SHE SAW ME

THE BLESSINGS

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The night air of Kullu, fresh and cool after the day's rain, carried the earthy scent of wet soil mingled with the sharp fragrance of pine Kahini sat on the balcony, wrapped in the warmth of her parents' presence. Veena was gently oiling her daughter's hair, her hands moving with a motherly tenderness. Nayan sat across from them, the quiet strength of his love surrounding them like an invisible embrace.

"I have made laddoos and Kuler for you. Eat them everyday, and don't forget," Veena instructed with a sternness that only mothers possess. Her fingers worked through Kahini's hair with practiced care.

"You know I could have asked Sima to make it. Why did you take so much trouble?" Kahini protested softly.

"Because I'm your mother, and she doesn't make them like I do," Veena replied with a hint of pride. Kahini couldn't help but smile, exchanging a playful glance with her father.

"Yeah, that's true," Kahini acknowledged, her eyes meeting Nayan's.

"And don't just eat all by yourself. Give some to Sanam too when she leaves," Veena added, her tone softening. Kahini noticed the gentle concern in her mother's voice, Veena doesn't say it but Kahini knows how much her mother had come to care for Sanam as well.

"And what about Shree and Prashant, Veena ji?" Nayan teased, his eyes twinkling. "See, Kuhu, now that she has a new daughter, she forgets about her sons."

"No, that's not true! I made it for them too. It's already in their bags," Veena retorted with a playful challenge.

"Come on, Papa, Mumma may forget about me, but not Prashant," Kahini giggled, her heart light with the joy.

"Why not? He's my best son, never forgets to call me, check up on me. He even visits me—not like you. That's why he was my first choice for you," Veena teased, her tone warm but with a touch of nostalgia for the days when she imagined a simpler path for her daughter.

"So sad he's not a woman," Kahini quipped with a grin, earning a gentle slap on the shoulder from her mother and laughter from her father.

"Such a shameless girl," Veena remarked, shaking her head, but the love in her eyes was unmistakable. They all laughed together, the sound of their joy mingling with the cool night air.

The laughter slowly faded as Nayan spoke, "All jokes aside, Kahu, from now on, no more secrets, please." His words were filled with love and protectiveness. "It doesn't matter how bad or scary it seems—you come to us. We're here for you."

"Of course, Papa. I promise," Kahini replied, her voice steady with emotion.

"And I'm so happy with the way you handled Charu. Please give her some time. She's not a bad person, she just..." Veena's voice trailed off, she struggled to understand how Charu had become so bitter, and it pained her.

"It's okay, Mumma, I understand. Honestly, I feel bad for Didi," Kahini confessed, her voice softening with empathy. Her parents exchanged confused glances, unsure of what she meant.

"I don't think she's really this person. I mean, she got married really young, never really got a chance to go out into the world and figure out what she truly wants in life. It's a common mistake many women make, story of almost every housewife" Kahini explained, her voice filled with compassion. She could feel the weight of Charu's struggles, the frustration and regret that had shaped her sister's bitterness.

"She just needs a little bit of understanding and support. Maybe try to get her into some work, a job, or a hobby—something that will help her find herself. It will give her a sense of identity, separate from the family." Kahini continued, her heart aching for the sister she once looked up to.