Today is Sunday, and I'm feeling a bit relaxed from the hectic schedule. The past few days have been really busy and a roller coaster ride of emotions for me.
This morning, My mother was discharged from the hospital, and we brought her home.
Right now, she is resting in her room, and I'm doing some cleaning work. Vani di has gone to the company. Even though it's Sunday, she needs to bring some papers to complete her pending work.
The house is quieter than usual. I move around, tidying up the living room, wiping down surfaces, and organizing things. The rhythm of these simple tasks helps calm my mind. I'm grateful that Mumma is finally home and recovering, but I can't help feeling a bit anxious about everything.
I take a moment to glance at her room, making sure she's comfortable and resting well. She looks peaceful, and it eases some of my worries. As I continue cleaning, my phone buzzes with a message.
It's from Tara, asking how everything is going. I quickly reply, letting her know that Mom is home and that things are getting better.
Once I finish the cleaning, I decide to make some tea for Mumma. As I enter the kitchen, memories of the past few days flash through my mind. It's been tough, but knowing that she is on the path to recovery makes it all worth it. I carefully prepare the tea, making sure it's just the way she likes it.
Carrying the cup, I head back to her room and gently wake her up.
"Mumma, I made some tea for you," I say softly. She smiles at me, and it feels like a small victory. As she sips the tea, we talk about simple things, avoiding any heavy topics. It's comforting to have this quiet time together.
Some time passed, and my friends came to visit my mother. They all talked for a while with me and mom, bringing some cheer and lightness into the room. After they left, I got busy studying for the test I have tomorrow.
It was evening, and Vani di and I were sitting in the living room, casually talking with each other. The conversation drifted from our day to random, comforting topics that made us forget the recent stress, if only for a moment.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang gaining our attention.
Vani di got up to open the door. I glanced over, curious about who might be visiting us at this hour.
As the door opened, I glanced over and found a lady standing there. I immediately recognized her-Mrs. Rekha Sehgal, my mother's old friend. I stood up from the couch and greeted her warmly.
"Where is your mother?" she asked, looking around.
Before we could respond, we heard our mother's voice from behind us. "I am here, Rekha."
"Mumma, why did you get up from your room?" Vani di asked, turning towards her with concern.
"It's okay, beta. I just wanted to have a little walk. It will make me feel better," she replied, her voice soft.
Vani di quickly moved to support her, gently holding her arm and guiding her to the couch.
I gestured for Rekha aunty to sit as well, and she settled down next to mom.
"It's so good to see you, Rekha. It's been a while," Mumma said, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Rekha aunty reached out and held her hand. "I heard about what happened from Vani. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm better now." she replied.
We both headed towards the kitchen to prepare some snacks for our guest, leaving mom and Rekha aunty to talk with each other.
As the both of the girls were busy in the kitchen, Rekha and Prarthana delved into a discussion. Rekha's voice was soft but filled with reassurance. "Don't worry, Prarthana. Everything will be fine."
Prarthana nodded with a sigh, her eyes reflecting her deep concerns. "I am just getting worried. I don't know how many days I have left. The doctor might have said I am fine, but it doesn't feel like that. I don't want my girls to cry over me. I just want their happiness. I want them to get settled before I die so that I can be at peace knowing they have someone to take care of them."
Rekha listened intently, understanding the weight of her friend's worries. "Are you thinking about getting them married?"
Prarthana's gaze softened as she thought about her daughters. "I am thinking about Vanya first. Saranya is grown up, but she is still a kiddo at heart."
Rekha smiled warmly, nodding in agreement. "Vanya is strong and capable. She will understand and handle things maturely. And as for Saranya, she has a good heart. She will find her way."
Prarthana sighed again, a mix of hope and worry in her eyes. "I just want them to be happy and secure. That's all a mother wants."
Rekha reached out, holding her hand gently. "They will be, Prarthana. You have raised them well. Trust in that. They will find their paths and be just fine."
"And if you want me to propose a marriage, I can do that," Rekha offered gently.
Prarthana glanced at her with a thoughtful expression. "I have to talk to Vanya first, to ask for her wishes."
Rekha nodded understandingly. "Of course, it's important to know what she wants. But if she is open to it, then inform me. As for now, don't take much stress."
Prarthana's eyes showed a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Rekha. That means a lot. I'll discuss it with Vanya and see how she feels."
Rekha squeezed her friend's hand reassuringly. "Take your time, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
As their conversation ended, the girls came out of the kitchen with some snacks and juice.
Vanya placed the tray on the table, and Saranya handed a glass of juice to Prarthana. "This is for you, Mumma, and the rest is for Rekha aunty," she said gently, reminding her mother to avoid snacks for now.
They all chit chat for a while.
Time skipped to later that night.
The trio sat in Prarthana's room, the atmosphere filled with an air of anticipation. Prarthana had called them for a discussion, and both Vanya and Saranya could sense the importance of the moment.
Prarthana took a deep breath and looked at her daughters. "Beta, there's something I need to talk to you both about."
Both girls exchanged curious glances before Vanya spoke up. "What is it. ?"
"Do you have someone you like?" Prarthana asked, her eyes moving between her daughters.
Both glanced at each other and shook their heads.
"Why did you ask?" Saranya questioned.
"I just want to know," she replied.
"But we don't have anyone," Vanya said.
"Then what do you think about marriage?" Prarthana asked, her tone still light but filled with genuine curiosity.
"Nothing," both girls said at the same time, their voices a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"I was thinking about getting you married," Prarthana said to Vanya, who just stared at her in shock.
Saranya hugged Vanya tightly from the side. "No way, Mumma. She is mine. I'm not letting her go."