Chapter 23: The Weight of a Promise
Mohan looked at Shashidhar with concern and spoke softly, yet firmly.
“Why are you hesitating to tell us, Shashi?” he asked. “If there’s something troubling you, say it openly. Keeping it hidden will only make things harder.”
A heavy silence settled over the house. Every corner seemed wrapped in stillness, and on every face lay a shadow of unspoken sorrow.
Sudhakar immediately turned towards his elder brother, anxiety flickering in his eyes. “Brother… I really don’t understand what you’re thinking,” he said, his voice trembling with confusion and fear.
Yet beneath that confusion, a grave seriousness weighed on everyone’s hearts.
Shashidhar finally let out a deep sigh. His shoulders sagged as though carrying years of responsibility.
“Look, Mohan,” he began, his voice low, “I don’t know how much my words will affect you right now. But I have made a mistake. Please… forgive me.”
Mohan’s mind instantly filled with countless questions. Fear tightened his chest. “What do you mean? About what are you trying to say this?”
Shekhar seemed to sense where this was heading. He gently tried to intervene. “Brother in law, I need to speak to you for a moment. Shall we talk aside?”
But Shashidhar shook his head. “No, Shekhar. The decision I’ve taken is the right one. Mohan… our daughter cannot become the daughter-in-law of your house.”
At that very moment, Rohan sprang to his feet, shock flashing across his face. “What are you saying, Uncle?” he demanded.
JK quickly stepped in, raising his hand calmly. “Rohan, Big Father hasn’t finished yet. Please sit down.”
Rohan shot JK a sharp glare before reluctantly sinking back into his seat, his jaw clenched.
Sudhakar panicked. “Brother, what is this you’re saying?”
While many in the house—especially Surya—were visibly glowing with sudden happiness, their smiles barely contained, waiting eagerly for Shashidhar’s next words, Pavitra, Sarala, and Mohan stood frozen in deep anxiety.
Shashidhar raised his voice slightly. “Be quiet, Sudhi. Don’t interrupt.” He turned to Mohan. “The truth is, Amrutha and Surya have been in love for a long time. I was unaware of this when I gave you my word. That is why I am asking for your forgiveness. Please forgive me.”
Mohan’s anger flared instantly. His face reddened. “Is this some kind of joke? You could have told us this earlier! We came with the intention of asking for your daughter’s hand because our son liked her. And now suddenly you speak of love? Is this really true, or are you saying all this just because you don’t want a relationship with our family?”
Pavitra’s eyes filled with hurt. “How can you speak like this? The entire village respects your family. Everyone says that once you give your word, you never break it. But today…” Her voice trailed off in disappointment.
Shekhar hurriedly tried to clarify. “You’re misunderstanding us. Bother in law didn’t mean—”
But Lucky interrupted sharply. “Shekhar, don’t you even think about the children for a moment?”
Shekhar fell silent, unable to respond.
Shashidhar lifted his voice again, filled with emotion. “Mohan, I understand your situation. But for us, our children’s happiness matters more than our prestige and reputation.”
Rohan stood up abruptly. “Dad, let’s go. There’s no need to stay here any longer.”
Shashidhar folded his hands, his eyes moist. “Rohan, please forgive us.”
“That’s enough, Uncle,” Rohan snapped. “I don’t want to lose my self-respect anymore.” He stormed out.
Mohan called after him. “Son, wait!” Then turning back to Shashidhar, his voice cracked. “We trusted you and made a mistake. amma, Pavitra, come. Our son has already left. There’s nothing more for us to do here.”
Sarala spoke bitterly, pain etched on her face. “Lakshmi, we had heard so many good things about your family. But today we’ve realized they were all lies.”
Lucky added calmly but firmly, “We too wished to build a relationship with your family. But should we sacrifice our dignity on the funeral pyre of two children’s love? You tell me.”
Keshav folded his hands pleadingly. “Mohan, please forgive us.”
Shashidhar’s voice trembled. “We truly wanted this relationship too. But perhaps it wasn’t destined. I beg you—please forgive us and bless our children.”
Seeing Shashidhar with folded hands, the entire family lowered their heads. He was not a man who bowed before anyone.
Tears welled up in Surya’s eyes. “Because of us, Uncle’s dignity has been hurt.”
JK placed a comforting hand on Surya’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault. Calm down.”
Mohan’s eyes burned red with rage and pain. “We came with so many dreams, and everything is ruined. Shashidhar, from today onward, there will be no relationship or friendship between us. Pavitra, come. Let’s go.”
Everyone stood up to leave.
“Please stop,” Shashidhar pleaded. “At least have food before leaving. Sending guests away without feeding them is a sin.”
The women of the house joined in pleading, but their words fell on deaf ears.
Mohan scoffed bitterly. “You’ve already filled our stomachs enough today. We’re leaving—and we’ll never return.”
They were about to step out of the door when a voice stopped them.
“Wait.”
Everyone turned back. It was Shekhar.
“In our family,” Shekhar said firmly, “a promise is never broken. Especially when it is given by the elder of the house. His word will always be honored.”
A stunned silence followed. Anxiety rippled through every heart.
Shashidhar exploded. “Shekhar, what are you saying? If you’re thinking of separating Amrutha and Surya, remove that thought from your head right now!”
Lucky Granny supported him. “Shekhar, do you even realize what you’re saying?”
Shekhar remained calm. “I understand everything, Aunty. But my brother-in-law’s dignity matters more to me than anything else.”
Mohan smirked mockingly. “So, for his dignity, will you marry Amrutha to my son?”
Shekhar shook his head. “Absolutely not. A daughter-in-law will come from our house to yours, and my brother-in-law’s promise will be fulfilled. But the bride will not be Amrutha.”
Mohan gasped. “Then who?”
Shekhar answered steadily. “My daughter… Jahnavi.”
The entire house was shaken. Sumathi rushed to Shekhar in anger. “What nonsense are you talking? Have you lost your mind?”
Shashidhar said sternly, “Shekhar, aren’t you repeating the same mistake I made? Giving a word is human—but playing with children’s lives is wrong.”
Surya clenched his fists, rage building within him. He was about to speak when JK raised his voice. “Brother in law, what you’re doing is not right. How can you say this without Jahnavi’s consent?”
Shekhar replied calmly, “I understand all your doubts. Jahnavi herself told me—‘Father, whoever you choose, I will marry him.’ She has no interest in love. That is why I gave them my word.”
Mohan smiled in disbelief. “Wow. This is the first time I’m seeing such a bonded family. Shashidhar, we truly want a relationship with your family. Please don’t say no. Leave our son to us—we will convince him.”
Shashidhar’s eyes filled with gratitude. “Hearing this makes me very happy. Shekhar, how will I ever repay this debt?” He hugged Shekhar tightly, overwhelmed.
Sudhakar smiled at Mohan. “Now at least, will you all come back inside?”
Sarala smiled warmly. “Of course. Our grandson must have earned great merit in his previous life to be connected to such a family.”
Mohan nodded. “You’re right.” And with that, they all returned inside.
But apart from them, every other member of the house remained trapped in confusion.
And Surya… he lacked the strength to digest everything that had just happened. Inside his heart, a storm of questions raged endlessly.
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To be continued…
🌸Author’s Note🌸
This chapter explores the fragile balance between dignity, promises, and children’s happiness. When elders make decisions bound by honor, the younger hearts are often left bearing the consequences. Whose sacrifice is greater—love or pride?
Dear readers, please share your thoughts and feelings. Thank you for reading.
