A year and a half passed. Once again, the search for a groom began for Riya. This time, the young man was well-educated and handsome. He owned a garment shop and was the only son of a lower middle-class family. The marriage took place.
Slowly, the sorrow and darkness in Riya's life faded away, and happiness returned. Riya conceived and became the mother of twin sons. Joy overflowed in their household. Riya's father generously supported his son-in-law financially to help expand his business. In time, her husband became an established businessman. He managed both his family and business beautifully.
Their life became colorful again—traveling, dining at restaurants, enjoying family time just like before. The twins grew older, crossing two and a half and stepping into their third year. Together, Riya and her husband began planning for their sons' future education in good schools.
However, her husband used to suffer from occasional headaches. Medicine would reduce the pain at first, but gradually it began to worsen. The doctor advised a CT scan. The scan revealed a brain tumor.
Riya's father immediately took his son-in-law to Vellore for further treatment and tests. After examinations, the doctor said that he could not guarantee survival after surgery. Without surgery, he might live for a few more years.
Hearing this, the family returned home. Her husband started taking medicines and remained relatively stable for a few years. But eventually, the pain intensified. He began losing consciousness frequently. Both families were deeply worried.
Finally, they decided to proceed with the surgery. He was admitted to Kalyani Nursing Home. After the operation, he seemed fine for two days. But on the third day, his condition suddenly deteriorated.
The smiling man who had assured his wife, father, and mother that he would return home healthy never came back.
Riya's husband passed away.
Once again, darkness descended upon Riya's life. She realized that perhaps marital happiness was never meant for her. A terrible emptiness consumed her. She no longer thought about happiness. Instead, she would faint thinking—whom would her two little sons call "father"? Who would love and protect them?
Everyone tried to console her, saying,
"You must raise these two children. They are your future, your only hope and strength."