Epilogue: dew and the Mist

After 5 Years

‘Rickshaw…’ Kusum shouted and the rickshaw puller turned and brought the rickshaw near to her.

‘Daughter, where do you want to go?’ He asked.

‘Water Canal…!’ She shouted and climbed on the rickshaw, then she pulled up Aditya and Bindiya.

It feels so good to be back home.’  She exclaimed as the soft breeze touched her and touched the mangoes hanging from the trees as the rickshaw trotted slowly on the dusty road. She almost jumped with joy as soon she saw the twinkling water of the canal. Aditya joined in her excitement and started clapping. The long trees along the banks of the canal swayed and showed their happiness at having her back; she acknowledged with brimming eyes.

They got down from the rickshaw and slowly walked towards the canal. The sun was about to set, the sky was orangish and the air was filled with chirping of birds returning home. They sat near the canal and stared at it, so much had flown down since her marriage.

This was her first visit to her village after her marriage. The reconciliation with her parents was not easy. Though she was thankful to them for making her part of Nihar’s life she could never forgive them for hiding the truth from her. Nihar helped her to get over that feeling.

Kusum was engrossed in her thoughts. After a while Bindiya broke the silence and looked at her apologetically, ‘I was wrong. My knowledge about love is all bookish but you proved yourself.’

Kusum smiled and said, ‘The surprises and pain that I went through were worth it; understanding a new aspect about myself was surprised. Now, I realize, life’s journey is all about discovering oneself.’

Bindiya nodded in acknowledgement. ‘Yes, I believe our experiences make our journey worthwhile. We go through it, enriches us and evolves us. A plain life is hardly an experience to remember!’

‘Yes, I agree.’ And Kusum threw a stone into the water; Aditya followed her, threw a stone, and laughed out loudly.

Bindiya then grabbed Aditya’s hand and took him away to show the ducks flapping in the canal.

Kusum sat there, in deep silence and thought about Nihar. As his thought came in, she remembered when she had seen him the first time; his eyes had then mesmerized her. She went through all dilemmas of trusting him, all because of those eyes that always told her to believe in him.

‘Maa, you join us, please!’ Aditya shouted at her, and she came out of her deep thoughts.

She got up and joined them.

Soon they were on their way home, through the sugar cane fields; watching the dancing peacocks on the barren field; their feet partly submerged in the puffy soil and on top of the smell of ripened mangoes. Aditya was the happiest one as he played with each and everything which came close to him.

After few days

Kusum looked at Nihar who was very anxious, moving restlessly. They were outside the High court, waiting for the verdict. She went closer to him and took his hands in her; he gave a weak smile to her.

‘Kusumita, we have done our best and I know justice surely will be in our favour.’

She assured him as he went inside the courtroom again but truly, she was worried. The pieces of evidence were very weak, the case was very old and then Mohit, he had refused all allegations.

All these years they went through hell, they had no one to support them except themselves. Dadimaa disowned Mohit but didn’t live long. They found strength in each other, but yes! The truth relieved him of the guilt he carried for so many years.

She saw Nihar returning and looked at him with thousand questions in her eyes. He tried to smile, but he appeared disappointed and said in a low voice, ‘Kusumita, the decision is deferred.’

‘Have faith, we will surely get justice.’ She smiled.

He hugged her tightly, ‘Yes, I have full faith in you.’

The End.

Rakhi Sunil Kumar