“To… kya hota hai jab doodh zyada banati hai…bahot zyada? Jaise ki Sheetal ne apne bachro ke zarurat se zyada jab doodh deti hai?
("So... what happens when the milk is... too much? Like when Sheetal produces more than the calves need?")
Bhola looked up again.
"Extra doodh ko bech dete hain. Log aate hain khareedne. Ya phir ghar mein hi rakhte hain—dahi, paneer, ghee banane ke liye. Waste nahi hone dete."
("We sell the extra milk. People come to buy it. Or we keep it at home to make curd, paneer, ghee. We don't allow it to be used for any other purpose.")
Simran nodded slowly. Waste. The word echoed. Her own milk—already more than any baby could drink—was pooling inside her, demanding release. She shifted again, feeling the damp lace between her legs, the ache returning quietly in her chest.
Simran sat quietly for a moment, the lantern light flickering across her face, shadows dancing on the wall behind her. The rain outside had turned into a steady, soft patter, but the silence inside the room felt heavier. She looked at Bhola—really looked at him—his calm face, the way he sat on the low stool like he had all the time in the world.
She took a slow breath and spoke, voice barely above a whisper.
“Bhola…sach sach batana. Mujhe lagta hai ki main tumhe istemaal kar rahi hun…tum mujhe madad kar rahe ho, lekin…. Main tumhe mera doodh peen eke liye istemaal kar rahi hu. Ye sahi nehi hai.”
("Bhola… tell me frankly. I feel like I’m using you. You’re helping me, but… I’m using you for drinking my milk. It’s not fair.")
Bhola’s eyes softened. He leaned forward slightly, elbows on his knees, hands clasped loosely.
"Bhabhi… let me tell you something. Main bilkul bhi pareshan nahi hoon. Mujhe aapki madad karne mein bahut sukoon milta hai. Hamesha karunga jab bhi aapko zaroorat hogi. Aur yeh… sirf doodh peena hai. Aur sach bolun toh… aapko pata hai maine raat ka khana kyun nahi khaya?"
("Bhabhi… let me tell you something. I'm not worried at all. I find great peace in helping you. I will always do it whenever you need me. And this… just drink milk. And to tell you the truth… do you know why I didn't eat dinner?")
Simran tilted her head, curious despite herself.
"Kyun?"
Bhola’s cheeks darkened just a little, but his voice stayed steady.
"Kyuki… aapka doodh ne mujhe already bhar diya tha us waqt. Itna sweet, itna nourishing… pet bhar gaya. Aap mujhe already apna precious doodh khila rahi hain… usse zyada main kya maang sakta hoon?"
("Because… your milk already filled me up at that time. So sweet, so nourishing… my stomach is full. You're already feeding me your precious milk… what more could I ask for?")
Simran’s breath caught. The words landed soft but heavy. She looked down at her lap, fingers twisting the nightie hem.
“Lekin…tumhe ye lag sakta hai ki ye ek duty hai tumhare liye. Jaise tumhe karna hi hai.”
("But… you might feel it’s a duty. Like you have to do it.")
Bhola shook his head slowly.
"Nahi Bhabhi… bilkul nahi. Duty kaise ho sakta hai? Yeh toh… sukoon hai. Aapko araam mil raha hai, mujhe bhi sukoon mil raha hai."
("No Bhabhi... not at all. How can it be duty? This is... peace. You are getting rest, I am also getting rest.")
Simran exhaled shakily.
“Ye duty hi lagega…jab tumhe ye harr oz din mein do baar. Kabhi teen baar karni pade.”
"It will become a duty… when it has to be done every day. Twice. Maybe thrice."
Bhola’s gaze didn’t waver.
"Bhabhi… aapko idea nahi hai main kitna appreciate karunga aapke liye yeh karne ka. Har baar. Har roz. Jo bhi chahiye."
("Bhabhi... you have no idea how much I would appreciate doing this for you. Every time. Every day. Whatever it takes.")
She looked up at him—eyes searching his face.
"Thank you, Bhola."
A long pause suddenly main the presence of rain audible.


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