Radhika and Naveen got the divorce papers today. Both came out of the court together. The relatives of both were with them and the marks of victory and peace were clearly visible on their faces. After a long battle of four years, the decision was taken today. It had been ten years since the marriage but were able to stay together only for six years. Four years were spent in the divorce proceedings. Radhika had a list of dowry items in her hand which were to be taken from Naveen's house and Naveen had a list of ornaments which were to be taken from Radhika.
Along with this, the court had also ordered that Naveen would pay the amount of ten lakh rupees to Radhika.
Radhika and Naveen both reached Naveen's house sitting in the same tempo. Radhika had to mark the things given in dowry. That's why she was going to her in-laws house after four years. The last bus was never to come there after that.
All the relatives had gone to their respective homes. Only three creatures were left. Naveen, Radhika and Radhika's mother. Naveen lived alone in the house. Parents and brothers still live in the village.
Radhika and Naveen's only son, who is seven years old now, will stay with Radhika till he attains majority as per the court's decision. Can meet him once in the new month. Old memories became fresh as soon as I entered the house. Radhika had decorated it with so much effort. His life was settled in one thing. Everything was created before his eyes. He had seen the houses being built slowly with each brick being completed.
It was his dream house. How passionately Naveen had fulfilled her dream. Naveen lay down on the sofa tiredly. Said "Take whatever you want, I will not stop you". Radhika now looked at Naveen carefully. How much has changed in four years. Whiteness has started appearing in the hair. The body is already half. The brightness of the face disappeared in four years.
She proceeded towards the store room where most of her dowry stuff was lying. The goods were of old fashion, so they were put in the store room like junk. How much dowry did he get? Both had a love marriage. The family members had come together under compulsion. It was a love marriage, that's why someone's eye fell. Because everyone wants to see the love couple break up.
Naveen got lost after drinking just once. He was sitting with his hand raised. She just went to her maternal home in anger.
Then the time of teaching started. Here Naveen's brother and sister-in-law and on the other side Radhika's mother. Nobat reached the court and got divorced.
Neither Radhika returned nor Naveen went to fetch it.
Radhika's mother said, "Where is your stuff? It is not visible here. Must have been sold by this drunkard?"
"Shut up mom", Radhika didn't know why Naveen didn't like calling her a drunkard on her face.
Then the goods lying in the store room were added to the list one by one. The items of the list were also lifted from the rest of the rooms. Radhika only took her belongings, did not even touch Naveen's belongings. Then Radhika handed over the bag full of jewels to Naveen. Naveen gave the bag back to Radhika, "Keep it, I don't want it, it will be useful in your trouble."
The cost of the jewelery was not less than 15 lakhs. "Why, how many times your lawyer was shouting jewels in the court." Radhika's mother frowned upon hearing this.
Radhika: "No, I don't want even ten lakhs."
Naveen: "Why?" Saying this, Naveen stood up from the sofa.
Radhika: "Just like that" Radhika turned away.
Naveen: "You have such a big life, how will you spend it? Take it, it will be useful."
Saying this, Naveen also turned away and went to another room. Perhaps there must have been something in the eyes which had to be hidden.
Radhika's mother was busy calling the car driver.
Radhika got a chance. She followed Naveen to that room.
He was crying. Making a weird face As if trying to suppress the inner flood. Radhika had never seen him crying. Saw it for the first time today, don't know why my heart got some relief.
But Radhika did not get very emotional. She said in a simple way, there was so much concern, then why did she give divorce? You gave the divorce not me, you also signed it, couldn't you apologise?
Naveen: When did your family members give you the opportunity? Disconnected whenever called.
Radhika: Could have come home too?
Naveen: Didn't have the courage?
Radhika's mother has come. She took his hand and took him outside. Why is it showing its face now? now the relationship is over
Mother and daughter started waiting for the car sitting on the sofa outside in the verandah.
Something was breaking inside Radhika too. My heart was sinking. She was getting numb. She started looking at the sofa on which she was sitting. How he and Naveen had bought that sofa by saving. I liked it when I went around the whole city.
Then his eyes went to the dry basil plant in front of him. She used to take care with so much love. Tulsi also left the house with him.
When the panic increased, she got up again and went inside. Mother called from behind but she ignored. Naveen was lying face down on the bed. For once he felt pity on her. But she knew that now everything is over so she doesn't have to be emotional.
He glanced around the room. The whole room has become chaotic. Somewhere cobwebs are swinging.
How much did he hate spider webs? Then her eyes went to those photos in which she was smiling hugging Naveen. What a golden day those were.
Meanwhile, mother came again. Holding her hand, she then took her outside.
The car had come outside. Goods were being loaded into the car. Radhika was sitting listening. Naveen came out after hearing the sound of the car. Suddenly Naveen sat down on his knees holding his ear.
Naveen said - don't go, forgive me.
Perhaps these were the words she had been yearning to hear for four years. All the dams of patience broke at once. Radhika took out the court's decision paper and tore it and before mother could say anything, she hugged Naveen. Both were crying badly together.
Radhika's mother standing far away understood that the order of the court is nothing more than a piece of paper in front of the hearts. Wish they had been allowed to meet earlier?
