Dr. Meghna looks at her patient with a doubtful expression. Did she have some concussion that caused amnesia? "Yes... Your son, Arivuazhagan... Do you remember him?"

"Arivu... my son..." Understanding that Arivu must have told them that, she nods, "I remember."

"Poor kid. He wouldn't let go of your hand for a second since that was the only way he could assure himself that you were alright. Only after we convinced him to contact his teacher or some other trusted adult, did he leave. Must have been scared to have the person he loves collapse in front of him. Your son could not stop sobbing. When a kid depends on you that much, you have to be there for him. So please consider what I said."

Looking at the patient lost deeply in her thoughts, Dr. Meghna just sighs and says, " I will let your son in now."

With that, that doctor leaves the room wordlessly. Within minutes, a little boy shuffles in timidly. Only the tapping of his walking stick could be heard as he finds his way to Yashvi's bedside. She watches him silently as he hesitantly reaches around to touch her hand. Although the doctor had told him that Yashvi was completely normal now, Arivu still wanted to check for himself. But the second his pinky slightly grazes her hand, Yashvi pulls the surprised boy by his arm and envelops him in a warm hug.

"Please tell me I didn't traumatize you," Yashvi asks nervously.

"What does 'traumatize' mean?" Arivu asks, confused.

"It means I scared you so much that it might give you nightmares."

"Oh... Don't worry, I was only a little scared," he reassures.

"Just a little?"

"Yup. What did the doctor say?"

"She told me to take better care of my health and eat properly. It's what she said afterward that was really interesting..." Yashvi stretches.

"What was that?"

"Apparently I have a son! Did you know?" Yashvi asks teasingly.

Arivu breaks away from the hug and nervously fiddles with his fingers. "That... I'm sorry-"

Yashvi interrupts him with a chuckle and brings him back into a hug. "Relax! I'm not mad about being called your mother, but your real parents might not like sharing you."

"They won't care. They didn't even want me," Arivu mutters.

"What?" Yashvi asks in disbelief. How could someone not want this precious child?

"They left me when I was a baby. They didn't want a blind broken kid like me."

Yashvi's heart breaks hearing his words. No child should ever feel unwanted.

"Well..." Yashvi swallows to clear the lump in her throat. "They are idiots. Either way, you did lie to the doctor. Do you know what God will do if you lie?"

"What will God do? Poke my eyes?" Arivu asks sarcastically. "Oh no! What if it blinds me?"

"Alright drama king," Yashvi chuckles at his antics. "I'm sure God will find a different punishment for you. Or..." Yashvi stretches out the last word.

"Or...?" Arivu repeats.

"Or we could God some time and turn your lie into the truth," Yashvi nervously offers.

Arivu becomes dumbfounded at her words. A part of him did understand what Yashvi implied, he did not want to assume anything. Children like him always got left with broken and betrayed hearts when they hoped for something beyond their reach.

Understanding his dilemma, Yashvi sighs and strokes his head. "I have a lot of work ahead of me to heal myself. Even after all that effort, I don't think I can promise you that I will never have any insecurities. In fact, I might still try to fit society's beauty standards. But no matter what I do, I promise to not harm myself like this again. The doctor recommended some stuff to help get better, and I'm going to do that so I can be the best mother I can be for you. If you are ok with that?"

Yashvi knew it might be too much that she was asking the little boy. It hadn't even been more than a day since they met. Not to mention, Yashvi was unconscious for most of it. But somewhere inside here, she knew that they needed each other. They were able to bring light to the most beautiful parts of each other. It was like fate had created a bond between the two lost souls. The purest bond of mother and child.

Arivu was lost in his thoughts, absorbing Yashvi's warm embrace. He also had felt the bond from the second they spoke. He knew that he could share anything with this one person, and she would never judge him. The second she held his hand, his heart yearned for that warmth to support and guide him for the rest of his life. And the second she had fainted, he felt his heart stop. There was no doubt that Yashvi had become an important part of his life within a short period. In fact, even before she had offered, his little heart imagined how wonderful his life would be with a mother like Yashvi. But as a blind orphan, he knew that dreams will lead to disappointment. Was he even good enough to be her son? Wouldn't she realize she could do better once she has her own biological child?

"What if... What if you realize I'm not good enough?" Arivu asks hesitantly. All his fears and insecurities were revealed with that one question.

Yashvi tightens her hug as a way to express her feelings. "The day I think that is the day I have lost my mind. You are the most precious diamond in the world that your birth parents were stupid enough to let go of. But I'm not an idiot like them. Blood or not, you are my son if you are willing to accept me. That will never change. It might take some time before I can bring you home, but I will do everything I can to be a worthy mother for you!" Yashvi stresses. Inhaling deeply, she releases Arivu and softly continues, "But of course, it's your choice. There is no pressure. You don't need to accept me unless you want to. I won't get mad."

Gathering all the courage he could, Arivu finally says, "Ok Amma." His face widens into the most beautiful simile, as all the burden within his small body disappears into thin air. For the first time in his life, there was someone for him.

Yashvi's heart blossoms with happiness, hearing those golden words. Pearls of tears glide down and one lands on Arivu's hand.

"Why are you crying?" Her son asks in concern.

"Who said I'm crying? My eyes are sweating, that's all. This is a very warm room," Yashvi sniffles.

"Yeah, right," Arivu scoffs. "Oh god! It seems like I'm stuck with a crybaby Amma!" He complains dramatically.

"Shut up. I'm going to be a loud, crybaby, smothering mother. I will do my best to embarrass you in front of your friends, as well as make you eat your vegetables and do your homework. And you can't get rid of this Amma," Yashvi warns.

"Good! You are perfect!" Arivu squeals gleefully as he embraces his Amma. They might each have many flaws and insecurities, but the beautiful bond between them will remain strong.

For the first time in so long, Yashvi didn't know where her phone was, and she didn't care. She had the most precious heart in her hands, that she didn't need any other.

Punnagai Veesidum Paarvaigal Azhagu

Vaarthaigal Theergaiyil Mounangal Azhagu

Nanmaikku Sollidum Poigalum Azhagu

Unmaiyil Adhudhaan Meyyaai Azhagu

And that is the beautiful beginning of Yashvi and Arivuazhagan. 

How did everyone like this story?

This story was actually written using TW2_official 's January 2023 prompt, but ended up finishing the story a month later. 😅

Anyways please to comment, vote, and share this story if you like it. (The comments really encourage me so please do comment!)

And for those who facing so many insecurities, try looking at yourself from a different perspective. Maybe you might be worth more than you think.