Silent Tears!!!!!

Nandini was looking out of the window with tears in her eyes. She was in pain. She could not believe that her people had left her in despair. Nandini had packed her bags and left without informing anyone at home. She had asked her driver to drop her at the railway station, to board a train to her native village, Shivamogga. Nandini was basically from a family of zamindars who lived in a small village close to Shivamogga. Her parents had left her some land and an ancestral house, Nandini visited it once or twice a year to enjoy recollecting her childhood moments. Nandini was the only child to her parents and had graduated in Science. She was the apple of her parents’ eyes and was brought up with values and ideals. She was very fond of music. She loved sitting on the banks of the river, humming her favorite songs. She was helpful and never hesitated to help anyone in need in the village. She was very calm and composed, so, many were attracted to her. One among them was Satish Ramanand.

Satish was very attracted to Nandini when he first met her at the wedding of his friend. Without further ado Satish sent a proposal to her parents asking her hand in marriage and the alliance was fixed. Satish was then, an entrepreneur, who was busy establishing his business. He had no time to meet Nandini even once after the alliance was decided. Nandini had no feelings for Satish. In fact she had a silent crush for her classmate Bharghava. Bharghava had taken up farming after completing his studies and was equally interested in Nandini. She held a letter written to her by Bharghava. By the time she could discuss it with her parents - her father had promised Satish's parents to give Nandini’s hand in marriage to their son. Nandini did not dare to talk about Bharghava to her parents. She let go of her wishes and put the letter in a box and kept it over the wardrobe. Satish and Nandini tied the knot on an auspicious day. Bharghava did not attend the function. He moved on with his life.

Initially, Nandini found it difficult to adjust with Satish and his parents. Satish was very moody, money minded and had no place for emotions. His parents always interfered and taunted Nandini. Satish's mom was not at all happy with Nandini. She often complained about her to Satish. Years passed by, Nandini became pregnant and Satish never showed any love or care towards her. He treated her as an asset to show off. Nandini shed tears in silence, not sharing anything with her loving parents. Satish never respected her decision about anything and always looked down on her ability. He would say "You village people have no idea about this, you are so outdated, just keep quiet".

Nandini was blessed with Lil Abhay. He was the only hope she had. Satish spent all his time on business trips and stayed away from home for weeks and sometimes months. Abhay was growing up and Nandini was busy with him. Soon years passed and Abhay became a teenager. Now he was more close to his dad, who allowed him to spend lots of money on shopping and parties. Nandini was against it. Whenever she tried to warn him, Abhay would get irritated and avoid her. Abhay had become more stubborn and aggressive. He soon fell into bad company, He started drinking and staying away from home. One day he was caught by the police in a rave party, He was in custody for 2 days until Satish intervened to bring him out.

Nandini reached her native and Basaaya her loyal aid opened the gate for her. After all these years, she could breathe freely and was relieved. Her peace was disturbed, when she gets a call from Satish “Hello Nandini, what is this?? Are you out of your mind?? Don't make an issue out of small things?? I told you it was a mistake, I am sorry for that. Julie was my secretary, she traveled with me. Sometimes these things happen, we stay out for long and we have desires. It will not happen again. Now, will you come back?? Don't make me a laughing stock in front of my relatives and society. Are…. you… listening to me? I warn you Nandini, if you don't come back in two days, I shall divorce you and the doors will be shut permanently. Nandini who was patiently listening to her husband replied "Go ahead and send me the divorce papers. I don't intend to stay anymore with a person who doesn't care about me or my emotions. I am not coming back to you. I don't deserve the life that you have given me. I can live on my own. I have enough confidence and determination. I am sick of the life I had with you. At that point, her son Abhay snatched the phone from his father and shouted "Mom, will you stop it. Please don't make a scene. Come back to dad, you don't know this world, they will make you a laughing stock. Why are you making an issue of nothing?? Dad has organized a party and everyone will ask about you. Why are you behaving like an old fashioned lady? Dad has apologized for his mistake. Give him another chance.

Nandini could tolerate it no more "Shut up Abhay, ju…st shut up. Don't try to teach me. Your father cheated on me. He treated me like an asset. Till date, I have no feelings for him, like any woman would have for her husband. He just used me for his desires. You are floating on a bubble called ‘Money’. Once the bubble breaks, you will understand the reality. He may have money but he is characterless. He can buy anything for you, but he cannot give you good values and ideals. You enjoy your life with him. I don't need his riches or money. I am happy being myself. One day you will realize my importance, but, that day please don't come back to me. I do not wish to see your face. Nandini slammed the phone and started crying profusely, thinking about the life she wasted.

After few years Nandini was divorced and her husband did not make any attempt to take her back in his life. Bhargava, once again became a close friend to Nandini. They forgot their age and became comfortable with each other just like the good old college days. They would discuss all topics, from politics to farming and made sure they spent time with each other every day. Satish and Abhay were enjoying their life and never bothered to check on Nandini. One day Nandini gets to know from her friend that Satish's business partner cheated him of Crores of Rupees and is absconding. Abhay is working in a cafe shop. His high headedness has come down. Both father and son are now living in a 1 BHK rented house near a railway station. Nandini did not respond to her friend. Neither did she feel bad for Satish. But her heart cried out for Abhay.

Nandini was sitting on the banks of the river, humming her favorite song. She saw someone coming towards her. Her eyes widened. It was Bhargava. Bhargava came closer to her and sat next to her. Nandini did not utter a word. She looked at him with amusement. Bharghava held her hand and said "Nandini, I am sorry for being late. I thought you were leading a happy life with Satish. I got to know about your married life from Basaaya. I should have stopped you 20 years ago, but I could not. I could not imagine any other woman in your place. You had filled my heart and your memories are with me till today. Nandini will you marry me?? I promise, I will look after you with due respect and utmost love. I still love you the way you are. I want my Nandini back in my life.

Nandini felt happy about the proposal but she feared the world. The words of her son Abhay came to her mind. She took her hand back and left without saying anything. Her mind was telling her not to accept the proposal, while her heart was telling her to marry Bhargava and lead a happy life. She walked away without looking back. She was still in a dilemma as to her reply to Bhargava. As soon as she reached home, she found that Satish and Abhay had sent her a message. They both had apologized for their deeds and wanted her back in their life. Abhay had written a long letter to his mother requesting her to forgive them.

Nandini took a firm decision and wrote back to her son Abhay.

After few months Nandini was happily married to Bhargava and Abhay would visit her often.

Abhay and Bhargava got along very well but Abhay refused to stay back because he had a responsibility towards Satish as well. Satish started working in one of the firms and moved on with his life.