The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across the living room as the front door creaked open. Sharda stepped inside, her face etched with fatigue from the overnight train journey. She set her suitcase down with a loud thud, her gaze sweeping over the room. The house was silent—too silent, she noted with a frown.

"Arrey, koi hai yahaan?" she called out, her voice sharp with irritation. "Main station se akeli aa rahi hoon, aur ghar mein kisi ko meri padi hi nahi?"

From the kitchen, Mahika's heart skipped a beat at the sound of Sharda's voice. Hastily, she dried her hands on a dish towel and rushed to the living room. Gautam emerged from the bedroom, still groggy and rubbing his eyes.

"Maa, aap aa gayi!" Mahika exclaimed, with a smile as she approached Sharda. "Hum dono ko pata hi nahi chala ki aap kab aa gayin."

Gautam stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. "Maa, main aapko pick karne aata, lekin aapne kaha tha ki subah tak pahunchna hai. Shayad gaadi jaldi aa gai"

Sharda's gaze flicked between her son and daughter-in-law, her eyes narrowing. "Haan, haan, kaun aayega station jab ghar mein party chal rahi ho? Mere aane ki zaroorat kisko hai?"

Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she turned to inspect the living room. Her eyes fell on the remnants of the previous night's decorations—balloons still floating near the ceiling, a half-finished cake on the dining table, and a banner reading 'Happy Birthday Mahika' pinned across the wall.

"Aur yeh kya, Mahika?" Sharda's voice turned cold. "Bada maza aaya hoga, hai na? Par tumhe yeh yaad nahi raha ki tumhari saas aaj subah laut rahi thi. Tumhare liye yeh sab zyada zaroori hai?"

Mahika's smile faltered. "Maa, bas chhoti si party thi... Vo—"

Sharda cut her off, her tone biting. "Tumhare liye apna janmadin zyada zaroori hai, lekin apni saas ko station se lene jaana? Woh kaun karega?"

Gautam opened his mouth to intervene, but Sharda wasn't done. She walked over to the table, picking up a balloon between her fingers and letting it drop to the floor. "Tumhe yeh sab karne ka samay hai, par apni zimmedaari ka dhyaan nahi hai.."

Mahika felt a knot tighten in her stomach, guilt clawing at her insides. "Maa, aisa mat kahiye... main sach mein aapko lene jaati agar—"

Sharda turned to face her, eyes blazing with unspoken expectations. "Jaati, lekin gayi nahi, hai na? Kyunki tumhe apna janmadin manane se fursat milti toh sochti. Lekin tumse toh yeh bhi apeksha nahi karni chahiye. Aakhir, tumne ab tak iss ghar mein kaun si zimmedaari nibhaayi hai?"

Mahika swallowed, feeling a sting in her eyes, but she blinked back the tears.

Gautam placed a hand on his mother's shoulder, his voice gentle but firm. "Maa, please. Mahika bhi humare parivar ka ahem hissa hai. Humne uska janmdin kya manaya aap toh..."

Sharda shrugged off his hand, her eyes not leaving Mahika's face. "Agar itni hi ahmiyat hai toh phir meri koi zaroorat nahi yahan. Main chali jaati hoon waapas apne gaon."

Mahika's heart sank at Sharda's words, the guilt now almost unbearable. "Maa, please aisa mat kahiye... Main bas aapko khush dekhna chahti hoon."

Sharda let out a long sigh, her expression softening slightly but still laced with disappointment. "Mujhe khush dekhna chahti ho? Toh apne kartavya pehle samjho, Mahika. Ghar ko waaris toh dene se rahi aur..."

There was a heavy silence in the room, the tension thick and suffocating. Mahika lowered her head, feeling the weight of Sharda's words pressing down on her. Gautam looked between the two women, unsure how to ease the situation.

Om stood in the doorway, his eyes taking in the tense scene unfolding before him. He had heard every word of Sharda's harsh reprimand and felt a pang of discomfort. It was no secret that his mother's behaviour towards Mahika had been far from kind, especially in recent years. Om was well aware of the history that had led to this bitter dynamic, and he felt a surge of anger at the injustice of it all.

As he started to step forward, intending to intervene and perhaps talk some sense into his mother, he noticed Mahika subtly shaking her head. It was a silent plea for him to hold back, to avoid making the situation worse. Mahika, accustomed to Sharda's taunts, knew from experience that engaging in a confrontation would only escalate the tension. She had endured years of similar treatment, which had begun after her struggle with infertility became apparent.

Om paused, frustration mounting within him. He understood the root of Sharda's bitterness—a yearning for a grandchild, a dream unfulfilled, and the sorrow of watching her son's pain over the years. Despite Sharda's once affectionate demeanor, the absence of a grandchild had strained their relationship. Mahika knew that Gautam, too, silently yearned for a child, even if he never voiced his pain. The void in their life was palpable, a shadow that loomed over their marriage.

Mahika's gentle but firm gesture was a plea for peace, and Om, ever respectful of his sister-in-law's wishes, took a deep breath and nodded. He decided to channel his frustration elsewhere and moved towards Sharda's bag, which was still lying open on the floor.

"Omi, kya kar raha hai tu? Kya chahiye tujhe?" Sharda's voice cut through the room, a mix of irritation and curiosity as she watched her younger son rummage through her belongings.

"Maa, kahan hai vo?" Om asked, his voice tinged with a hint of mischief as he sifted through the items in her bag. His movements were methodical, though no one could quite discern what he was looking for. Clothes and personal items were scattered around, creating a small mess.

"Omi, tu kya dhundh raha hai? Uff, teerath se aayi hoon aur tune sara saaman bikher diya. Shiv Shiv Shiv Shiv!! Omi, bol na, kya chahiye tujhe?" Sharda's frustration was palpable, her eyes following Om's frantic search.

Om finally pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box from the depths of the bag. His face lit up with a victorious smile as he held it aloft. "Mil hi gaya!" he declared cheerfully.

Sharda's expression softened slightly, though she still wore a look of exasperation. "Omi, tujhe ye chahiye tha toh tu mujhe bolta na. Ye kya kiya tune, saara saaman bikher diya," she complained, holding her head as if the chaos was giving her a headache.

"Maa, lekin ismein hai kya?" Gautam asked, curiosity getting the better of him as he approached.Sharda eyed Gautam and replied, "Yeh prasad hai Gautam"

Om, still savoring the peda, grinned mischievously as he continued to take small bites, thoroughly enjoying the sweet treat. "Haan, Maa ne mujhe promise kiya tha, Mathura ke famous pede ka prasad laayengi mere liye," he declared, his words slightly muffled by the peda in his mouth.

The tension in the room began to dissipate as the three of them exchanged amused glances. Mahika, Gautam, and even Sharda couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of the situation. The serious atmosphere was momentarily lifted by the simple revelation of sweets, a small but welcome distraction from the underlying tensions.

Mahika, still smiling, felt a flicker of relief as the family's laughter softened the earlier discord.

For a brief moment, the weight of expectations and unspoken sorrows seemed a little lighter, replaced by the warm, comforting presence of shared laughter.

Sharda, who had been watching him with a small smile, suddenly reached out and took the box from his hand. Om's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth falling open. "Lekin Maa..."

"Haan, lekin ye prasad sirf tera nahi hai," Sharda said firmly, though her tone was laced with affection. She turned and held out a peda to Gautam. "Gautam," she called softly.

Gautam stepped forward, taking the peda from her hand with a smile. He then bent down and touched her feet, a gesture of respect that she acknowledged with a gentle blessing. "Khush raho," she murmured.

Next, she turned to Mahika, who had been standing quietly, observing the scene with a mix of emotions. Sharda's gaze softened as she offered her a peda. "Lo bahu," she said, her voice warm and forgiving.

Mahika's heart swelled with relief and gratitude. She accepted the prasad with a smile, touched Sharda's feet, and received the blessing she had longed for. "Khush raho," Sharda repeated, her voice steadier now. "Main toh Bal Gopal se yahi prarthana karke aai hoon ki jald se jald teri godh bhar dein, aage Hari iccha."

Mahika's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her smile unwavering as she nodded. Sharda's words were a balm to the hurt she had endured, a sign that the tension between them had finally eased. Gautam, noticing the shift, gestured towards her, and Mahika understood. She nodded back, indicating she would soon bring tea.

"Maa, tum thak kar aayi ho, kamre mein chali jao," Gautam suggested gently.

"Haan beta, thakaan bhi hai aur zara snaan dhyaan bhi kar lun," Sharda agreed, rising to her feet. She gave her son a tired smile before making her way towards her room.

As Sharda disappeared down the hallway, Gautam turned to Om, who was happily munching on his peda, looking every bit like a child enjoying a rare treat. Gautam couldn't help but grin as he playfully nudged Om on the head. "Aur hello hero, ye saaman aapne failaaya hai, uthaiye isay aur Maa ke kamre mein rakhiye."

"Haan haan, abhi rakhta hoon," Om responded with a chuckle, scooping up the scattered luggage. As he began to tidy up, he caught Mahika's eye. She mouthed a silent thank you to him, her expression filled with gratitude. It was his light-hearted intervention that had softened Sharda's mood, leading to the unexpected moment of reconciliation.

Om smiled back at her, understanding the unspoken appreciation, and then carried the luggage to Sharda's room, whistling a happy tune as he went. The atmosphere in the house, once tense and heavy, now felt lighter, buoyed by the simple acts of kindness and the warmth of familial bonds.

A while later, Mahika made her way to Sharda's room with a tray of steaming tea. The aroma of freshly brewed chai filled the air as she approached the slightly ajar door. She gently pushed it open and was met with an unexpected sight that made her pause in her tracks.

Om, ever the playful child at heart, had his head nestled in Sharda's lap, his eyes closed in contentment as his mother's fingers worked soothingly through his hair. Sharda, her face softened with a tender smile, applied oil to his scalp, giving him a gentle head massage. The scene was so peaceful and intimate that Mahika felt a pang of warmth in her chest.

Before she could say anything, Gautam walked in behind her and stopped short at the sight. His surprise quickly turned into a playful grin as he took in the scene.

"Maa, ye kya hai? Tum abhi abhi aayi ho, aur iski bajaye ki ye tumhare pair dabaye, ye tumse champi karwa raha hai?" Gautam teased, his tone light and affectionate.

Mahika, still holding the tray, couldn't help but join in. "Om, utho... ye sab kya hai?" she said, her voice gently scolding.

Sharda looked up at her two older children and chuckled. "Offo! Tum dono toh iske piche hi pad gaye. Bechara mera bachha, kitne dino se maa se door tha," she said, pulling Om's cheek affectionately before returning to massaging his head.

"Maa, tumhari wajah se hi ye itna bada hokar bhi bachha bana hua hai. Tumne aur Mahika ne hi sar par chadha rakha hai isay," Gautam complained, though his words were more playful than serious.

"Haan, aur tum jaise kuch karte hi nahi, ek bhi zimmedari iske sar pe nahi daali ab tak, tabhi toh itne nakhre hain laad sahab ke," Mahika added with a teasing smile as she lightly tapped Om's cheek.

Om, enjoying every bit of the attention, grinned up at them. "Aap dono jalo mat," he quipped playfully, then grabbed his mother's hand and placed it back on his head, urging her to continue.

"Hato Omi, Maa ko chai peene do," Mahika said with a laugh, nudging him to sit up. Om reluctantly moved aside, allowing Gautam to step forward and offer Sharda a cup of tea. Mahika, ever the caring daughter-in-law, knelt by Sharda's feet and began to gently press her legs.

Sharda took a sip of the tea, her eyes closing in satisfaction. "Ahaaha!! Jadu hai tere hath mein, bahu," she murmured, a contented smile spreading across her face.

Gautam and Om exchanged a knowing glance, both amused and touched by the scene. After a while, as the conversation flowed between the three of them, Sharda began to feel the weight of her journey. She insisted that she needed some rest, and with that, the two brothers left the room quietly, leaving Sharda to her much-needed sleep.

Mahika continued to press Sharda's legs, her hands moving with gentle precision, soothing the older woman into a state of deep relaxation. Sharda's breathing began to slow, her eyelids fluttering as she drifted into a half-sleep. The room was quiet, the only sound being the soft rustling of the curtains as a breeze drifted in through the open window.

Sharda was on the brink of sleep when Mahika's phone buzzed on the side table. Startled, Mahika quickly reached for it, careful not to disturb Sharda's rest. She glanced at the screen and saw Swasti's name flashing. With a quick glance at her mother-in-law, who remained in her semi-conscious state, Mahika slipped to the side of the room to take the call.

"Haan, Swasti!" she whispered excitedly into the phone, trying to keep her voice low. "Kya bol rahi hai tu?... Achha?"

There was a pause as Mahika listened to the news on the other end of the line, and her face lit up with a radiant smile. The joy was unmistakable; it spread across her features, brightening her eyes.

But Mahika's joy was tempered with caution. She knew well that Sharda had always harbored a certain resentment whenever she spoke to her sister. Conversations with Swasti were something Sharda barely tolerated, and this—this particular piece of news—was definitely not something Sharda would appreciate. Mahika's smile faltered for just a second as she considered how to navigate the delicate situation.

She turned slightly, her back to Sharda, as if trying to shield her excitement from being detected. Despite her attempt to keep things quiet, the brightness in her voice couldn't be entirely masked. "Swasti, yeh toh bahut acchi baat hai!" she whispered, her tone full of warmth and happiness.

However, in the stillness of the room, even Mahika's hushed words seemed to echo slightly. Sharda, in her drowsy state, shifted slightly on the bed, her eyes fluttering open for a moment. She didn't speak, but there was a subtle tension in the air. Mahika felt it instantly, her heart sinking a little, knowing that the mere mention of Swasti was enough to disrupt the fragile peace in the room.

She quickly brought the conversation to a close, her excitement now carefully tucked away. "Thik hai, baad mein baat karti hoon," she said softly, ending the call.

Mahika turned back to Sharda, who had already closed her eyes again, though the slight furrow in her brow suggested she hadn't entirely missed the interaction. Mahika returned to her task, resuming the gentle massage of Sharda's legs, but her mind was now racing, juggling the joy of Swasti's news with the apprehension of how Sharda might react if she found out.

For now, she chose to keep the moment to herself, savouring the happiness it brought her while silently praying that Sharda would stay blissfully unaware, at least for the time being.