[కుమార్]

Next day morning Divya woke up early. She did her daily things quietly. Made tea. Prepared breakfast. Woke Monu. Helped him get ready for scho.ol.

‎Wore simple yellow saree. Tight blouse. Pallu neat.
‎Mangalsutra shining. Outside everything looked normal. Inside her heart heavy with guilt.
‎
‎Ranjith came to kitchen. Sat at table. Divya gave him tea cup.
‎Her hand shook little. She avoided his eyes.
‎
‎Ranjith took cup. Looked at her calm.
‎
‎"I loved you. I talked with your father for marriage."
‎
‎Divya nodded small. Said nothing.
‎
‎Ranjith sipped tea. Then spoke again slow.
‎
‎"Our families are traditional. I don't ask who is he."
‎
‎Divya heart beat fast. She stood near stove. Back to him.
‎
‎Ranjith asked even slower, voice low.
‎
‎"Did you enjoy sex with him?"
‎
‎Divya face became red like tomato.
‎ Shy and shame burned hot.
‎She turned her face towards Monu .
‎
‎ Started preparing schoo.l bag.
‎Put books. Tiffin. Water bottle.
‎Hands shaking. She could not look at Ranjith.
‎
‎She said nothing. Just worked fast.
‎
‎Outside lane mein Hamee rickshaw sound came.
‎
‎"Bachoo aao!"
‎
‎Monu ran to Divya. "Mummy, rickshaw aa gaya!"
‎
‎Divya took Monu hand.
‎Walked to gate. She even did not look at Hamee. Eyes down.
‎. Pallu tight on chest.
‎
‎Hamee sat on rickshaw seat. Looked at her. But he did not say anything.
‎Did not smile. Did not stare like before. Just normal.
‎Helped Monu to sit.
‎
‎"Chalo beta."
‎
‎Rickshaw started. Pedal sound faded.
‎
‎Divya stood at gate long time. Watching them go.