The Distance Between Us

Track Twenty Five - Daughters

The next morning, everyone was enjoying breakfast, talking about Armaan's music, when a determined Shilpa walked down the stairs.

She turned to Armaan, and said, "I'm ready, Armaan. You're right."

"Shilpa!" Armaan whispered, shocked. "Are you sure?

Shilpa nodded. Armaan looked at Sid, who gave him a reassuring nod, even though he himself was very surprised.

"Have you thought about it like we talked?" Armaan asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes. I have. What you said last night was right, Armaan. I can't hide forever, can I? And, she deserves to know," Shilpa replied.

"Well, if you've decided, I'm with you. Like I promised," Armaan told her. He got up from his chair and pulled her into a hug.

"You're so brave, Shilpa. So very brave. I'm proud of you," he whispered lowly, so only she could hear.

"Guys, kya baat ho rahi hai?" Anjali asked, curious.

Armaan and Shilpa pulled back simultaneously.

"I have to tell you guys something," Shilpa announced.

"Uh, Shilpa? We can talk about it separately. You don't have to tell everyone," Armaan intervened.

"No, Armaan. I don't mind. They should all know too," Shilpa told him.

"Shilpa, Armaan is right. Let's talk privately," Sid spoke for the first time since she'd come down.

"Nahi, Sid. I've decided. Ab jab soch hi liya hai, toh batana chaahti hu," she said.

"Dr. Riddhima," Shilpa started, surprising everyone. What did she have to tell Riddhima?

"Haan, Dr. Shilpa?" Riddhima asked confused.

"Ek baat hai, jo aapko pata honi chahiye. In fact, mujhe aapko bohot pehle bata dena chahiye tha, lekin kabhi himmat hi nahi hui," Shilpa said.

"Aisi kya baat hai, Dr. Shilpa?" Riddhima asked. She placed a comforting hand on Shilpa's shoulder, trying to tell her that it would all be okay, and that she could trust Riddhima with whatever it was she wanted to say.

"Main... Main..." Shilpa tried, still scared. She wasn't able to say the words out loud.

Riddhima was the most important person in Shilpa's life. Shilpa wanted her in her life. In any way possible. But, she was afraid that once the truth was out, Riddhima would never speak to her again.

The decision to tell Riddhima the truth had not been an easy one. Shilpa hadn't slept a wink the entire night, thinking about it. She knew that what Armaan was saying was correct. Riddhima deserved to know the truth. She deserved to know that she had one more sister.

But, the thought that really motivated her to come out with the truth was the hope that maybe Riddhima would accept her. Shilpa wanted Riddhima to be her sister in every sense of the word. She didn't want a label, but a relationship. She wanted Riddhima to be with her, the way Riddhima was with Anjali. She hoped, that once Riddhima found the truth, that would happen. She also hoped that she'd gain another family if that happened. A new set of parents, 2 new sisters and 2 brothers - in - law who would be like brothers to her.

Her parents had loved Shilpa, but, they didn't want anymore kids because they were so busy in their own lives. They didn't have enough time to spend with Shilpa, so another child was out of question. Both of them were extremely busy with their business and mergers, so Shilpa was raised by nannies. But, despite being so busy, her parents never failed to tell her that they loved her. The little time they spent together, Shilpa was the happiest girl in the world. They lavished her with so much attention that it made her heart sing. They weren't the type of parents who threw money at Shilpa to assuage their guilt. Yes, Shilpa had lesser restrictions and she was never denied any material comforts because her parents felt guilty that they didn't spend enough time with her, but that wasn't all they did. They would constantly call her to check on her, they would never miss a birthday or any special occasion. Yes, they weren't able to make it for all of her school functions, but they made up for it by cheering her on the phone and sending her flowers. If they skipped a play or a race, one of the nannies who accompanied Shilpa was made to record the entire thing so that her parents could watch it later. And, they always did.