The Vows Of Fire (The Raichand Clan Series Book 1)

Chapter 18

Sheetal woke up the next morning with a flutter of anticipation in her chest. Her mother was finally coming home after several weeks away. She had traveled to Varanasi to fulfill her late husband's final wish: to have his ashes scattered in the sacred waters of the Ganga. Though Sheetal had wanted to accompany her, the threat hanging over her had made it impossible. Both Raghav and her mother had insisted she stay behind for her safety. Yet, Raghav had ensured her mother's security by sending a team of his most trusted men to accompany her.

Today, as her mother prepared to return, Sheetal felt a surge of emotion. She had missed her mother dearly, and seeing her again filled her with warmth and relief. Her heart swelled with longing, eager to be reunited with the one person who could bring comfort and solace amidst the chaos.

As the day went on, Sheetal found herself standing on the porch eager to see her mother. Soon after, a black SUV appeared to be entering through the gates of the mansion. She caught a glimpse of an elderly woman stepping out of the car followed by a few armed men. Sheetal's joy had no bounds upon seeing her mother. The woman gasped when her eyes landed on her daughter. She waited with open arms to welcome her child, a single tear escaping her eye while embracing her daughter. 

A few moments passed before the mother daughter broke their embrace. Sheetal looked teary-eyed to her mother and whispered, "Hi Maa. Kaise ho aap."

(Hi mom, how are you?)

"Tumhare bina mai kaise ho sakti hu mera bacha?" she replied, kissing Sheetal's forehead.

(How do you think I am doing without you my child?)

Unknown to them, a pair of brown eyes was watching them intently.

His boots clicked as he walked into the driveway, "Namaste Maa, I hope aapka safar acha raha hoga." Raghav said.

(Namaste mom,  I hope you had a good journey.)

With a warm smile, she nodded before embracing her son-in-law into a hug. "Tumne kaha mujhe akela jaane diya tha. Safar kafi acha tha. Manohar jo chahte the usi tarah unki akhri nishani, Ganga mein bahakar aayi hu."

(As if you let me go alone. The journey was very good. I scattered Manohar's last remains in the Ganges, just like he wished.)

Sheetal could not help but reminisce. A soft gasp escaped her as she tried to compose herself. The memories of her father were a sore subject for her. Even after all the reasons her family listed as to why it was not her fault, she knew deep down that even though she did not orchestrate it, Sheetal had a hand in her father's violent demise. 

But before she could  drown herself in that guilt, Raghav spoke up, "Aap yaha kyu khadi hai Maa. Andar chaliye, main cook se kehta hu aapke liye breakfast lagwa de phir dono maa beti baithkr gappe lagana." A smile adorned his face as he took the both of them inside. 

(Why are you standing here, Mom? Come inside. I'll ask the cook to prepare breakfast for you, and then you mother and daughter can sit together and chat.)

Upon entering the mansion, Sheetal's mother was greeted with warm smiles and open arms by the entire Raichand family. Bela, her mother-in-law, led her to the sitting area, where they settled into a comfortable conversation about the day-to-day happenings of the household.

"How was your journey back, Mrs. Wadhwa" Bela asked kindly, pouring a cup of tea for her.

"It was peaceful, Varanasi has a way of soothing the soul," her mother replied, her voice calm yet tinged with a quiet sadness. "And how are things here? How has my Sheetal been?"