Amavasya Ki Raat (Moonless Night)
Chapter 8
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
Miss Chand...
Chand Narayan (FL)
Mrityunjay ji.
Chand Narayan (FL)
I've learned so much about you, Mrityunjay ji.
Chand Narayan (FL)
I know you're not committed to anyone, so I'm struggling to understand why you're rejecting me.
Chand Narayan (FL)
Do I not meet your expectations of beauty?
Chand Narayan (FL)
I thought I was worthy of consideration, but your rejection makes me wonder if I'm somehow lacking.
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
Miss Chand, you're beautiful, don't ever doubt that.
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
My decision has nothing to do with you, but with my own responsibilities and obligations.
Chand Narayan (FL)
So, your mind is made up, and you're refusing my hand in marriage.
Chand Narayan (FL)
I accept that. But...can I deserve to know the truth - what is the reason behind your rejection?
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
...
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
I'm not sure I'm at liberty to share that with you.
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Look down at her covered feet* I'm sorry.
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Turn back and walk away*
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Bit lips, sadly look at his back until it faded*
Chand Narayan (FL)
Why are you not accepting me?
Ruchika Chandravanshi (ML Mother)
Mrityunjay... Chand, you two came. That's great, we were going to call you two. (◍•ᴗ•◍)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Sit beside his mother*
Ruchika Chandravanshi (ML Mother)
*Touch his biceps, smile*
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Smile slightly*
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Sit beside her father*
Chaitanya Narayan (FL Father)
Are you okay, guddu? *Whispering, gazed at his daughter with concern-filled eyes*
Chaitanya Narayan (FL Father)
You seem a bit... distant. Is everything alright?
Chaitanya Narayan (FL Father)
Are you feeling overwhelmed? You know you can always talk to me, beta.
Chand Narayan (FL)
Ji, papa.
Chaitanya Narayan (FL Father)
*Pats her head*
Ruchika Chandravanshi (ML Mother)
Mrityunjay... *Gesture him with eyes*
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Looks at chand who has kept her head down* Maa, I'm-
Ruchika Chandravanshi (ML Mother)
*Whispered* Mrityunjay, I believe in you and your decision.
Ruchika Chandravanshi (ML Mother)
But, as someone who cares deeply about you, I hope you'll consider the fact that sometimes, the right decisions are the ones that bring happiness to those around us, even if they may not be the easiest choices for ourselves.
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Gulp* ....
Rajvardhan Chandravanshi (ML Father)
Chand beta, tell us what's your decision.
Chand Narayan (FL)
Whatever his decision is, it is mine too.
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
....
Rajvardhan Chandravanshi (ML Father)
Mrityunjay.
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(What am I doing? I don't want to marry her... it's not safe. I've always been the one in control, but now...)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Glances at Chand*
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(...those eyes... they're counting on me.)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(They're so full of hope and sadness at the same time. What choice do I have?)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(If I say no, I'll disappoint mother, and maybe even put myself in danger.)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(But if I say yes...)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Takes a deep breath*
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(... again I'll be putting myself. Why do I always have to be the one to fix everything?)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Pauses*
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(No, that's not true. I'm doing this because...)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
*Looks at Chand again*
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
(...I don't want to see mother hurt. I want to protect myself, even if it means putting myself in this harm.)
Mrityunjay Chandravanshi (ML)
It's a yes. *Whispers*
Ruchika Chandravanshi (ML Mother)
*Smile brightly* It's a yes! Congratulations, we are going to a family.
Karishma Narayan (FL Mother)
*Smile grew* Oh, my god! Congratulations.
—As the two families exchanged congratulations, Chand's gaze met Mrityunjay's, her eyes clouded with confusion—
—She searched his face for answers, wondering why he had agreed to marry her despite his earlier protests—
—Her silent question hung in the air: "Why did you say yes?"—
Maid: "Madam, the lunch is ready."
Chaitanya Narayan (FL Father)
Okay, set the table we are coming.
Karishma Narayan (FL Mother)
*Turn to Ruchika* Let's go for lunch. 😁
—Both the families sat together, ate food and occasionally even joked with each other—
—However, the soon-to-be-wed couple, Mrityunjay and Chand, simply moved their food around on their plates, their attention elsewhere—
—Mrityunjay, unable to tolerate this awkward situation, looked towards his father, who was engrossed in a conversation with his future in-laws—
—As Mrityunjay nudged his father, Karishma's attention was drawn to this subtle exchange—
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