisurely movie outings, and carefree shopping sprees. Those moments of unencumbered joy seem like distant memories now, eclipsed by the responsibilities she bears.Gone are the days when she could spend fifteen thousand rupees on herself and her parents without a second thought. Even if she had the means now, she finds herself unable to indulge in such luxuries. Gifts for her parents, once generous and meaningful, have become mere tokens that they often refuse, unable to accept the paltry offerings that now constitute her present reality.A tear slips down her cheek as she contemplates these changes, her chest tightening with a sob that she struggles to stifle. Her quiet sobbing disrupts the peacefulness of the night, causing DEV to stir. He awakens to find his wife clinging to a pillow, her distress palpable.DEV's heart aches at the sight. He shifts closer, enfolding her in a gentle embrace. His hands move soothingly through her hair, and he strokes her back with a tenderness born of deep concern. "Vaidehi," he murmurs softly, his voice laced with worry. "What's the matter? Are you okay?"The warmth of his embrace and the softness of his voice provide a fleeting comfort, but Vaidehi’s tears continue to fall. Her emotions are a turbulent sea, and the safety of DEV’s arms becomes a haven where she can finally let her grief flow freely. The burden of her responsibilities, the sacrifices she has made, and the nostalgia for a simpler time all collide in this moment of vulnerability.In the stillness of the night, as DEV holds her close, Vaidehi's sobs gradually subside. The past and present blur in her mind, each memory a reminder of the life she once had and the life she now leads. The weight of her role is momentarily lifted by DEV's presence, a reminder that amidst the sacrifices and changes, she is not alone.As the minutes pass, the comfort of DEV’s embrace begins to soothe her frazzled nerves. His gentle murmurs of reassurance blend with the quiet night, offering a brief respite from the whirlwind of her thoughts. For now, in the embrace of her husband, Vaidehi finds a semblance of peace, even as she grapples with the complex emotions that define her journey.