chapter 41

Nirmala came over and sat beside her, her presence warm and comforting. She reached out, gently taking Riya’s hand in hers.“Sometimes, Riya, the hardest part is not the decision itself, but the fear of what could happen if we step out of our comfort zone. You’ve built this place with your own hands, with your sweat and tears. I know how much it means to you. But sometimes, it’s not about losing what you have; it’s about allowing it to grow.”Riya’s throat tightened, and she felt a wave of emotion rush over her. “But I’ve never let anyone help me with it before. I’ve always done everything myself, from the baking to managing the finances. And I’ve kept it small—safe. I’m afraid if I open myself up to someone else, it won’t be my café anymore.”Nirmala squeezed her hand, her voice soft but firm. “I understand your fear, beta. But think about Milli. Think about the future you want to build for her. You’ve worked so hard to give her everything she needs. You’ve done it alone, and you’ve done it well. But maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let someone help you create a future where both of you can thrive.”Riya closed her eyes, the weight of her mother-in-law’s words sinking deep into her heart. She had never considered that before—the possibility that she could build something more than just survival. Could she take a chance on a new future? Could she open herself to trust again?“Do you think I should do this, Mummy? Should I really take that leap? Or is it too risky?”Nirmala’s gaze softened, and she placed her hand on Riya’s cheek, the touch tender but full of strength. “Riya, beta, there’s no easy answer. Life doesn’t come with guarantees. But I’ve seen you struggle, and I’ve seen you rise, time and time again. You’re stronger than you think. And sometimes, it’s okay to take a step into the unknown. You won’t be alone. You have me, and you have Milli. And Aditya, too, if you choose to trust him. You don’t have to carry this weight alone anymore.”Riya blinked back the tears that suddenly threatened to spill. She had never realized just how much she had been carrying, how much of herself she had buried under the weight of her responsibilities. Perhaps it was time to stop living in the shadow of fear and take a chance on a future she could shape, not just for herself, but for Milli as well.“I’ll think about it, Mummy. But I want to make sure I’m doing the right thing. I want to make sure that if I do this, it’s because I’m ready, not because I’m afraid.”Nirmala smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from Riya’s face. “There’s no perfect moment, Riya. But the right moment is always the one where you choose to take the step forward. You’ve always been strong, even when you didn’t feel like it. Don’t forget that.”Riya looked into Nirmala’s eyes, her heart swelling with gratitude. This woman had been her anchor through the hardest of times, and now, she was offering her something more precious than advice—she was offering her the courage to believe in herself again.“I’ll talk to Aditya,” Riya said softly, a sense of resolve starting to settle in her chest. “I’ll listen to him. And I’ll make the decision with my heart, not my fear.”Nirmala nodded, her smile warm and reassuring. “That’s all I want, beta. For you to believe in yourself again. You deserve to live a life that’s not just about surviving, but thriving.”As Riya stood up, a sense of clarity washed over her. The fear was still there, lurking in the corners of her mind, but for the first time in a long time, she felt ready to face it. She had always been her own strength, but now, she realized that maybe—just maybe—there was room for a little help, a little trust, and a whole new chapter waiting to unfold.With a deep breath, she made her decision. The future was uncertain, but she was ready to embrace it, step by step.