Just Another Mother

Chapter - 26

Nakul had once again confirmed Nisha's location before leaving for her home. He was worried about the repercussions of what they are going to do!

Nakul: " Are you sure? We can still leave. You know that if things go wrong, it can stop the wedding! Think Meera! Do you want to do this?" Meera smiled at him.

Meera: "I know... I'm not going to get a warm welcome, who knows...they might even shut the door on my face! But trust me, whatever happens here will not stop the wedding unless you tell Sachin or my family about it!"

He furrowed his eyebrows and was about to argue when she took a deep breath and explained.

Meera: "I understand your concerns, but trust me! I agree that I don't know how it is going to turn out! But I cannot sit idle and expect them to understand me. If I was in their shoes, I might have also believed in the so-called 'real' stories! So I have to do this! I need to explain myself! If they are willing to understand then everyone can be happy and if things go wrong, then I wouldn't attend the wedding! I know Nakul, I'm going to embarrass myself! But I have to do this. Please, let me do this." Meera pleaded.

Nakul knew he is no one to stop her. But he didn't want her to be insulted! She doesn't deserve it!

Nakul: " Yes, I agree. But, if things go far, I would step in and you wouldn't stop me! No! Don't try to argue with me. You are my best friend's sister and now my friend too, If they cross the limits, I wouldn't sit and watch. If you cannot accept it, we are going back!" He looked at her with all seriousness.

Meera with a deep sigh nodded her head.

When they reached Nisha's home, a person in his fifties was sitting on a chair on the veranda, writing something. He looked up, noticing them, and asked who they are.

Nakul: "Hi, I'm Nakul, Nisha's friend." The other person smiled at them warmly with recognition and introduced himself as Nandagopal, Nisha's father.

Nandagopal: " Please come inside. She has gone out for something. I will check with her...Sree!!!" He asked them to sit and called out for someone looking inside.

A lady, probably in her late forties, came and smiled at them.

Nandagopal: "She is Sreelatha, Nisha's mother. Sree, They are Nisha's friends. Nakul and.." He looked at Meera and she introduced herself.

Nakul: "Meera..." She politely smiled at them and they returned the gesture. All the while, Nakul sat there awkwardly, with a forced smile.

Nandagopal: "Sree, get them something to drink and check with Nisha, when will she be back." He ushered his wife. She was about to leave when Meera stopped her.

Meera: " No. Aunty, please wait. I...need to talk to you both." They both had a puzzled look.

Meera: " I'm Sachin's cousin. You might have heard about me. But I have to clarify certain things."

Nisha's parents were shocked and looked at each other. Meera was about to continue when Nandagopal interrupted her and stood up!

Nandagopal: "Hmm...I have somewhere to be... Please have something before you leave. I think Nisha will be late." He was about to leave, and Nakul was going to stop him when Meera interrupted them.

Meera: "I'm sorry Uncle, but I promise it will take only 5 minutes and not a minute more. Please have your seat. Even we have a train to catch in half an hour! PLEASE!"

She said with a bold tone and smile, which was surprisingly commanding enough as well as polite!

Nandagopal and Sreelatha took their seats unwillingly. She is after all their daughter's sister-in-law-to-be!

Meera: " I will come directly to the point, I don't know what kind of stories you heard about me. But the truth is, there was a family, with whom I was close in the US. Susan and Chris were like my sister and brother and their kids treated me like their aunt! Unfortunately, they both met with an accident and passed away. They both were orphans and didn't have family members like us to take care of their kids. So they had mentioned my name in their Will as their trusted person to take care of their kids. I love them a lot and couldn't be selfish enough to throw them into the streets! I took up their responsibility and later adopted them. I know society can't accept this and I don't care as far as my family is happy! I want Sachin and Nisha to start their life on a happy note and not with all these tensions and stress! Their happiness lies in our happiness and unity. That's why I'm here to clear all misunderstandings. I hope you wouldn't listen to those rumors and accept us as your family! After all, you are the son of a retired army officer, a man who selflessly protected the kids of an entire nation along with his!"

The room filled with silence. 

Nakul was staring at her all this while. His admiration for her has increased exponentially! He was astonished by how gracefully she had handled everything!

Meera: "Ok. So, We wouldn't take any more of your time! Please don't tell anyone about my visit, including Nisha. My family wouldn't be happy if they know about it. You also have a daughter...I hope you can relate to their feelings! Thank you for your time. Bye." They were about to leave when a voice stopped them.

"Wait..." an old man with a walking stick said. "Dad... " Nandagopal was interrupted by the same old man, who is Nisha's grandfather, ShivaSankaran. "I will talk to you later, Now, let me talk to this kid!" He glared at his son.

Grandpa: "Come here, child." He sat on a three-seater couch and gestured her to sit beside him. "I heard what you said. But who are you to Sachin?" Grandpa asked her.

"I'm Sachin's cousin Meera... Raghunath and Savitri's daughter." Meera replied. Grandpa nodded his head and looked at Nakul and he introduced himself as Sachin and Nisha's friend, who accompanied Meera.

Grandpa: "Hmmm... I don't know what had happened. But I could guess from what I heard! Your parents must be proud of you! Lucky family! To be frank, I was worried to send our daughter to your family with different culture and all, but now, after seeing you, I don't have any more worries! I'm happy to send her to a family who had raised daughters like you! I want to meet your kids on the wedding day. OK?" Meera controlled her tears and nodded her head. He invited them for lunch, which they declined politely and left the house after having some juice.