His Mistress (Book 1)

ch/6

The week went by slowly. Even though Taylor was with me, I still miss my daughter a lot but she won't even pick up when I call.

At least she talks to Taylor, who puts the phone on speaker for me to hear my baby's voice.

Taylor stayed with me even though Mrs Sinclair had returned. She didn't want to leave me by myself and I appreciated that.

She didn't make any advances nor flirt with me after that night and I tried to draw the line between us but I still comforted her sometimes when the nightmares came.

She never told me about her terrifying nightmares though, even when I asked her in a serious conversation. Maybe she doesn't want to talk about it, so I gave her her space.

On Sunday, I took Taylor to her friend's place as requested and went to my in-laws that afternoon, to finally hear what they had to say.

I know it was going to be some bunch of stupid excuses but for Maya's sake, I want to give them a chance to explain.

When I got there, the entire family including Samrat was in the house. Maya was asked to leave the sitting room to allow the adults discuss. They must have lied to her a lot and didn't want her hearing the truth.

"He has been working on himself all these while. He has come along way Esta. Can't you just let it slide this once?" Mr Khan pleaded.

"You all lied to me. Making a fool out of me and you want me to understand?

He has been leaving home every single day, pretending to be going to work but never went there. For months, in fact for years, I've heard of how Samrat is wayward, how he causes trouble and spends the company's fund recklessly. But that was all Raj?

Don't you feel pity for your second son? Is it a crime to be a homosexual? We're in the 21st century for goodness sake.

You punish the one child that could still help your legacy because he likes men and love the worthless son that drinks and gambles, just because he likes women? That is so shameful.

And the worse part is that you dragged me into your homophobic mess." I said scornfully.

"I wouldn't sit here and let you talk that way about my son" my mother-in-law yelled. Her husband held her hand to stop her but she continued yelling.

"And who are you to question anything about my sons and my family? You think I'm shameful, for not supporting a sin?

He likes men AS A MAN HIMSELF!! and you call that love?

You speak about who would preserve our legacy. You think this woman in a man's body (pointing to Samrat) can carry on our legacy? And then pass it on to who?!" She screamed

"The legacy would die with him, but with Raj, the legacy continues. So don't you dare give me advice on how to run my home.

You dare raise your voice at an elder. Your parents lack the discipline of giving you a proper home training." She spiraled

"Wow, I guess you gave Raj a proper home training. And that's why he's womanizing and gambling his life away. Congratulations, mother of the year" I retorted. But was met with a slap. I was shocked and got up angry. I can't believe they're still being proud and pompous and even dare to hit me after everything.

Their son is a parasite that lives off me. I can't even remember the last time he paid a utility bill or even bought me something nice. I'm always the one giving and he's taking. Yet they dare treat me like I need them?

"I wouldn't respond to what you just did because my parents taught me better than that. But before I leave, let me ask you a question.

Have you ever talked to Samrat about his view on having a child? Even if he's gay, there are other ways to have children, biological children that doesn't involve sex. Samrat can pass on your legacy even if he's homosexual.

And you talking about Raj carrying on your legacy? He only has a daughter, and she's also gay. So I guess either way, your legacy dies." I said turning around to leave and then stopped

"Also, stop using my daughter for your own benefits. I can see right through you. You're right, I'm only here because he's Maya's father but if I want to divorce him, I'll still do it. Maya's better off without him" I added and walked out of the house as Raj ran after me, calling my name.

I regretted coming to speak with them. Why do I have to be stuck with someone like this? Just because of a stupid one night stand.

I was walking towards my car when Raj caught up with me. "Esta... Esta please. I'm sorry" he said as he knelt down. "I've been stupid, I know but I'm trying. I've seen therapists many times too. I've been trying to change for my family, for you and Maya and I think I'm getting better"

"You're getting better? If what I saw that day is what you call getting better, you have a long way to go Raj.  You're lost and you just want to hold on to me because I take care of all your bills, but no more. I wo.." I stopped as I saw Maya coming out of my car and towards us.

"Is she going to start with her drama again? Gosh, I can't add this to my pain" I mumbled, rolling my eyes in frustration but she just knelt down next to her father. This took me by surprise and I didn't know how to react.

"Mom please.." She says "forgive dad. I don't know what happened, he won't tell me but I think he did something really wrong and I'm begging on his behalf. Please mom forgive him.

If we work together, we could get through the storm. Mom I... I don't want to live in a broken home" she said crying.

"Maya don't do this, you don't know what he did. He..."

"That's why I'm asking you to forgive him." She said cutting me off before I could tell her. "Please mom, wouldn't you heed to the pleads of your own daughter? You said you love me. Can't that love forgive dad just this once?" She continued pleading. I just stood there utterly confused and torn apart.

I kept pushing my fingers through my hair and continually stomping around, not knowing what to do.

"Seriously Esta, you can't be considering this?" I soliloquised crying. I can't believe I want to let Raj back into my life for Maya's sake. She has never been so desperate before. I can't turn down my own child's sincere pleads.

I left there running to the car as Maya called out "mom!" She screamed as I turned around "you're leaving?" She asked sobbing.

"I need time Maya, I need some time" I said before getting into my car and zooming away.

I stopped when I was out of sight and cried more. How can I live with him again? Both him and his family deceived me. How can I look at him again and smile? How can I make him breakfast, and lunch and dinner? How can I share a bed with him again?

I can't live with that reality, I can't do it but I can't hurt my only child either. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

What I'm I gonna do? I'm so confused. I rested my head on my steering wheel and cried at my reality.

______________________________________

A/N: what's your opinion on Esta's predicament? Should she hurt her daughter to please herself or hurt herself to please her daughter? Comment on it and vote.

Thanks 😘