Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 124: Bonds: Old and New

Ranveer descended the stairs, Meher cradled in his arms, while Sitara veered off towards her friend's room. She lightly tapped the door, calling, "Seher, main andar aa sakti hoon?"
(Seher, may I come in?)

Before she could tap again, the door swung open, revealing the said woman's warm smile. Sitara returned the smile as Seher scolded, "Mujhe timhe kitni baar batana padega? Knock karne ki koi jarurat nahi hai, Tara."
(How many times must I tell you? There's no need to knock, Tara.)

With her usual nonchalance, Sitara replied, "Privacy matters, after all." She then playfully teased, "Besides, one never knows what scandalous acts one might interrupt in here, self-care and all that."

A blush tinged Seher's cheeks as she playfully swatted Sitara's arm and welcomed her inside. Sitara perched on the bed's edge and beckoned her friend to join her, clasping her hands. "Guess karo niche kya ho raha hai?" she inquired with a twinkle in her eye.
(Guess what's happening downstairs?)

Seher gave a wry shake of her head, "Let me guess, Meher aur Rana ji fir bahas kar rahe hain? Hardly a shocker."
(Meher and Rana Ji are at it again?)

Sitara's laughter filled the room. "Yes, it's quite the spectacle. Veer ke saamne bahut kam log aise apna point rakh pate hai, jaise tumhari beti karti hai, Seher. She's remarkably fluent for a three-year-old."
(Few can stand up to Veer like your daughter does, Seher.)

Seher nodded, "Yes, she's been quite the conversationalist since her first words. She's always eager to express her views. For instance, whenever I ask her to do something, she's ready with an oversupply of reasons why she shouldn't, and how it's not the right way. It's quite impressive, though it does test my patience at times. But with Ian, it's different; she engages with him in debates like we did in our school days. Her zeal is met with his own as he presents his arguments, which she strongly counters, and this exchange lasts for a while. In the end, however, it always concludes with a sweet, 'Okay, Papa,' which honestly makes me a bit envious."

As Seher's monologue continued, her expression shifted from joy to sheer sadness. Observing this, Sitara offered reassurance, "Tumhe pata hai na ki tum unke baare mein baat kar sakti ho?"
(You know you can talk about him, don't you?)

Seher faced her friend, a gentle shake of her head conveying her emotions, "Mujhe pata hai par, (I'm aware but,) it's just that I miss him terribly. I love being here, I am enjoying returning to India. But, Ian has been my home for a long time, and without him, I feel somewhat homeless."

Sitara held her friend's hand, offering silent support. "You shouldn't have to feel homeless, Seher. I may not know what happened, nor have I met your Ian, and I'm certainly not one to dictate your feelings. What I do want to tell you is that despite your hurt and loneliness, you have a home. It's right here, in this house, and in our hearts. You and Meher both belong. My words aren't out of duty or hospitality. I enjoy your presence, and despite you being a tad younger, I know you are wise. Having Meher around has brought a new energy to our home, a lightness that I love."

Seher gazed at Sitara, her expression a mix of confusion and gratitude, wondering how she could possibly be of help to the woman who had opened her home to her and her daughter for the past two weeks. Sitara's sad smile told her there were untold stories, prompting Seher to let the matter rest. Grasping Sitara's hand more firmly, she responded, "I know, and appreciate the warmth and love you've shown us and that's despite Meher's diva antics with Ranaveer. Honestly, I'm excited to be home, to be in India. It feels right, and having friends like you here is awesome."

Sitara squinted at her friend and declared, "Speaking of friends, I've got two surprises for you. The first is Ranaveer's request for the chefs to whip up an entire chaat buffet. So, some incredibly tasty food awaits us downstairs, along with a very impatient child and an equally restless man-child."