What lies behind the door

Chapter 7

Naina

Seeing my parents and knowing that I hadn't seen them in a year stirred a mix of emotions within me. A wave of nostalgia washed over and a pang of homesickness tugged at my heart. My heart pounded in my chest as I saw my mother coming towards me with a smile on her face. At that moment I wanted nothing more than to take her away from the eyes of the people surrounding us and cry in her arms till I could no more.

My eyes then turned towards my father.
His cold and distant demeanor was palpable, the lack of affection and care evident in his indifference.

The distance between me and my mother was due to my marriage to Kabir. The strict rules and restrictions imposed upon me by the family restricted any contact or interaction with any of my family members. It was a painful realization, one that gnawed at my heart and made me yearn for the warmth and comfort that only my mother could provide me with.

Despite the emotional turmoil I was going through and my heart beating loudly, I stood there composed and dignified, a picture of elegance and strength that I was expected to maintain although my heart beated and yearned for my mother's embrace.

I smiled softly as she reached me. Her comforting scent immediately making my eyes sting with tears.

"Mom..."

As I stepped forward and embraced my mother, a mix of emotions overwhelmed me. The familiar scent of her and the warmth of her body against mine stirred a wave of longing. She pulled me closer, her arms encircling me tightly, and I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes.

I looked up only to see my father standing a few steps away, watching the scene unfold with a neutral expression. My heart ached at his indifference, but I knew that he would never change.

Mom smiled through her tears, her eyes glistening with love and fondness as she pulled away. She brushed a strand of hair gently off my face, her hand lingering softly on my cheek.

"My darling... it's so good to see you."

Her voice was filled with warmth and love, her words carrying the weight of months of absence. She looked up at me, her eyes studying my face, as if trying to memorize every detail, as if scared that I would vanish from her sight again.

I could see the mixture of joy and sorrow in her eyes, the emotions clear on her face
Her hand reached up to cup my face, her touch gentle and reverent. She traced her fingers over my jawline, her eyes filled with sadness and love.*

"You look so different from the last time I saw you Naina, so much more beautiful."

She tried to force a smile through the tears, but the pain and longing were evident in her voice. She still didn't notice Kiara in my arms, her eyes wandering over my face.

"Mom....Kiara"

The sudden mention of Kiara's name drew her attention away from my face. She glanced over to the infant in my arms, noticing Kiara for the first time.

A look of surprise and wonder crossed her face as she looked at the her, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She held out her arms, a silent gesture asking for permission to hold Kiara.

I forwarded my arms encouraging a lost Kiara into her arms. She gently reached out and took Kiara into her arms, cradling her carefully and tenderly, a look of joy and admiration on her face.

I watched contently as she looked down at Kiara, her expression filled with adoration. She ran her fingers over the baby's soft skin, as if memorizing every detail of her granddaughter's features, her touch gentle and loving.