Tara's POV
It's been ten days since Papa left us. Today, Mama, Suhani, Vikram, and I are going to immerse Papa's ashes in the river. This is the last thing we have of him.
As I hold Papa's ashes, I can hear Vikram calling out to me, "Tara, are you ready? Let's go."
I come downstairs, carrying the ashes. Suhani and Mama are with me. Mama, who is trying to be stronger than she feels, for both Suhani and me, hides her sorrow under a façade. But I know, Mama's grief is deeper than anyone's — she has lost her love. My Papa was a driver, but I never remember a day when Mama ever disrespected him. Papa always showed her love and respect.
Yesterday, Mama said, "Now, the most precious things I have are you and Suhani." She said this and began to cry.
"Tara, your eyes... they are just like your Papa's. When you walk, it's as if he is walking with you. You're his perfect copy. And when Suhani laughs, it's as if he's laughing through her too. And the way Suhani speaks, so mature, reminds me of your Papa."
She smiled sadly, "Yes, I've lost him, but he is still with us, in both of you. His presence shines through you."
It's true — when people leave, their belongings remain, but their memories stay forever. Suhani and I will always remind Mama of Papa.
I remember Papa saying, "Do you know why I named you Tara?" I would laugh and ask, "Why, Papa?" and he would say, "Because you came into our lives like a flickering light, filling our lives with nothing but happiness."
Vikram holds my hand gently. "Come on, Tara," he says, his voice soft and caring.
I look at him, my eyes filled with tears, and we begin walking towards the river.
Suhani, Mama, and I are heading to the river to immerse Papa's ashes. Suddenly, Suhani speaks up, "Jiju, please come too. You're family too." Vikram looks at me, his eyes filled with emotion. He shakes his head and softly agrees. Mama, too, says, "Yes, Beta, you're a part of our family. Come, join us."
Together, we immerse the ashes into the water.
I close my eyes, and for a moment, it feels like Papa is right there, with his hand resting on my head. "Why did you leave us, Papa?" I whisper. In my mind, he replies, "I haven't left you. I'm always here, with you, in your hearts."
Tears roll down my cheeks. Just then, I hear Vikram's voice. "Tara... Tara..." I open my eyes, and he tells me, "It's done now."
We sit by the riverbank, saying our final goodbye to Papa. Vikram places his hand over mine, offering silent comfort — showing me, without words, that he's there for me. Suhani is sitting next to Mama, hugging her tightly. Mama says nothing, but her eyes speak volumes — they're filled with tears.
I remember how, for so long, I had thought I wanted a husband just like my Papa. I look at Vikram, and for the first time, I realize, I've found him. The love and care Vikram gives me is just like Papa's. He loves me, respects me, and he's become my light — just like Papa was.
We sit there in silence, a gentle breeze blowing, the river's soft murmurs filling the air. Vikram finally breaks the silence. "Let's go now, Tara."
We get up and start walking back, the four of us.
---
Later that night, after dinner at Suryavanshi Mansion…
Vikram is sleeping beside me. His hand brushes my cheek as he gently asks, "Tara, are you okay?"
I answer softly, "Yeah."
"Do you remember how much we fought?" Vikram asks, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I miss those fights. This silence... I don't like it. I miss the old Tara, the one who would argue with me. You and Suhani are so different. Suhani is so wise, and you... you're still my idiot," he teases, tapping my nose.
I laugh, "Okay, Mr. Suryavanshi, so I'm an idiot, huh?"
Vikram grins and looks at me, saying, "Did you just call me Mr. Suryavanshi? I've been waiting to hear that from you."
I tease him, "Who would say that about you? The cold-hearted Mr. Suryavanshi?"
Vikram replies, "In business, I have to be cold-hearted. Otherwise, things wouldn't work out. But with you, I'm just a husband who loves his wife."
I smile faintly, "That doesn't suit your personality."
Vikram looks at me with a mischievous smile, "When did loving my wife become a part of my personality?"
He pauses for a moment, then asks, "Tara, would you like to go somewhere with me tomorrow?"
I look at him and ask, "Where?"
Vikram says, "You tell me. Anywhere you want. I'll follow you."
He offers to take me to a movie or even to watch my favorite Korean film. I know he's trying to lift my spirits.
"I don't want to go anywhere right now," I reply. "When I'm ready, I'll let you know."
Vikram looks at me, "What about before? Can't you be the way you used to be?"
I softly answer, "I can only be like this because of you. Thank you, Vikram, for being there for me, for Mama and Suhani."
I remember how I once stood before the mirror on our wedding night, sad and hopeless. At that moment, I thought this marriage was a curse. But now, I see it as a blessing.
I blinked back a tear. And then… without thinking, without planning, without hesitation… I leaned forward and kissed him. Just a soft, uncertain press of my lips on his.
For a moment, Vikram didn't move. And then, like he was afraid of breaking me again, he kissed me back. Gently. Tenderly. No hunger. No need. Just love.
When we pulled back, my breathing was uneven. I couldn't believe what I've done. But Vikram just smiled faintly.
He holds me tightly and says, "I love you so much."
"I love you too," I reply softly.
He hugs me again, tighter, and says, "Now, go to sleep. It's late."
Vikram has always shown me that he doesn't just love me — he respects me too. In this moment, I realize that Vikram's love for me isn't just physical. There's something deeper, something that transcends that.
7:00 AM
I wake up. Sleep hasn't been very generous lately. I look to my side and see that Vikram is already awake too. Suhani walks into our room in her school uniform, scolding Vikram playfully to get ready quickly. Their bond has grown into something so natural, so easy, it warms my heart.
"Jiju, again with the white shirt?" Suhani teases.
I can't help but laugh. Vikram glances at me and says, "What is everyone's problem with my white shirts?"
"It's not a problem," Suhani replies. "Just try something different for once."
Vikram plays along. "What's your favorite color, Suhani?"
"Pink!"
"Well, I can't wear a pink shirt," he says, raising an eyebrow.
"Why not? I wear it!" Suhani says, crossing her arms.
Vikram chuckles. "Pick another color, and I'll consider it."
Suhani grins, "Then wear Didi's favorite color—yellow!"
Vikram smiles, "Okay, enough talking. Let's get ready. Time to go to school."
"Only if you tell me what color you're going to wear!" she insists.
Vikram sits down, explaining patiently, "Suhani, imagine me walking into my office in a pink or yellow shirt. Would that look okay?"
"Yes! You'd look handsome!" she says, confidently.
I burst into laughter. I just can't hold it in anymore.
Suhani declares, "Jiju, today you and I are going shopping. We'll get you some colorful shirts!"
Vikram says, "There's no need to go shopping. I have a designer. Tell him what you want, and he'll send them over. You can pick the ones you like for me."
Suhani's eyes go wide. "You have a designer?!"
"Yes," Vikram replies.
Suhani puts a hand on her forehead dramatically, "What kind of useless designer is he? All your shirts are white, your suits and trousers are grey, blue, and black. So much black! You need a new designer, Jiju. This one's doing a terrible job!"
Her words make me laugh so hard that I can't stop. Vikram and Suhani both come over to me.
Vikram asks, "You're laughing, Tara?"
Still laughing, I nod and say, "Suhani is absolutely right."
With full confidence, Suhani declares, "I'm always right."
Mama walks in then. "Suhani, you bother Vikram ji every morning. He still has an hour before school time, but you're already here in his room. And you haven't even had breakfast yet!"
She turns to me and says, "Tara, have breakfast with Suhani and Vikram ji."
"Yes, Mama. I'll freshen up and come."
Then Mama says something unexpected. "Suhani and I will shift back to our house in a day or two."
Vikram's expression changes. "Why, Aunty? Are you uncomfortable here? Please tell me if something's bothering you. I'll fix it."
"No, beta," she says gently. "There's no problem. It's just... that house was built by my husband. His memories live there. I can't abandon it."
Vikram speaks sincerely, "But when you and Suhani are here, even Tara feels better. This house feels like a real home. And without Suhani, I... I won't feel the same."
I look at Mama and say, "Please stay, Maa. Let's stay together."
"No, beta," she replies softly. "I can't stay here forever. That house holds my memories. It's where your father brought me after our wedding."
Suhani jumps in, "Okay, at least stay until my exams are over. Then we can talk."
"Yes," Mama agrees.
Suhani grabs Vikram's hand. "Come on, Jiju. Let's go downstairs and call your designer."
Vikram laughs, "I'll call him home this evening."
"Great!" Suhani beams and they both head downstairs.
Mama comes and sits next to me.
"Beta, Vikram ji is such a good man. I wish your Papa could see how lucky his daughter is. He cares so much for you, for Suhani, and for me. And even Dada ji and Dadi ji treat us like family. Not for one moment have I felt like we were outsiders here... and your Papa was once just their driver."
She gently touches my cheek.
"I can never forget your Papa. Neither can you, nor Suhani. But the three of us have to learn to live again. We knew, for the past four months, that this day was coming. We kept hoping for a miracle, but miracles don't always happen in real life."
Her words sink into me. She continues:
"Vikram ji's love and care... you deserve it. Let him bring the old Tara back. Your Papa wouldn't want to see you like this. He always wanted to see you smiling, shining."
Tears escape my eyes. Mama's eyes are wet too.
"Maa," I whisper, "how hard is it for you, without Papa?"
Her voice trembles. "Not hard. Very hard. Every day, I miss him. His words, his care... Do you know? When you were born, he cried holding you for the first time. Tears of joy. And the moment he cried, you started crying too."
A faint smile touches my lips.
"Move on, beta. For Vikram ji."
She gently kisses my head and adds, "Now come down for breakfast. I'll wait."
She leaves.
She's right. My pain isn't bigger than hers. She lost her life partner. She's alone. But she's trying to live. I need to try too — for Mama, for Suhani, for Vikram.
Maybe Papa's blessing was Vikram. You know someone's truly good when they stand beside you in your worst moments. Vikram didn't just prove he's a good husband; he showed me he's an incredible person. Misunderstood by many because he struggles to express himself emotionally, but his actions speak louder than words.
Look at Suhani, how effortlessly she connects with him. As if they've always shared this bond.
Vikram also needs love, care. He's craved it since childhood, just like I have. The way I need him, maybe he needs me too.
I have to move on. For him.
Papa, you used to say, "Tara, your smile is the most beautiful thing." So, I will smile for you, Papa.
Whatever time I had with you was the best part of my life. You were the best father anyone could have. I love you, and I always will.
A single tear falls from my eye. I close my eyes and remember every happy moment with Papa. Those simple, joyful days with Suhani and Mama.
Then I open my eyes.
The door creaks open. Vikram walks in.
"Were you crying, Tara?"
"Just a little."
He steps forward, gently says, "I'm heading to the office now. Please have breakfast, okay? I told the staff to bring it up for you. First, I'll drop Suhani, then head to work."
He leans down and kisses my forehead.
As he turns to leave, I grab his hand.
"Vikram?"
He looks at me, concerned. "What happened, Tara?"
I look into his eyes and say, "I love you, Vikram."
He sits beside me, wraps his arms around me in a warm hug.
"I love you too," he whispers.
And then, he leaves.