Chapter 52 A Sudden Marriage
That is the last straw. Vihan storms forward, grabs the man by the collar, his fingers tightening around his neck. Villagers try to pull him off, but he is strong he stands alone against the crowd, unwavering.
Chaudhary Sahab shouts, “Stop! Everyone stop!” Then, taking a deep breath, his voice heavy with sorrow, he says, “I’ve been Chaudhary of this village for 30 years. I’ve always stood for your honor and happiness. If you believe Rimjhim has brought shame, then I banish her from this village.”
Silence falls. Vihan stares at Chaudhary Sahab in disbelief. You too? his eyes seem to ask silently. Rimjhim, still on the ground, stops crying for a moment, stunned and shattered by her father’s words.
Vihan’s rage turns cold. He cannot believe a father would choose the village’s judgment over his own daughter.
A woman who has always envied Rimjhim steps forward, spitting venomously. “And who will marry this disgraceful girl now? We don’t even want to see her face. She’s filth.”
Vihan’s fury explodes. His voice echoes across the square. “I will marry her!” he roars. Everyone freezes. Eyes widen. Gasps fill the air.
Chaudhary Sahab looks at Vihan in utter shock. Rimjhim sits there, stunned, tears frozen as disbelief washes over her.
Vihan steps forward, takes Rimjhim’s trembling hand in his, turns to Chaudhary Sahab, grasps his hand too, and declares, “There’s no need for your exile now. She’ll never return here. I’ll take her away, far from your narrow minds.”
He turns to his bodyguard and commands firmly, “Get the marriage papers ready.”
The bodyguard nods quickly and leaves. Vihan, holding Rimjhim’s and Chaudhary Sahab’s hands tightly, leads her toward the Haveli.
As they walk, Vihan’s face remains red with anger. His eyes burn with rage and humiliation, while Rimjhim silently walks beside him, her eyes brimming with tears, her heart breaking with every step.
Just as they reach the gate of the Haveli, Vihan turns sharply to look at the villagers still standing at a distance. His voice roars through the air. “May God never let this happen to your children because today, you disgraced someone pure and innocent. You didn’t just insult her you killed your own humanity!”
His words hit the villagers like thunder. A hush falls over the crowd. Some lower their heads in shame; others quickly turn and walk away.
Inside the Haveli, Chaudhary Sahab waits, face lined with worry. As Vihan steps in, he approaches softly. “Vihan Babu… what was it that you said outside?”
Vihan takes a deep breath, trying to control the storm within him. “Chaudhary Sahab, those people were accusing your daughter wrongly. I didn’t know what else to do… so I said I’d marry her. And now that I’ve said it, I will fulfill it.”
Chaudhary Sahab’s eyes fill with tears. Without warning, he folds his hands before Vihan, voice trembling. “Please… marry my daughter, Vihan Babu. I beg you.”
Startled, Vihan immediately grabs his hands and gently says, “What are you doing? You’re like a father to me please don’t fold your hands like this.”
Chaudhary Sahab’s voice breaks with pain. “After today’s humiliation, no one will marry my daughter. And I cannot let her stay in this village anymore she won’t find peace here.”
Vihan falls silent for a moment, then nods slowly. “Alright. But Chaudhary Sahab, your villagers their thinking is dangerous. This isn’t just about Rimjhim. Every daughter in this village is at risk if such narrow-mindedness continues.”
Just then, Vihan’s bodyguard enters, holding a set of documents. He hands them to Vihan. Vihan glances at Chaudhary Sahab. “I’m going home tonight, and Rimjhim will come with me. These are marriage papers. She needs to sign them. But before that… I need to talk to her privately.”
Chaudhary Sahab gently says, “Of course, child. As you wish."
Vihan turns to Rimjhim, who stands silently with tears in her eyes. “Come with me,” he says softly.
Chaudhary Sahab gives her a reassuring nod. “Go, child.”
Wiping her tears, Rimjhim follows Vihan quietly into his room. As soon as they enter, Vihan takes her hand and leads her to the bed, sitting her down gently. His eyes search her face, voice soft with concern. “Why are you trembling?”
He pours a glass of water and hands it to her. She drinks silently, hands still shaking.
Vihan picks up the papers and places them in front of her. “There’s no pressure. You can sign these if you want or not. I’ll make sure no one in the village harms you. If you want to live in the city, I’ll arrange everything for you. There’s no pressure for marriage. And…”
He hesitates, then continues with raw honesty. “I can be your friend, but I might never be able to accept you as my wife. I have my own personal reasons… so whatever you choose, think it through.”
Rimjhim stares at the papers for a few moments, then quietly picks up the pen and signs them without a word.
Vihan closes his eyes tightly for a second, taking a deep breath. When he opens them again, Rimjhim has already stood up and walked out silently.
As soon as she steps out of her room, Chaudhary Sahab’s eyes fall on her. Her face is somber, a shadow of sorrow lingering in her teary eyes, though she has tried to hide it.
Chaudhary Sahab glances at her trembling hands and asks softly, “Did you sign the papers, child?”
Rimjhim does not speak. She lowers her gaze and nods slightly. Two silent tears slip from her eyes and fall to the floor.
In that moment, Chaudhary Sahab’s expression changes. The heavy burden on his heart lightens just a little. He pulls Rimjhim into his arms with love and gratitude in his voice. “Go, child… pack your things. Vihan Babu shouldn’t be delayed… a new life is waiting for you.”
Holding her close to his chest, his voice heavy with emotion, he whispers, “Forgive me, child. Today I was helpless before my duties. But I know one thing for sure you will be very happy with Vihan Babu. He has every quality a girl dreams of in a husband. Go, prepare yourself. The world he will take you to is far more beautiful than this one. There will be no restrictions there. I know you will be truly happy, and his family will embrace you with open hearts. Go now, my blessings are with you.”