Glossy World Unmasked

Hi. I'm Kuhu. I was given this name by my father due to my sweet voice and bubbly nature. But he died in an accident when I was in class seven. After him, My mother (who is a teacher by profession) left no stone unturned to give me a good upbringing. She tried her levels best to fill the place left by my father.

Gradually, I completed my studies and got a job in one of the best companies. The company belonged to one of the richest people in the country Mr. D K Diwan. Due to my hard work and amiable nature, I became popular among colleagues. My employers were satisfied with my work and soon I got promoted. 

Due to office work many times I got the opportunity to visit Mr. Diwan's palace-like home. Mrs. Diwan was a wonderful woman. She was a social activist and was running her own NGO for needy women. Her motto in life was eliminating sex discrimination and "Save the Girl Child." In fact, she was running a charity home named "LAXMI" where the parents or single mothers, could leave their ( without revealing their identity) newly born girl, instead of killing her. Mrs. Diwan's taste, way of talking, her ideas, everything was mind-blowing and I was deeply impressed by her personality.

Today, Diwan palace was decorated like a new bride. After all, the only son of Diwan's, "The Sahil Diwan" has returned after completing his higher education and internship from England. I being an employee of the Diwan's, along with other colleagues, have also got an opportunity to be a part of this gala event. Every political person, administrator, business tycoon n reputed family is present to welcome young and dashing Sahil sir.

N the day has come when Sahil sir joined his grand office. He is full of energy and new ideas. Moreover, Mr. Diwan's guidance and experience are always following him. Many times, I got the opportunity to interact with Sahil sir. His personality n way of work is simply impressive.

Today, it's the weekend and I'm in complete relaxing mode. After taking a head bath, I am lying under sunlight n my mother is busy preparing the breakfast of my choice. Suddenly, the doorbell has rung. To my surprise, Sahil sir is standing on my gate with a bouquet of red roses in his hands.

 "Hopefully I have not disturbed you, Kuhu."     "No..no at all sir. Please come in."

 I still can't believe that 'The Sahil Diwan' has come to my place.

 "Can I meet your parents ?" 

"Sure sir...why not. My father is no more. I live with my mother who is a retired teacher." 

Telling this I started calling mommy. My mother came with my favorite breakfast in her hands. 

 "Mommy, meet Sahil sir, our boss." I tried to be normal. But Sahil sir was totally on different mode today. To my surprise, he took my breakfast plate from my mother's hand after touching her feet, started eating it as if he is a family member. 

"Aunty, you cook really well. I have never eaten such delicious food."    

 "I'm humbled beta. Had you told earlier about Ur arrival, I must have prepared accordingly."       

"Arey Aunty, I have come as your son, not as a guest. N without any role tying I want to tell you that I want to marry Kuhu. With your kind permission, I want to send my parents to meet you. I assure you, I will give every happiness to your daughter n will never disappoint you. Please, give me your blessings. " 

N next few days were not less than a fairy tale for me. Today, I have become Mrs. Kuhu Diwan, wife of the only son of " The Diwan's."

We have gone for 30 days Europe Tour for Honeymoon n Sahil has given me every happiness of life. Now, we are back. Sahil has joined the office and I have joined my mother-in-law ( Mom) in her social work.

Today, I'm not feeling well. A team of doctors is at my disposal. N yes, I have conceived. Mrs. Diwan has given instructions to all the servants. A full-time trained nurse has been arranged to take my care. Sahil is feeling out of the world. Next week, I'm going for a routine check-up with Mom.  

My check-up has been done. The gynecologist has given me some instructions along with medicine. Mom has taken her to the corner n they have a long discussion. Out of curiosity, I asked mom on way to home about the discussion. She has gently pressed my hands with a smile n assurance that there is nothing to worry about.

Due to tiredness, I had my dinner earlier and after the nurse gave me medicines, I slept before the arrival of Sahil. Around 12.30 AM, suddenly I woke up hearing loud voices. Sahil was not there in the bed. To my surprise, Sahil was arguing with Mom on some issue. Dad had gone to England on some business assignment. I slowly went near the door out of curiosity. Lights are switched off in my room but I could clearly see Sahil n Mom's faces in the living room's light.

" No mom, you can't do this to me. I won't allow this to happen to my child." It was Sahil. 

"Just shut up Sahil."

 I never saw Mrs. Diwan in such anger before. 

" You have already taken extra advantage of being the only child. Every rich girl in the country was ready to marry you but you insisted to marry the daughter of a widow school teacher. Against my wish, I was pressurised to accept Kuhu as my daughter in law, because you wanted. But this time, I won't surrender. You will have to accept my decision. The nurse has given her medicine as per my instructions n soon we will get rid of the girl living in her womb. I will only accept a boy as heir to this grand property. Now, go and keep mum. Mind it, Kuhu will have bleeding and we will declare that she had a miscarriage."

There was pin-drop silence in the room for some time. "Even Kuhu will not know about it. I will send you both abroad after some time. Science has advanced much. By God's grace, you will return with the heir of this empire." I could see the crooked smile on Mrs. Diwan's lips. Her words were dissolving like glass in my ears. The glossy world of "Saving Girl Child" created by Mrs. Diwan was unmasked. Her only daughter-in-law was lying down unconscious in a pool of blood.