Imlie FF : Lakeerein ( Further Updates On Wattpad) - Page 10

Part 26: Pehli Mulaqat "Maa" Se

They reached the Tripathi House in 15 mins and as soon as they did, they could see quite a lot of huzzle- buzzle. Workers were running around some fixing the decorations, some others doing the lighting and some laying the carpets and arranging the chairs etc. Both Aditya and Imlie were confused as to what the occasion was that all of these preparations were being done.

"Come with me" he said and started moving towards the door without waiting for her reply. She sighed and followed suit.

Just as the two entered the house, both coincidentally entering by keeping the same leg, the garland of flowers which had been tucked at two nails on either side of the upper pane of the door fell right on their shoulders. Their eyes instantly moved to each other and lingered even as they stole a moment for themselves from time.

"I'm so sorry sir and ma'am! I had just fixed it loosely and had gone to get more thread to tie the knot. But this fell off before I could fix it" a man said apologetically breaking the two out of their trance. She nodded awkwardly while he pulled the garland from over them harshly and throwing it away, stormed off. The man looked apologetically at her at which she nodded her head in an assuring manner, in turn masking her hurt, moved behind him.

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“Maa, what is all this?” Aditya asked as soon as he spotted Aparna instructing a few people holding a plate full of pooja items.

“Any Pooja?” he asked

“Arey Adi you’re back? Go freshen up and come down. We have a lot of arrangements to make and a lot of things to finalise” Aparna said with a smile

“But for what?” he asked furrowing his eyebrows

“For your marriage with Malini!It's in 4 days!” Aparna declared happily. Both Aditya and Imlie (who had reached him by then and had heard what Aparna said) stood shocked.

“B-but that was to happen the next week right?” he asked slightly stuttering.

“We preponed it since Panditji suggested the same. And before you ask let me tell you, we wanted to surprise you and that is why we did not tell you” she said and was about to move ahead when her eyes fell on Imlie. Her eyes glazed with hurt, her face gleaming with innocence despite - that’s how she stood, which she immediately masked when Aparna’s eyes fell on her which unknown to her, Aparna had already seen.

Aparna’s heart filled with warmth and a gush of affection rushed through her at just the sight of this stranger who felt so familiar.

“Who are you beta?” Aparna asked with a tenderness Aditya hadn’t seen before.

“Maid for the house” he replied harshly, irked by the warmth with which Aparna was looking at her. Why was she being so tender with her out of all the people? Her- the person who ruined his life and because of whom the Aditya Kumar Tripathi who hated lies had to lie to his own mother! His anger increased and he just stormed away, oblivious to just how much he had hurt her with just a few words!

Imlie dint understand why she was feeling so hurt. It wasn’t that she felt for him or something. Plus she hated getting married. She dint want to ever! She would traverse the entire journey by herself, all alone. Why then was he going away from hurting her? Why did a few words from him pain her so much? Why?

Alas, she had no answers to any of her questions!

“Beta?” she heard Aparna call out, which snapped her out of her thoughts.

“J-ji?” she almost whispered, scared the pain she was feeling within her would be palpable in her voice.

“What’s your name?” Aparna asked, gently caressing her hairs as she looked scared.

The soothing caress had its desired effect even as she felt herself calm down, the caress akin to her own mother’s, in turn reminding her of her mother, whom she had left behind.

“Imlie” she said softly

“Arey wah! That’s such a nice name! Who gave it? Your Amma or Baba?” Aparna asked

Tears filled her eyes immediately at the mention of Baba but she held herself from sobbing. Steeling herself, she said

“My Amma has kept my name. I don’t have a father! He abandoned my mother and ran away 20 years back, leaving her to suffer! Anyways, let’s leave all of that. (taking a deep breath) Hello Ma’am! I am Imlie from Pagdandiya. I have come here to the city searching for a job due to the need f-for money and Babusaheb was kind to offer me this job (swallowing painfully). I can do all the household work including cooking. In cooking I can prepare all the basic vegetarian foods. The others you’d have to give me the recipe. I have my Aadhar card for verification of my details as well” she said confidently.

Aparna smiled at the girl infront. She dint need any verification because her intuitions said she could trust her. And she knew her Adi wouldn’t have offered this job to her if she wasn’t proper or trustworthy. Plus, the confidence that she showed despite being in a completely different place, away from her family - it surely impressed Aparna.

“Come with me beta. I’ll show you the place where you’d stay. You’ll be informed of your work as and when needed since marriage functions are going on here. And one more thing - you don’t have to call me Ma’am”

“But what else can I address you with otherwise?”

“Umm...what do you address elder ladies in your village with?”

“Kaki!” Imlie promptly replied

“Then you can call me that”

“Okay Kaki!” Imlie replied with a twinkle in her eyes

___________________________________________________

Aparna took Imlie to the farthest corner of the corridor and showed her a compact space which was due to the bend.

“I’m sorry beta but you’ll have to stay here for a few days till the marriage doesn't get over. You can use the bathroom at the other corner to freshen up and change”

Imlie nodded her head overwhelmed. Who would apologise to the maid of their house for not giving her enough space? Heck people just give a small corner of the kitchen for the maid to sleep in. Aparna caressed her hairs and left from there telling

“Freshen up and come to the kitchen” to which Imlie nodded.

Love,

PSR

Originally posted by: _Seera_

Awesome!!! 😳 Keep writing 👍🏼

Thank you ☺️

Part 27: Shayad

Imlie looked at the space and sighed. Placing her potli at one side of the rectangular space, she took out a pair of fresh clothes. That's when her mangalsutra slipped into her hands from amidst the pile of clothes. Her pools filled with tears yet again even as the flashes of their forced marriage played in her mind.

The sound of somebody coming made her snap out of her trance. She hurriedly placed the mangalsutra inside and wiping her eyes turned to see a worker coming with the mattress.

"Madamji has sent this for you sister" the man said. She nodded with a thank you and he placed the mattress down and left. She decided to spread the mattress first, arrange her corner and then move to refresh.

Spreading the mattress, she pushed it towards the wall and arranged the pillow and bedsheet placed within, properly. She then removed a saree from her potli and hung it from the upper pane on both sides such that it acted like a door to this small spot which was hers. She then picked her clothes and moved towards the washroom.

She moved in and kept her clothes on the stand. But when she looked at the bath area, she saw a shower instead which she dint understand how to use. Not wanting to create any mess or embarrass herself, she left the washroom to find Aparna so that she could ask her. Only she ended up almost dashing into Aditya who was rushing out as if he had a train to catch the next second.

"Oh God Jhalli! Why can't you ever walk properly?" he asked annoyed not registering what he called her with. She on the other hand felt her heart flutter which she again conveniently ignored. Momentarily forgetting the turbulence between them like he did, she retorted back
"It's not me Babusaheb! It's you who is barging out as if you'll miss a train if you don't! Andha Langoor! And I have told you, I Am Not Jhalliii!!!" her nose red and cheeks slightly puffed up in annoyance. She looked adorable.

Aparna who had come to take something from the room next and also to check on Imlie observed this nok-jhok between them and was surely left amused. Her Serious Patrakaar of a son was actually fighting adorably with the girl he called Jhalli. Wow he had even kept a name for her which was surely a huge surprise!
Shaking her head at their banter which wasn't taking the name of stopping, she moved towards them.

"Okay okay Tom and Jerry! Enough for the day" Aparna said making both of them pout. Aparna shook her head amusedly. This was surely a different shade of her son she was getting to witness!

Aditya's phone rang and he left to attend the call. That's when Imlie finally remembered what she had come out venturing for.

"Umm Kaki" she called out

"Yes beta. Need anything?"

"I don't know how to use that thing in the washroom to take bath" she said innocently.

"Chalo I'll show you then" Aparna said smiling sweetly. The two ladies then moved to the washroom. Aparna showed Imlie how to use the shower who's face lit up with childlike amusement and excitement.

"You take bath and come down to the kitchen. I'll have to look for a few things right now" Aparna said to which she nodded happily. As soon as Aparna left, she locked the door and stripped herself to take bath. Standing under the shower gave her the same feeling as getting drenched in the rains and she absolutely loved that feel. Singing and giggling to herself, she completed her bath and dressed in a comfortable grey colour churidar. Wearing her silver bangles back, she placed a bindi on her forehead and tied her wet hairs in a loose plait. Picking up her used clothes, she exited the bathroom and moved to her corner. Pushing the saree door aside a little, she entered her small space and kept her used clothes at the side. She would ask Kaki later on about that.
____________________________________________________

She moved towards the kitchen all the while looking around in awe. That's when she dashed against somebody the impact of which made the other person fall. It took her a moment to register what happened after which she immediately extended her hands towards the fallen lady all the while saying sorry. The lady though pushed her hand away furiously.

"Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my house?" she asked rudely.

"I'm Imlie. I've come here for work. Kaki has hired me"

"Kaki? Who Kaki?"

"Babusaheb's mother" she said innocently

"Now who is Babusaheb?" the lady questioned irritatedly.

"It's me Rupi Didi! Her Babusaheb is me" Aditya replied from behind not understanding his choice of words himself. Imlie though was shocked by what he said. She looked at him with her eyes wide while he just looked at her without any emotions. Her face glowed and she looked radiant.

"Oh so Kaki means she's talking about Chachi" Rupali asked breaking their eye lock.

"Yes! She's come from Pagdandiya. She needed a job so I got her here" Aditya said casually and walked away.

Rupali then turned towards Imlie and said
"Chachi na trusts people easily. She doesn't understand how people actually are. But I'm not like her. Make sure you remember that my eyes shall be on you. If you have any other motive apart from just job, make sure you saunter off right away!"
Imlie smiled and just walked past her leaving Rupali taken aback.
_____________________________________________________

She started preparing food as instructed by Aparna diligently. She had decided to make a sweet dish and had asked permission from Aparna as well to which she had readily agreed. Imlie knew this marriage meant nothing to him. But she couldn't refute the customs she had witnessed since small, those which she had seen her mother watch with yearning.

Imlie dint want to marry at all. But now that she is married, be it however, she would abide by all her duties as a wife. He may have told her and she may have agreed to forget all of this like a bad joke. But she knew she couldn't! Pagdandiya was the land of Goddess Sita, a woman who was known for her extreme loyalty and devotion to her husband. It was the land where Sindoor was of highest importance and where it's believed that once a woman's maang is filled with sindoor, it can't be filled again by a different person. Coming from that land with those ideals imbibed, she knew she wouldn't be able to move on ever and so she decided to do all her duties faithfully but silently.

Imlie also had faith on her Sita Maiyaa. If this was how her fate had been written, she would accept it because she knew Maiyya's decisions might seem wrong but they cannot be wrong. And so Imlie decided to prepare motichoor ke laddoos for her Pehli rasoi!

Love,
PSR

PS: The title surely has a meaning here how much ever out of context it may look.

reading this just brought that sliver line back!

The story is progressing so well. Can't wait to read more.

Originally posted by: Writer_Soul

The story is progressing so well. Can't wait to read more.

Thank you ❤️

That really means a lot

Part 28: Itni Si Khushi

The food was ready and she placed all of them neatly on the dinning table. She then went in and got the cutlery as well and placed everything properly. Once done, she informed Aparna who said she'd call the rest of the family after which Imlie moved back to the kitchen.

"Everyone shall be at the table except Adi. He prefers eating alone. You do one thing, I'll serve the others. You go give his food and come" Aparna said coming inside the kitchen in some time to which Imlie nodded reluctantly. She served food into a plate for him and placed a single motichoor laddoo at the side.

"Arey wah! You've made motichoor laddoos for something sweet. Really different choice Imlie because most of us prefer preparing Kheer" Aparna said impressed.

Imlie smiled and said
"In Pagdandiya, Amma makes these for every special occasion. I thought I would make them here too"

"Good" Aparna said with a smile to which Imlie smiled back and left to give food to Aditya. Imlie moved out of the kitchen and saw the entire family gathered at the table. She smiled at the sight and moved to give food to Aditya.
______________________________________________________

Taking a deep breath she entered his room and frowned on not finding him anywhere.

"Babusaheb toh bijli ke khambe jaisan unche hain. Hume dikh kahe na rahe?" she muttered to herself
( Babusaheb is like talll as a pole. Why am I unable to see him?)

"You? Here? How dare you enter my room? Leave right now and don't ever step into this room!You don't have any rights so remember your place!" he thundered from behind her without even giving her a chance to turn and explain herself. She dint turn towards him when he uttered those words. She just walked ahead, placed the plate on the table and wiping her eyes, plastered a fake smile on her face and then looked towards him.

"I just came to give food to you because Kaki told me. I know what I have and what I don't. You don't have to remind me of anything or what my place is in this house or for that matter in your life as well. I'll never enter this room Babusaheb if that is what you want" she said looking into his eyes with that smile still plastered and walked away from that room. He looked away unable to understand why her expression, her words pinched him.
______________________________________________________

As she made her way towards the kitchen, she saw the entire family eating at the table but with an undecipherable silence. Something felt gravely amiss. Somehow something felt incomplete! Unable to make out what, she just stood gazing at the family with warmth.

Nidhi was the first one to spot Imlie gazing at the family. Aparna had spoken about her to which all had nodded.

"Imlie" she called out softly to which all turned their heads towards where Imlie stood.

"Ji?" she answered.

"Come tell us more about yourself"

"There isn't much to tell about myself. I'm Imlie from Pagdandiya and have come to the city for work. I just have my mother and Nakli Nani for a family. Oh and of course, Chuari my goat"

"Nakli Nani?" Harish asked amused

"Yes Kaka! Nakli Nani! She is my mother's step mother unfortunately. God was surely sleeping when he made her!"she said shaking her head as if showing such a grave mistake God has made creating her (which by the way he did!)

"She has a brain which is more smaller than a pea. All she does each day is eat, taunt, eat and repeat. Oh and she is the size of a huge sack filled with potatoes" Imlie explained animatedly, making faces while describing the great personality in her life.

The family errupted in giggles. Even Rupali couldn't help but let out a giggle at the way Imlie described. Seeing the family laugh, Imlie felt content spread through her. A beautiful, genuine smile bloomed on her face at the sight. Now the scene felt right!
________________________________________________________

She retired to her corner after the food and house chores were done. Shifting the saree door a bit, she moved in and closed it. Crouching near her potli, she carefully removed Sita Maiyya's idol and looked about thinking where to keep it. That's when her eyes fell on the shelf inbuilt in the wall at the side. A smile formed on her face seeing that. She wiped the empty rack with her dupatta and placed the idol there. She then took out a small chunri she had made for her Sita Maiyya and wrapped it around the idol.

"Kaki se diya maang leti hoon, Maiyya ke aage jalane ke liye"
(I'll ask Kaki for the diya to light infront of Goddess)

She moved out pushing the saree door and ran to find Aparna. That's when she heard something, rather someone's name that made her freeze
______________________________________________________

Meethi sat at the corner crying, keeping her head on her knees. Her daughter was gone! Married off to a man who couldn't ever love her because he loved someone else. Would he have dumped her after they reached the city? Where would her daughter be? In what state would she be? She couldn't even contact her! No one knew about Jamai Babu's whereabouts. He seemed a good man but would he accept her daughter?

"Now why are you worrying Meethi when you dint utter one word in protest when all of this was going on? You may or may not have succeeded but you dint even try! You could have saved your daughter if you had shown even this bit courage. But no! You had to act like a coward! Wordlessly you dressed up your daughter like a bride despite knowing this forced marriage wouldn't bring anything but pain! You prayed right that your daughter shouldn't suffer the same fate as you. But what's the use when you yourself don't make any move to assure that? You are a coward Meethi! You are a coward! You destroyed your daughter's life!" her mind shouted. She bowed her head and wept more. That was all she could do because she knew her mind was right!

Love,
PSR

Originally posted by: Ps143

Part 28: Itni Si Khushi

The food was ready and she placed all of them neatly on the dinning table. She then went in and got the cutlery as well and placed everything properly. Once done, she informed Aparna who said she'd call the rest of the family after which Imlie moved back to the kitchen.

"Everyone shall be at the table except Adi. He prefers eating alone. You do one thing, I'll serve the others. You go give his food and come" Aparna said coming inside the kitchen in some time to which Imlie nodded reluctantly. She served food into a plate for him and placed a single motichoor laddoo at the side.

"Arey wah! You've made motichoor laddoos for something sweet. Really different choice Imlie because most of us prefer preparing Kheer" Aparna said impressed.

Imlie smiled and said
"In Pagdandiya, Amma makes these for every special occasion. I thought I would make them here too"

"Good" Aparna said with a smile to which Imlie smiled back and left to give food to Aditya. Imlie moved out of the kitchen and saw the entire family gathered at the table. She smiled at the sight and moved to give food to Aditya.
______________________________________________________

Taking a deep breath she entered his room and frowned on not finding him anywhere.

"Babusaheb toh bijli ke khambe jaisan unche hain. Hume dikh kahe na rahe?" she muttered to herself
( Babusaheb is like talll as a pole. Why am I unable to see him?)

"You? Here? How dare you enter my room? Leave right now and don't ever step into this room!You don't have any rights so remember your place!" he thundered from behind her without even giving her a chance to turn and explain herself. She dint turn towards him when he uttered those words. She just walked ahead, placed the plate on the table and wiping her eyes, plastered a fake smile on her face and then looked towards him.

"I just came to give food to you because Kaki told me. I know what I have and what I don't. You don't have to remind me of anything or what my place is in this house or for that matter in your life as well. I'll never enter this room Babusaheb if that is what you want" she said looking into his eyes with that smile still plastered and walked away from that room. He looked away unable to understand why her expression, her words pinched him.
______________________________________________________

As she made her way towards the kitchen, she saw the entire family eating at the table but with an undecipherable silence. Something felt gravely amiss. Somehow something felt incomplete! Unable to make out what, she just stood gazing at the family with warmth.

Nidhi was the first one to spot Imlie gazing at the family. Aparna had spoken about her to which all had nodded.

"Imlie" she called out softly to which all turned their heads towards where Imlie stood.

"Ji?" she answered.

"Come tell us more about yourself"

"There isn't much to tell about myself. I'm Imlie from Pagdandiya and have come to the city for work. I just have my mother and Nakli Nani for a family. Oh and of course, Chuari my goat"

"Nakli Nani?" Harish asked amused

"Yes Kaka! Nakli Nani! She is my mother's step mother unfortunately. God was surely sleeping when he made her!"she said shaking her head as if showing such a grave mistake God has made creating her (which by the way he did!)

"She has a brain which is more smaller than a pea. All she does each day is eat, taunt, eat and repeat. Oh and she is the size of a huge sack filled with potatoes" Imlie explained animatedly, making faces while describing the great personality in her life.

The family errupted in giggles. Even Rupali couldn't help but let out a giggle at the way Imlie described. Seeing the family laugh, Imlie felt content spread through her. A beautiful, genuine smile bloomed on her face at the sight. Now the scene felt right!
________________________________________________________

She retired to her corner after the food and house chores were done. Shifting the saree door a bit, she moved in and closed it. Crouching near her potli, she carefully removed Sita Maiyya's idol and looked about thinking where to keep it. That's when her eyes fell on the shelf inbuilt in the wall at the side. A smile formed on her face seeing that. She wiped the empty rack with her dupatta and placed the idol there. She then took out a small chunri she had made for her Sita Maiyya and wrapped it around the idol.

"Kaki se diya maang leti hoon, Maiyya ke aage jalane ke liye"
(I'll ask Kaki for the diya to light infront of Goddess)

She moved out pushing the saree door and ran to find Aparna. That's when she heard something, rather someone's name that made her freeze
______________________________________________________

Meethi sat at the corner crying, keeping her head on her knees. Her daughter was gone! Married off to a man who couldn't ever love her because he loved someone else. Would he have dumped her after they reached the city? Where would her daughter be? In what state would she be? She couldn't even contact her! No one knew about Jamai Babu's whereabouts. He seemed a good man but would he accept her daughter?

"Now why are you worrying Meethi when you dint utter one word in protest when all of this was going on? You may or may not have succeeded but you dint even try! You could have saved your daughter if you had shown even this bit courage. But no! You had to act like a coward! Wordlessly you dressed up your daughter like a bride despite knowing this forced marriage wouldn't bring anything but pain! You prayed right that your daughter shouldn't suffer the same fate as you. But what's the use when you yourself don't make any move to assure that? You are a coward Meethi! You are a coward! You destroyed your daughter's life!" her mind shouted. She bowed her head and wept more. That was all she could do because she knew her mind was right!

Love,
PSR

Again left us in mystery....

Loved it.

Originally posted by: abhiti

Again left us in mystery....

Loved it.

Hehe I love to give cliffhangers.

Thank you ☺️