Mother-in-law

The end- An invitation

Morning
Prem woke up to the gentle caress of the morning light streaming through the sheer curtains of their bedroom. The golden rays bathed the room in a soft, warm glow, casting delicate shadows on the pale walls and highlighting the intricate patterns of the embroidered bedspread. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of fresh flowers, mingling with the lingering scent of their union from the night before.

He stretched languidly, feeling the pleasant ache of contentment in his muscles, and instinctively reached out to the other side of the bed. His hand met with cool, empty sheets. Suu was not there. A slight frown creased his forehead as he sat up, the silken fabric of the bedclothes slipping off his chest.

The room, now fully illuminated by the morning sun, seemed more vibrant than ever. The light danced on the polished wooden floor, creating a mosaic of brightness that extended to the foot of the bed. He noticed the faint rustle of the curtains swaying gently in the morning breeze, a whisper of the world awakening outside.

Prem's eyes scanned the room. Her delicate jewelry lay neatly arranged on the bedside table, and her wedding sari, draped over a chair, glimmered faintly in the sunlight. The room still held traces of their shared intimacy, yet the absence of her presence felt stark and unsettling.

He slid out of bed, the cool floor sending a slight shiver up his spine, and wrapped himself in a nearby robe. As he moved, the early morning sun continued to play across the room, casting a serene and almost ethereal light on everything it touched.

Stepping out into the hallway, he listened for any sounds of her, the house still quiet in the early hours. The tranquility was both calming and disconcerting. He called out softly, "Suu?"

There was no response. The only answer was the distant chirping of birds outside, welcoming the new day.

Prem reached the dining table, his senses greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of a delicious breakfast spread. The morning sun filtered through the large windows, casting a golden hue over everything and adding a sense of warmth and serenity to the scene.

At the head of the table sat Sumit, his son-in-law, exuding an air of authority and confidence. Sumit was dressed impeccably in a tailored business suit, the fabric a deep navy that complemented his sharp features. The suit fit him perfectly, outlining his broad shoulders and lean frame, giving him the appearance of a corporate titan ready to conquer the day. His tie, a subtle silver, was perfectly knotted, and the polished sheen of his black leather shoes caught the light as he shifted slightly in his chair.

Sumit’s dark hair was neatly combed back, revealing a strong jawline and intense eyes that held a focus and determination. He looked every bit the boss of a successful company, his demeanor calm and collected. A leather briefcase rested against his chair, a testament to his readiness and commitment to his work.

Rohini, Prem’s daughter, sat beside Sumit, her face glowing with happiness. She glanced at her husband with a mix of admiration and love, proud of the man he had become. The two of them were engaged in light conversation, their voices mingling with the sounds of breakfast—the clinking of cutlery, the pouring of coffee, and the occasional rustle of the newspaper that lay spread out on the table.

Prem stood for a moment, taking in the scene. The dining table was set with a variety of dishes—fresh fruits, toast, eggs, and an assortment of condiments. The morning light enhanced the vibrant colors of the food, making everything look more appetizing.

As Prem approached, Sumit looked up and greeted him with a respectful nod, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good morning, Dad," Sumit said, his voice steady and warm.

"Good morning," Prem replied,

Before Prem could respond, she continued, "Papa, Sumit and I are leaving for the U.S. today. Our flight is at 1300 hours."