Pari's heart swelled with pride as she spotted her mother and grandmother in the bustling restaurant. They beamed with happiness, their faces reflecting the joy of seeing their daughter flourish in a world where many women shied away from such pursuits. How blessed I am to have their support, she thought, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her.
With a confident smile, she announced, "Feel free to enjoy anything you'd like! Today, it's on me!" Cheers erupted around the room, and laughter filled the air—a chorus of joy and celebration.
The next day, however, found Pari immersed in wedding preparations. So much to do before the big day, she thought, juggling the demands of her restaurant and upcoming nuptials.
As the weeks passed, everything flourished. Her restaurant and boutique thrived under her management, and one day, she called her workers together to distribute their paychecks.
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. As the workers received their very first earnings from their own hard labor, the room filled with laughter and tears of joy. I can't believe this is real; we've actually made it . They truly regarded Pari as a guardian angel.
Finally, stepping away from her responsibilities, Pari returned home. In the cozy kitchen, she found her mother, Maira, assisting the workers. Upon seeing her daughter, Maira rushed over, anticipation lighting up her face.
"Surprise!" Pari exclaimed, embracing her mother tightly and slipping a small package into her hands.
Maira looked puzzled, shaking her head in disbelief. "But this is yours—why give it to me?"
With a warm smile, Pari replied, "What's mine is also yours. You are the best mother." Maira's heart melted at her daughter's words.
Days turned to weeks, and one afternoon while Maira was tidying up, her mother approached with a serious demeanor, catching her off guard.
"Maira, can you do something for me?" her mother asked, the weight of her request evident in her tone.
Maira nodded quickly. "Yes, anything, Mother."
But when her mother articulated her desire for Maira to marry Surya, Maira felt her world tilt unsteadily.
"Mother, how can you say that?" she stammered. "I'm already divorced! How can I even consider this?"
Just then, a voice interrupted from behind. "I don't mind," Surya said, his calm demeanor steadying the moment.
Maira turned sharply, startled to see him standing there, his expression neither aggressive nor expectant. Her mother continued, "You're still young. Surya is a good man—faithful and kind. He will make you happy."
This isn't happening, Maira thought, feeling overwhelmed. "No, Mother!" she insisted, shaking her head.
Pari, nearby and overhearing the discussion, felt a mix of empathy and determination surge within her. She had no objection to her mother considering a second marriage—especially to someone she believed truly cared for Maira. In fact, she sensed that Surya had patiently waited for 16 years, and his love for her mother was genuine.
Tears welled in Pari's eyes as she turned to her mother. "Mother, Grandma is right. You should really consider marrying him." She exchanged a knowing wink with her grandmother, who quickly joined the act.
"Look at him, Maira," Grandma urged softly. "Surya may not express himself much, but he will keep you happy. You both deserve a stable, loving home. Do you want your daughter to grow up without a father figure?"
At those words, Maira's heart ached for her daughter. "No, never" she replied firmly, recalling the pain of her own past with a husband who had failed her. The thought of her daughter enduring any kind of ridicule because of her choices was unbearable.
Surya met Maira's gaze, a silent understanding passing between them as he realized that both women were trying to help him. Maira, however, remained blissfully unaware of their emotional tactics—their efforts to sway her.
In that charged atmosphere, Maira made her choice clear. With courage swelling in her chest, she focused her gaze on Surya. Maybe this is what I need—a chance for happiness, she thought.