No one had truly wanted it to end this way. Yet, when the truth unfolded, when her own brother's son had wronged her, there was nothing left to say. If one of mother, caught between the pain of her daughter's suffering other was lifting weight of family ties, had chosen neutrality. It was a burden she carried in silence, and tonight was no different.
Meanwhile, in another room, Vani and Chaitra sat with Bani. The air between them was warm with nostalgia but heavy with unspoken words. Divorce was a taboo topic, a shadow that none of them wished to acknowledge directly. So, they spoke of everything else—their childhood, their struggles, their joys, and the mundane little things that made up their lives. But not Bani's.
After a while, the conversation drifted, and their attention turned to the children. They carefully arranged a bed for the little ones. Vani's two sons and Chaitra's younger daughter happily went to sleep with their Aman mama, giggling and chattering before drifting into slumber.
Only Chaitra's elder daughter remained behind. Without a word, she walked up to Bani, wrapped her small arms around her in a gentle embrace, and rested her head against her. The warmth of the hug seeped into Bani's heart, filling the silence that words couldn't. Then, just as quietly, the little girl lay down beside her and fell asleep.
The night deepened, and the house remained wrapped in its quiet understanding—a silence filled not with avoidance, but with love, acceptance, and the unspoken bonds that held them together.
As the first rays of the sun touched the earth, the house buzzed with energy. The women stirred awake, stretching off the last traces of sleep before freshening up one by one. The scent of jasmine and sandalwood lingered in the air, blending with the cool morning breeze that whispered through the windows.
Meanwhile, Aman busied himself with decorating the house. He carefully arranged fresh flowers along the entrance, their delicate petals adding a festive charm. The warm, golden glow of traditional lamps flickered in the corners, illuminating the space with a soft radiance.
In the kitchen, Bani, Chaitra, and Vani moved swiftly, balancing trays of steaming coffee and tea, serving everyone with bright smiles. The aroma of freshly brewed beverages mingled with the enticing scent of breakfast being prepared.
The ladies worked harmoniously, flipping soft, fluffy idlis onto plates while the sizzling sound of vadas frying in oil filled the air. The rich fragrance of chana and the comforting spice of sambar spread through the house, making the children impatient for their morning meal.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, it was time to dress up. The house turned into a whirlwind of activity as the women adorned themselves in vibrant outfits. Bani's mother and Vani's mother draped themselves in elegant sarees, their pleats falling in perfect folds. Bani, Chaitra, and Vani chose graceful salwar suits, their fabric flowing as they moved. All the ladies carefully styled their hair before adorning it with strands of fresh jasmine, the delicate white flowers adding a touch of tradition and beauty.