Just Another Mother

Chapter-1

Neena: "So, what have you decided? Are you going to the wedding?"

Neena came to my cubicle and stood near my table with folded hands. When I dodged this topic during lunch break, I knew she would bring it up in the evening, and I was packing my things to leave the office before she comes. She looked at my packed bag and raised an eyebrow. I understood that she is not going to leave me alone without an answer.
We went inside the small meeting room next to my seat so that we could talk in private. Neena sat on a chair, and I sat next to her's.

Neena: "Now, tell me."

Meera: "I don't know. I'm trying to convince Sachin against it, but he is not listening. Also, kids are excited to go. I'm confused. "

We have been friends from the time I came to Chicago, seven years back.
She is my best friend, more like my family. She and her husband has always been my pillar of support in this foreign land.

Neena: "Why don't you listen to Sachin and go to the wedding? What if everything will be ok and there won't be an issue?"

Meera: " But I don't think this is the right time. My family will be facing the entire 'well-wisher' community of distant relatives and friends for the first time after my engagement. So, they might already be worried about the long-awaited rapid-fire sessions, lectures, and pities from those people. Our presence will only give them more pressure. Also, Grandpa is already 93. All this will be too much pressure for him. Besides, I don't want my kids to go through all those. "

Neena: " I understand your concerns. But Meera, you haven't done anything wrong, and just because society wouldn't understand, do you want your kids to miss a family moment? As far as I know, I'm sure you don't want that. Just take this chance, Meera. One day you will have to face those people, sooner the better. Isn't it so? Now, anyway, we are also going to India. So if you book the tickets along with us, it would be easier for you too. Just think about traveling alone with five kids, and you will get the instant motivation to book those tickets."

We both laughed at that thought.

Neena: Seriously, I'm already getting a headache thinking about the tantrums Kannan will make. Hoo... If last time repeats, then definitely the airlines would ban us. Throughout the flight, he was crying and running around. I got fed up with the complaints. If it had been possible to land back, for sure, they would have thrown us out of that flight. It is still a nightmare for me. So better book it asap with us. At least there will be three pairs of hands to handle those little monsters. I don't understand how people expect these kids to sit and behave throughout a long flight.

I chuckled. Though the elder three are big enough not to cause any trouble, it all depends on their mood. If they fight with each other, then they would be much more trouble than Jeff and Jo.

Meera: "Calm down, my dear. I will let you know by tomorrow. Ok then bye, I'm getting late. Today Jeff and Jo's swimming class will get finished half an hour earlier. So, bye. See you tomorrow."

I'm thankful to have Neena in my life. Without her and Vishal's support, my life would have been difficult. I always thank God for giving me such a great friend. They are my only family in this country.