The Foster child

Chapter -32.

The next morning, Dharani and Prithvi started their journey to Hyderabad. They reached their home at around 11:00 am . Kasturi was very excited seeing them together and welcomed with an aarti to wipe away the evil eyes. But seeing the tensed look of Dharani, she guessed that something was not right. Kasturi knew nothing about Maya's situation. She was kept in the dark. 

Seeing the worried look of Dharani she took Dharani to the kitchen. She gave her water and started to boil milk. 

Dharani knew her Grandma. She was trying to stay calm but she will show her enthusiasm. So, Dharani tried to initiate the conversation,

Dharani:
“ Grandma, how are you?. How about Grandpa  and Pedda thattha. By the way, where is Maya?. Is she in her room”

Kasturi:
“ Everything is alright here. But I see that you are worried about something. Is anything bothering you? . Do you want to tell me something “.

Dharani:
“ Grand ma, If I say that we have a guest visiting our house tomorrow are you ok with it “

Kasturi :
“ What sort of question is it Dharani?. Since when did we stop entertaining  guests? Do you think this house is a restricted zone for people?. Everyone is welcomed here. I or  your   grandpa have no problem. So, why do you have such doubts in mind”.

Dharani:
“ Ok, if I say that the guests are coming for our Maya, Are you still ok with it “.

Kasturi :
“ Ok. Let them come. Everyone is welcomed here. I don't show any Partiality between you and Maya. “

Dharani:
“ If it is Maya's uncle, Are you still ok with it?"

Kasturi:
“ O…o..k. Why is he coming all of a sudden?”

Dharani can see the worry in Kasturi 's face. She knows how good she is towards Maya, but can this poor soul control her heart when Maya walks away from this family?. She was sure that Maya is against going with her uncle but if he insisted, then no one can stop him. She needs to prepare her Grandma mentally  for Maya's situation. 

Dharani:
“ Actually, Mr. Goswami is coming to India to take Maya with him to the States. He wants to take the responsibility of Maya. “

Kasturi :
“ But we are there to take care of her right. She is doing well here. She got very close to us. I treat her like my grandchild. We are wealthy enough to raise her and provide her with what all she wants. She needs not go anywhere “.

Dharani:
“ But Grandma, we have no blood relation with Maya. We didn't adopt her. If she wishes to go back to her biological family, we are no one to stop her”.

Kasturi:
“ But,.. but,.. we are the one who took care of her when she was left alone in this world. That time this so-called uncle didn't turn up. We are the one who sheltered her. Gave her a family, education and well being. He didn't not even call her in these two and half years. Why does he want to take her now?”

Kasturi was already in tears by the time she completed her questions. She liked that little girl so much. Who will not love a bubbly personality. She was like a spark in their routine life. Dharani hugged her grandma and tried to console her,

Dharani:
“ Grandma, relax. Maya doesn't want to go with her uncle. She is not comfortable with the new environment. Let her speak to her uncle when he comes. I am sure she can handle it”.

Kasturi hummed in response. Everyone had their lunch calmly. The environment turned gloomy. Nobody is in a mood to initiate any conversation. Dharani and Kasturi  want to keep Maya’s company. So, they walked to her room. They saw Maya packing her belongings. Seeing this Kasturi got panicked and burst crying