Shadows & Sunshine

Ch : 8

The next morning, Priya walked into the breakfast room and greeted her mother-in-law with a warm smile. "Good morning, Mom."

Mrs. khanna smiled back, her eyes twinkling with a blend of affection and concern. "Good morning, Priya."

As Priya took her seat, Ved was about to leave, his briefcase in hand. He paused when Mrs. Khanna spoke up, her tone firm but gentle. "Ved, stay here. I need to talk to both of you. Please, sit down."

Ved looked slightly annoyed but complied, setting his briefcase down and taking a seat at the table. Priya's curiosity was piqued. She glanced at Ved, then back at Mrs. Kapoor, sensing the gravity of the moment.

Mrs. Khanna took a deep breath, her gaze shifting between the two of them. "It's time we address what's been happening in this house. Ved, Priya, your relationship affects all of us. I cannot stand by and watch things fall apart any longer."

Mrs. khanna's voice grew firmer as she continued, "You both need to understand, we're not like any other simple family. People out there are always curious about our every step."

She turned to Ved, her eyes filled with disappointment. "Ved, I didn't expect this of you. How could you even...?"

Ved looked down, unable to meet his mother's gaze, his silence speaking volumes.

Mrs. khanna then shifted her attention to Priya, her expression softening slightly. "Priya, your father-in-law built this empire with hard work and dedication. It's your responsibility not to let us down, right? You are a daughter to us."

Priya felt the weight of her words, a mix of expectation and obligation pressing down on her.

"Men always make mistakes," Mrs. Khanna continued, "but you should handle it very carefully. Anyway, I don't want to discuss this anymore. I hope both of you haven't forgotten that Varsha is coming home. I'm planning to celebrate her 15th birthday in a grand way. Before she arrives, sort out everything between you two."

She glanced pointedly at Ved. "And especially you, Ved. Your daughter is coming, so behave accordingly."

Mrs. Khanna took a deep breath and waved her hand dismissively. "Now, you may leave."

Before Ved left, Priya was about to go, but Mrs. Khanna gently held her hand. "Wait, Priya. I need to talk to you."

Priya turned to face her mother-in-law, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words. Mrs. Khanna's eyes softened, revealing a vulnerability that Priya had rarely seen.

"I know how it feels when someone you love betrays your trust," Mrs. Khanna began, her voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and determination. "But Priya, we have to think of ourselves. You have a daughter now. Think about her. Let's not drag this matter anymore."

Priya's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Mrs. Khanna continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm saying this because I have faced it too. I never thought Ved would be like his father, but here we are. What can we do? But women are stronger than men, right? When they can't, we have to protect our family. That's what I expect from you too."

A moment of silence passed between them, heavy with shared pain and unspoken understanding. Priya nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "I understand, Maa. I really do. But I need to go now; I'm getting late."

Mrs. Khanna gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go. "Take care, Priya."

As Priya walked away, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The revelation about Ved's father, the burden of protecting her family, and the bittersweet acknowledgment of her own strength weighed heavily on her.