MOMMA BY CHOICE

Chapter 7

So let's get started...

The sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Raichand mansion. The birds chirped outside, announcing the arrival of a new day. Inside, the mansion was quiet, save for the soft sounds of the early morning routine. Vihan Raichand stood in the middle of the spacious living room, his gaze calm yet distant as he observed his son, Veer, who was playing on the floor. Gayatri was seated on sofa little away from them at living room, watching over him with a gentle smile.

Vihan, dressed in his formal attire for the day, was lost in thought. It had been a week since Meera had moved into the mansion to take on the role of Veer's caretaker. A week since she had entered their lives with her quiet strength, her warmth, and a soothing presence that had, without warning, begun to break through the fortress of emotional distance he had so carefully constructed around himself and others.

And yet, Vihan couldn't quite figure out why the walls he had maintained were starting to crumble.

"Vihan, you look lost in thought," Gayatri's voice broke through his reverie.

He turned toward his mother, offering her a small smile. "Just thinking, Ma."

Gayatri raised an eyebrow, the knowing expression on her face not lost on her son. She had always been perceptive, and she had noticed the subtle changes in Vihan since Meera's arrival. Though he didn't speak much about it, she could see that his interactions with Meera were becoming more relaxed. He was still the same man, emotionally distant and guarded, but there was a shift — a small one, but noticeable nonetheless.

"I think you're starting to enjoy having her here," Gayatri said softly, her voice carrying no judgment, only a sense of gentle observation.

Vihan didn't respond immediately. Instead, he shifted his gaze back to Veer, who was now attempting to crawl toward a toy. Meera had arrived a few moments ago, and as usual, she was sitting on the floor, watching over Veer. She had an unspoken connection with the child, an intuitive understanding of his needs and moods. It was as if she could sense every little shift in Veer's expressions, every subtle movement he made. And Veer, for his part, adored her.

Vihan noticed how Meera's presence seemed to have a calming effect on Veer. He hadn't realized how much his son needed that kind of warmth until Meera arrived. It was more than just the physical care she provided — it was the emotional support, the unspoken understanding that seemed to come so naturally to her.

"I'm going to check on them," Vihan muttered under his breath.

Gayatri gave him a small, knowing smile as he walked away. She had been watching the budding connection between Vihan and Meera, and while she didn't want to push him, she knew that the presence of Meera in their lives was the first step toward healing for her son.

Meera was sitting on the floor, her legs crossed as she gently coaxed Veer to crawl toward her. She wore a simple yet elegant grey saree, that suited her calm demeanor. Her soft, dark hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing her face in a way that made her look almost angelic. There was an undeniable aura about her — a quiet strength, a calm grace — that seemed to envelop everyone around her.

Vihan stood silently by the sofa, watching her and his little baby. He had to admit, there was something about her that made him feel... something he hadn't felt in a long time. Something warm and tender, like a flicker of hope that threatened to ignite into something more.

As Meera turned to glance at him, she caught his eye. For a moment, they simply stared at one another. The air between them felt charged with a silent acknowledgment, but neither spoke. Then, she offered a smile, soft and sincere. "Good morning, Vihan ji," she greeted him gently.