Chapter 212

When they pulled into the driveway, Chari’s wife came out with an “Aarthi” and invited them in. She asked Diya to come in with her right foot and at that moment Diya knew that she was the only one who had been out of the loop. Of course someone has to pay for the ring. She didn’t know how much he spent on it and she was not sure about this insurance and financial situation. Her mind was preoccupied and she hardly noticed the festive look that adorned the house. Chari’s wife exclaimed, “Diya, the light, the light that has brought life back into my son’s life and in ours, come on, I want you to light this lamp today”. Someone in the background said “A beautiful name, so meaningful”. She remembered the remark and the expression she had seen on Akshar’s face when he had heard her name for the first time. He had said he had always loved the meaning of the word Diya, and he could see the spark in her eyes just as a Diya would lighten up everything around it. She remembered what her father used to say, “Diya, as per the meaning of your name, the purpose in your life should be to brighten the life of others surrounding you”. She smiled and did what she was asked to do. She was happy to be there, happy to be engaged, happy about the fact that she doesn’t have to worry about her carrier since it was Chari and Pryag, they were already a part of her life, the idea of her being engaged was new but exciting, yet a little confused and slightly scared unable to figure out if she can continue to be a “Diya” on her own, or have to blend in and disappear.

There was excitement and happiness throughout the house. Pryag's mom had arranged for a pandit to come and do some rituals and Pryag had to be there for the initial few minutes. He was taken upstairs and Diya accompanied him along with Chari. He was surprised to see that his room has been transformed and looked like a spa retreat, especially in comparison with the hospital room and surroundings he had been in. It was very relaxing and it didn't take him long to fall asleep. Chari gave a warm smile and took Diya's hand and gave a pat expressing how he felt about everything. She could see he was more than happy, she sensed some kind of satisfaction, relief and heartfelt thanks and blessings and the assurance and warmth of a father. She had known him for so long she can read his expressions without any exchange of words. She also noticed a slightly disturbed eyes and she knew exactly how he felt and gave him a hug. He kissed her on her forehead and said now you are officially my daughter and smiled and both of them walked down the stairs, Diya following Chari. Even though she was not into all the rituals she participated in it knowing she probably might have to get used to it. She remembered giving up chicken and other foods after moving into Chari's house all those years ago due to the principle of the house and she was not sure why she never went back to eating them even after she started living on her own. She was not sure about other things she might have to get used to now and how it was going to affect her career. She understood what the pandit was saying since she was quiet familiar with Sanskrit, the sacred language used for rituals. He was praying for the welfare of the family in general and especially for Pryag. As per Chari's wife’s request he was praying for Pryag and Diya and their future. She picked up on what he was saying partially and knew what pressure she was going to be under from his mother for an offspring. She was starting to get scared and decided she has to find some excuse to be alone and think things through.