Weight of Motherhood

Wedding and Happily ever after

As Soumya stood before Sumitra, adjusting her exquisite nose ring, she asked anxiously, "Didi, how do I look? Will Priya like it?"

Sumitra, cradling baby Daksh in her lap, gazed at Soumya with warmth. "You look like an angel, my dear. Priya will be enchanted."

Soumya's face radiated excitement as she envisioned Priya's reaction. "I hope so, Didi. I want everything to be perfect today."

Sumitra smiled knowingly. "Now, put on your veil and get ready for the mandap. But first, take care of your nephew – he can't bear to be away from you."

Soumya eagerly took Daksh from Sumitra and began singing a soothing lullaby, "Chanda Hai Tu." The baby's cries subsided, replaced by contented sighs, as Soumya gently swayed from side to side. She finally put him to bed and went back to her panicking mode.

"Okay, Mausi ji!, Ready for the big moment?" Sumitra asked, adjusting Soumya's veil.

"Yes," Soumya replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed out her saree.

Sumitra's eyes filled with warmth. "You look beautiful, beta. Priya won't take her eyes off you."

Soumya's cheeks flushed. "I hope so, Didi. I'm so nervous."

Sumitra's hands are closed around Soumya's. "Why? You've done this before."

Soumya's smile faltered. "But this time, it's different. This time, it's forever."

Soumya took a deep breath and began walking towards the stage, her anklet jingling with each step.

The hall, decorated with intricate flowers and glittering lights, seemed to fade into the background as her eyes locked onto Priya.

Priya stood tall, holding a garland in her hand, her eyes shining with adoration. Soumya's heart skipped a beat.

As Soumya approached, Priya's face broke into a radiant smile.

"Wow, you look stunning," Priya whispered, holding out a garland. "I'm so lucky to have you as my wife."

Soumya blushed, feeling like a queen. "You look breathtaking yourself, my love."

Priya chuckled, her eyes crinkling. "I'm glad you like it."

Their families watched, beaming with happiness. Soumya's parents, who had accepted her three months ago, smiled warmly. Priya's parents, who had taken longer to adjust, now radiated pride.

Priya's mother, Rukmini, leaned over to Soumya's mother, Sunaina, and whispered, "Our children are happy. That's all that matters."

Sunaina nodded, tears shining in her eyes. "Yes, they deserve every happiness."

As Soumya reached Priya's side, Priya lifted the garland and gently placed it around Soumya's neck. Their eyes met, and Soumya felt her nervousness dissipate, replaced by an overwhelming sense of belonging.

"I promise to love and cherish you," Priya whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Soumya's voice barely escaped her lips. "I promise the same."

Their wedding ceremony had begun, a celebration of love that would unite them forever.

Without anyone noticing, Priya playfully pinched Soumya's ass, reminding her who was in charge. Soumya's cheeks flushed deeper, and she shot Priya a sly glance.

"I'll show you what a good wife can do," Soumya whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

The ceremony proceeded, with Diksha and Ramesh beaming as they held hands, showcasing Diksha's glittering engagement ring.

The air was filled with laughter and tears as the  couple exchanged vows and completed the seven sacred circles.

After seeking blessings from their parents, Soumya approached Govardhan, her former husband, now her brother-in-law. She felt a mix of emotions: gratitude, love, and a hint of nervousness.

"Didi, Govardhan ji, thank you for giving me the courage to be myself," Soumya said, touching their feet. "I'm grateful for your love and support."

Govardhan smiled warmly, his eyes moist. "You're no longer my wife, but you call Sumitra 'didi,' so I'm your jija now. Call me Jija ji."

Soumya smiled, feeling a sense of closure. "Of course, Jiju."

As she took Daksh from Sumitra, tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She would miss her nephew dearly, but she knew Sumitra and Govardhan would always be there for her.

"Why are you crying?" Sumitra asked, concern etched on her face. "We still can't handle him alone."

Soumya chuckled, wiping away her tears. "But even the postmaster job has been filled. I need a new purpose."

Sumitra winked. "I'm sure the villagers wouldn't let their queen work in a post office. You deserve something more."

"So-"

Govardhan intervened, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Remember the saree shop? That's yours now – a little gift from your Jija ji."

"No, Jija ji, I told you before, I no longer need the money," Soumya replied firmly, declining the 1 crore offer.

Sumitra winked mischievously. "But who's giving it to you? It's for Priya and the new member of your family."

Soumya's confusion deepened. "What new member?"

Priya took Soumya's hands and placed them on her belly. "We're having a baby!"

Soumya's eyes widened in shock. "I'm going to be a father!!"

Priya chuckled, tapping Soumya's head lightly. "No, stupid, you're going to be a mother."

Their families erupted in cheers and applause, congratulating the couple on their new addition.

Months passed, and Priya and Soumya welcomed their beautiful daughter, Radhika. Soumya embraced motherhood with grace, while Priya excelled in managing their business.

Their shop, now renamed "Radhika's Collection," flourished, and they opened a new venture, "Radhika Makeup."

One sunny afternoon, Sumitra, Govardhan, Priya, and Soumya sat in the palace gardens, watching Radhika and Daksh play together.

"Kids are such a hassle," Sumitra joked, shaking her head.

Soumya chuckled. "It took me transitioning from a man to a woman to turn those two into these. I know how much of a hassle they are."

Priya and Govardhan laughed, exchanging knowing glances.

"But they bring so much joy," Priya added, smiling at Radhika's giggles.

Govardhan nodded. "Daksh has become such a protective elder brother. He's always looking out for Radhika."

As they spoke, Radhika and Daksh ran towards them, laughing and shouting. Radhika, with her curly hair and bright smile, was the spitting image of Soumya. Daksh, with his mischievous grin, was a miniature version of Govardhan.

The four adults watched, mesmerized, as the children played tag in the park. The sun shone down on them, casting a warm glow over the scene.

In this moment, surrounded by love and laughter, they knew that the journey had been worth it. The struggles, the tears, and the transitions had all led to this – a beautiful family, filled with joy and love.

As they gazed at Radhika and Daksh, playing together in the park, they knew that their hearts were full.