Page 45 of Since You Came Along

Meera wondered if she’d ever leave such a mark? Or would she always be in someone else’s shadow, a substitute for what they’d lost?

Sighing, she stood up, brushing off the melancholy thoughts. She decided to take her own advice and focus on the little steps forward.

Chapter 17

Meera yawned as she unlocked the front door. It had rained all night, and the temperature had dropped. The marble floor felt icy against her feet, making her shiver.

The sight in the living room made her laugh. She set her bags down on the couch and pulled out her phone. She moved closer to capture the moment.

Raghav lay sprawled on a black bean bag, fast asleep. Abhay sat slumped beside him, his head resting on Raghav’s knees. Luv was stretched out on the rug near the TV, his face pressed into the carpet. Swayam was snoring on the couch, looking the most comfortable.

The mess in the room suggested they must have played until the early hours. The TV was still on, its faint glow flickering across the room. Empty pizza boxes, takeaway containers, and beer bottles littered the space. For once, she was thankful for the rule they’d set about cleaning up their own messes.

Tiptoeing to the bedroom, she returned moments later with pillows and blankets. She started with Raghav, placing a pillow under his head. She draped a blanket over him, pausing for a second before leaning down to kiss his cheek.

Carefully, she slid a pillow under Abhay. She tucked a blanket over Swayam and covered Luv with another.

She showered quickly. Minutes later, the aroma of brewing tea filled the kitchen as she dialled a number on her phone.

On the third ring, her father-in-law said, ‘Hello, Meera.’

She had grown fond of her father-in-law. In his mid-fifties, he was tall, laid-back, and affectionate. He had a perpetual smile and a knack for making her feel at home.

‘Good morning, Dad,’ she replied cheerfully.

‘Good morning. How’s everything?’

‘All good. How are you and Mumma?’

‘Everything’s not good here,’ he said, his voice tinged with mock sorrow.

Meera frowned, worried. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘The milk didn’t arrive today,’ he said, sounding dejected.

Meera let out a relieved sigh and almost laughed. ‘So no morning tea, huh?’

‘Exactly! It’s a disaster,’ he said. Then asked, ‘How’s my son doing?’

Meera chuckled. ‘He’s doing well.’

‘And how’s the spoiled lord?’ he asked, a playful annoyance in his tone.

She could hear her mother-in-law laughing in the background. ‘He’s okay too.’

They chatted about small things for a while before she promised to remind Raghav to call them soon.

Next, she rang her mother.

‘Good morning, my doll. How are you?’ Damini greeted her.

‘I’m great, Mom. How are you?’

‘We’re wonderful! Guess what? We’re going on that trip your father promised me,’ Damini said, excitement clear in her voice.

‘That’s amazing! Where to? And when?’

‘Maldives! Next month,’ she replied.

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