MOMMA BY CHOICE

Chapter 18

So, let's get started...

The first rays of the morning sun peeped into the room through the windows, illuminating the room with a soft, warm glow. Meera, Vihaan, and their adorable little baby, Veer was sleeping soundly on their bed, the chirping of the birds gently waking Meera from her slumber.

She blinked her eyes open slowly, smiling softly at the sunlight filtering through the curtains. Without disturbing Veer or Vihaan's sleep, Meera sat up on the bed, leaning back against the headrest with a serene smile on her lips. She felt refreshed and a sense of unknown calmness as she woke up.

Turning her attention to Veer, she watched him sleep soundly with his mouth slightly open and his tiny fists clenched tightly around her kurti. She chuckled softly, shaking her head at the sight. Then, her gaze moved to Vihaan, who was sleeping next to her with his mouth slightly open, his hand resting on Meera's lap.

Meera often wondered, as she watched the two of them sleep, how anyone could leave them. They were in dire need of love, and it was visible in their behavior and antics. But she couldn't understand why anyone would do that to them. A sigh escaped her lips as she shook her head, brushing away the thoughts and choosing to believe in the love they shared.

Meera slowly got up from the bed without making any noise, heading hurriedly to freshen up before going downstairs and getting her a cup of tea for herself. In the garden, she saw Gayatri sitting there, sipping her morning coffee. Meera hesitated for a moment before deciding to join her. She walked over, holding her chai, and Gayatri smiled, gesturing for her to sit.

"Good morning, Gayatri aunty," Meera greeted, sitting down beside her.

"Good morning, dear," Gayatri replied warmly, setting her cup down. "How are you today?"

"Morning has been good," Meera replied softly, her smile genuine as they began talking about random things.

Gayatri: "Meera, can I ask you something?" Meera: "Yes, please, go ahead."

Gayatri: "Actually, it's not just a question; there's something I need to say..."

Meera took her hand, nodding for Gayatri to continue. 

Gayatri: "Yesterday, in the hospital... what the doctor said, everything that happened... Vihaan and I had no idea about any of it. I know it might have seemed like he was forcing you to breastfeed, and maybe he was... but it's not because he doesn't has any other option. He just doesn't want to keep himself and Veer apart from you. He wants to make sure you don't have any chance of drifting away from them, no matter what."

Meera: "Gayatri mam, why would I ever want to be away from you all?"

Gayatri: "Meera, have you never thought that you're only here because of your job? That you're not Veer's mother?"

Meera: "Mam... that's the truth, isn't it? I'm here because of my job. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."

Gayatri: "No, Meera. You're not here just because of your job. You're here because of Veer, because he chose you. Do you remember what Vihaan said during the interview? He didn't want to be apart from you, and that hasn't changed—he, Abhi, and I, we're all connected to you now. This thought should never cross your mind—that you're only here for your job. You're here because of your pure heart, a heart we all saw in the hospital when you claimed Veer as your son. That's a big thing, Meera. No one would even want to look after someone else's child, let alone claim them as their own." Meera (shakes her head, processing what Gayatri said): "No, Gayatri mam. Veer is like my own child. He is my child. I can't bear to see him suffer. I will do whatever it takes for him."

Gayatri: "This is what I've been trying to tell you, Meera— your decision for Veer is something only you could make. No one else could have made it. And now, you're not just an employee here—you're Veer's mother, you're my and Abhi's daughter. I've seen you as a part of our family since day one, just like Vihaan and Abhi do. So, Meera, I want you to stop calling me 'Mam' and Abhi 'Sir'. From now on, call us 'Maa' and 'Papa', like Vihaan does. Do you understand, child?"