The Partham Chronicles

Part 24 - Perfect Half-dozen

Vysna had called Leysa and told her that she wanted to celebrate the birthday of her friend.

" Who's birthday?"

" Meghana's. She was very sad today. She has no one to celebrate it with. I gave her cupcakes and she looked happy. But I... I think she is missing her family and wants to celebrate it with them. She is not allowed to meet them and she cannot go to her hometown. I think it's the least we can do. Will you please tell Aaden and Tash to join in as well? I truly want her to have a memorable day."

" If anyone finds out that she has been with us, you might get into trouble; we all might get into trouble, including Meghana. Think about it, dear."

" Mom, please..." Vysna pleaded.

Leysa sighed. She truly thanked the circumstances which had led to Vysna staying with them. If it was not for Navil's quick thinking, Vysna wouldn't be there with them now. But others, the ones who had to go through the legacy tests were separated from their families. The mere thought of losing Vysna shuddered her.

"Okay, but make sure that no one finds out. You have to be extra careful."

Now all of them were at home celebrating Meghana's birthday. Vysna had picked up Meghana from the hostel after work, and on the way, she had got a cake. Tashvin helped with decoration, and Aaden handled all of the food arrangements.

Just like the last time. A table was set in the backyard and lights were lit.
The menu was simple, as it was arranged in a short amount of time. Grilled sandwiches, pasta alfredo, cheese calzone, mojito and blueberry cheesecake. Leysa made the pasta and mojito herself, and the rest was ordered from a cafe nearby.

Vysna looked very happy as the celebration went well. Even Meghana seemed to enjoy the celebrations. Everything looked perfect.

" I cannot thank you enough, I am overwhelmed by all of this. Thank you so much... " Meghana, repeatedly thanked all of them.

Leysa felt a weird tug in her heart as she silently stood and watched her children enjoy with Meghana. Navil was out of the station for work and would come back after two days so she felt a little lonely.

After the party was over Vysna dropped Meghana back to the hostel.
Returning home she helped clean all of the arrangements.

" Meghana looked so happy today. She didn't stop thanking me till we reached her hostel. She said that for the first time, she didn't feel like an outsider."

" I am so glad," Leysa said," I am proud of you Vy, for being so thoughtful and kind."

"Yes, she did look happy," Aaden added as he and Tashvin cleared the table." It was very nice of you Vy, for being there for your friend."

Vysna smiled.

Most of the things were cleared and cleaned.

"Mom, is something bothering you? You don't look so well. Don't worry Meghana didn't tell anyone that she was coming here. Instead, she told her roommate that I was taking her to the library for studies."

" That's good..." Leysa sighed, she still couldn't stop her mind from going in that direction. Every time she saw the kids, images of her past flashed before her.

" Mom, what's wrong?" Tash asked.

" Oh no, I am fine. I am glad that we could make her happy." She dismissed the question completely. But her mind still pushed her into the memories. The memories of her younger self and the life she had. She truly enjoyed her youth, a carefree and fun time.

Late at night, when she dozed off, she dreamt of the life she had. A life without worries, a life that could be the envy of so many.

Leysa belonged to one of the wealthiest families. Her mother was a well-known personality in the Partham society, as she carried the name Bhaskara. A legacy which is synonymous with power.