The Rathore's Family

Drishti's Departure Decision

“It doesn’t seem like you’re very close with your brother and sister-in-law,” Riddhima continued, her tone gentle but probing.

Drishti’s hands froze momentarily, memories of her last visit for Pagphera flashing through her mind. She didn’t want anyone to think poorly of her family, so she quickly brushed off the tension. “No, chachi, it's not like that. It’s just that I left home a long time ago. I would only visit if there were holidays during my college years….And I have a niece—she’s so cute!”

“Hmmm,” Riddhima mused, “If you miss them, you could go visit and come back.”

The mention of returning home caused Drishti’s expression to fall slightly, uncertainty stirring in her heart. But before she could dwell on it, Anjali’s playful voice broke through, “Why are you so eager to send my daughter-in-law away?” she teased.

Riddhima laughed. “I was just thinking, bhabhi, because we all know how hard it was to be away from our families after marriage. I’m just trying to be a good mother-in-law!” she said, smiling warmly.

Anjali chuckled, “Drishti, you know, when we first got married, we missed our families too. But in the end, how could we? After all, we had our mother-in-law, Urmila, to keep us in line!” Her voice was filled with laughter.

“Stop talking about Ma! If she hears this, we’ll all get a lecture,” Anjali said, and the trio burst into laughter.

Drishti smiled at their banter but then hesitated, “But… I was thinking… Maybe I could visit my friend’s house? I haven’t been there since the wedding, and the holidays are coming up. I could stay for a week or two.”

“One or two weeks?” Riddhima and Anjali exclaimed in unison.

“No, no! How will we survive without you for that long?” Riddhima cried dramatically.

Drishti narrowed her eyes playfully, “You don’t sound like my loving mother-in-law right now.”

Turning to her mother-in-law with a hopeful expression, she asked, “Ma, what do you think? Should I go?”

Her mother-in-law smiled, as mothers often do when their daughters are asking for permission. “Yes, it’s fine, but…”

“But what, Ma?” Drishti pressed eagerly.

“Just make sure you tell Advait before you go, okay?”

Drishti sighed heavily, half in jest. “Of course. I’m not exactly eager to get scolded.” She pouted, which made everyone chuckle.

“But two weeks is still too long,” Riddhima insisted.

“Fine,” Drishti bargained, “for you, I’ll make it one week. Is that better?”

Riddhima blew her a playful kiss from across the kitchen. "Ummahhh!"

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

Drishti and Amaira were lying on their stomachs in Amaira's room, eyes fixed on the TV, with snacks scattered in front of them. The cozy atmosphere was filled with the sound of their favorite show, though one of them was far from enjoying show, through one of them was far from enjoying it.

“Chiii, look how much they’re overacting!” Amaira groaned, rolling onto her back. Now her gaze was on the ceiling, thoroughly disinterested. Meanwhile, Drishti remained completely absorbed, impatiently watching the drama unfold.

“Bhabhi, bhabhi!” Vihaan called out in an exaggerated tone.

“What’s happening to him now?” Amaira muttered under her breath, clearly irritated.