Page 33 of Since You Came Along

A heavy silence settled between them before Kusha voiced what was on her mind. ‘You won’t be able to replace Veronica. I won’t let that happen. They won’t either.’

For a moment, Meera stared, trying to process the accusation. ‘Why do you think I would want to replace her?’ she asked.

Kusha narrowed her eyes. ‘Your actions make it seem that way. You cook for them all the time, help them with their work, and invite them over all the time. Luv has practically been living here.’

Meera blinked, the words sinking in, heavy and unshakable. Is this really how Kusha perceived her efforts? Is this what the others thought as well?Did Raghav think the same?

While Meera was asking herself these questions, Kusha continued, ‘He will never love you, not the way he loved Veronica. You can never take her place. And you certainly cannot buy their affections by doing all this.’

Meera decided to make some things clear to her. ‘Kusha,’ she began, ‘I’m not trying to replace anyone. From what Raghav has told me about Veronica, she was an amazing person. I respect that, and I respect her memory.’

Her expression remained impassive, so Meera continued, ‘I’m my own person, and I have my place in Raghav’s life, just as he has his place in mine. I don’t feel like I owe you any other explanation.’

Kusha said nothing, but her silence spoke volumes. Meera took a step closer, her voice softening as she added, ‘Yes, I cook for them, help them, and invite them over. I do it because I care about them. They’re part of my family now, and I want them to feel at home here. That’s all there is to it.’

Kusha looked away, her guarded exterior cracking just enough for Meera to see the pain beneath and she tried to reassure her. ‘Veronica will always have her place in their hearts. I’m not trying to change that, I promise.’

With that, Meera walked past Kusha, leaving her standing in the doorway, lost in thought.

Swayam had to drop Luv and Kusha off, so they left. The night had settled into a deep, quiet calm by the time Meera went to make herself some hot chocolate. Exhaustion had caught up with Raghav long before, and he was already fast asleep.

Meera smiled to herself, recalling how attentive Raghav had been earlier. He had asked Meera multiple times if she was fine after listening to such loud music.

She was rinsing out her cup when Abhay walked into the kitchen. His footsteps were light, almost hesitant. He opened the fridge, poured himself a glass of milk, and slid onto a table at the counter.

Meera glanced at him and asked, ‘Something on your mind?’

He nodded, sipping his milk. Once the glass was empty, he set it down with a soft clink and leaned forward, rubbing his palms together.

‘I’m sorry on behalf of Kusha. She was out of line,’ he said, sincerely.

‘How did you know?’ she asked, surprised. She hadn’t realised he had overheard their conversation.

Abhay shrugged. ‘Luv saw her heading toward your room. He asked me to remind her they’d be leaving soon. I heard everything.’

‘Oh, it’s okay.’ Meera said, her fingers fidgeting with her wedding ring.

Abhay sighed, running a hand over the back of his neck. ‘I thought that maybe if I told you a little bit about Kusha, it might help you understand her. She’s… complicated, but there’s a reason behind it.’

Meera nodded, gesturing for him to go on.

‘Luv and Kusha joined our school halfway through fifth standard,’ Abhay began. ‘Even back then, Luv was the same charming guy he is today. But Kusha… she was shy, quiet, and she struggled to fit in. One day, Veronica caught some seniors picking on her.’

He continued, ‘She stood up for her and helped her handle those bullies. After that, they became inseparable.’

Meera felt a pang of sympathy for Kusha. Veronica had been a lifeline for her, and losing someone like that would leave a void that nothing could fill.

His tone grew heavier as he added, ‘When Raghav and Veronica started dating, Kusha was over the moon. Losing Veronica hit her hard. Almost as hard as it hit him.’

Meera stayed quiet, letting his words sink in. Abhay leaned back in his seat and said, ‘Today was the first time Kusha saw all of us with you and your friends. More importantly, it was the first time she saw you and Raghav together. It’s going to take her time to adjust to that.’

When Meera said nothing, Abhay quickly added, ‘Meera, I’m not trying to defend her. She shouldn’t have spoken to you that way, and I’ll talk to her about it. I think she’s worried that we’ll all move on and forget Veronica, but none of us can ever forget her.’

It was clear to Meera that they loved Veronica, and her heart ached for the pain they had gone through.

‘I understand,’ Meera assured him. She meant it. But there was something she needed to ask. ‘Do you also think I’m trying to take Veronica’s place?’

Abhay shook his head before she even finished speaking. ‘No, not at all. We are a family now, and it would be incomplete without you.’

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