KAYAMATH (ON HOLD)

Chapter 32

Downstairs, the living room buzzed with energy as preparations for the puja and reception were in full swing. The moment Shanti had suggested it, Milind had wasted no time in hiring an entire team to ensure everything was done on time. It wasn't a question of money-it was a race against the clock. Every corner of the house was bustling with decorators, caterers, and event organizers, all working under Milind's precise instructions.

Shanti, caught up in the whirlwind of preparations, suddenly gasped. "Are.... mai bhi kitni bhulakkad ho gayi hu! In all these arrangements, I completely forgot, you haven't even had breakfast yet!" She turned to Panchi with affectionate concern. "You go freshen up, beta. I'll make breakfast for you in the meantime."

Panchi nodded, offering a small smile, and turned to go upstairs. But as she climbed the steps, a strange heaviness settled in her chest.

She entered the bedroom and sank onto the bed, staring at the space in front of her in a daze. The warmth in Shanti's voice, the genuine concern-it all felt so unfamiliar, yet so comforting. After what felt like an eternity, someone had scolded her lovingly, fussed over her, made her feel like a daughter. The last time she had felt this... was when her own mother was alive.

A lump formed in her throat. Her vision blurred as unshed tears welled in her eyes.

Just then, a voice broke through her trance.

"Are you alright?"

Panchi gasped softly, startled. She turned to see Milind standing at the doorway. His gaze was laced with concern, his posture hesitant, as if unsure whether he should step in or stay back.

"I-I'm sorry," he said quickly, sensing her reaction. "I was just checking on you. I saw you come upstairs and thought... I should see if you're okay."

Panchi quickly wiped the corners of her eyes and shook her head. "No, no, it's okay... You don't have to apologize."

Milind took a step inside, his voice softer now. "I know my mother can be a little... over the top. If all of this is making you uncomfortable, I'll talk to her. I can stop the preparations right now if you want."

Panchi's eyes widened. "No! Please, don't say anything to Maa."
She hesitated, trying to find the right words. "It's not because of her. It's just... I haven't been cared for like this in a long time. And for a moment, when she shows concern towards me, when she called me 'beta'... I felt like my mumma was here. I got emotional, that's all." She further stated, If she were alive, she would have scolded me like this, stood up for me, and would have been so excited about my marriage. Seeing Shanti Maa, it felt like my mumma was standing in front of me.

Milind's gaze softened. Without a second thought, he stepped forward and pulled her into a gentle embrace.

Panchi stiffened for a second, but then melted into his warmth, allowing herself to take comfort in his presence.

"Get used to it," he murmured, his hand lightly caressing her head. "My mother is like this. She gets over excited even on small things like this. At the same time she'll love you like her own daughter."

Panchi swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check.

"You deserve the best things in the world, Panchi," Milind added, his voice gentle yet firm.

Panchi's heart skipped a beat. She tilted her head up, her eyes locking with his. Milind's gaze was deep, unwavering, almost as if he could see right into her soul.

"And you deserve all the love in this world," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Panchi's breath hitched.