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“I know.” He pulls me back into a hug and scoops me up as if he’ll never let me go. Neither would I.
CHAPTER 49
MEERA SINGH GROVER
“I know, Vanraj. I heard it, and trust me, I’m equally disappointed.” I scowl, the bitterness of Maahi's words lingering in my mind.
Everything Maahi said about my behavior towards her all these years, and the way Vanraj troubled her over Devki Estate, has obviously left a deep scar in her heart. I know that won't change anytime soon. It's been an hour since Maahi and Vikram went to their room, and I can only hope they didn't end up fighting over this. I pray Vikram managed to soothe her because I know Maahi's pain will break his heart too.
Me and Vanraj are in the drawing room, discussing this.
“I never thought our actions could cause such trauma to our children,” Vanraj mumbles. “When will all this be over, Meera? I just want things to settle down for all of us.”
A knock at the door diverts our attention, and we see Maa standing there, likely having heard our conversation. She looks torn and asks for permission to enter, which Vanraj gives immediately. I look away, fully aware of the mistakes I’ve made in breaking this family, in taking my husband away from his mother, and never bridging the gaps between us. But somehow, I haven’t yet found the courage to bring up that conversation with Maa.
“I heard what happened in the kitchen,” Maa says. “Though I’m surprised she behaved like that, I know her. Maahi has always felt hurt whenever someone commented on her being an orphan.”
Vanraj sighs. “Maa, Meera and I have always neglected Maahi since you brought her into our lives, but that doesn’t mean we considered her a burden. In fact, I was happy she gave you good company and showered you with love, which we should have given you. We might never have said this, but now she really holds a special place in our hearts. I wish I could do something to make her feel that.”
Maa smiles at Vanraj while I keenly observe her reactions.
“Just give her some time, she will understand. I have many ideas that can help you two mend things with her,” Maa adds.
“I would love to hear them,” Vanraj exclaims.
They both smile at each other and then look at me, puzzled by my silence.
“What’s wrong, Meera?” Vanraj asks. “Aren’t you convinced? Maa is going to help us bridge the gap with Maahi.”
I shrug and put on a smile. It’s not a fake smile, just a sad one to cover my true feelings.
“I’m happy, of course,” I reply. “Maa is doing so much for her grandson’s wife. I am obviously happy. I just wish she had shown some mercy on me too, years ago.”
A complete silence falls over the room as both Vanraj and Maa stare at me.
“I deserved some support too, as I was new to this family and married life. You both knew I never got my mother’s love since she died when I was very young.”
Tears clog my throat, but I continue. If I don’t say this now, I might never open up again.
“You know, Vanraj, how eager I always was to meet your mother or know about her when we were dating?”
Vanraj nods, recalling those days.
“I always thought I would find my mother in your mother, but—” Words choke again. The emotions are too overwhelming.
“Meera...” Maa takes a step forward, but I stop her.
“Don’t,” I swallow my tears. “I’m not saying this to get your sympathy, Maa. I know we both hurt you, rejected you, and never cared about your loneliness. We made grave mistakes, and forgiveness is the least we can ask for. But you weren’t perfect either. Every action has a reaction. The way you treated me after my marriage to Vanraj and in his absence, led me to react the way I did. When I found the opportunity to leave with Vanraj and stay away from you, I grabbed it. I’m ashamed of it now, but I did it for my own peace. For my own selfish needs, because having Vanraj next to me was more important than staying with a mother-in-law who never loved me.”
Maa sobs. “Meera, please don’t say that. I am already guilty for what I did to you.”
I walk out of the room. It’s just too much to bear.
VIKRAM
Last night, after Maahi fell asleep in my arms, I messaged Dad to let him know everything was fine between us. I didn't want him and Mom to worry about what happened in the kitchen. It dawned on me that each of us had our own issues with one another, and we needed to stay together under one roof for a while to mend those gaps. Dad told me he planned to stay here as much as possible to repair our relationships, and I was glad he took that step. What surprised me the most was Mom's willingness to be a part of this. I'd always seen Mom ignore Daadi and the family's responsibilities towards her, so her acceptance thrilled me.
Today morning, I have asked the chefs to prepare Maahi, Daadi, and Mom’s favorite breakfast. If Maahi and Daadi love a traditional Indian breakfast, Mom prefers a continental one. I want them all to feel special today. Enough of the emotional drama around us. As I instruct the chefs, I turn to find Dad staring at me wide-eyed.
