She looked at him stunned! He was actually promising her mother that he would let go of her, free her from the shackles of this child marriage once all the rituals were over.
He stood there, hands joined and head bowed down, silently begging her mother not to take her away.
Meera felt her chest constrict; it was like her heart just broke. It wasn't his fault, her mind screamed, why is he begging? Why is he being blamed?
She felt Prabha hold Sudha's hand and lead her towards the house, she put her hand around her mother's shoulder and slowly walked back.
Out of its own volition her head turned, her eyes seeking him out. He stood there, hands still joined and looking at them walk away. She could see the raw pain in his eyes.
Slowly the crowd melted away, her father too left his side.
Stop ! She wanted to scream, for God's sake someone go up to him. He's devastated and distraught over something he's not even remotely responsible for.
She felt her mother tug at her hand. They had reached the entrance of his house; she turned to look at him one last time.
She felt her heart stop, there in the middle of the dusty village road, he stood, his back to her. His broad shoulders sagged, totally broken and alone.
Suddenly it became imperative for her to let him know he was not alone. She slowly freed herself from her mother's grasp, lifted her heavy bridal saree and broke into a run.
Even before she knew it, she had reached him and grabbed his hand from behind.
Slowly he turned, she saw his tear filled eyes look at her, bewildered. She leaned forward and gently wiped his wet cheek.
Then something broke in her, and putting her arms around him she hugged him with all her might.
She felt him stiffen, he let out a long breath and she felt him shudder. She tightened her hold and buried her face in his chest sobbing and murmuring, I'm sorry Prithvi, I'm so sorry!
She felt his arms go around her crushing her to him. It was if they were trying to draw strength from one another.
Finally looking down at her, he gently tucked her hair behind her ears. She lifted her tear stained face and looked up at him. He gave her a watery smile and said, "Go, I'm OK now".
He released her and stood looking at her tenderly.
She took his hand in both hers and looking him in the eye, said softly, "I'll be back".
Then she walked swiftly towards her mother secure in the knowledge that now she knew what had to be done!
