Author's Note:
An idea I've been tossing around in my head since Vrinda was introduced. Merely a peek in her mind as she embarks on scattered, but overall bitter thoughts. And no I'm not providing excuses for her behaviour. Just trying to work out what makes her tick.😛
Reviews will be met with lots of love and the generous handing out of cyber cookies. Now how can you refuse that?😉😆
Vrinda allowed herself a heavy sigh, leaning back against the seat of her wheelchair as she watched Sagar and Akshay chasing each other in the gardens below. She could hear their laughter from her room and the sight of her son, happy and healthy, allowed her mouth to curve upwards.
But her smile faltered as she spied Simran, sporting a forlorn expression and clutching a sheaf of papers that were unmistakably the consent forms that had arrived earlier today. Consent forms for the International Dance Competition.
Vrinda had balked at the sight of them; "Meri bethi ekh mamuli si nachle wali nahin baneghi. Suna thumna Aradhana!" But Simran had just smiled and assured her that she would not be participating. It had soothed Vrinda's anger, but the sadness in her daughters' eyes was unmistakeable.
Vrinda ground her teeth in frustration. Why couldn't Simran understand that she was her mother, and wanted the best for her? When had she become the enemy? The answer arrived at the sight of Aradhana, the beloved daughter of the family, who moved towards Simran with an assurance that made Vrinda's blood boil.
It was Aradhana. The cause of her problems was sitting mere metres from her and filling her daughters ears with fake comfort and no doubt turning Simran against her own mother. And there was nothing Vrinda could do about it but sit here and watch helplessly.
Her shoulders slumped. It was the wheelchair, confining her to a life of pain and helplessness that prevented Vrinda from reaching out and providing her children with what they needed. And Aradhana had taken full advantage of that.
The rest of the family openly displayed their irritancy at Vrinda's accusations but she held on to her convictions. Aradhana and Shaelindra were praised whilst her and Bharat where conveniently brushed to the side – the embarrassment of the family that needn't be displayed in front of society.
Vrinda was a burden whilst Aradhana was the homemakers; handling the family, house and responsibilities with such efficiency that Maa-ji's friends lavished praise on her. But it was all a farce; Vrinda knew that no women would be sacrificing enough to forego her own children in order to bring up someone else's. After all, hadn't she overheard Aradhana's pleading with Shaelindra?
Apparently the maharani wanted her own children now. No doubt her real aim was to become mahaan in front of the family by loudly declaring what she had given up over the years. Even for Aradhana that was a low.
She had no doubts that once Papa-ji passed away, Aradhana and Shaelindra would swoop down and lay claim to the family business and house; forcing her and her children on to the streets. She had lived ten years of her life in vehemence and regret but would never allow her children to suffer because of Bharat's blind trust.
Vrinda clenched her jaw and sat straight as she saw Simran smiling fondly at her aunt as they embraced. She gripped the wheels of her chair and made her way to the door.
She would protect her family, because she cared for them. Even if there was no one to care for her.
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