My husband

As Damodar was about to leave for work, he called out, "Saroja, Saroja!"

Saroja came and asked, "What is it?"

Damodar replied, “Do I have to say it every day? Where is my princess? I never leave for work without seeing her face. Her face brings me success in everything I do.”

Hearing this, Saroja called out, “Priya, my dear, come quickly, your father is calling you.”

Priya came and said, “Yes, mom?” and stood in front of Damodar.

Looking at Priya, Damodar said, “Since the day you were born, everything has gone well for me. When I see your face before I leave, every task I take up succeeds.”

Hearing this, both mother and daughter smiled with pride.

Only Seetha stood in the shadows, hurt by her father's words. From the time she could understand things, all she ever wanted was her father’s love. But she never received it.

After Damodar left for work, Saroja shouted, “Seetha! Seetha!”

Seetha came running and asked, “What is it, Chikkamma (aunt)?”

Saroja said, “There’s a pile of clothes belonging to me and our dear Priya—wash all of them. Then, for lunch, prepare chicken biryani, kebabs, and chicken curry. My brother and sister-in-law are visiting today, and we need to take good care of them.”

Seetha grew anxious. They both should not see me… who knows what I’ll have to go through again? she thought, and simply said, “Okay, Chikkamma,” and walked away.

Meanwhile, Saroja and Priya sat back, feet up, watching TV.

Although Seetha was the elder daughter of the house, she was treated worse than the household help.

She had no one with whom she could share her sorrow.

“Mom! Mom, where are you?”

“Coming, dear,” replied Anuradha, slowly descending the stairs.

“What is it, Ram?” she asked.

Ram said happily, “Mom! Today our company won the Toncore project!”

His mother’s heart filled with joy at her son’s success.

“I’m proud of you becoming a successful businessman, son. But when I talk about marriage, you run away! That’s why I’m upset with you.”

Ram replied, “Mom, you already know I’m not interested in marriage or girls.”

“Yes, I know, but thinking that what happened in someone else’s life will happen in ours too is not true,” she said.

Ram replied firmly, “No, Mom. Nowadays girls have one boyfriend in college, another at work, and marry someone else altogether. They marry rich boys to enjoy a luxurious life. I’ve seen my friends after marriage—they have no freedom, they need to ask their wives for everything. I don’t want such a life. Please don’t force me to get married.”

Saying this, he walked away, leaving Anuradha to hold her head in frustration.

“Oh God, where is the girl who will hold the hand of this hermit?” she thought.

Ram went to his room, picked up a photograph, and spoke to it:

“I still remember the tragedy that happened in your life. That day, I should not have supported your love. Your experience has taught me a lesson. That’s why I will never fall into the trap of love or marriage.

In my life, I have only two things—my mother and success,” he said to the photo.

To be continued…

Thank you for your encouragement and support.

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