The next morning, the Aranthad household was pleasantly busy with the arrival of the newborn. Each member moved about, attending to their assigned tasks.
As usual, Rithanya sat near the pillar, her mind circling the events of the previous day.
However, there was a subtle shift in the Aranthads' attitude toward her, a mixture of pity and doubt. They sympathized with her, yet questioned whether Devendra Pratap had lied to protect her.
A few days passed.
She was allowed to take up small chores around the house-washing clothes, cleaning utensils, and helping with the baby and the mother.
Soon, the time came to send Pratima and her baby to her husband's home. Bags were packed, and the jeeps were made ready.
"Oh my God!" Girija screamed.
Vanaja and Avantika came running to see what had happened.
Girija, the helper who was supposed to accompany Pratima, had slipped and fallen.
Arrangements were quickly made to provide her with care and medicine.
But Annapoornamma was distressed. Someone had to accompany Pratima as a gesture of care from her maternal home.
In such a short time, finding a suitable substitute was impossible. She couldn't send Avantika, as she was pregnant, and Vanaja was needed to manage the household.
After thinking for a moment, she sent for Rithanya.
"Will you go and stay with Pratima until we send a substitute?" she asked.
Rithanya remained silent for a moment.
"Yes," she nodded.
Pratima, the baby, and Rithanya arrived at Punyapur.
The house was decorated to welcome the new member. It was a traditional household, bound by its own set of rules.
Rukhminamma, Pratima's mother-in-law, welcomed them with a formal aarati.
After seeing the newborn, everyone settled down.
Rithanya was given a room adjacent to Pratima's.
A few days passed.
It was Thursday.
Rithanya watched the children playing hide-and-seek, their innocence untouched by the world's harshness.
She deeply missed her temple visits and regretted leaving Chandrapur, silently hoping to return soon.
Meanwhile, Radha, Rukhminamma's daughter, was packing her bags, preparing to leave for her husband's home.
"Maa, did you see my kada bangle?" Radha shouted in panic.
"No. Where did you keep it?" Rukhminamma asked from the kitchen.
"On the table. It was there this morning," she replied, searching frantically.
Radha rushed down the stairs.
"Maa, it's nowhere to be found. It's a family heirloom given by my mother-in-law," she cried, tears streaming down her face.
Rukhminamma panicked.
Within minutes, the entire household began searching desperately for the missing bangle.
"I cannot leave without it," Radha declared, stressing its importance.
Everyone was questioned.
Parameshwara Raya suggested searching the servants.
Rukhminamma disagreed, saying it would be unfair to doubt their loyalty after years of service.
Finally, Parameshwara Raya instructed his eldest daughter-in-law, Latha, along with a helper, to search every room.
After checking several rooms, they reached Rithanya's.
Latha looked around, then opened Rithanya's bag.
There it was, lying beneath a few sarees, gleaming.
Latha gasped.
She picked up the bangle, her hands trembling.
Rithanya, who had been looking out the window, turned.
She froze.
She couldn't believe what she saw.
Everyone gathered, stunned.
Rukhminamma stood staring at Rithanya, her eyes blazing with anger.
Rithanya struggled to find words. Finally, she spoke.
"I... don't know how it came here."
"Oh... does it have legs?" Rukhminamma retorted.
"You are a disgrace to your family! You wanted me to be humiliated in mine? Jealous!" Radha burst out.
Parameshwara Raya raised his hand, signaling them to stop.
"Narendra, send word to your father-in-law, Maheshwar Swamy," he said.
"She belongs to his household. We cannot decide without his presence."
Rithanya stood still, unable to process what was happening.
The house fell silent.
A few hours later, Maheshwar Swamy and Raghav arrived.
Parameshwara Raya explained everything.
Maheshwar Swamy froze.
He turned toward Rithanya in disbelief.
Raghav looked at her briefly, his gaze pausing a moment longer than usual.
"I don't know how the kada appeared in my room," she tried to explain.
"It was inside your bag-not just your room. Stop explaining," Maheshwar Swamy thundered.
"Please trust me. I didn't take it," she pleaded.
"In that case, we shall call the police. They can investigate better," Parameshwara Raya said.
Maheshwar Swamy nodded.
"But I didn't..." she insisted.
"If you deny the theft, then we must find the truth. The thief must be punished," he said firmly.
"Mahendra, call the police," Parameshwara Raya instructed his eldest son.
Rithanya panicked.
"No... don't," she said, her voice trembling.
"Then do you admit to stealing the kadha?" he asked.
Rithanya fell silent for a moment.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of her saree, as if holding onto something slipping away.
Raghav's eyes shifted to her again, quiet and unreadable.
"Yes," she whispered.
Gasps filled the room.
Raghav blinked once, his expression barely changing.
Maheshwar Swamy lowered his head in humiliation.
"Like father, like daughter. Thieves," Rukhminamma muttered.
"Kindly take her away. She belongs to your household. You may decide her punishment," Parameshwara Raya said.
"Raghav, start the jeep," Maheshwar Swamy ordered.
Raghav turned and left without a word.
"Pratima, check her bag and send her," he added.
She nodded.
"I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused," Maheshwar Swamy said, folding his hands before Parameshwara Raya.
"No, please don't apologize. I understand your pain," Parameshwara Raya replied.
"If you don't mind, I suggest finding another bride for Raghav. His life will be ruined with this woman."
"My sister's daughter, Ramya, is a good match. She may not be very beautiful, but she comes from a respectable family. Let me know if you wish to proceed."
Maheshwar Swamy nodded silently and left.
Rithanya walked behind them, her head bowed.
Her heart pounded as she thought of the punishment awaiting her at the Aranthad residence.
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Author's Note:
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