IN THE CITY OF PEARLS✔️

12

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting a golden glow over the village, the air was filled with a mix of warmth and tension on the veranda of Parvathi's mother's house. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of laughter from children playing in the street created a backdrop for the serious conversation taking place among Parvathi, her husband Shankar, their son Arjun, and his wife Subhadra.

Parvathi's expression was a blend of sorrow and determination as she glanced at her mother lying on the bed inside, frail and fading. Parvathi could hardly bear the weight of her mother's last wish. the desire to see Vrindha as a married woman before she departed from this world.

Parvathi :  It's all I can think about. Amma deserves to see her granddaughter settled.

She sighed and spoke.

Arjun who is sitting cross-legged beside Subhadra nodded in agreement, his brows furrowed in thought.

Arjun : We need to come up with some good options for Vrindha. She deserves a partner who will cherish her.

Subhadra leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Subhadra : What about Vikram ? He's a good match, successful in his career, and he always speaks highly of Vrindha. They both know each other well.

Parvathi considered it for a moment but shook her head.

Parvathi : He's nice, but I don't see that spark between them. They don't have the chemistry we hoped for.

Arjun : What about Sameer ? He's always had a soft spot for her, and they get along well.

Subhadra chimed in : And he's family-oriented ! That's important.

Parvathi smiled at the thought, but her heart still felt heavy.

Parvathi : I do like Sameer, but he's been busy with his own life. I worry he might not be ready for a serious commitment right now.

Shankar, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, his voice steady but thoughtful.

Shankar : We should consider what Vrindha truly wants. It's her life, after all.

Parvathi glanced at him, surprised.

Parvathi : I know that, but her happiness is tied to our mother's last wish. It's a complicated situation.

Arjun leaned back, looking at his father with newfound respect.

Arjun : You're right, Dad. Maybe we should talk to her first. See if she has anyone in mind.

Subhadra nodded in agreement, her expression serious.

Subhadra : That makes sense. We can present her with the options we have, but ultimately, she should have a say.

As they discussed, a sense of urgency filled the air. They all felt the weight of the situation, the looming shadow of loss mixed with the hope of new beginnings.

Parvathi took a deep breath and spoke ,

Parvathi : Let's talk to her today. I'll gather my strength, and we'll do this together.

Arjun : And if she has someone in mind, we'll support her.

Shankar smiled softly, his eyes reflecting a deep love for his family.

Shankar : Yes. No matter who it is, we will stand by her.

With that, the family shared a collective nod of understanding, a promise to honor both Parvathi's mother's wish and Vrindha's happiness. They resolved to approach the subject delicately, knowing it would be a pivotal moment in all their lives.

..............

Meanwhile, back in the city, the bond between Vrindha and Krishna blossomed, unaware of the impending discussions about her future. In that quiet house filled with laughter and love, new beginnings were being forged, even as the past weighed heavily on the hearts of those gathered in the village.

.............

The scene shifted back to the veranda, where the sun shone brightly, symbolizing hope, and the family prepared to face whatever came next, united in their love and support for Vrindha.

As the conversation flowed, Subhadra's eyes lit up suddenly, a thought striking her with clarity.

Subhadra : Wait a minute ! What about Krishna ? Why aren't we considering him as a potential match for Vrindha ?

The mention of Krishna hung in the air, catching everyone's attention. Parvathi looked thoughtful, while Arjun raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Parvathi : Krishna ? He's certainly a wonderful young man, but I'm not sure if Vrindha sees him that way. They've always been friends.

Subhadra shook her head, her enthusiasm unwavering.

Subhadra : But that's just it ! They've known each other for so long. He's kind, well-behaved, and responsible. Plus, he has a good career. They could have a strong foundation for a relationship. Moreover their banter ! They'll make a great pair.

Arjun nodded, considering her words.

Arjun : You made a valid point. They do share a deep bond. And he genuinely cares for her.

Shankar, who had been listening intently, chimed in.

Shankar : I agree. If they have a solid friendship, it could evolve into something more meaningful. But we should ensure that both of them are on the same page about it.

Parvathi felt a flicker of hope at the idea.

Parvathi : I've seen how they interact. There's a warmth between them. It might be worth exploring, but we must be careful not to push Vrindha into anything she's not ready for.

Subhadra leaned forward, her excitement palpable.

Subhadra : Let's ask Vrindha how she feels about Krishna. If she's open to the idea, it could be a wonderful match.

Arjun : And if she has any reservations, we'll respect that. But it's important to bring it up, especially with everything happening with Mama.

As the family exchanged glances, a collective understanding formed. They knew they needed to support Vrindha, but they also wanted to give her the space to express her own feelings.

Parvathi took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

Parvathi : Alright, let's talk to her soon. I hope she sees the potential in Krishna. He truly is a good person.

The conversation shifted to the logistics of how to approach Vrindha, but in the back of their minds lingered the question. Would Vrindha be receptive to the idea of exploring a deeper relationship with Krishna ?

..............

How's the chapter ?