SHE SAW ME

FAMILY DINNER

Happy Reading 🤗❤️

______________________________

June 2023, Mumbai

The night carried a soft, cool breeze, as though the ocean air was whispering promises of the first rain. From the terrace garden of Sanam's new apartment, the waves below played their gentle rhythm, mingling with the soft glow of fairy lights draped around the space. The lights cast a warm, flickering hue over the dining table set in the center, painting the evening in shades of quiet anticipation, as if waiting for something beautiful to unfold.

Sanam's voice was tender as she spoke into her phone, "Yes, everyone will be here soon. Did you take your medicine?" A pause, and her gaze softened further, understanding and patient. "It's okay, Ammi. I told you, I won't pressure you into anything."

"Okay, shab bakhair. Please take care, we will be back soon." Her smile lingered softly as she ended the call, just as Kahini approached, bringing a warmth that seemed to chase away the night's chill.

"Khala?" Kahini asked, her tone gentle as she stand beside Sanam.

Sanam nodded, a touch of sadness in her smile. "She felt guilty about rejecting the invitation."

"It'll take time for her to adjust, but she will. Don't worry." Kahini's hand found Sanam's arm, her touch a steady comfort.

Before Sanam could respond, a staff member appeared behind them. "Ma'am, the table is ready, and security called, guests has arrived as well."

Sanam gave a warm nod. "Thank you. We'll be there in a bit." She gently dismissed and turned back to Kahini, her eyes gleaming with a playful excitement. "Are you ready?"

Kahini chuckled, her fingers lacing through Sanam's as she tugged her gently toward the house. "It's your housewarming, not mine."

Sanam's lips curved into a teasing grin. "I prefer the word 'our.'"

The word settled warmly between them, and Kahini's heart swelled, her hand giving Sanam's a gentle squeeze. They walked inside together, joining the kids, each step filling the space with shared laughter and quiet happiness. It wasn't just Sanam's new home anymore—it was theirs, a new life waiting to be written.

Soon, Kahini's parents arrived, along with everyone they held dear, filling the space with warmth and laughter. The house came alive, voices blending in harmony as each moment shared turned this new place into a true home. Sanam's heart swelled as she watched her loved ones gathered, all under one roof. She hadn't realized just how much she'd yearned for this feeling—the deep, quiet peace of belonging.

Children's laughter filled the air, darting around the adults with carefree joy, while the elders' blessings flowed, adding their gentle presence. And in those simple moments—the laughter, the closeness, the smiles Sanam's house became A HOME, a place where love blossomed freely, settling into every corner.

The evening felt like a tapestry of familiar voices, woven with love and playful banter as they all gathered around the dining table under the soft glow of the fairy lights.

Nayan's voice rose above the lively chatter. "I must say, Sanam beta, you've raised such a wonderful young man." He eyes softened as he looked at Faraz, who is seated quietly beside Kahini with a confident ease.

Sanam's heart swelled with pride, her gaze tender as it rested on her son. "Thank you, Dad. Sometimes even I feel amazed, seeing him all grown up... such a mature, responsible young man." Her voice was filled with love as she glanced at Faraz, who caught her eye and returned a gentle smile.

"Who'd guess he's your son? He looks more like your brother." Veena leaned in with a mischievous grin.

"Whoa! Bhai, Nani just called you old," Saiba teased Faraz with a playful nudge.