Target -15 votes.
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Savi wiped away tears, forcing a gentle smile.

"Tai, it's just...today is Ishan's birthday. That's why I'm being too emotional," Savi said, her voice soft.

Harini's expression turned sympathetic.

"Let's go home, tai. Isha Maa must be waiting with his favorite dishes," Savi continued.

Savi's eyes misted, but she held on to the smile.

"I know Isha Maa doesn't show it, but she misses him more than I do. Let's not make her feel alone today."

"Let's go inside. Isha Maa will be thrilled to see you. I'm sure she's made all of Ishan's favorite dishes."

Harini's gaze lingered on Savi's face, searching for the truth behind her sudden shift. How could someone conceal their emotional vulnerability so skillfully? Harini's eyes filled with tears, but she smiled, playing along.

"I'm sure Isha Maa's cooking will be as delicious as always," Harini said, her voice tinged with empathy.

Savi pulled Harini into a warm hug, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Come, let's go make her happy. Today's about celebrating Ishan's life, not drowning in sorrow."

As they walked toward the house, Harini couldn't help but wonder how Savi managed to put on a brave face. Was it a coping mechanism or a sign of resilience?

Inside, Isha Maa welcomed Harini with open arms, her eyes sparkling. "Beta, I've made all of delicious dishes – his beloved biryani, aloo ka paratha, and gulab jamun."

Savi's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Isha Maa, you're the best."

Savi's eyes closed as the flavors of the aloo ka paratha danced on her tongue. Suddenly, she was transported back in time._

Ishan's warm hands enveloped hers, his lips brushing against her knuckles. "Savi, this is heavenly! You're an incredible cook." His eyes sparkled with delight.

Savi's cheeks flushed as Ishan's praise sent shivers down her spine.

Isha Maa's gentle voice broke the spell, pulling Savi back to the present.

"Isha Maa, how is the food?" Savi asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Savi took a bite, savoring the flavors. As she licked her finger, a faint smile played on her lips. "Mmm...finger-licking good!"

Isha Maa's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and nostalgia crossing her face. For an instant, she saw Ishan sitting across from her, his bright smile illuminating the room.

But reality crashed down, and Isha Maa's gaze refocused on Savi. Her heart ached, knowing Ishan was gone. She bit back tears, reminding herself she couldn't be weak. Not now, when Savi needed her strength.

Isha Maa's expression softened, her voice gentle. "Savi beta, you're just like Ishan – always finding joy in the little things."

Savi's eyes met Isha Maa's, a deep understanding passing between them.

Just as Isha Maa's emotions threatened to overflow, the door swung open, and Shantanu Bhosale, Ishan's father and Savi's father-in-law, walked in with a warm smile. His eyes twinkled as he held out a plate of chocolate brownies.

"Thought I'd bring some sweetness to balance out the savory," he said, his voice filled with affection.

Harini's eyes widened, and she swiftly snatched the plate from his hands. "Mine! I'll eat all of these, no one gets any!"

Savi chuckled, shaking her head. "Tai, I know you're a thief from childhood, but spare some for others."

Harini grinned mischievously, brownie crumbs already on her lips. "No way, Savi! Find your own loot."

Shantanu chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Looks like some things never change, Harini."

Isha Maa smiled, her eyes still misty, but a warmth spreading through her chest. "Shantanu, you always know how to bring joy."

As they shared laughter and brownies, Savi's gaze drifted to Shantanu. She saw the deep pain lurking behind his smile, the loss of his son still a gaping wound.

Shantanu's eyes twinkled as he pulled out another plate from behind his back. "I knew Harini would do something like this, so I brought extras, just for you, Savi."

Savi's face lit up with a warm smile. "Thank you, Papa." She took the plate, inhaling the rich aroma of chocolate.

Harini pretended offense, hands on hips. "Hey, I'm not that predictable, kaka!"

Shantanu chuckled. "Oh, but you are, beta. And I love that about you."

Isha Maa smiled, her eyes shining. "Shantanu, you always know how to make our days brighter."

As Savi took a bite of the brownie, her eyes closed in bliss. For a moment, the pain receded, replaced by the warmth of family and love.

Shantanu's gaze softened, watching Savi savor the treat. He knew the small joys were crucial in healing.

As laughter filled the room, Savi's gaze drifted to Isha Maa and Shantanu papa. She saw the faint lines of pain etched on their faces, the hints of sadness in their eyes.

Despite the warmth and love surrounding her, Savi's thoughts began to wander. Was she doing right by not listening to them? By not considering remarriage?

Would it ease their pain or increase it? The questions swirled in her mind, making her feel disconnected from the joyous atmosphere.

Isha Maa noticed Savi's distant expression and tried to catch her eye, but Savi's gaze slipped away.

"Excuse me," Savi said suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need some air."

She swiftly rose from her seat and left the room, leaving the laughter and warmth behind.

Savi stepped into her balcony, the evening breeze enveloping her like a gentle hug. She leaned against the railing, her eyes drifting toward the sky.

The stars twinkled like diamonds, reminding her of Ishan's sparkling eyes. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she felt the familiar ache in her chest.

From the balcony, Savi gazed out into the evening, her thoughts still drifting. Suddenly, her attention was caught by workers carrying loads of bags into the neighboring house.

Must be new neighbors, she thought.

As she watched, a little girl with curly pigtails and bright eyes peeked out from behind a suitcase. Savi's heart swelled with affection. She had always loved children.

The little girl's laughter carried through the air, infectious and pure. Savi's sadness began to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

In that moment, she knew what she wanted – what could soothe her pain, her Maa and Papa's pain.

"Ishan, you're with me, right?" Savi whispered, a faint smile on her lips.

As if in response, the breeze carried the faintest whisper of Ishan's favorite song.

Savi's eyes closed, and she felt his presence around her. A sense of calm washed over her.

She opened her eyes to see the little girl waving at her from the neighboring balcony.

Savi waved back, her smile growing.

....

Savi stepped back into the living room, a newfound sense of purpose in her eyes. "Isha Maa, I'm ready to move on," she said, her voice steady.

Isha Maa's eyes widened, surprise and joy mingling on her face. Without a word, she enveloped Savi in a warm hug.

"Oh, beta! Oh god! I am so happy. That's the best gift you give me on my ishan's birthday." Isha Maa exclaimed, tears streaming down her face.

Savi was taken aback by Isha Maa's sudden enthusiasm.

Shantanu, who had been watching from the sidelines, stepped forward, his eyes shining. Savi hugged him tightly, and he whispered, "My Ishan's soul will finally find peace."

As they held each other, Savi felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She knew this was the first step toward healing – for herself and her family.

Harini, who had been observing from the side, smiled, her eyes misty.

"I'm happy for you, Savi," Harini said, squeezing Savi's hand.

"I'll start finding you a groom, beta!" Isha Maa exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Savi took a deep breath, her resolve firming. "Listen to me completely, Maa. I'm ready to move on, but not the way you think. I've thought about this a lot... I want to adopt a child."

Isha Maa's face fell, shock and disappointment etched on her features. "What? No, beta! That's not the right decision."

Shantanu's brow furrowed. "Savi, think about your future. A child needs a father figure."

Harini's expression turned concerned. "Savi, are you sure? It's a huge responsibility."

Isha Maa's voice rose. "We can find you a good husband, someone who'll love and support you. Why adopt?"

Savi stood firm, her voice calm. "This is what I want, Maa. I've thought it through. I can give a loving home to a child who needs one."

Shantanu's tone turned stern. "We can't agree to this, Savi. It's not traditional."

Isha Maa's eyes welled up with tears. "Beta, please reconsider. Think about our family's reputation."

Harini placed a gentle hand on Savi's arm. "Maybe think about it some more, Savi?"

Savi's determination didn't waver. "I understand your concerns, but this is my decision. I'll do what's best for me and my future child."

The room fell silent, tension hanging heavy.

...........

The next day, Savi stood outside the orphanage, her heart filled with hope. She took a deep breath and stepped inside.

At the reception desk, a kind-faced woman greeted her. "Welcome to our orphanage! How can we help you?"

"I'm here to adopt a child," Savi said, her voice confident.

The woman's expression softened. "That's wonderful! Let's fill out the paperwork."

But as they began the process, Savi's excitement turned to unease.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Savi," the woman said gently. "Our policy requires adoptive parents to be married or have a stable partner."

Savi's eyes widened. "But... I was told it's possible for single parents to adopt."

The woman nodded sympathetically. "It is, but our board has revised the policy. We prioritize traditional family structures."

Savi felt the ground crumbling beneath her. "What about the child's well-being? Don't they deserve love, regardless of family structure?"

The woman's expression turned apologetic. "I understand your concerns, but our hands are tied."

Savi's vision blurred as tears welled up. The last piece of happiness she'd held onto shattered.

She stumbled out of the orphanage, the bright sunlight mocking her despair.

How could something so full of love and hope be rejected?

........

Savi stormed into her home, tears streaming down her face. She found her family in the living room, their concerned expressions a stark contrast to her anguish.

"I went to the orphanage," Savi said, her voice trembling. "They rejected me. Because I'm single."

Isha Maa's eyes widened. "Beta, we told you—"

Savi cut her off, her pain boiling over. "You told me what? That I need a husband to be worthy of love? Of being a mother?"

Shantanu's face fell, his eyes filled with regret. "Savi, we only want what's best for you."

"What's best for me?" Savi's laughter was laced with bitterness. "You never considered what I want. You just imposed your expectations."

Harini looked on, her expression sympathetic.

Isha Maa stepped forward, her arms open. "Beta, we're sorry. We didn't mean to hurt you."

Savi's anger dissipated, replaced by exhaustion. "Just listen to me, Maa. I want to be a mother. I want to love a child. Why can't that be enough?"

The room fell silent, Savi's words hanging in the air.

Isha Maa's face softened, her eyes filled with compassion. She opened her arms, enveloping Savi in a warm hug.

"Shh, beta. We're sorry. We didn't mean to hurt you," Isha Maa whispered, her voice gentle.

Savi's tears soaked Isha Maa's shoulder as she clung to her, seeking comfort.

After a moment, Isha Maa pulled back, her hands cradling Savi's face.

"Listen, beta. We understand you want to adopt, but marriage is the best option for you. You deserve happiness," Isha Maa said, her voice persuasive.

Savi's eyes widened, frustration rising. "Maa, didn't you just hear me? I want to adopt, not marry."

Isha Maa's expression turned determined. "We'll find someone perfect for you. Someone who'll love and support you."

Savi felt a familiar knot in her stomach. "Maa, stop. Please."

But Isha Maa continued, relentless. "We'll start looking again. We'll find someone—"

Savi's voice rose, desperation creeping in. "Maa, listen to me! I don't want to marry!"

The room fell silent, tension hanging heavy.

Shantanu cleared his throat, his voice calm and authoritative. "Isha, let's listen to Savi. She has a right to make her own decisions."

Isha Maa's eyes narrowed, her expression resistant. "But Shantanu, we know what's best for her."

Shantanu's gaze remained steady. "Do we, Isha? Or are we projecting our own fears and expectations onto Savi?"

Savi's eyes welled up with tears as she met Shantanu's compassionate gaze.

"Thank you, Papa," she whispered.

Shantanu turned to Savi. "Beta, tell us what you truly want. We'll support you."

Savi took a deep breath. "I want to adopt a child. On my own, if need be. I want to give love and provide a stable home."

Isha Maa's face fell, but Shantanu's expression remained supportive.

"Papa, please convince Maa," Savi pleaded.

Shantanu placed a gentle hand on Isha Maa's shoulder. "Isha, our daughter deserves happiness. Let's trust her decisions."

Isha Maa's eyes searched Shantanu's face, her expression softening.

Harini, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Actually, Papa's right. Savi's thought this through. We should support her."

Isha Maa's gaze shifted to Harini, surprise etched on her face. "Harini, beta, you understand the implications?"

Harini nodded. "Yes, Maa. And I think Savi's brave for taking this path. We should be proud of her."

Shantanu smiled, his eyes shining. "That's my Harini – always seeing the bigger picture."

Savi's gratitude toward Harini overflowed. "Thank you, tai."

Isha Maa's expression softened, her voice gentle. "Okay, beta. We'll support you. But promise us one thing."

Savi's eyes locked onto Isha Maa's. "Anything, Maa."

"Promise us you'll reconsider marriage if adopting proves difficult," Isha Maa said.

Savi hesitated before nodding. "I promise, Maa."

......

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