Whispers of Fate

4.

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T H I R D  P E R S O N

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Sahil's mother, Sujata watched from the shadows as her daughter-in-law and granddaughter laughed and mingled with Atharva, their earlier gloominess fading away like distant thunder.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she quietly hurried down the stairs, hoping no one would notice her turmoil.

However, her husband, Rajat, sitting in the living room, saw her rushing down the stairs, her cheeks stained with tears.

"Sujata, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" he asked, his concern evident as he rose to his feet.

Sujata wiped away her tears, her voice steady but filled with determination. "Rajat, I believe it's finally time for us to make a decision."

Rajat, his heart heavy with worry, questioned her, "What decision?"

His wife replied, "A decision we should have made long ago."

Their conversation was cut short as they saw Anisha descending the stairs, her smile now relaxed, followed by Atharva carrying Maisha in his arms. He was smiling as the little girl excitedly spoke about something.

"So, our little Maisha made up with her mamma?" Rajat asked.

Maisha reached out to him, her eyes shining with innocence. "Yes, dadu. Also, Papa is not bad. He loves me a lot."

"Yes, beta," Sujata replied, her voice filled with affection. She placed her warm hands on her granddaughter's head, and tears welled up in her eyes once again.

Anisha, who had disappeared into the kitchen earlier, emerged, asking, "Maa, Papa, should I serve dinner?"

"Yes. Come, I'll accompany you," Sujata said with a smile. Then, turning to Atharva, she asked, "Atharva, are you staying back for dinner?"

Atharva tried to politely decline, "No, aunty. I have to go.." but was interrupted by Maisha's sweet plea, "No, please don't go, Superman. You haven't played with me."

"Please, please," Maisha continued, pleading with him, her tiny hands clinging to his long fingers.

Anisha, observing the scene, was about to reprimand Maisha when she heard Atharva speak, "Alright."

Hearing Atharva’s words, Maisha’s face lit up with excitement. She hurried upstairs, eager to grab her new toys and show them to him.

Meanwhile, Anisha and Sujata busied themselves in the kitchen, setting the table and serving dinner.

Just then, Atharva's phone buzzed.

He picked up the call, and his expression immediately shifted from calm to tense. A frown etched itself on his face as he listened intently to the voice on the other end.

Suddenly, he stood, his abrupt movement catching everyone’s attention. "I'm really sorry, but I need to leave. There is an emergency at home," he said.

Rajat, concerned by Atharva's worried expression, inquired, "Is everything okay, Atharva?"

"Yes, uncle. All is good. Just a minor issue," Atharva replied.

His eyes darted toward the staircase. "What about Maisha?" He asked, his voice tinged with regret at the thought of disappointing the little girl.

Anisha quickly reassured him, "It's okay, sir. I'll make her understand."