MOMMA BY CHOICE

Chapter 5

So let's get started...

The next morning began with a whirlwind of activity at Meera's modest apartment. Her usually neat and organized room was in complete disarray. Clothes were strewn across the bed, a half-packed bag lay open on the floor, and a stack of folded sarees teetered precariously on a chair. Meera bustled around, trying to decide what essentials she should take with her for her stay at the Raichand Mansion.

"Why do I own so many things I don 't even use?" she muttered, tugging a stubborn zipper on her overstuffed bag. She had skipped breakfast in the rush but paused long enough to scarf down a quick lunch before she finally zipped the bag shut with a triumphant sigh.

Meera stood in the doorway of her modest apartment, her hand lingering on the handle of her suitcase. The room that had been her safe haven for years now felt strangely hollow, stripped of the warmth her belongings had once given it.

She drew in a steadying breath, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions—nervous anticipation and the bittersweet ache of leaving behind the familiar.

The taxi she hailed pulled up quietly, its soft hum breaking the silence of the early morning. As she slid into the backseat, her gaze lingered on the cityscape passing by, the streets she had walked a thousand times, now slipping into the distance.

After a drive of about twenty-five minutes, the vehicle came to a smooth halt in front of an imposing wrought-iron gate. Beyond it stood Raichand Mansion, its grandeur breathtaking. The sprawling estate seemed to exude an air of regality, with pristine gardens and an aura of timeless elegance.

Meera clutched her bag tightly, feeling a rush of both awe and apprehension.

Two guards approached the taxi, their demeanor polite yet firm. They assisted her with her luggage, and one of them gestured for her to follow him toward the grand front door. As Meera stepped inside, the cool, fragrant air of the mansion enveloped her, a stark contrast to the warmth of the morning sun.

Before she could fully take in her surroundings, her heart skipped a beat. A loud, heart-wrenching wail echoed through the grand halls, unmistakably Veer's cry. Concern gripped her, and she instinctively quickened her pace.

As she entered the main living area, the scene before her unfolded: Gayatri mam was holding Veer, gently rocking him in her arms as he cried inconsolably.

Despite her best efforts, Veer continued wailing, his little fists clenching the air in frustration.

Vihan and Abhimanyu stood nearby, both visibly worried, their expressions reflecting their helplessness. It was clear they had been trying to soothe him for a while without success.

Meera paused for a moment, observing the scene. Her heart ached seeing the distressed child. Deciding to step in, her anklet jingled softly, announcing her presence.

The sound caught their attention. All three adults turned toward her as Meera took a few tentative steps forward.

As Meera's presence was noticed, she greeted everyone politely. "Good afternoon, ma'am," she addressed Gayatri with a small nod, then turned to Vihan and Abhimanyu.

"Good afternoon, sir." They returned her greeting, but their attention quickly shifted back to Veer, whose wails seemed to grow louder as he babbled incoherently, his teary eyes fixed on Meera. His little arms flailed as though reaching out for her, and his cries tugged at her heart.

Hesitantly, Meera gestured toward Gayatri, silently asking if she could take Veer. Unsure, she glanced at Vihan, seeking his permission. Vihan gave her a small nod, and Gayatri stepped forward, gesturing for Meera to take the baby.