Chapter 24

"Is he missing? What are you telling me, dear?"

"It's true, sir. Her father has been missing for a few days. She has no idea where he went. That's when she told me he had informed her at some point that he would come here to see you."

Upon hearing my explanation, he reclined in his chair. Devu continued to cry with her head down, unsure of what to say.

"Devu, dear, please don't cry. A few days ago, he called me. He needed some money and asked for my help. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything to give him that day. I called him once I had the money ready, but he never answered. I assumed he must have received the funds."

His words only exacerbated Devu's grief.

"Please, dear, don't cry. Let me explain..."

He began again.

"Then, one day, he called. He mentioned that he had found a job elsewhere. He expressed his desire not to stay in town any longer and said he would be leaving for work soon. He planned to come here with you before that, leaving you with me for a few days. However, he never arrived. Did he not tell you anything, dear?"

Surprised by this turn of events, she looked at him, shaking her head.

"I don't know... I don't know anything... My father hasn't said a word... I can't fathom why he wouldn't want to stay in town..."

Her sobs grew more intense.

"Dear, please don't cry... Your dad must have gone for that job."

"Father couldn't have instructed me to leave... He never goes anywhere without informing me..."

Her voice resonated in the room.

Uncertain how to console her, I tightly held her hand, as if seeking to offer comfort...

She simply looked at me, not making a move to take my hand or utter a word. Perhaps, that's what she wanted from me.

We remained in that position for a long while. She gazed at me, wiping her eyes, containing the depth of her sobs.

"Let's go, Nandu..."

I hummed in agreement and granted her permission. I rose and prepared to head out.

"Are you leaving today?"

Raman's question arose at that moment.

"Yes, sir... There's no reason for us to stay here when her father isn't present..."

I responded.

I sensed that he still harbored some unanswered queries. Until now, I half-expected him to inquire about my identity. However, he hadn't broached the subject thus far.

Right from the start, I could sense his unease, observing a man with his friend's daughter at an inopportune moment. I discerned the shift in his expression when I took her hands.

"Are you sure you want to go out tonight, dear?"

"No, uncle... not alone... Nandu will be with me," she replied. He continued to gaze at me. Many times, I felt the urge to reveal that I'm the one who tied the thali around her neck, signifying our marriage. Yet, I held my tongue, considering Devu's feelings. In truth, that was the response he sought.

She must have grasped this as well, for the reply she gave surprised both him and me.

She raised the thali I had fastened around her neck, directing his attention to it. It held all the answers he needed.

He was taken aback by Devu's detached demeanor, and so was I. I hadn't anticipated such a reaction from her. She didn't even meet my gaze.

"Dear, this..."

Numerous expressions flitted across his face.

"I had no choice, uncle," Devu explained to him, her eyes shifting between him and me.

He swiftly recovered from his initial shock, well-acquainted with her family situation through her father. There was a genuine display of affection. He didn't forget to offer blessings to his friend's daughter and her husband from her father's standpoint.

It quickly dawned on me that he possessed a pure and guileless heart.

He made sure to extend an invitation to us, inquiring about me and my background. However, Devu seemed disinterested. No matter how much we protested, he insisted on hosting us that night.

Considering how exhausted I was from the journey, I found it to be a welcomed respite and agreed without much hesitation.

To be continued...