Two Hearts That Beat As One

The torrential rain in the wee hours created havoc in Pavanpur town. Thirty- five-year-old Soumya, a practicing advocate, was too nervous and unable to get up from the bed even though it was ten am. Mother Annapurna's repeated awakening calls made her get up. Soumya was ready within half an hour. The breakfast and lunch was also  ready. Annapurna, a school teacher, left home after eating food. Soumya was alone. While sipping the aroma of coffee, her attention was drawn towards her wedding photos displayed on the wall, prompting her to get memories of a decade back. 

 Soumya and Sunil Shanubhog met for the first time at the corridor of the Pavamana Law college, Pavanpur. They were waiting for the intetview call from the selection committee for admission to the first year law course. Only these two candidates remained and told them to wait ten minutes. During this time, after their introduction, start discussing the probable questions to be asked and how to answer? It was a fruitful discussion for them and both were impressed about their knowledge on the subject. The interview was over and both were selected for the course. The first impression was the best impression for them. 

The friendship continued and they met frequently for one or the other reason. Such meetings in the college and outside were going on uninterruptedly during their final year and they fell in love. It was kept secret for some time. When the final year law exam was over and both were passed in first class. 

She disclosed her wish to marry  Sunil to her mother. Annapurna was not happy with the daughter.  Because she knew the boy and his family very well. Soumya tried to convince her mother. Annapurna after getting some of the doubts on Sunil cleared. She approved the relstionship. There was a hurdle from Bhanu, who was an elder sister and guardian of Sunil. He respects her. Soumya was able to clear all the doubts and marriage was over in a simple ceremony. 

 Their married life was happy for two years. During the third year, unexpected developments happened.  Misunderstandings cropped up between the couple. The issue was highly impossible to solve. Their relationship was adversely affected and went to the extent of the break up of marriage. Soumya was forced to stay with her mother.

What went wrong between the couple?

 Soumya was a brilliant student.  She was the recipient of the gold medal in the law college. Bhanu was a widow staying in Anjaneya colony, Pavanpur two kilometers away from Sunil's house. Bhanu was not happy with Soumya for not becoming a mother even after three years of marriage. She thought if she failed to become pregnant, the Shanubhog dynasty of his brother's family would be wiped out. She told Soumya to undergo a thorough medical checkup with a Gynecologist. Sunil  was against this checkup. He had already got the opinion of the doctor. According to the doctor, she cannot become pregnant. He was most happy with his wife. Sunil and Soumya had already decided to adopt a male baby from the orphanage. Bhanu opposed this idea. She told her brother to go for a second marriage. Sunil  vehemently opposed the second marriage. Bhanu told Soumya for divorce. She refused for a divorce. Bhanu tried to put a lot of pressure on her brother to go for divorce. Her continuous persuasion on Sunil agreed for a second marriage after divorce.  He was most obedient to his sister. Bhanu was the inspiration and encouragement for the status he was enjoying today. Sunil  was in a dilemma. On one side his beloved sister and on the other side his most lovable wife. He cannot displease either. Ultimately, he reluctantly changed his mind and expressed his wish to Soumya.  She was most unhappy with Bhanu. War of words began between Soumya and Bhanu. 

"Bhanu Didi, as long as my husband loves me, the question of divorce doesn't arise. I am totally against your wish. I am a lawyer, I know better than you in such matters. If you insist on me like this, I will have to file a case against you to teach a lesson. If I do not give my consent for divorce, do you know what happens?," said Soumya.

On hearing this Bhanu was very much perturbed. Sunil was happy in the heart of hearts. But he was unable to express.

"Soumya, do you know with whom you are speaking? If I wish, you will be sent out from this house within minutes," said Sunil in an angry mood just to please his sister.

Soumya had the courage to face any eventuality. She left the house and arrived at her mother's house with a heavy heart.     

 "Mom, I'm so scared and worried," said Soumya with deep sorrow.

"My dear child, don't worry. I have great faith in God. He will certainly guide," said her mom.

"You don't know mom, how I'm living in my house. Every day my sister-in-law Bhanu is giving me torture. Sunil is supporting his sister. The trouble started only after her arrival. In the present situation, I am guilty of not becoming pregnant. Sunil took the hard decision of divorce," said Soumya.



"Don't worry Soumya,  my inner heart says you will be alright in a few days. You must always think in a positive way."

"Mom, you are correct. Sunil is really a nice person," said Soumya.

Six months have passed. Soumya  didn't meet Sunil.

 It was still raining. Suddenly, there was a knock on the main door. Soumya came out of her memories and opened the door. It was a surprise for Soumya that Sunil and Bhanu were  waiting outside completely wet. 

"Soumya, if you forgive me, I will come inside. I have realised my foolishness," said Bhanu with folded hands.

"Bhanu didi, you are elder to me. I respect you. You have got every right to express your feelings. How can I say you did wrong?"

"It is your greatness Soumya,'' said Bhanu with emotion.

Soumya prostrated her sister-in-law and welcomed inside. Sunil followed her sister. Everybody was happy at that moment. Bhanu and Sunil changed their wet dress. By the time tea was ready.

He appreciated Soumya for her successful plan by showing his smile.

"Soumya, you are a sensible wife. I am proud of you," said Sunil holding her hands.

She said, "When two hearts that beat as one, nobody on the earth breaks our relationship."