“Shivani, I missed you so much.”
My mother’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I see her walking down the stairs. Her arms already reaching for a hug. She wraps me in an embrace that feels foreign but oddly warm. Then, she calls for a house helper to take my backpack upstairs to my room.
The house is decorated with flowers. It looks like they’ve been celebrating. For a moment, it even feels like they were celebratingme.
Is this all true?
“We’re going shopping, and your father will join us at the mall. Maybe we’ll even eat out today,” she says cheerfully as she smiles at me, the wide one. The one that is preserved only for her kitty parties.
Confusion stirs in me as I stare at her with questions.
What? Is there someone else here? Why is she pretending to be this sweet? I glance around, expecting someone else to be watching—maybe some guests—but the lights to the guest room are off. No one’s here. What is going on?
I must look as confused as I feel because she raises her hand toward me. My body reacts before my brain can catch up. I flinch, instinctively, like muscle memory from a thousand unspoken threats and beatings. She puts her hand on my cheek gently, caressing it and it assures me, “Come on, beta. Let’s forget the past. You’re married now, and we missed you so much.”
Beta.
Beta?!
She is rarely so sweet to me, especially when we have no audience to cater to. I feel like I’ve stepped into some alternate reality. No words come out of my mouth and I just keep staring at her.
She continues, “Your father couldn’t even sleep since your wedding. We really missed you.”
And just like that, a flicker of hope sparks in my chest. Maybe… maybe they’ve finally realized I am a part of this family. That I am their daughter. Maybe I’ll finally get the love I’ve always craved. After seeing Aditi, Rudraksh, and Aarav’s bond with their parents, I can’t help but long for that pure, honest relationship. A family.
Tears sting my eyes. I’ve never felt happiness inside this house before—not until today. I smile at her, holding onto this fragile hope.
“Go freshen up quickly. Madhav is waiting outside,” she encourages me, linking her arm with mine.
Within five minutes, we’re in the car. She chats about one of her friends whose husband is cheating on her. I feel bad for the woman, but honestly, all I can focus on is this—my mother gossiping with me. Just like how mothers and daughters do. For the first time, I feel like I have that kind of relationship. I didn’t know marriage would change my life like this—turn it upside down. I’ve not only gained a kind husband and wonderful in-laws, but now even my own parents seem to have changed… for the better.
I guess.
I catch Madhav uncle looking at us in the rearview mirror. I think he’s just as surprised as I am. He doesn't know what went on inside that house, but he suspected something. He asked me several times. He even offered me help that I desperately wanted to take, but I could never put him at risk.
He drops us at the mall, and as my mother walks ahead, Madhav uncle stops me gently.
“What’s gotten into her?”
I chuckle. “I don’t know, and honestly, I don’t care. She’s finally being nice to me. I’m just happy. Papa is going to join us too, and we’re going to have a meal outside. Can you believe it?”
I’m excited. We’ve never dined out together as a family. They always said I shouldn’t eat outside—I’d gain weight. But I still sneaked in pani puris during college here and there. It’s my favorite.
“Beta, I think something’s not right. Just… stay alert, okay?” he advises, patting my head with concern.
Even though I feel my guts churning, I ignore it. Maybe… Maybe my marriage benefited them in some way, and even if their kindness is selfish, I’ll take it. I like it.
I run after my mother, and we roam around the mall. She buys a couple of dresses for herself, and I pick out a lavender anarkali and a chikoo-colored saree. Her phone rings, and she steps aside to answer. When she returns, her face lights up.
“Your father’s here. Come on, let’s go.” I nod excitedly. We walk out of the mall, and I spot Papa waiting outside. He smiles—not a real one, but at least it’s not the usual irritated glare. Even if it’s fake, I’ll take it. I smile back.
“Hello, Shivani. How’s everything going there? Are you getting along with your husband?” he asks. There’s a slight edge to his voice, but I ignore it. He is not used to talking sweetly to me. I know I should not forgive them so easily, but I craved this. I felt like an orphan in spite of having both my parents alive. And I finally have it, not entirely, but greed isn't good if you haven't had anything at all.
“Yes, he’s really nice to me,” I reply with a small smile making its way onto my face. And it's the truth. I’m glad I married that man. In fact, I feel grateful to them—if they hadn’t forced me into this marriage, I might’ve never met Rudraksh. Not that I think I’m his type—or anyone’s, really. No. No negative thoughts today. I’m just going to enjoy this moment.
We all sit in the car, and Madhav uncle drives us to a restaurant. Once we arrive, we’re escorted to a private dining area. It’s just the three of us.
“Order whatever you like,” Papa says.
