SHE SAW ME

THE BEGINNING

Happy Reading 📖 🫶❤️

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April 2023, Kullu

As they strolled along the veranda, the late afternoon breeze gently rustled the leaves of the trees surrounding Kahini's home and the orphanage. Kahini's heart was full, but her nerves flickered slightly as she turned toward Meher.

"How are you adjusting, Khala? Are you comfortable with the room?" Kahini asked, her voice soft and full of care.

"Yes, Bibiji, everything is really good. But you didn't have to give me a whole separate room. I'm fine with sharing, like the others," Meher replied, her tone modest. Kahini felt a small flutter of anxiety, searching for the right words to justify her decision.

"I know, but we don't have any empty beds in the shared room at the moment. And this room is on the ground floor—perfect for you, considering your health," Kahini explained, her concern showing through her voice.

"Thank you, Bibiji," Meher murmured, her eyes softening with gratitude.

Kahini paused for a moment, her emotions rising to the surface. "Khala, this is my home, and now it's yours too. That means we're family. Please, don't call me Bibiji. You're elder to me, and it doesn't feel right," Kahini's voice trembled slightly, the weight of her feelings slipping through.

Meher looked hesitant, "But Bibiji—"

Before she could finish, the sound of familiar voices echoed from the main gate.

"Mom!" "K-Mom!"

Kahini turned, her face lighting up like the first rays of the sun. Sanam was walking toward them with Saiba, Azam, and Aarushi by her side. Her heart soared as Azam broke into a sprint, rushing into her arms.

"Hey, big baby," Kahini exclaimed, pulling him close. The warmth of his little body in her embrace made her chest swell with joy.

"Me too!" Aarushi's playful pout made Kahini chuckle, opening her arms to hug her as well.

"How are you, bachcha?" she asked, her voice dripping with affection as she planted a kiss on Aarushi's head.

"I missed you so much during exams," Aarushi confessed, clinging tighter to her.

"Sorry, beta, I couldn't come this time. But it went okay, right?" Kahini's voice softened but tinged with motherly concern, her eyes scanning Aarushi's for reassurance.

"It was great! And thank God it's summer vacation now. I don't have to deal with Dad anymore. He was unbearable during exams, He was more nervous than me, always panicking!" Aarushi groaned, but there was a hint of laughter in her voice.

Kahini playfully smacked her head. "That man is your father, girl," she teased, a fond smile tugging at her lips. Aarushi grinned, stepping aside as Saiba approached.

"And how were your exams?" Kahini asked, enveloping Saiba in a warm hug.

"Perfect," Saiba replied, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Now I'm just waiting for the entrance exam."

"I'm sure you'll do great in that too," Kahini said, her hand resting gently on Saiba's cheek before her gaze shifted toward Sanam.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. The quiet understanding, the unspoken joy between them was palpable, making the air feel warmer.

"You came early?" Kahini's voice was filled with a happiness she couldn't quite hide.

"Yeah, we took the morning flight this time," Sanam replied, her eyes locked on Kahini's, speaking a thousand things without uttering a word. The sight of her whole family here, including Meher, filled Sanam with a sense of completeness, a happiness that wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.