Meera

Chapter 24

It was late by the time we reached home. I called up Maa. I didn't want to disturb her sleep but what other option did I have. Arjun wanted to talk to her and where would he stay the night if not with us. I rang the doorbell and Maa opened the door. Arjun had quickly bent down to touch her feet as the expression of shock marred her face. She hadn't expected that Arjun would be coming along with me. She looked at me while giving him her blessings. She couldn't decipher what was going on until Arjun held my hand and started. My hand was on the table while his covered it and he talked to Maa. I could feel her gaze towards the ring that sat on my finger. Her eyes lit up in excitement as she contained and listened to Arjun.

'Mam, these past six months felt torturous to me when I didn't have your daughter beside me. So as soon as I reached home, I did not want to wait for even a second and proposed her. Needless to say, it all has to happen with your blessing. If you are not comfortable with us being together, then we will not get married.' The room was filled with heavy silence, until a smile broke on her face. She moved forward to hug Arjun as her eyes got moist. She gestured for me to join in on the hug.

Everything was fine. She was happy, I am getting married.

She sat Arjun down and started to bring everything we had in the house to feed him while I quietly exited the room and video called Khushi. It was late but who cares, she should know her best friend is going to get married. It seems like yesterday that I was attending her wedding. Oh, how have tables turned. I have all right here what I have ever wanted. This has been the dream. I rang her up.

She picks up the call, sleepy eyed and annoyed. If she were here she would beat the living hell out of me for waking her up in the middle of the night. I wait for her to fully open her eyes.

'What's wrong, Meera? What happened? Is Arjun alright?'

'Of Course he is alright. What would happen to him.' — I said, making a face and then realising that contacting her at this hour might give her some ideas. I quickly put my hand in front of the camera to shut her brain up. I saw her expression change from clueless to excited in a second. She almost woke up Siddharth while shouting in excitement. He managed to give me a sleepy congratulations.

'I am coming to your place first thing in the morning tomorrow.' Without hearing my reply she cut the call. I moved out to the dining and they both were having chai, without me.

'You both couldn't wait for me?' I say as I take my seat next to Arjun. I was ignored blatantly by both of them.

'Where are you staying tonight, Beta?' — Maa questioned him.

'I will just start back. Ma—'

Maa cut him off in between his sentence, showing him his hand.

'Oh, cut the bullshit. Spend the night here. It is almost one. I won't let you leave this late.' She said with finality and stood up. Arjun looked over at me and i just shrugged my shoulder playfully. Imagine an army officer is being denied to move because it is late to be out. Well, that's mother's love for you.

He reached over to hold my hand as his finger swept over the ring. I doubt she'll put us both in the same room.

Maa came out with a pair of papa's clothes. 'Beta, go and freshen up.' She nudged him to the washroom, handing him the clothes.

'I will sleep with you in your room and Arjun can take up my room.' — She expressed. What could I do except nod at her arrangements.

Saying that, she walked into the room ready to hit the bed. Arjun came out of the washroom and we sat at the table for some time, right till when he started the conversation.

'I haven't talked to sir, I should. Shouldn't I?' — he said, with an uncertainty. He must have noticed the shift in my expressions as his hold tightened around my hands.

'What happened Meera? Why do you get all tensed when I bring up Sir in any conversation?'

He had asked the question today. What was she going to say to him that her father cheated on her mother? While the woman waited for him night after night while he was in his own world without a care for him. What sort of a father was he?

I opened my mouth to tell him what I was feeling. I wanted to tell him. Then why couldn't I?

'What, Meera? Please share with me.' —- He emphasised, his eyes softening.

'Your mother told me that my father was cheating on my mother. How can I relax or even smile at the mention of a man who left my mother in a broken state. His pregnant wife. He cheated on his pregnant wife. Why would he do that? While she waited for him night after night, he never returned. I can't accept such a man as my father.' — I finished and looked up into his eyes as I felt his hand wiping my tears.

Realizing I had found my happy place. No matter what I am going through, he will be there with me all the way.

 A/N 

Posted before I go off to give my exams. Also, if nobody is going to appreciate the story then what's the point of even writing it. 

I would really like if you all could take out your time and comment and vote on the story. 

Anyways, see you all after 21st of December. 

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