𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 18+

Chapter-30: La Familia

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The thickness in the air was palpable. Meera's displeasure was intact in her stern demeanour as the couple moved towards the front door of the Jaipur Palace, their humble abode.

Their fingers entwined with each other as a firm display of reassurance and the strength they held collectively. Her eyes were similar to the day she left, blankly staring into nothingness. Upon knocking twice, a servant opened the door and left after paying his respects in a nod.

The former queen, his mother stood at the entrance, wide-eyed. Her eyes flickering between her son and daughter-in-law standing in front of her as she called everyone to be present in the living room welcoming the couple.

The stark nothingness in Meera's eyes changed into comforting warmth when she was engulfed in a bone-crushing hug by her brother-in-law, Abhi.

She's closer to him than anyone else because to him, she was the beacon of light that provided him with warmth. Perks of being a middle child, you're left to grow up in the shadow of your elder sibling who has his own battles to fight.

She stroked his back rhythmically in order to calm him down. He broke the embrace and whispered in her ear, we'll talk in my room. She nodded curtly and he left the premises to go into his room.

Before she could comprehend, another embrace welcomed her. This time from Jai, the baby of the house. He couldn't control and broke down into little whimpers, she wiped his tears and asked him to wait in Abhi's room along with Yash.

Yash looked at her questioningly to which she mouthed him asking him to wait. They left and now the only ones were the elders surrounding her. She greeted them and they sat comfortably on the plush couches waiting for her to finally address the elephant in the room.

Meera

All four of them gazing at me, expecting me to initiate a conversation. I did, I sighed and tried my best to keep my calm.

Firstly, thanks Dadu Sa. I honestly don't know how to respond to anything but just know that I am grateful for you being there, I voiced out.

He stood up from his place, walked to me and engulfed me in a gentle embrace.

It's my pleasure bachcha, don't thank me. Look at yourself, you are the embodiment of Shakti herself. The courage, strength and determination that you carry within yourself is beyond words. I should be grateful to the almighty that you came to our house as a daughter, he exclaimed smiling through his tears.

And, dare you leave the house like that ever again and watch me then, came a warning from Maa Sa's side. I smiled and nodded at her.

Let bygones be bygones, we'll get to work from today. All of us haven't had time for ourselves, let's head somewhere for a day out, Dadi Sa suggested.

My eyes widened out of shock, that's a very unlikely moment from her side. Noticing my expression, she says, what are you looking at like that? I know I'm not the best to say that but I can be better, at least.

We laughed at that and I excused myself to move to the two apes that I'll have to pacify. I walked straight into Abhi's room. The three brothers seemed to be having quite a good time in each other's presence.