Tere Ho Ke Rahenge (on hold)

Chapter 14

Eshanth gently shook Adarshini awake as the morning light filtered through the curtains. "Adarshini," he said softly, "we need to get ready. We're going to my parents' house today. "

Adarshini blinked away the remnants of sleep, processing his words. Her heart skipped a beat as nerves settled in. The thought of visiting Eshanth's parents always made her uneasy, but she hid her feelings, not wanting to burden him. She nodded with a smile, trying to mask her apprehension. "Alright, Eshanth. I'll get ready."

As they prepared for the day, Adarshini's mind raced. She chose a simple yet elegant saree, hoping it would make a good impression. Eshanth, ever the quiet one, busied himself with packing a few essentials, his face a calm mask of determination. Though he rarely expressed his emotions, Adarshini knew this visit was important to him.

The drive to Eshanth's parents' house was filled with a comfortable silence. Adarshini stole glances at Eshanth, his profile strong and stoic against the morning light. His presence was a reassuring anchor amidst her swirling thoughts.

Upon arriving, they were greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of Eshanth's parents. His mother, a graceful woman with silver-streaked hair, embraced Eshanth warmly, but her eyes cooled when she turned to Adarshini. "Oh, you're here," she said, her voice lacking the warmth she had shown her son.

Adarshini forced a smile. "Yes, Mother. It's good to see you."

Eshanth's father, a tall man with a quiet demeanor mirroring his son's, gave a nod of approval. "Welcome, Adarshini," he said, his voice steady and kind.

The morning passed in a blur of conversation and laughter, though Adarshini felt like an outsider. Eshanth's mother subtly excluded her from conversations, directing questions and comments solely at Eshanth and his father. When Adarshini tried to join in, she was met with polite but dismissive responses.

Eshanth, oblivious to the tension, stayed close to Adarshini, his silent support the only thing keeping her from feeling completely isolated. During lunch, Eshanth's mother shared stories from Eshanth's childhood, painting a picture of a curious and determined boy. Adarshini listened intently, trying to connect, but every time she added a comment or question, Eshanth's mother quickly moved on.

As the day wore on, Adarshini's discomfort grew. The initial nervousness had faded, replaced by a sense of inadequacy and unwelcome. Eshanth's mother's veiled barbs and cold stares were hard to miss, but Eshanth seemed completely unaware.

After lunch, Adarshini was helping clean up in the kitchen when a maid approached her. "Madam," she said softly, "Eshanth's mother would like to speak with you in her room."

Adarshini's heart sank, but she nodded, following the maid down the long hallway to Eshanth's mother's room. She knocked gently and entered when bidden.

Eshanth's mother sat by the window, the light casting a sharp contrast against her stern features. "Close the door," she commanded without looking up.

Adarshini obeyed, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. "You wanted to see me, Mother?"

Eshanth's mother turned to face her, her eyes cold and calculating. "Yes, I did. Sit down."

Adarshini perched on the edge of a chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The room was oppressively silent for a moment, the air thick with unspoken tension.

"You've been married to my son for three years now," Eshanth's mother began, her tone cutting. "And yet, you remain childless. What exactly is the problem?"