One night, Sharadha was getting ready for bed. Raghav stood in front of her room's door with a nervous smile.

"Maa." He called out.

"Yes Raghav? Do you want something?" She asked him.

"I want to talk to you... Shall I talk now or tomorrow?"

"Deii.. what happened to you? Why these formalities? Come come." She called him in, and sat on the bed. Raghav sat down on the floor near her feet.

"What's it, Raghav?" She asked as she started caressing his hair.

"I just don't know how to start or from where to start..."

"Why this unnecessary build up ? Just spill it out."

Raghav took a deep breath and held his mother's hand.

"Shall we move on to a bigger house, where we can live with Nithya's parents too?" Raghav said and Sharadha looked at him without a blink. She did not say a word, or even nod her head in agreement.

"Whose idea is this?" She asked him bluntly.

"It's my idea ma... Nithya is a single child just like me. If she had any siblings, I would not have taken this decision. But I am equally responsible just like her, to take care of her parents. So I thought of moving on with them..." He completed and she nodded thoughtfully.

"If you are not okay, I'll think about some other alternative..."

"Raghav... When you said you want to talk about something, I never thought it would be this serious. I am all okay with this idea." She replied with a smile.

"I am not forcing you maa." Raghav said softly.

"Hey you are not forcing me! I was stunned for a moment when I heard you say such a thing."

"Hmmm..."

"We live in a society where doing the right things, seems unusual while going on a wrong path is supported by everyone. It is the duty of every child to take care of their parents at their elder age. But instead of that, choosing to move away from them and opting for a nuclear family, leaving their parents at an old-age home has become a fashion." Sharadha said with a sad laugh and Raghav nodded his head.

"I'm happy that you have taken a responsible step at this young age. Not many would do this, Raghav."

"Amma... Why don't you interfere in any argument between me and Nithya? You know that we both are having a rift, but you would never talk about it... Why ma?" Raghav asked the long pending question that he had on his mind.

"Because it is YOUR PROBLEM! you're my son, she is my daughter in law. But beyond that you both are a couple. You have your own likes and dislikes, good days as well as bad ones. If I interfere in it, your fight would become even bigger than ending easily."

"When I got married and lived in that house, my so called mother in law would never support me, even after knowing that the mistake wasn't mine. And that man used that as his trump card and did all those rubbish things. Whenever a married woman faces a downfall, her go to person would be her family. But... Your grandfather never gave his ear to my words. Such a patriarchal society this is!" Sharadha said with furious tears.

"Maa.. please..." Raghav tried to console her.

"I'm fine da. I just wanna open my heart to you." She said and he laid his head on her lap.

"When I got pregnant, it was the worst phase of my life. For every woman, pregnancy is like a rebirth, but for me... My parents took care of me, I won't say no. But that was just for you. I told them that I am suffering there, their reply was that it is common for every girl. I decided to move out from this toxic family. I lived like an orphan even though I had a family. It was difficult Raghav. But you did not disappoint me at any time. Not even once, I had felt bad about you. Even when you proposed to Nithya, you said you want to marry her, rather than just dating her. You don't know how happy I was when I heard you say that! Not every guy has the guts to propose that way." Sharadha said and Raghav wiped his tears in her saree silently.

"When you had a fight with Nithya about not doing the house chores, I was not angry or upset with you for it. It was my mistake only."

"Maa..."

"I have never asked you to do any household chores. And you have never seen your father or any other man do such things in your life. Then how would you realise that it is common for men and women to share things after marriage. But you were smart enough to understand the nuances of a happy marriage life. Nithya is a darling! She is so lucky to have you in her life. You are even ready to sacrifice your career for your family!" She said and kissed his forehead.

"I was worried whether you'd be okay or not about the thought of moving in. But..." Raghav said and gulped down a sob.

"Never change yourself for others. You are unique Raghav!"

"Because I'm raised by a wonder woman!" Raghav said and Sharadha chuckled.

"Go and sleep now. Post delivery you would have a hard time getting good sleep." She warned him cutely.

"What! Why do you think I am willing to move on? You and Nithya's parents are going to take care of our baby, while we will enjoy our days." Raghav winked and earned a cheeky slap from his mother.

"Adeii!" She laughed and Raghav hugged her happily.

Raghav went to his room and felt relieved after the talk with his mother. He slept happily.

It was Vicky's engagement in two days, so he had to start looking after those preparations too. As he was free for a couple of days, he decided to devote his entire time for the engagement of his bestie.

To Be Continued.