𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 18+

Chapter-22: Punishment✨

CAUTION: 18+

Yashraj

My heart clenched looking at Meera cry. The way she was shivering and crying last night, I wonder what amount of strength this woman carries.

I'm not someone who favours violence in any situation but, hers is a different story. Now that I know everything, the ultimate goal for me is her safety. I may not be violent but will burn the world down if it causes any harm to her.

She's resplendent and contagious. Her strength and unwavering determination to take care of others is something that makes me respect her to the moon and back.

I wonder punishment awaits me tonight. Whatever it may be, I accept it. I'm guilty of behaving the way that I did with her. Just ten minutes and I will be home. I have never been homesick but, now that she's there. It makes me want to run back to her the moment I get done with my work.

Pulling my car into the driveway, I rushed back home. Maa Sa was in the living room, reading. She lifted her eyes to acknowledge me. I sat there with her and my brothers came over.

Meera kahan hain, Maa Sa?

All three of them were cheekily smiling at me. I rolled my eyes at them. Why is it always me who's subjected to all the teasing? Baba Sa walked towards us and sat beside me.

He took me by surprise when he asked me, Kaise hain aap Yash? I was stunned of course, it's the first time he has done that.

Theek hain hum, Baba Sa. I answered. He patted my head as he said, Kabhi hamare saath bhi chai pee liya kariye. Apne teenon beton se baat karna pasand karenge hum.

All three of us, Abhi, Jai and Me were dumbfounded but nodded and he took his leave. Maa just smiled at us and left for the kitchen. All three of us for the first time in life were surrounded by an awkward silence.

Bhabhi Maa, how are you doing? Jai perked in as he saw her descending the stairs. Both of my brothers greeted her and she acknowledged my presence with a stoic smile.

Let's go for dinner folks, she asserted.

We moved to the table and surprisingly, everyone was warm and smiling. Except Dadi Sa of course. Baba Sa was interactive and it wasn't about business or politics but family.

Dinner was fulfilling after a long time. Everyone was smiling and comfortable, I wonder how that happened. I talked with Dadu Sa for a while but Dadi Sa walked to us.

Hum kuch baat kar sakte hain aap Dada-Pote se? She asked. I nodded, not using my words to acknowledge her.

Boliye Padma, kya kehna chahti hain aap?

Woh, ham bas itna puchna chahte the aapse ke kya hamaari madad karenge aap? Dadu and Me exchanged looks, we were surprised.

Kaisi madad chahie Padma aapko? Dadu asked. She contemplated for a moment and answered.

Hamne Meera ko unki galati ke bagair bohot kuch keh diya tha, ham maafi mangana chahte hain unse, she let out with a sigh.

That took both Dadu and me by surprise but he suggested her to talk calmly to Meera. I didn't say anything and excused myself from there. I climbed into my room but, eerie silence welcomed me.

The room was pitch dark but lit up dimly in a swift. My phone pinged, a text from Meera. " Change into your nightwear."

I was puzzled but did it regardless of how it felt. I sat on the couch and the next moment, another text came. " Close Your Eyes." I did so.