Chandini didn't know how long she sat in the same position, until Dhruv's fuss brought her out of her trance.
She gazed at his smiling orbs, her own lips curving up in response, despite her misery. So innocent and so full of life, in contrast to how her life was at this juncture, she mused sadly.
She so desperately wished that she could raise him, at least he would love her, wouldn't he?' her heart yearned. But only until he finds out that he has a woman stamped characterless for his mother' her mind argued.
And she didn't want to burden him with it, she decided. Anyway the process of adoption was already in motion and any day now he would be in a safe and loving home. Definitely better off away from her shadow. She reassured herself.
"Ma'am we need to take him back to the centre." She heard the supervisor of the orphanage speak to her kindly.
Chandini begged, "Can you just give me a few more minutes with him please?" bringing her head close to his face to inhale his scent and nuzzle his neck.
The lady hesitated but agreed in the end, "Okay, just a few more minutes, ma'am. Anyway this will be the last time you will embrace your child and I don't have the heart to deny your wish"
Chandini looked at her questioningly.
"A very generous and kind couple have already decided to adopt him.", she mentioned.
Chandini enquired the details of the couple and their background eagerly, to ensure he was in safe hands.
"I'm sorry ma'am but I cannot reveal confidential information. All I can say is that they are good people and will take care of Dhruv very well." She smiled with understanding.
Chandini nodded her head, the reality of events consuming her finally. She kissed Dhruv's tender cheek and combed his hair with her fingers gently.
She handed him over without any protest when it was time and exited the hall without looking backward.
She walked endlessly, ignoring her sore feet and reached vasisht villa. The watchman allowed her to discreetly enter the premises and she rested on the footsteps at the entrance uncomfortably and unable to keep her eyes from drifting shut as the exhaustion of the evening took over.
.....
Chandini woke to the gentle nudging on her shoulder and the soothing voice of nani, "Chandini, beta, please wake up."
She shielded her eyes from the morning rays and focussed her attention on Nani who was seated on the stairs beside her with Shilpa and Murli at her side.
She pulled up fully and braced herself for more insults, this time from Advay's Nani.
But she was pleasantly surprised when the old lady laid her hand on her crown, smiling at her sincerely.
"I knew I would find you here, beta."She touched her cheeks and said, "I was so worried about you. How are you, my dear?" She asked gently.
"Still breathing, although with no purpose." Chandini responded dejectedly, wringing her fingers.
Suddenly she realised she was still in the clothes that belonged to a person whom she hated with every fibre of her being.
