Vivan visited his mom during weekends. Tara Shah lived alone in a countryside villa. This time Ira expressed that she wanted to tag along. She didn't want to visit Vivan's mother alone. After all the things that she did and said to her, she didn't have the courage to face her by herself. It could be very well their first proper meeting.
She remembered; during the engagement, when everyone was waiting for the bride, she showed up in a charcoal black dress to demonstrate her rebellion. Ira was so rude to Vivan's mom that she didn't even talk to her during the event.
In the next meeting, she was even more disrespectful. It was after their marriage ceremony. Upon hearing Ira calling her aunt, with love and warmth Tara asked to call her as Mom instead.
How did she reply?
"I already have a mom." She had mumbled and strolled away.
Ira whished to slap herself. Was his mom was close enough to hear those words? Maybe she heard that or now even hated her!
She never felt so anxious before... Even during the exams or tough business meetings, Ira was known to keep her calm. Yet she was scared of this meeting more than anything in life.
…
What should I wear? What should I take as a gift? What should I talk to her about?
…
Ira knew Vivan loved his mom a lot. She wondered about her. Like, what kind of person was she? Was she a serious person? Funny? Reserved? Ira wanted to know her and get close to her, so she did a quick online search on the way.
She clicked on the first one, entitled 'How to impress your mother-in-law'. Reading all such related articles, Ira analyzed the data. On the basis of probability and statistics according to her research, Ira found the most recurring tips. She wrote them down 'the gift shouldn't go one way', 'accept generosity', 'don't compete', 'ask for his childhood memories', 'respect her' and 'smile.'. She memorized each point, the related questions and practiced them in front of the mirror.
After doing some comprehensive research, it was time for the big test.
The past Ira never visited her place, so it was the first time she visited Vivan's home. They had already left the city. Green hills on both sides of the road made a pleasant scenery. The green tender crops in farmlands danced. Ira opened the window and let the breeze blow in.
She leaned on the seat as the breeze caressed her cheeks helping calm her emotions. The anxiety of meeting her mother in law didn't let her sleep last night. She slowly drifted to sleep enjoying the smell of soil and fresh air.
She had no idea how long it took. When she opened her eyes she saw Vivan's outstretched hand. She blinked at him. Next moment his warm breath fell on her face. He had leaned to undo her seatbelt. She had held her breath but watched him sit back.
Only when she looked around she realized they had reached their destination. In her previous life, she had no feelings for her mother-in-law, and she was reluctant to visit an old house in the countryside. Against her expectations, the house was a big villa.
While entering, Ira held Vivan's hand. Her shudder was apparent. It was hard to imagine the tough and impregnable Ira would someday quiver with nervousness on meeting her mother-in-law. Vivan looked in her eyes and smiled.
Immediately, upon their arrival, her eyes fell on a huge photo hanged on the wall. To her surprise, it was their wedding photo.
Ironically, her and Vivan's own house didn't have one, but his mom placed it in the main hall where everyone could see.
Tara came and greeted them with a smile. "You have arrived. Now come in." She had long discovered their arrival. It turned out because Ira fell asleep Vivan did not get off the car. The car stayed parked in front of her house for some time. Tara looked at her son helplessly and smiled. He seemed happy by the side of Ira.
"You gave me such good news! My grandchild!" She clapped her hands.
"Not a grandchild. Grandchildren." Vivan smirked while Ira shyly bowed her head. She had visited the doctor who told her that her babies are doing well.
"Oh, God! Thank you for your grace." She made a small prayer.
"How are you, Ira?" She turned to Ira.
"Good," Ira said. "Oh.. How are you?" She tried to remember the list and all the things she read online. smile.. smile.
An unnatural smile appeared on Ira's face as she tried hard to follow them.
Tara couldn't help but respond with her smile."I'm fine." She took Ira's hand and pulled her to sit.
Gift...
"Mom, I bought these for you." Ira handed over a black jewelry box to Tara. A pair of earrings shone through in the mild sunlight. A teardrop blue diamond!
Tara looked puzzled as she stared at her.
Ira explained with eagerness. "You always wear elegant earrings. These pairs here are one of Nirvana's latest collection, Tiara." She had asked Vivan what to gift. He suggested a piece of jewelry.
Tara was still in a daze.
'Oh no. Did I came as a pretentious person at her?' Ira thought.
"I thought you would like them. So I bought this." She explained.
"Haha," Vivan started to laugh.
"What are you laughing at, brat? You told her nothing about me. Huh!" Tara scolded the still laughing Vivan.
Tara took out a case that she kept on the table and opened it. Inside, there was a pair of earrings with the same design but it with a sapphire stone.
"There are two sets of this design. The teardrop blue diamond was commercial, and this one was made of Alexandrite stone. The color will change under different lighting conditions. If this is viewed in daylight, the color will turn from greenish blue to sapphire. Also, if it's under incandescent or candlelight, the color will change to pink and red.
"This is a gift from me. I designed it for you and named it Tiara. If you have a baby girl, I will make a tiny one for her too."
Tiara... Tara and Ira
This exclusive teardrop blue diamond was auctioned for a high price and a celebrity later owned them. Ira had used all her resources available to buy these before the auction and that too in a single day. She hoped to impress her mother-in-law with the best gift.
Instead, these turn of events left her dumbfounded.
Vivan was still laughing...
"Stop laughing! At least I have good taste!" She felt so embarrassed. Ira had gifted a designer with her design.
"See it, mom? I always told you she's like you! Not just your name and taste. Look, she even scolds me like you!"
"I can't believe you bought this. Now both of the pieces are in the family. I love your gift, Ira. Thank you." Tara held a sincere gaze.
A true smile spread from her eyes to the corners of her mouth.
She already forgot her list as they talked for hours, ignoring Vivan. They found out that they have a lot in common. She got comfortable around Tara, and even helped her with cooking.
Ira stood at the window and breathed the fragrant air of the suburb. At this moment she was so relaxed and comfortable that she wished to dance with the wind. Tara's word came to her mind, "I know you are struggling. Every woman is insecure when pregnant. I was like that when my son was born because his dad was never around. I felt pathetic and complained about carrying the whole burden of pregnancy on my own. I was unsure about the baby. But, when I first saw him, heard his heartbeat, you could say he became my flesh by then. All my fears vanished, and hope replaced it."
"It is a life you both built. You have to be responsible for it. That's what I always tell Viv."