Page 78 of Shattered

“Not burden me?” Aunty’s voice trembles. “Don’t you see me as your mom, as someone you can come running to with your problems?” I close my eyes tightly, feelingawful. “Actually, don’t bother answering that. You’ve certainly proven that I don’t mean anything to you, that I am just a caretaker in this house.” My eyes snap open at her words, making my heart ache even more as I see the tears glistening in her eyes.

“Aunty, please don’t say that,” I plead, my voice cracking. “Youaremy mom,and that’s a truth I hold close to my heart.You’ve been my rock, my everything.” I squeeze her hands tightly. “I swear, I was just worried that it would be too much for you to handle, and maybe I was more scared of disappointing you,” I confess quietly.

Tears slip down Aunty’s wrinkled cheeks. “It would never be too much. You’re my family, Kavya, my daughter in every way that matters. I want to be there for you at every step, through the good and the bad. I may be old, but I am strong enough to handle both. The only thing I can’t take is you hiding things from me. It hurts to know that you felt you couldn’t trust me with something so important.”

I reach up and gently wipe away Aunty’s tears. “Aunty, I trust you completely, with all my heart. I know I was foolish and made a mistake by letting fear dictate my actions. I am sorry. I should have confided in you from the start—I regret not doing so. And believe me, even when I kept things from you, I always regretted it,” I whisper, feeling my throat tighten.

“I still wish you had come to me sooner,” she says softly.

“I know,” I nod, then give her a small smile. “And I also know you won’t stay mad at me for long and will forgive me.”

Aunty sighs, her expression softening.“That’s true, you and Nisha are the only family I have. I can’t imagine ever being away from either of you, no matter how much you drive me insane,” Aunty mutters softly, making me giggle at her last sentence. She then pulls me close to her side.I feel her soft lips press a gentle kiss on top of my head. “Just promise me you won’t shut me out again.”

“I promise, Aunty,” I murmur, nodding as I wrap my arms around her waist. Another wave of guilt hits me for making this promise, knowing that I am still keeping Nisha’s accident and what’s happening a secret from her. But I try to reassure myself that it’s the one and only thing I am keeping from Aunty. I tell myself it’s for the best, as this news would devastate her, and at her age, she might not be able to handle it. Pushing aside the guilt, I whisper, “Aunty, I need you now more than ever.”

“I am here, always,”she says, her voice warm and comforting.

I nod tearfully. “I love you, Aunty.”

“I love you too, baby.” She hugs me tighter.

Closing my eyes, I soak in her warmth, feeling relieved and relaxed. We sit in silence for what feels like a long time, until eventually she breaks it.

“Please tell me that you are planning to get married before the baby arrives,” she murmurs with concern. “I know it mightseem a bit traditional to you guys, but it’s important to me that you do things in the right order for the baby’s sake.”

I lift my head and look at her. “I understand it’s important to you, and it is to me as well, Aunty. I wouldn’t dare to upset you more than I already have. Reyansh’s parents will be here tomorrow to talk to you about the wedding,” I say, feeling my cheeks flush.

“Oh, I can’t believe I’ll finally get to plan your wedding. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long,” Aunty chimes gleefully, clapping her hands. I then see mischief twinkling in her eyes as she adds, “But let me warn you, I am not letting Reyansh off the hook that easily. He’s in for a hard time.”

I tilt my head. “Now, you’re being a little devil, Aunty.”

She shrugs innocently. “Well, he asked for it.”

“I’ll make sure he knows he’s in for a thorough interrogation.”

“You do that,” she says, then places her hands on my stomach. “I know this isn’t how I was expecting to hear the news, but I am really happy for you.”

I blink back my tears and whisper. “Thank you, Aunty.”

Aunty leans in and gently cups my cheeks, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. “I need to go to the temple this very moment and seek blessings for you and the child,” she says softly.

I frown slightly as I look at her. “Aunty, it’s late at night. You can go in the morning.”

She shakes her head. “I won’t be at peace until I’ve done this.” I start to argue, but she cuts me off. “Now that you’re pregnant and soon going to be a mom, you’ll understand that when it comes to anything related your child, you act immediately without considering the time or anything else.”

“I understand, Aunty,” I concede softly. “I won’t stop you, but please come back soon.”

“I will. It’s just a five-minute walk,” she grins, rising to her feet before heading out the door.

I continue to sit there for a few minutes, reflecting on how well it went. Just as Reyansh predicted, Aunty accepted our relationship with a happy heart. Smiling to myself, I rise to my feet and head to my room, eager to call Reyansh and share the good news.

As I am about to climb the stairs, I hear a faint sound coming from Nisha’s room. I pause, listening carefully. At first, I think I might be imagining it, but the sound persists. Adrenaline and fear flood my system, and my heart beats heavily in my chest. With trembling legs, I turn and cautiously approach Nisha’s room. My hands shake as I push the door open.

It takes a second for my brain to register what I am seeing. My hand flies to my mouth in shock as happiness overtakes my fear when I see Nisha stirring on the bed. Tears fall freely from my eyes as I rush toward her.

Dropping to my knees beside her, I take her hand. Her fingers twitch slightly, and I am overwhelmed with emotion as I gently kiss all over her hand. “You’re awake! Oh my God, I’ve missed you so much! Oh God, Nisha. You’re really awake!”

I see her breathing unevenly, her eyelids fluttering as she turns her head slightly, her eyes locking onto mine. “Di... I... ahhhhh…” Her voice trembles, weak and fragile.

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