AUTHOR'S POV:

Flashback continuation ;
Aarna Devi fell in a turmoil of emotions because of this unexpected turn in her life. Since that day Niraj would appear every now and then to their home and find chances to speak and touch her. Aarna did not understand the hidden meaning behind his twisted words and actions considering her age, neither did she ask of it. But she knew the concept of marriage and love because she saw her parents often being caring towards each other and expressing their love through kisses and hugs.

So She did not understand why Niraj was behind her for marriage that too when she was so young and she felt utterly uncomfortable with his touches and talks even when she did not understand the actual meaning.

She could tell her parents and she was sure to get their support as well but something stopped her.

She heard whispers of how cruel the Sarpanch was and his son Niraj was nothing less. She heard the maiden aunty whispering to the other on how Niraj had hurt a girl and got out of it by his father's support. She din't hear the entire thing and even if she did she could not understand. She herself saw how they both are close to each other, the entire village is aware of how cruel and dangerous the father-son duo was.

Days passed and Niraj's atrocities are going out of hand. He once held her from behind and groped her. Devi could not tolerate anymore.

She did know how much her father respected the Sarpanch for his support in the past and she had also thought of maybe he would say yes for the possible proposal that Niraj talked about but again her father knew Niraj was not a decent fellow, she often found him suggesting Niraj to be good so She finally decided to open up to her parents.

Devi's POV:

On the same day, there was a small union. Sarpanch family held a usual weekend lunch and invited my family.
After the lunch, Sarpanch was sitting on the swing and we were seated at the couch set up in front of the swing. Niraj who was no where to be found for the entire time came in and sat next to his father. That's when the entire conversation that was about the village issues diverted.

Sarpanch held his son by his shoulder and asked my father "Krishna do you remember the debt you always talked about. I always brushed it off but on your insistence I said that I would ask for it when the time arrives."
My father was confused at the abrupt change of topic but an aged to come out of it and asked "Yes I remember, I said that I was willing to do anything within my power for your kindness in the past."
Sarpanch laughed, that laugh gave goosebumps to me. I have got an idea of what was happening by the wicked smile Niraj was offering me.
"Of course I would ask what is within your power. I am not cruel" he laughed again as if it is the joke of the year and Indeed it was.
"What do you expect from me Kartikeya?" Krishna asked smiling. He was still clueless.
I started sweating heavily and suddenly stood up earning attention of everyone present there. My father and mother noticed my state and amma asked "What happened Aarna?"
"I'm not feeling well Amma" i replied still looking at Niraj who was still smirking but now standing.
I did not expect this to happen so soon. I thought he was kidding but I guess not. I have to talk to my parents, before it completely goes out of my hands.

"Amma can we leave?" I asked getting close to her and kept my head on her shoulder while holding her close.
she held me tightly, I heard my dad say to the Sarpanch that we will leave. I Sighed.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE 🧡
I hope you are liking it so far. Please comment and like to let me know🤗