𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐀 : 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐅𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

CHAPTER 43

Kusum held the form in her hands, her eyes slowly scanning the details. The room was quiet, the only sound being the faint hum of life outside.

Tara stood at the corner, nervously clutching the edge of her saree pallu, her fingers fidgeting as she anxiously awaited Kusum's reaction. Her heart raced as she tried to read her mother-in-law's expression, unsure of what would come next.

Kusum's eyes, which were usually stern, softened as she reached the end of the form. Her hands trembled slightly as she carefully placed the paper down.

When she looked up at Tara, a thin sheen of tears shimmered in her eyes, and her lips curved into a bright, proud smile.

"Tara..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, yet filled with emotion. Her hands reached up to wipe the tears that now streamed down her cheeks, unable to hold them back any longer.

"You've made me so proud, my child."

Tara's heart swelled with relief and joy, her nervousness slowly melting away as she stepped forward.

"Maaji.." she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Kusum embraced her tightly, her warmth and pride enveloping Tara like a protective shield.

"You will become a doctor," she said, her voice firm yet gentle. "I always knew you had greatness in you."

Tara clung to Kusum, her own tears finally spilling as the weight of the moment hit her. Kusum pulled back, her smile unwavering as she stroked Tara's cheek gently.
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"Is it really necessary? I mean, is the college that far away?" Kusum asked, her voice laced with concern as she glanced between Prithvi and Tara. She held the form tightly in her hands, her eyes showing a mix of emotions.

Prithvi, dressed in his clean white kurta, leaned forward. "Maa, it is necessary," he began softly. "Tara's college is in the city, and it will be easier for her to study if we stay closer. And Manik needs to get into a good school too."

Kusum's eyes shifted to Tara, who stood nervously, fidgeting with the end of her saree pallu.

"But why so soon? Can't you commute? Do you really need to shift to the city bungalow now?"

Tara looked down, unsure of what to say. Prithvi took a deep breath and smiled warmly at his mother.

"Maa, it's just for a while. We'll be back to visit. The city is not so far, and I'll make sure everything here in the village is taken care of."

Kusum sighed deeply, her eyes moistening. "And what about Manik? How will he adjust to this new life?"

Prithvi chuckled softly. "Manik is excited to go to a new school, Maa. He needs the best education, and the school near our city bungalow is perfect for him."

Kusum turned her attention back to the form in her hands, tears welling up. "I knew this day would come... but it's just happening so fast. The house will feel so empty without the three of you."

Tara stepped forward, her voice soft but filled with reassurance.

"Maa, we'll come back every chance we get. This is just for my studies, and I'll make sure to visit as often as I can."

Kusum looked up, her expression softening. "You've always dreamed of this, haven't you? To become a doctor."

Tara nodded, feeling the weight of her mother-in-law's emotions. "Yes, Maa. And I wouldn't be able to do this without all of your support."

Kusum reached out, gently touching Tara's arm. "Then go, child. Go chase your dreams. But remember, this home is always yours. Come back whenever you can."