There was an unseen air of altruism that aided the two hearts to find solace in each other's company.
Bondita, for the first time, witnessed something extraordinary in Anirudh's eyes. She had seen care, love, pride, anger and even lust, reflecting in the mirrors of his soul... But, what she saw that night was different. It was awe! Anirudh was awed by his little Bondita.
"She has indeed grown up!" He thought as he couldn't help but feel a sense of deep respect and pride for her.

'Kshitija had called her a half woman... incomplete, and she had sulked on Anirudh the entire evening. She had cursed herself for being so naive, she had cursed herself for being in love with Anirudh. She had even resolved to pay him back! But pay back what? Anirudh was not her enemy!' Bondita's thoughts we're racing.
But standing there, hand in hand with Anirudh, and hearing him address her as his wife, Bondita felt anything but incomplete. It was that moment she realised how shallow Kshitija's words were!

She gripped Anirudh's hand tighter and he turned to look at her..
"We are in this together Barrister Babu."
She said as her eyes reflected his determination.

For a moment, Anirudh forgot where he was, he forgot the gravity of the situation, he forgot the world! His entire being craved to clutch Bondita tight in a long deep embrace.
Anirudh took a deep breath and looked straight, in the eyes of all those who were standing infront of him, raging in ancient wrath!
In his heart, he knew that with Bondita by his side, he was ready to face every challenge that the world would throw at his way.

"The good Barrister is fond of marrying hapless girls." Mocked someone from the irate crowd, shredding Anirudh's thoughts into pieces.
"Let him marry the witch then. Let him own up the baby." Another shouted.

Bondita held Anirudh's hand tight as she addressing the crowd again.
" You dare not talk about my husband that way!" She glared. "Yes, I'm that hapless girl you mentioned, and I'm his wife. And we will protect Mira together!"

................

The crowd was disoriented with exasperation as Suresh arrived at the scene, convoying the Magistrate's vehicle. Heinrich had arrived with a platoon of Habildar who at once charged upon the crowd with well-ordered expertise!

Heinrich turned towards Anirudh.
"Anirudh, old pal, you can't fight these natives with reason!" He stated. "They're stubborn and blind. And I'm sure they'd come back for the girl."

"Thank you so much for coming Heinrich. Your presence was much needed." Anirudh shook his hands.
"So, what exactly you suggest us to do?"

"For the time being, I'll lock up Vaa-ruv. But that's not gonna save the girl. Any claim from her parental lineage would refute your claim for her protection. You'd have no choice but to hand her over my friend." Heinrich paused.
"She is a minor afterall."

"I understand Heinrich. What are you suggesting?" Anirudh was thoughtful.

"I would suggest what would keep most Indians quiet... A marriage. Get her married, so that her husband becomes her guardian in the eyes of the society. This would shut everyone's mouth my good Barrister."

Heinrich's words pierced Anirudh like an old rusty knife. He had once married Bondita to save her life. And now, inspite of child marriage being legally banned, Heinrich was suggesting to use the same weapon to save Mira's life! Nothing has changed! Anirudh took a deep breath and nodded his head.

"Let me see Heinrich. Let me figure out a way. Child marriage can't be the only way to save helpless girls from the evil eyes of the society. There has to be a way out!" Anirudh spoke with an uncanny determination.

"Good luck my friend. I'll be by your side if you need any assistance."

..........

It was inside the medical camp where the team had gathered to discuss further strategies to protect Mira. Magistrate Heinrich had posted police guards outside the camp. The silent, thoughtful, weary silhouette of three men surrounding a center table, loomed in the shaded darkness of the office room inside the medical camp.

Rishit raised his head and spoke in a low voice.
"Suresh da, I can't possibly marry anyone. I know this is selfish, but I'm promised."

Suresh raised his eyebrows in question as he spoke calmly.
"I won't impose anything on you Rishit. I appreciate you coming here tonight and helping us out. Honestly, you have exceeded my expectations."

"Barrister Babu?" Suresh raised his head to look at Anirudh.
"You are not legally married, are you?" He asked.

Anirudh was quiet and thoughtful. He simply nodded his head in affirmation.

"Any thoughts on what..."
Anirudh didn't let Suresh complete his sentence. He stood up with a determined expression written all over his face.

"This can't be it!" Anirudh punched his wounded fist on the table. "This can't be the solution. After all these years, after everything that I've done, marriage can't be the only way to save a girl's life Suresh Babu."

Suresh took a deep breath as he nodded his head in silence. Rishit exhaled disappointment!

.........

It was night when Bondita and Anirudh drove back in silence, both lost in their individual trail of thoughts.

Anirudh thought about the evening, his conversation with Heinrich, Suresh's words and his Bondita... Bondita had left him in amazement!

"I wanted to apologise Barrister Babu" Bondita spoke softly breaking his chain of thoughts.

"Why Bondita? Why apologize?" Anirudh was curious.

"I... "Bondita searched for the right words."I doubted your intentions towards me and I can't explain how ashamed I'm now!"

Anirudh was quiet. He was clueless about what Bondita meant. But his heart was reciprocating the sadness that he witnessed in her eyes.

Bondita spoke again.
"Someone had told me that I'm incomplete. In spite of being married once, you took away my right to wear sindoor, I'm neither married nor a maiden." Bondita paused and turned her face to look at Anirudh directly.
"But now, I realised that I don't need to wear sindoor to be complete... because, it's you who completes me Barrister Babu... It's your existence that makes me a woman!"
A tear rolled down from her eyes as Anirudh stopped the car to cup her face as he stole a soft kiss from her tear-striken lips.

"You taste salty Tigress!"
Anirudh hushed in her ears before diving his lips on hers hungrily again.