Only Marriage that Matters

The hands were shaking to hold a cup of tea and it was raining outside. Mridu opened the door and went in the yard to drench herself in rain.
Priti, her sister-in-law called her to remind how she is scared of rain and lightning only to take Mridu back to the days of college.
Mridu, a vibrant, blunt girl who seemed to be the rockstar of college started working at a firm. She was now 30 and her younger sister, Manya,27. Parents, relatives everyone had a dead call to Mridu for getting married, coated with taunts that pierced her ears. Mridu wasn't against marriage but it was almost 15 boys who have rejected her and everyone found it Mridu's bold lady image from college at fault. Waking up every day she started questioning her worth.
It was one of the auspicious days of the year when an arranged blind date was organised for Mridu to meet Mridang. While entering this lavish restaurant, every beat of the music was reminding her of the taunts that's she had been listening since years. Her sister who says nothing but must be believing that it's her elder sister because of which she isn't getting married too.
Mridang seemed to be a nice guy. The talks started from scratch to top. Mridang kept asking what she is scared of, what's her biggest fear, is it cockroach, lizard, snakes, dogs and what not; to which Mridu said nothing. She believed life to be the place where one must live and enjoy every moment. Mridang replied in a stern, "Why do you even need a partner then?" "You can live strongly and happily on your own."
Mridu who has been doubting her self worth couldn't answer it. Mridu was ready to be rejected. Both of them were ready to go back.
'Kadaaaak'!
Mridu stood up from her chair and hugged Mridang.
"Oh! so it's lightning and rain that scares you."
"Yes!"
Mridu went home and said, "I don't think he will say yes." Everyone was upset and suddenly the phone rang. It was Mridang's family who confirmed the marriage. Mridang and Mridu got married and the marriage seemed perfect to everyone.
It was since then to 30 years now, whenever it rained Mridang closed the doors and windows to secure Mridu in his arms. Today when he is no more, his sister Priti tried to assure that Mridu doesn't feel scared.
Mridu was not ready to get back. Her younger sister is married now,her relatives are no more to taunt, no self doubts, and society can't question her strength. It's just Mridu and her favourite rain. The rain-drops that were sacrificed for years were touching her pure soul. Mridu was alive after 30years from the grave of sacrifice.
A poor widow to the world, a free soul to self!