𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 18+

Chapter-26: Pride and Strength

Meera

Bas bachcha, calm down. I tried umpteenth times to pacify my sister who's been crying like anything.

I don't know but this incident has left me guilty about the things that I have hidden from her. I'm sketchy if I should tell her or not.

Chhoti, stop crying. You're going to fall ill if you cry like that, I warned in a rather stern tone. Good lord, she stopped crying.

I want to tell you something, I spoke nudging her. The uncertainty of my mind did not affect my voice.

Her eyes lifted to meet mine. Red, swollen and brimmed with tears. Her head ended up in my lap. The bed is warm and comforting, thanks to the cabin crew.

Yeah right, both of us needed a break desperately. We needed to think clearly upon the matter but for that, a calm mind is the first priority.

We both are going to different places but, I don't think I want to hide it from her anymore. The journey is going to be long enough for me to tell her everything.

What are you crying so much about? I questioned in a plain voice.

I don't know Di, I'm overwhelmed. It feels as if I have a family but at the same time not. The one who taught us that women should be respected and guarded with lives was the one who almost strangled you to death.

Why, all because of us being born as women? She questioned.

Look bachcha, if you're scared that you lost a family, then that's not gonna happen as long as I am alive.

And, you can't see a family in the people you used to, that's completely fine. Their mistakes were big and heinous.

We will definitely forgive them but, once they realise the weight of their own words and actions. I answered.

Will you forgive them, Di?

Indeed bachcha, forgiveness should be given to the ones who apologise with all their heart. I know all of them feel guilty about it, some for their actions and others for hiding the truth from us.

I don't understand this loss Di, it feels nothing but painful, she exclaimed.

It is chhoti, it is painful but inevitable. Loss, comes with pain and grief for a lifetime. Because, once you lose someone, all that's left is the void and the memories that person left behind.

That's why, cherish the person before moments become memories and presence lingers as nothing but their words and thoughts for you, I stated.

Her palm brushed the back of mine in a reassuring manner as she spoke, you can tell me if there's anything Di.

I breathed out an exasperated sigh and questioned. Will you be able to look at me the same way you do now after knowing what your sister actually is?

I don't care what you are for the world or for others Di, for me, you're my ideal. The woman and the human I strive to be. The woman who people respect as their Queen not because of some mere title but, your actions.

The person who never left my side, taught me to duel and defend myself in any circumstance and trained me with business, she answered.

A small yet confident smile tugged at the corner of her lips, her words filled me with a sense of pride and purpose but at the same time, of confidence that she is not going to leave me no matter what.

You remember my brief stay in Mumbai, Chhoti? She nodded.

'That time, I missed home like anything. I never needed friends because you and Shaurya Bhai were always there but, after going there, it felt lonely.