Part I

Chapter 1

Bhumi was sitting on the sofa, fully dressed in the attire of a bride, with her heavy lehenga occupying the space for three people. The entire room smelled of wrapping paper, oils, and fatigue. Bhumi's mother, sister, mother-in-law, and other members of her family and extended family were sitting in solemn silence in the small suffocating room. Although Bhumi was the exalted bride, the happiness was missing from her countenance. At the moment, there was no exaltation or excitement in the room; everyone's eyes were fixated on Bhumi.

Inside Bhumi, there was suffocation and helplessness; there was an urgency of wanting to cry out loudly and tell everyone to leave the house and leave her alone; but she couldn't, she wouldn't, because these people loved her and she loved them, only not at this moment. Bhumi realized that most of the people present wished and cared for her well-being, but she felt cornered and left without any other alternative. There seemed no other option to save herself from this marriage. She dared not raise her eyes but wished for Akash to enter the room with a bang and tell her that it was a dream, just a nightmare. She wished for Akash to stop this marriage, stop his Bhumi from getting married to his own brother, but it was not to be.

It was an inescapable, cold and hard fact that Bhumi had herself seen Akash's lifeless dead body turn to ashes, and she knew that Akash would never come back. It is said that after death, only the living are left to suffer for the ones that have passed away. There was no justification for Akash's death, and that made it even more difficult for Bhumi to accept his passing. This wasn't the first time that Bhumi had dressed in the wedding red, clad in jewelry, and surrounded by her loved ones; she had married Akash and it had been the happiest day of her life. It was followed by a blissful few weeks, and then the saddest day of her life. There were innumerable things that were left unsaid, she had never talked to him about their lives, stars, their childhood, their future, and their lives.

The first day of her life as a wedded woman was unforgettable. Bhumi had entered Akash's house looking like a fairy. It was happily remarked that the most beautiful woman had wedded the most handsome man in the world. Akash was the eldest son of the Gupta Sadan, with a family of adoring parents, younger brother and sister. Akash was a shining star, loved by all, not only his family but also his friends and acquaintances.

After having completed his M.B.A. from the States, Akash had come back to handle and manage the family's huge business. Dev, the younger brother, was a Captain in the Indian Army, but Akash had always wanted his brother to be a part of the family business as well, and used to often say that, "When the brothers come together, the business will reach heights that it has never known before." Akash had a big heart and love to give and he didn't shy away from it. Akash had taken Bhumi to Nainital for their honeymoon and those few days was all it took for both of them to fall in love and forget about the rest of the world. It was on that fateful day of their return that tragedy struck near Kaladungi when due to a narrow road, a reckless oncoming driver, and Akash's will to save Bhumi, an accident took place and their car fell into a gorge. Bhumi awoke to find herself surrounded by people at the side of the road, whereas the car that she was in was at the bottom of the cliff. Bhumi looked around in a daze, unable to comprehend the situation she was in, and looked for a familiar face. It slowly came back to her that an accident had taken place and their car had slid away from the road, out of control, and then someone had pushed her outside of the car, and she'd rolled to a halt, whereas the sliding car had no such luck. Bhumi was badly injured, but it was only now that tears started rolling down her face and she started frantically looking for Akash, but no one had seen him. It was four days later when Akash's body was found near the car. The passenger side's seatbelt was open and the door was missing; Akash had managed to push Bhumi out of the car before it fell. By this time, the family had come down from Delhi to look for Akash and console Bhumi. The body was found intact and apart from a few injuries, there appeared no severe wounds. The medical opinion was that Akash died due to the impact of fall and there was nothing that could've been done to save him short of stopping the car from falling.

The next few days were extremely difficult for the family and friends. Nobody could come to terms with the fact that Akash was no more. Bhumi had not been out of the hospital since the incident; the trauma was so severe that every time she regained consciousness she would call out for Akash and would faint soon after. Bhumi's parents wanted to take Bhumi back to their own house, but Akash's family could not part with her. After losing their precious son, they could not let Bhumi leave. It wasn't forgotten how happy Akash was with Bhumi, and Bhumi was no longer a guest, but family.

"It is not possible. We would be unable to pass a single day without seeing Bhumi." Akash's father pleaded with Bhumi's father.

"But, bhaisaab, Bhumi has her entire life to look forward to. Once she comes with us and settles down, she could continue her studies, and focus her attention there. I think we can both agree that it would be best for Bhumi to give her some time and then get her married to a suitable boy. We cannot let her destroy her entire life by living as a widow. Is it not the best thing for Bhumi?" Bhumi's father argued vehemently.

"You are right, and we also have Bhumi's best interests at heart. Please do not misunderstand us. I know that our request sounds, and might even be, selfish but we'll break down if Bhumi goes away. Looking after Bhumi and seeing her face every day is the only thing keeping us sane; we hide our tears, try to be normal only because that would make her cry. With Bhumi gone, the light of our life would go once again, leaving us behind groping in the darkness. Please, at least for some time, let her stay with us and do not take her away."

Bhumi's father had come there after having made a difficult yet stern decision, but he couldn't refuse the request of his samdhibecause the pain and desperation in his voice were palpable and undeniable. It was imperative to take Bhumi away from this place; only then would she be able to overcome her grief. It was with great reluctance that Bhumi's parents agreed to come back after a few days to take Bhumi back.

Chapter 2

Time heals all wounds, but some things can never be the same again. The situation wasn't getting easier for anyone. Dev had taken compassionate leave from service and had come back for as long as possible.

"You will have to leave the Army."

Dev was stunned when his father spoke those words, especially because his father was the proudest when he'd become a Captain, but he could see that his father was no longer as strong as he once was.

He went to the river bed, to a secluded spot near the shore, which was a favorite site of both the brothers, and wept. Tears wailed down profusely in anger and sorrow; sorrow for his elder brother who had left him behind, anger at his own situation, weighed down with the responsibilities that were meant to be his brother's. Dev was pampered as the younger son of the house, and Akash had always fulfilled his demands without question or demur.

Dev felt suffocated and scared, "Why?! Why did you go away? I miss you so badly that I can't even breath. I don't know how, butbhaiya please come back."

Dev sat there and wept for a long time, but nothing changed. Akash didn't come back. Dev came back when it turned dark.

Bhumi was not keeping well these days, she suffered from nausea and vomiting, sometimes for the entire day. The doctors diagnosed that Bhumi was pregnant. This news brought mixed emotions; on the one hand, their happiness knew no bounds but at the same time, Akash's absence was felt even more. Bhumi's parents were informed about the news and they insisted on visiting instantly. Bhumi's parents congratulated their counterparts, but they wanted to speak to Bhumi alone.

"I will be direct, and blunt. We don't want you to have this child."

Bhumi's father said, which shocked Bhumi. Bhumi couldn't believe her ears, for there was no reason for such a statement.

"I will not part with this child." replied Bhumi stubbornly.

"I know that your request is born out of your worry for me and my future. I do not plan to stop my life here, but study further, become someone, become something, and maintain myself and my child. I know you love me as I'm your child, and for that reason only, please do not ask me to abandon my own child. I will not leave my child." she argued.

Bhumi came to know later that Akash's parents faced the same dilemma as her own parents, but at the same time, they could not bear to part with Akash's progeny. After their conversation, Bhumi's father had a word with Akash's father, and afterwards, both of them felt content with Bhumi's decision, and happier for the future ahead. However, Bhumi had decided to go back with her parents. While Akash's parents were happy with her decision to have the child, they were greatly upset by her decision to go back. Nonetheless, they realized that they could not ruin Bhumi's life for their own selfish motive of having Akash's baby with them.

After great thinking and deliberation, Akash's father proposed to Dev, "There is one solution to this problem. If you marry Bhumi, then we can have both Bhumi and the baby. Will you do that? I won't call it a sacrifice because sacrifices don't last long. If you are prepared, then I will talk to Bhumi's father. Take your time. I have already asked you to give up your career in the army, which I know was very dear to your heart, now I can't keep forcing my own decisions onto you." There were tears in his eyes as he said this to his son. No one had imagined being in this position.

Dev was completely shocked. He had never looked at his bhabhi as his potential wife. It would be a sham marriage, if at all, without any love, without any future. He wished for a different scenario, where he could just leave everything behind to go and live his own life, but that was not so. Dev knew what he needed to do, and his wants came second to the needs of his family.

"Papa, if you think that is what it will take to prevent Akash's child from going away, do whatever you think is right. I will abide by any decision that you take."

He was a man of little words, so nothing more was said, but his heart was wrung with pain. Dev knew that his parents would never force him to do anything against his heart, but they would be desolate if they lost Akash's child as well. Dev's mother had already been admitted several times in the hospital since Akash's death. Dev's father showed strength and resolution because that is what was required of him to keep the family strong, but age had caught up with him in the previous year, and even he wouldn't be able to bear such a big blow. And Bhumi, what about her? Dev knew that Bhumi was nowhere to be blamed in this matter. It wasn't unfair of Bhumi to want to go back and live with her parents; there was no future for her if she were to stay here.

Shyam Ji told Satish about their decision and both the parents were very relaxed to hear that, "I know that it will not be easy and it will take time for both of them to settle, but everything will be okay after some time. The only question is whether Bhumi will agree to this or not."

Bhumi shouted at her own father and outrightly refused to even consider such a proposal. Bhumi shouted at Akash's father as well, when he tried to convince Bhumi. She refused to even discuss the proposal or give a single though to it. Akash's parents, as well as Bhumi's own parents, felt defeated in their efforts to convince Bhumi.

Finally, it was decided that Bhumi would go back home with her parents.

Chapter 3

The packing, and other preparation was complete, and it was time to say goodbye. Everyone was there to say goodbye to Bhumi, except Dev, as he didn't want to witness that scene of Bhumi leaving Akash's home with Akash's child. However, at the last moment, Dev came and said to Bhumi,

"Will you please come with me?" Bhumi could not reply immediately, but said, "Okay." She didn't want to look rude. Dev made her sit in the car and drove her towards the river and when they reached there, he stopped and got down and went towards the river bed. Bhumi was coming behind him, "This is the place where Akash and I shared our most beloved secrets, our wishes, our crushes, our heartbreaks, and everything else. Did Akash ever tell you about this place?"

"Yes, he told me everything, but why are we here?" Bhumi wanted to get out of this place because it reminded her of Akash. Dev faced the river watching its water flow. Suddenly he turned around moved towards Bhumi, "Because there is nowhere else, where I would be able to say what I am going to say now. Please, marry me. I have known you as a friend, as Akash's wife, and mybhabhi since you wed into this house. It is not a romantic proposal, and I promise I will never have any expectations from you whatsoever. If you wish to continue living as Akash's wife, with the same last name, you are free to do so. You can remain married to his memories for the rest of your life, and I will be okay with it. I will never question your way of life. But, please, don't go."

Dev's emotions were overwhelming and Bhumi could not imagine the stoic and strict Dev like that. She collected herself, "Let's go Dev. It's getting late." Dev looked at her face and tried to say something more, but thought better of it, and escorted her to the car and drove back to the house in silence.

Naturally, the rest of the family members were worried and wondered where they had gone. Bhumi's parents were anxious and insisted on leaving for the train station, "It's getting late and we will miss the train. Let's go Bhumi." Bhumi took a step forward, but he stopped her. Dev, instead of Bhumi, spoke,

"Bhumi is not going anywhere."

Bhumi was stunned, and so was everyone else.

"Bhaiya has already left us. I wish he were here, because he was always better at tackling such difficult situations than I am. I am a simple army man. I know how to follow orders and do the needful. I can take a life, but I can't bring someone back. I know that I will never see Bhaiya again, but I can't let his last light go away as well. Please don't take away Bhumi, please don't away AkashBhaiya's child."

"What is Dev saying? This has already been decided. How could he ever say such a thing anymore? Bhumi cannot stay here any longer."

Bhumi's parents stepped forward towards Bhumi to take her with them. Bhumi clutched Dev's sleeve and stopped her father,

"Papa, I am ready for the marriage. Perhaps, this might be best for the baby as well. This is Akash's baby and mine, and I have no right to take it away from his family. Akash would have also wanted for his family to be happy, as he would have liked me to be happy." Tears flowed down Bhumi's face as she said those words. The silence was broken with another tear-filled voice. Akash's mother came forward and embraced Bhumi while repeating thanks to her. Just like that, it was decided that Bhumi and Dev would get married.

It had been two years since Dev and Bhumi's marriage and two years was a long period for any relationship to nurture and grow but this was not the case with Dev and Bhumi because they were still there from where they started. They had been blessed with an adorable baby girl.

Today was the marriage of Dev's sister Namita. Since Akash's death, there had been no celebration in the house but Namita' marriage came like an occasion which gave them a reason to celebrate. Ashi's birth also could not be celebrated as the wound of Akash's death was still fresh.

Chapter 4

Bhumi was tired because of the responsibilities and the load of work on her as the daughter-in-law, and on top of that, Dev's mother's health was not good. So, the burden of taking care of the entire family came down to Bhumi. Bhumi went to the drawing area for some work and found it empty. It was cooler than outside with the shades down and Bhumi sat down on a sofa in the corner of the big room and fell asleep there only as fatigue and exhaustion engulfed her.

She woke up to some voices and found some ladies talking to each other near the door. They hadn't noticed Bhumi since the corner where Bhumi sat was in the dark. One lady said,

"There is nobody here and we can talk easily."

The other voice replied in a whisper, "But what do you want to say?"

"Uff! You don't understand, can't you see what is happening here? In the morning, I happened to look inside Dev's room, and I saw two separate beds; one on the couch and another on the master bed."

"What do you mean, Dev and Bhumi are sleeping separately? What if they were simply tired and didn't want to disturb one another, or maybe someone else was also sleeping in their room?"

"No, no, you don't understand, I am sensing this as it is. Nowadays, Bhabhi Ji (Akash's mother) spends most of her time in her room, and the entire house is left under Bhumi's care, who's too busy having fun. She is not even treating Dev well and keeping him, the poor thing, away from his rights. I think Dev deserves better than this."

"You are simply saying this because you wanted your daughter to get married to Dev and now she's not been able to find a groom."

After the huffing and puffing, the female wolves left the room without having noticed the prey sitting in the corner in the dark. Bhumi heaved a sigh of relief that she escaped their notice. However, without even realizing, the whole conversation brought her down and she broke into tears, and started cursing her fate along with it. If only Akash was still there, she would not have to suffer any of this indignity. Was it actually true that Bhumi was a hindrance to Dev's happy life? Would it not be easier on Dev if she left his world alone? Bhumi said to herself, "I will go away from his life and never come back. How can I ruin his life when he has done so much for me?"

Before Bhumi could act on her newfound epiphany, just then, she heard other people approaching, and instinctively, Bhumi hid herself back in the dark. Dev entered the room looking around, with the head-cook respectfully following behind him. Dev impatiently asked her if she knew where Bhumi was, but how could the head-cook know that Bhumi was hiding in the corner like a child,

"Bhumi Didi must be somewhere else tending to some work. Is there anything I can do for you, Bhaiya," the head-cook politely offered.

"I know that she is looking after everyone nowadays, but everyone except herself. Didi, please promise to do me a favor, take care of her while she takes care of everything in this house. She is very caring of others but utterly careless when it comes to her own health. Won't you take care of her and make sure she is eating and drinking properly? She likes fruit very much."

There was an urgency in Dev's voice, as if he was looking for something special which was lost, which concerned Bhumi. Had he lost something? Dev left the room, and so did the head-cook, and Bhumi was left to her own self again. Bhumi went up to the room to find Ashi still fast asleep. Bhumi sat at her feet, played with Ashi's curly hair and gently kissed her, "Sleep well, my jaan, your ma loves you so much."

Just then, Dev entered the room, which surprised Bhumi, who asked, "Are you looking for something?"

Dev coolly answered, "Nothing, but where were you?" Bhumi knew that Dev had been looking for her but he didn't tell her that. Dev looked at her and, although he hadn't heard what she had heard but, knew that Bhumi was upset, "Why do you look upset? Did someone say something to you?"

As Bhumi kept her lips pursed and didn't say something, suddenly, Dev looked serious and concerned, and sat down opposite to her and asked her again. After much persuasion, Bhumi told Dev about the conversation she had overheard.

"What did I do to become the cheap topic of gossip between two ladies?"

Bhumi felt lighter after telling this to Dev. Dev looked lost in thought, "It must have been Billu aunty. She wanted me to get married to her daughter. She's a little caustic with her words, but she doesn't mean any harm. Anyways, don't be upset. We are the only ones who know the circumstances of our life, let others think whatever pleases them."

Bhumi listened to Dev and then suddenly asked, "Has her daughter also come here, because she's unmarried? Did you meet her … and, what do you think of her?" Dev was surprised to hear this question, but that reaction amused him. He was enjoying Bhumi's reaction as she had never behaved like that before.

"I've met her, she's nice, but why the interest?"

Bhumi looked dumbfounded and could hardly control or believe the words coming out of her own mouth, but nevertheless asked, "Nothing, I haven't met her yet. I just wanted to see, will you show her to me?"

Dev stopped himself from laughing out loud and said in a serious tone, "Sure, I can introduce you two, maybe you'll become fast friends."

Bhumi looked scandalized and had little control over her feelings, "No, that's okay. I just wanted to know what she looks like."

Dev chuckled to himself and left the room.

Evening fell over, and everyone started getting ready for the big ceremony. As Dev came to his room looking for Bhumi, she was nowhere to be found. He looked for Bhumi and Ashi, but gave up soon, since he was in hurry and figured both of them were in some other room getting ready as well. Dev finished getting ready in his black suit and checked himself in the mirror. He approved of how he looked and was turning around to leave, but stopped in the middle. From the dressing table, he picked up a bottle of perfume, Chanel, it was Bhumi's perfume. He brought the bottle to his nose and opened its cap. He smiled fondly to himself and put the bottle down.

Dev went to his mother's room looking for Bhumi, to whom he had given some papers to sign, but only found Ashi there. Upon inquiry, his mother told him that Bhumi had gone to the salon with Namita. Dev was surprised because usually Bhumi would not leave Ashi behind, but Dev was occupied in his own thoughts to give it too much thought. Dev collected the signed papers which Bhumi had left with his mother, and left the room. On his way to the car, Dev noticed that everyone's eyes were on him and it pleased him. As Dev was taking his car out, he found his friend Abhishek waiting for him. Abhishek was Dev's best friend from army, who had specially come to attend the marriage. Abhi complimented Dev, "You vagrant, you are looking damn good today. Bhabhi will surely be floored to see you. Where is she, though?"

Dev didn't offer a lot, but said passively, "Things are not like that between us."

Abhishek was surprised to hear that, "Are you telling me that you two are still just friends, and nothing more? Does Bhabhi not show any interest in you?"

Dev explained, "Bhumi's not to blame in this, it's just our circumstance as a whole. Leave that, let's talk about something else."

Abhishek could sense hurt and hopelessness in Dev's voice. Abhishek and Dev reached the marriage venue and got busy with the innumerable little tasks which need handling and before Dev knew, some time had passed. Finally, the groom and his family were at the doorstep with all the band, baaja, and baraat. Dev was on his way to the bride's room to look for Namita when he noticed Bhumi coming towards him with Ashi, and Dev stopped in his tracks. Bhumi looked stunning in a red saree, cream colored netted blouse, matching ruby and diamond necklace, an outstanding hairdo and exquisite makeup. Dev had never seen Bhumi dressed up like that before, especially since Akash. Bhumi had always opted for simplicity. Dev's mouth looked for words to say, but his thoughts were too jumbled up to form a meaningful sentence, and his eyes could not leave Bhumi for a second, and before he realized she was standing in front of him saying something to him. Dev collected himself and replied to her. He didn't tell her how beautiful she looked or even how beautiful he thought she looked, and kept looking back until she was lost in the crowd.

Chapter 5

As the wedding rituals proceeded, and the night fell deeper and heavier, Ashi was becoming restless and tired by the minute. Bhumi was looking around for warm milk to feed Ashi, when Dev came up behind her, "What are you doing? Have you had dinner? Let's have dinner, I'm sure you haven't had a bite yet."

"Sure, but Ashi's tired, let me put her to sleep with mummy."

As Bhumi looked for Dev's mother, a girl passing by stopped near her and spoke to Dev, "Hi Dev, recognize me?"

Dev replied reluctantly, yet politely, "Hi Sonam! How have you been?" Bhumi returned with a bottle of milk in her hand, and took back Ashi from Dev's shoulder. Sonam asked Dev, "She must be your brother Akash's wife and daughter, who are now your wife and daughter, right?" There was bitterness in her voice but Dev replied without a hint of anger, "No, you're wrong. This is my wife, Bhumi, and my daughter, Ashi." Afterwards, Dev excused himself to tend to his sleepy daughter. The intermeddling stranger left, but the damage had already been done. Bhumi and Dev, both, were tired to being the nasty topic of a constant discussion behind their backs amongst unconcerned people. People had already assumed that it was an unsuccessful marriage and looked at bother of them with insincere pity.

Surprisingly enough, Bhumi didn't feel a ripple in her heart and felt steady on her feet. She asked Dev, "Was that Billu aunty's daughter?"

Dev answered in an embarrassed tone, "It was only a proposal. Please don't give another thought to any such cheap talks from such people. It's an impossible situation, and otherwise, too, nobody understands it. We are here for Akash, and that's all."

Dev made an excuse to leave, and didn't ask her about the dinner again.

Bhumi left Ashi with Dev's mother and returned after a while in a much simpler dress, without any makeup, with nothing special, but her daily jewelry on. Dev's mother asked anxiously, "What happened? Did you go home? Why did you change your clothes and jewelry? You looked so cute in that saree, and it's been so long since you dressed up nicely, ever since …" and her voice trailed off. There was sadness in her voice and it was clear that she didn't want to finish her sentence, which reminded Bhumi of the weight that hung over everyone's shoulders.

"Mummy, don't worry, nothing happened. I am fine. It's just that Ashi had vomited on me earlier and I needed to change my clothes. That's all." Bhumi made up a lie trying to protect her mother-in-law but forgot the obvious truth that Ashi had been sleeping with Dev's mother ever since Bhumi had herself left her there. Dev's mother pretended to believe Bhumi's lie, and asked Bhumi to sit besides her. Bhumi sat down, stroking Ashi's hair, and said nothing more. It's funny how so often, in order to protect those close to us, we leave them alone in darkness with nothing but their misunderstandings and lies for company.

Bhumi was there but her mind was elsewhere. After Sonam had left, when Dev had reminded her that it was only because of Akash that both of them were there, Bhumi's whole life had tumbled down before her. She saw her foolishness in dressing up nicely, putting on makeup, and trying to look good. Bhumi couldn't help but blaming herself for being stupid enough to have forgotten that Akash was gone, and without him, Bhumi was simply an after-image. All that was required to bring Bhumi back to her senses was Dev's one statement. Why could Bhumi not have remembered that which could not be forgotten? Why did Dev have to remind her which she had forgotten for one night? Using Ashi as an excuse, Bhumi left early, went home with Ashi and wept bitterly. The little child was surprised at her mother's behavior and and tried to console her mother by embracing her. Bhumi hugged her daughter tightly and wept harder. She could not contain the self-loathing at how she had forgotten that she was Akash's widow and embarrassment at what Dev must think about her, that she was a shameless woman who failed to live upto her station as his brother's widow and behaved like a seductress in that manner. Dev had given her respect and an identity in the society, but Bhumi had tried to overstep her bounds. Bhumi felt alone and tired, her parents had not come to attend the wedding, and there was no one else that she felt she could confide her feelings in. Bhumi fell asleep with Ashi in her arms.

After Namita's vidayi, the remaining members of the family returned home. Bhumi woke up when she heard the others arrive. She gently put Ashi to bed and went to get ready for bed. Dev gently knocked on the door and came inside. He asked Bhumi if she had eaten anything and if she was feeling okay since she had left the wedding early. Bhumi politely declined and told him that Ashi was tired and that was the only reason of returning early. She went to change her clothes for bed, but when she came out of washroom, Dev was standing there with a plate of fruits in his hand, "Here, at least eat some fruits. Don't go to sleep on an empty stomach."

Bhumi was surprised and asked him, "Who cut these fruits? Did you cut them?"

Dev grinned, "So what? I can do at least that much, I'm not so useless." Bhumi smiled and suddenly she didn't feel as alone anymore.

Bhumi looked at Dev first, and then to her daughter, and thought to herself, "I will take life as it comes, and won't expect anything from anyone anymore. Ashi is enough for me and I will spend the whole life for her only."

Dev, on the other hand, felt warmth within himself to see Bhumi smile and laugh. He was unable to understand how and why Bhumi's happiness had become so important to him. Perhaps, it was because she never asked anything for herself, but always looked after others. It might not seem like anyone noticed that, but in fact, he himself, his parents, and everybody in the house cared for her. When Dev was heading up to his room, his father had called out to him and said, "Your mother and I know that it must be difficult, going through whatever is happening. We aren't oblivious to the gossip that happens between the relatives, but we also know that you are a considerate boy, and Bhumi is a sweet and kind girl. Both of you are strong people, but even strong people need some support once in a while. What I'm trying to say is, take care of yourself, and more importantly, take care of Bhumi. Has she eaten anything? Go and ask her. Let her feel that she's loved by us all, and that most importantly, you care for her."

Dev was embarrassed, "Yes, Papa. I will take care of her. Don't worry about that."

He was embarrassed because he already felt as protective of Bhumi as his father had instructed him to be. He felt ashamed to have walked away from Bhumi earlier in the night, but he could not bear to look that miserable look of Bhumi's face. He had already told that silly Sonam off, but it appeared that her words had already gotten to Bhumi. Why would Bhumi give so much importance to anyone else's opinion? He had been annoyed with Bhumi for getting upset over what Sonam said, but he realized now, that what Bhumi needed was his support, and not his anger.

Chapter 6

Everybody's daily lives resumed after Namita's wedding, but the atmosphere of the house was still dull and gloomy. Ashi was the only source of laughter and mischief in the entire house, otherwise, everybody in the house was sad, for one reason or another. Dev's father had suggested to his mother that Dev and Bhumi should go on a vacation. It would lighten the mood between the both of them, and help them get to know each other better. He decided to speak to Dev about it and make preparations for them to go to Europe.

However, the next day, Dev outright refused to go anywhere,

"I am not going anywhere, leaving you two behind by yourselves. Besides, a very important opportunity has come up, for which I might need to travel to Almorah in the upcoming days. I had told you earlier, a Spanish Company has shown interest in opening a resort near Almorah. I need to go there to close this deal. I will go by myself, and I'll be back in two-three days." Dev's mother was not ready to send him alone on this trip. She was adamant that Bhumi must go with him. So, Ashi and Bhumi, too, went with Dev to Almorah.

As the hills approached near, Bhumi started getting anxious; she had never been to hills since Akash's death. Dev had known it would be difficult for Bhumi, but his mother had instructed him to take Bhumi along. He had taken a longer, different route to Nainital, but, nevertheless, the journey was proving to be difficult for Bhumi. She kept trying to tell herself that her fears were baseless, and sooner or later, she would have to overcome her fears.

She was absorbed in her own thoughts when Dev's phone rang. Dev picked up the phone and it was Abhishek. He was posted in this area. Dev told Abhi about his trip, "Bhumi and Ashi are also with me. Ma was adamant that they should accompany me. We will stay at Bhimtal for a night and in the morning, we will resume our journey." Suddenly, there was a thud at the rear of the car, the tyre had burst, and Dev lost control of the car. The car swerved out of control and rammed into a tree. Dev hit his head on the steering wheel and lost consciousness for a moment, whereas Bhumi hit the dashboard and lost consciousness. Ashi, who was safely tucked under the seat belt on the rear seat was unharmed, but scared, and started crying. Dev regained consciousness but Bhumi was still unconscious. He tried to console Ashi, but the situation didn't improve. Dev started panicking, trying to look over Bhumi's condition and placate Ashi at the same time. Fortunately, some people passing by gathered around and suggested that Bhumi be taken to a nearby hospital.

Dev and Ashi reached the hospital with an unconscious Bhumi, who was admitted in the ICU. Later, Bhumi was shifted to the general ward, but she didn't regain consciousness. Half a day passed, Ashi was nursed to sleep with the help of the hospital staff, Bhumi was still unconscious, and Dev was even more stressed than before. Dev's father had called to check up on their trip, and Dev had lied that they had safely reached their destination. Dev couldn't dare to tell his parents the truth for fear that they would be devastated and panic uncontrollably.

Abhishek, who was on the phone at the time of accident, arrived at the hospital. It gave a great deal of strength to Dev to have his friend with him. Just then, the nurse came looking for Dev, "Your wife has regained consciousness, but the doctor wants to see you before you meet her."

The Doctor seemed worried, "I wanted to talk to you first before you met your wife. Luckily, she hasn't suffered any physical injuries. Other than minor bruises and pain, she is fine. However, she is suffering from trauma and has slipped into depression. She refuses to take medicine or let a drip continue. She has refused to be given any medical treatment and is under the impression that her husband and daughter have died in the accident. I understand that your daughter is also at the hospital. Your wife's mental condition is extremely fragile right now, I would advise you to carefully confront your wife and reassure her that both of you are hale and hearty, and that everything is fine, and she should allow us to treat her." Dev was shocked from what the Doctor had told him. He requested the nurse to take Ashi to meet her mother, but couldn't make himself walk the ten steps into Bhumi's room himself. Finally, Dev managed to walk into Bhumi's room. Bhumi was playing with Ashi and looked as if nothing had happened and as soon as she saw him, her eyes shone with happiness and relief, "Thank god you are okay. I was so worried about you. You're not hurt, are you? I don't know what I would do if something had happened to you."

Dev smiled for the first time in the entire day, "It is you who scared everyone."

Bhumi started tearing up, "You're right. I don't know why I came here. I am the reason that Akash is no more. If something had happened to you or Ashi, I would have had no reason to live anymore. It's because of me that we are in this position." Dev was surprised by Bhumi's reaction, she looked fine but she must still feel disturbed and scared to feel like that. Dev convinced Bhumi to take medication and asked Ashi to stay with her mother. Abhishek met Dev outside the room and asked how Bhumi was doing now.

Dev felt devastated, "She's not fine, and it's all my fault. All this while, that girl has been trying to fight her demons and fears, and upon that, she had to handle her marriage with me and the onslaught of all the gossip and comments directed at her. I have let it happen to her. I have put her in this difficult position where she can't feel sure or secure about anything. It would have been better had I not stopped her from leaving with her parents. It was a mistake for her to get married to me. She's convinced that she's the reason for the accident and that she would eventually lead me to my death, and that she's the reason why Akash died."

Abhishek consoled him, "She feels that way because she must be lonely and unable to confide it in anyone. You should be that person that she can confide in, love, and be loved back from."

Dev said sheepishly, "I can't do that to her. She would feel pressurized to accept me for several reasons if I tried. She would simply leave. I had promised her that I would keep no expectations from her, and I would never put her in such a situation. I would simply be burdening her by saying something like that."

Abhishek was irritated by his friend's response, "Are you an idiot? Bhabhi isn't with you because it's a responsibility or a burden, but because she loves you. You are being a burden to her by being like that."

Dev could not believe his ears, "How could you possibly know what you're talking about?"

"In Namita's marriage, when Bhabhi and I were talking, I had asked if she loved you or whether it was simply a responsibility that she was carrying out. I still remember how she held her chin high and her shoulders straight as she answered me, that,

"Yes, I love him, but I don't think I have a right to love him because I know he doesn't love me. I am his duty, his responsibility, but not his love. I don't know why I am telling you this, knowing well that you are his best friend, but I know you will honor my word and will never tell him anything of this. I don't want my feelings to be a burden to him." "

Abhishek looked closely at Dev's face, but he was disappointed at his stoic expression, revealing no emotion whatsoever. Suddenly, Abhishek felt guilty, perhaps he should not have said anything; maybe his timing was wrong. No husband would appreciate the fact his wife confided a close secret like that to his best friend, who also kept that secret from him.

"Look, it's not Bhabhi's fault. I was trying to find out how she felt about you, because it was obvious to me how you felt about her. I didn't know that …" But Dev cut him short, "Let's go. Bhumi must be waiting."

Chapter 7

Later, Abhishek left for the base back to his regiment. Dev and Bhumi decided to continue their journey without informing their parents about the accident. They checked into a nearby hotel for the night, and decided to travel the next day. Bhumi was glum and had little interest in her surroundings, she had no preference for the hotel, the room, the food etc. The only thing Bhumi appeared to be concerned about Ashi and Ashi's needs. The hotel was nice, and while Ashi played around discovering everything around her, Bhumi simply set back and silently watcher her go about. After dinner, Bhumi and Ashi returned to the room. It was a suite, with a king-sized bed, a sofa-cum-bed and a special cot for Ashi. While Dev had gone to the reception to make travel arrangements for the next day, Bhumi went back to the room and put Ashi in the cot. Bhumi herself selected the sofa-cum-bed to sleep on.

Dev returned to the room, and seeing Bhumi, said, "Why don't you come and sleep on the bed?" Bhumi was surprised by the suggestion and replied, "I want to sleep near Ashi." Her voice was dry to the point of being slightly rude. Dev didn't press her further, and went to sleep. Bhumi was more miserable than ever, and felt that she and Dev were further apart than before, and they would never be able to cross the divide between them, and that perhaps, it was for best that Bhumi should not be an important part in Dev's life. Bhumi felt a chill run down her spine with this thought and she started sobbing quietly.

Suddenly, Bhumi was jolted from her thoughts and felt herself being lifted in the air. Surprised and scared, Bhumi opened her eyes to find Dev carrying her in his arms.

"What are you doing, Dev? Where are you taking me?"

Dev grinned like a child and said, "To the bed, by my side, where my wife belongs. I have made you cry again and again, but no more. I don't want to see another tear in your eyes. I want to see the brightness in your eyes when you smile, the smile that I am madly in love with. If you are unlucky for me, in spite of it, I have never been luckier in my life, because I have you by my side. I should've told you all of this a long time ago, but I cannot keep it within any longer." Dev gently put Bhumi down on the bed and sat across her.

Bhumi was numb with shock, and could barely speak but when the shock passed, spoke in disbelief, "What is happening? I didn't think you loved me, at all. I don't want to say this, but Akash … " Bhumi could say no more, but Dev completed that which was left unspoken, "was my brother and your husband. I haven't forgotten, I won't and I don't want to. I loved Akash as much as you loved him, and he loved us as much, but letting this love escape us is not the right way to cherish his memories. If I ever knew brother, he wouldn't frown at our love from the heavens but smile in peace that we are finally moving ahead with our lives."

Bhumi still seemed hesitant, "I thought you liked someone else."

Dev laughed loudly, "I have liked someone for a long time now, you. All this time, only you have been on my mind, no one else. You have been the seasons that my heart has felt and the anticipation of your love has been the reason for my waking up in the morning. I have thought about you every waking moment for these past months, hoping you'd look at me and never turn your eyes away. Also, I know it's long overdue, but that night, at Namita's wedding, you looked stunning and I was lost for words at how amazing you looked."

Bhumi's heart was beating fast and she couldn't filter her thoughts before they left her tongue, "But, you didn't even look at me twice, didn't even praise me then, and I thought you were disgusted at how you must have thought I was throwing myself at you."

Dev's eyes were mischievous, "How could I have handled so much hotness? I couldn't piece two words together to make a sentence, so I thought it better to be quiet, but my eyes never left you for a minute, didn't you notice? I was scared that it was far too obvious."

Bhumi could not believe what was happening, but little by little all her apprehensions had slipped away; Dev's love had washed away her unhappiness.

Dev couldn't undo what had already happened, and it might be impossible to completely remove the scars of her past, but he couldn't let her suffer with the weight of that past anymore. When Abhishek had told him that, which he had always wanted to be told, he couldn't wait to tell Bhumi his feelings. Dev might not be the answer to Bhumi's troubles, but at the least, Dev would take those troubles on himself, and won't allow Bhumi to be lonely again. The only thing that he wanted was to make her happy. He could not, and did not, want to hide his love for her anymore."

"Am I dreaming? I never saw you .. like .. this .. before …" Bhumi seemed to choke with happiness.

"That's it! That's the twinkle in your eyes I have been looking for, you don't have to worry about anything again … shhh … don't speak." said Dev as he put his lips on hers.

Dev and Bhumi finally became Devbhumi, a sacred bond of two souls.

THE END