Fated strings of love

Ch- 10 | COMFORT

Tara

The candles flickered softly as the room dimmed.

Aditya’s mother stood in the center, her face glowing brighter than the tiny flames dancing before her.

“Make a wish, Mom,” Aditya said.

She closed her eyes for a moment—longer than needed, like she was holding onto something—and then blew the candles.

The room filled with soft claps.
And then laughter.

She cut the cake, her smile never fading, and fed the first bite to Aditya.

Then to me.

“Thank you, Tara… Aditya,” she said warmly. “For the cake, the earrings, and this beautiful saree.”

She looked down at the fabric, running her fingers over it with admiration.

“I didn’t know my son had such good taste,” she added teasingly. “I was sure he’d bring something black. He’s obsessed with black.”

“Mom,” Aditya chuckled, “Tara picked it.”

Her eyes lit up instantly.

“Oh, really?” she turned to me, smiling even brighter. “Then thank you, dear. You understand my style perfectly.”

Something in the way she said it felt… deeper than just appreciation.
Like she knew me.

Or recognized something in me.
She sighed softly, still looking at me.

“I wish I had a daughter like you.”
Before I could respond—

“Mom,” Aditya cut in smoothly, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “it’s a little late for that now.”

He leaned back slightly, looking straight at me.
“But… she can be your daughter-in-law.”

I choked.
Literally.

Coughing as I grabbed a glass of water.
“What—?!”

Aditya just winked.

Smiling like he had done nothing wrong.

Cheeky idiot.

“Well…” his mother added, her smile turning softer, more knowing, “I wouldn’t mind that either.”

I froze again.

This time—worse.

Oh.

So this is where he gets it from.

I forced an awkward smile, trying to ignore the sudden heat rising to my face.

“Umm… should I play some music?” I blurted out quickly.

Smooth, Tara. Very smooth.

Without waiting for an answer, I turned on some light music.

Soft.
Cheerful.
Safe.