MOMMA BY CHOICE

Chapter 3

Lets get started...

The day had been relentless, filled with back-to-back meetings and endless paperwork. As Vihan Raichand wrapped up yet another report, his phone buzzed. His mother's name flashed on the screen, and he quickly answered, leaning back in his chair.

Vihan, we've shortlisted a few candidates for the caretaker position, Gayatri Raichand's calm yet firm voice came through. ―Can you make it home by 7 PM to meet them? We need to finalize this today.

Vihan glanced at the clock. It was 5:45 PM, and the idea of leaving work early was tempting, though a daunting pile of unfinished tasks stared back at him. Still, he couldn't deny the urgency in her tone—or the tug in his chest at the thought of Veer ―I'll be there‖, he replied. He hung up, exhaling slowly. His life had been a whirlwind since his wife's left, a delicate balance between managing the family business and raising his infant son. Veer was his anchor, the reason he pushed forward despite the overwhelming grief that lingered in his heart. But the child deserved more than a father who was perpetually exhausted and distracted. He deserved stability, care, and someone who could give him the undivided attention that Vihan often struggled to provide.

Meanwhile, across the bustling city, Meera sat by the window of her modest apartment. The call she had received earlier about a caretaker position still echoed in her mind. It had caught her off guard; she'd never imagined herself as someone who would care for a child. Her years of experience as a caretaker had been with the elderly, and while she was good at what she did, this opportunity felt different—almost foreign.

She adjusted her green saree, a simple yet elegant choice that felt both professional and comfortable. As she tied her hair back into a neat bun, she couldn't shake the curiosity gnawing at her. Why would a wealthy family like the Raichands need a caretaker? What had happened to the child's mother? But she pushed the thoughts aside. This wasn't the time for questions.

By 6:30 PM, Meera was on her way. The city lights blurred past as the auto rickshaw navigated the crowded streets. As they approached the Raichand estate, the scenery began to shift. Narrow, chaotic lanes gave way to wide, tree-lined avenues. The houses grew larger, more opulent, until finally, towering gates loomed ahead.

The Raichand Mansion was a sight to behold, with its intricate golden accents and sprawling gardens.

Meera stepped out hesitantly, clutching her small handbag tightly. She was ushered inside by a security guard, her sandals clicking softly against the marble floors as she entered the waiting area.

Other candidates were seated nearby, each one leaving after a brief, tense interview. Meera sits nervously in the waiting room, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. She watches as the earlier interviewees exit the room, their faces drawn and anxious, clearly not having made a good impression.

Their long faces make her stomach twist with apprehension. She's suddenly unsure about what lies ahead for her.

Upstairs, Vihan had just returned home. He made his way to Veer's nursery, where Gayatri sat with the baby in her lap. Veer was fussing, his tiny fists waving in frustration. But the moment Vihan entered, the baby's face lit up with a smile that melted his father's exhaustion.

Troubling already? Vihan teased, scooping Veer into his arms. The baby gurgled in response, clutching at his father's shirt.

Gayatri stood, smoothing her saree. Gayatri smiles fondly as she gazes at both Vihan and Veer, her heart full of warmth. Suddenly, the intercom in her room rings, its abrupt sound startling Veer. He immediately scrunches his face, on the verge of tears from the unexpected noise. At once, Vihan coos gently, his voice soothing as he cradles Veer in his arms, softly caressing the baby's back to calm him.