The sudden chanting of mantras and the sound of bells were heard making Shree open her eyes. She jerked off her place and got up from the bed.

Her alta coated feet took her towards the source of the sounds and she saw him with closed eyes chanting some mantras. He was wearing a white dhoti and his upper body was naked. A gold chain was hanging around his neck and his hairs were settled neatly from where some water droplets were falling on his forehead. His brownish golden masculine body was covered with small water droplets which were shining like a pearl under the sunrays. She understood that he just came after taking a bath.

His hands were folded and he had a deep frown on his eyebrows. The focus was firm and his lips were continuously dancing because of the chanting of mantras.

She didn't disturb him and went straight to take a shower.

◉✮◉

After coming from the washroom, she stood in front of the mirror admiring herself. A giggle left her mouth as she got the chance to wear a new dress after a long time. These all were brought by her 'Master Ji' as she thanked him mentally.

Her eyes captured a small box on the side as she remembered what it was. It was her vermillion box.

"Hum to vul hi gaye the ki hamara vyah ho chuka hai aur hume abh se ye lagani hai" (I forgot that I'm married now and I've to wear it)

Shree mentally slapped her and took the vermillion box in her hands. Then taking out a pinch of sindoor she put it on her hairline.

"Ha, kaki bhi to aise karti thi" (Aunty used to wear it like this)

She giggled looking at herself in admiration but was stopped by a rough voice.

"Don't" She turned back to see her husband was standing at the door step.

"Who told you to wear this?" He asked as she frowned not understanding the cause of his ruined mood.

Without a second thought, Rishiraj marched towards her direction and raised his hand to wipe it off from her hairline but his hand stopped at mid.

Her innocent eyes stared at him with so many questions which he had no answer. Was he doing, right? Should he wipe it off?

He didn't have any idea the reason but he just couldn't do it. He slowly took his hand back and then taking a pinch of vermilion he touched it on her hairline mentally praying for her. Then giving her the prasad Rishiraj left the room without saying anything as an instant smile came over her lips.

She was scared thinking he was going to scold her for some reason but nothing happened like that.

◉✮◉

All the students were entering the school premises when Shree came running calling her friend's name.

"Radha"

Radha stopped her motion and turned back hearing the call. She was shocked to see the scene in front of her. Shree had come to school after her marriage? How? That meant she wasn't stopped from completing her education?

"I was calling you from long" Shree took deep breaths to calm herself.

"I got to know you got married yesterday? Then how did you come to school?" Radha asked as she was unable to believe her eyes.

"Master Ji laye hai hume" (Master Ji brought me here)

She got another shock hearing this.

"T_That means you can complete your education, right?"

Shree nodded at her question.

Radha couldn't control her excitement and hugged her tightly. She was so happy for her. At least her best friend got the chance to complete her education unlike her. She was happy that at least one girl was saved from this cruel world. Now she could see her dream getting fulfilled by her best friend if not by her.

"I'm so happy" She laughed hard and they went towards their destination while talking about random topics.

◉✮◉

The whole staff room was empty as all the teachers went to have their lunch. In the middle of the room, Rishiraj was busy checking some exam papers with his glasses on. A cup of tea was placed on the table with some biscuits. He was taking small sips from time to time while checking the papers.

"How was the night, Mr. Raghuwanshi?"

He felt a slight pat on his shoulder which he shrugged off immediately. He stayed silent knowing very well about the teasing glances from his fellow teachers. They were asking him about his wedding night with Shree.

The worst part was they knew very well how their marriage happened, even the whole village knew but still they had the audacity to tease him.

He felt so sick about the people around him who used to think, women should only be used for men's needs and they should be treated as a breeding machine. They didn't have any other participation in a man's life. The typical patriarchal mentality of society. They could never think highly about their women.

"You didn't answer, Was it good or bad? I heard she is just 16 years old and she studies in this school only. So, I think it would be good obviously. After all, she is a fresh, young, virgin and_"

Before the man could complete his words, Rishiraj left from there.

He just couldn't hear it anymore and felt suffocated. Sitting under a tree outside, he lost himself in oblivion.

He was getting defeated again. The battle he started years ago was still going on. Nothing changed and never would be. He was waiting for the day when the society would change his mindset but it seemed like, it was a never-ending process.

'Maybe, in the next life I'll be able to make it'

Rishiraj sighed looking at the sky praying for a better society where he wouldn't feel suffocated. Where there wouldn't be any gender discrimination, where he could breath properly.

"Master Ji"

A soft call broke his thoughts as he turned back but seeing the girl he again looked at the front.

Shree came towards him and sat beside him. She forwarded her hand where she was holding some blackberries. While coming she plucked them from a nearby tree.

"What?" He asked focusing at her.

"Khaiye. Bohot achche hai" (Have it. These are very sweet)

"Don't irritate me"

Shree pouted her lips cutely watching his angry face.

"These are good for health" She again forwarded making him sigh.

He took one of them and started chewing.

None of them were talking when suddenly she spat one of the seeds at the front which directly hit his foot.

"Bad manners" Rishiraj scolded her making her pout again.

"Hum to aise hi karte hai aur sath hi sath competesion bhi karte hai hum aur Radha. Ki kiska kitna dur gaya" (We always do this. Even Me and Radha compete with each other how far did the seed go)

"It is competition and next, these are bad manners and unhygienic. You should never spit in public places. Your saliva can contain germs and bacteria which can be a cause of health issues to others. You are taught in school. Did you forget?" He added making her lower her head.

"I won't do these from now on" Shree replied making him smile a little.

"Now get up. We have to go home" He said and got up while she followed him behind.

••••

Here's the seventh chapter. Hope you liked it?