Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Author's pov

Sitting at the study table Orni was trying hard to concentrate on her studies but her mind was completely chaotic. She was confused and petrified about the things that happened in her life. She is confused about her feelings for Rudraksh. She knew that he is a good person and will be a good husband to her but she is afraid of accepting him.

She is afraid of letting another man enter her life again. She is scared of confessing her love for Rudraksh. Yes, she loves him but there was a fear in her. She loved VR too but what did she get in return?

What if Rudraksh turns out to be another VR? She doesn't know. Moreover, she rejected Rudraksh thinking about VR's promise that she made to him. What if he tries to hurt Rudraksh after knowing that she moved on with someone else? She didn't want an innocent person to be suffered because of her.

It's been a week since Rudraksh proposed to her. She thought after her rejection he will never meet her and won't let his daughter meet her. But, to her utter surprise, he didn't do anything like that. He didn't even bring up this topic anymore while talking to her. He was behaving to her just like they used to behave with each other. Just like friends. Seeing his behaviour she is confirmed about one thing that he is a gentleman.

" God, save me from this turmoil," Orni said putting her head on the table with frustration.

Among these turmoil day by day, her health situation is worsening but she never uttered a single word to her parents about her health. She didn't put that much attention because she doesn't want to give her parents unnecessary tension.

" You are bothered," Orni gasped slightly hearing her father's voice.

She yelled at her father," Come on, Papa. Don't enter my room like a ghost."

Going near her he held her hands and then looked at her face. For a few seconds, he observed her silently.

" You are bothered about Rudraksh?" He asked surprising Orni.

She asked back," How did you know? Did he say something to you?"

" I haven't even met him. But, I know what's bothering you. I raised you. You didn't raise me," Sanjay answered shaking his head slightly.

Letting out a sigh Orni told her father," He proposed to me."

" And?" He asked.

She answered turning her face in another direction," And, what Papa? I rejected him."

" You love him. But, still, you rejected him?" Sanjay's question shocked Orni beyond the level.

She turned her face at her father and blinked her eyes nervously. She doesn't know how her father realized that she loves Rudraksh.

" Why, Orni? Why did you do that? He is a gentleman. Why did you reject him?" He asked holding Orni's shoulder but Orni remained silent.

Shaking her body he demanded an answer," Why?"

" Because I am scared. I am scared to be broken again, Papa. I can't trust anyone. There is a fear in me always that he will be like my previous mistake. I don't want to go through emotional pain again," Orni shared her feelings bursting into tears.

Sanjay heard her but he wasn't convinced by her words. He guessed the real reason behind her refusal. After VR's incident, he became overprotective of Orni. Now, just looking at her face he understands what's in her mind.

" That's not the only reason," he said and Orni's silence indicated that he was right.

Frowning his brows he asked her," Don't say you are thinking about that bastard's promise."

" I don't know, Papa. I am not just feeling anything right," Orni said sounding clueless.

Sanjay understood how much she is broken and scared emotionally. He realised that she needs to gain the confidence of living freely without thinking anything about VR. Holding her face gently he made her look into his eyes.

" Orni, just forget about that monster and move on. Don't think about his so-called promises. Do you remember how many promises he broke? He never kept his promises then why should you?" Sanjay asked.

Nodding her head she agreed with her father. He is right.

" Dear, Rudraksh is a gentleman. If you refuse him you will regret it forever. I won't force you to accept. I just want you to listen to your heart. I know that you love him," Sanjay said caressing her cheeks gently.

This time Orni felt a little bit good after talking to her father.

" I will think again, Papa," Orni answered when Sanjay kissed her forehead.

***************************************

" Raksha, look what Mumma bought for us," Roman said excitedly showing his new bicycle to Raksha through video call.

Raksha asked curiously," Can you ride it?"

" Of course, my champ can ride it. Aren't you Roman?" Rudraksh asked smiling.

Before Roman could answer Rion demanded an answer," Uncle, when are you going to tell us how did you get so tall?"

" Milk, of course. Isn't it, Rudraksh?" Orni answered joining the conversation.

Well, Rudraksh and Raksha often call Orni and talk with her. Specifically, Raksha likes to talk with Roman & Rion. Rudraksh also likes to talk to them but he feels good talking to Orni. She has the same feelings for Rudraksh but she is just scared to express her feelings.

" Now, if you want to be like your uncle Rudraksh then you must drink milk regularly," Orni said and the boys made poker faces like their mother told them to eat something poisonous.

After talking for some time when the kids were done Orni took the phone. She turned the call into an audio call from a video call. She is nervous to talk looking at his face.

" Are you angry about that day?" Orni asked hesitating.

Rudraksh knows which day she was talking about. He doesn't have any grudges against her about that matter.

" Orni, relax. I respect your decision," He answered but Orni can feel the sadness in his voice.

Orni apologised again," I am so sorry."

" God!! Why are you saying sorry, silly girl? I proposed to you. It's totally up to you whether you will accept my proposal or not. You have all the right to refuse me," He said in go that relieved Orni a little bit.

Then, he continued," Just because you rejected my love, I will have grudges against you!! Never. I am a grown-up man, not a teenager. I understand your feelings. Your turmoil."

A smile formed at the corner of Orni's lips after hearing him. Her father was right about Rusraksh. Now, her mind has already started asking her if she will really regret it if she rejects him. Still, she has time to rethink her decision.

" Goodnight, Orni. I always loved talking to you," Biding her goodbye he cut the call.

Taking a deep breath he whispered," I hope you will listen to your heart for once."

On the other hand, Orni was lost in his thoughts too. Various types of thinking were coming into her mind making her mind more chaotic. Suddenly, she felt the pressure in her back again. The pain she has been feeling in her waist and back returned suddenly.

" Ahh........" letting out a yelp Orni touched her waist which was cramping badly.

She tried to place the phone on the table but it fell from her hand. She also fell on her knees feeling sudden dizziness. Hearing the unexpected sound the boys woke up from their sleep.

" Mumma......" They screamed panicking and rushed toward their mother.

Hearing their panicked voice, Orni's parents ran to her room hurriedly. Their blood turned cold after seeing Orni lying on the ground lifeless.

" Orni................" Srilekha screamed rushing toward her like a mad woman.