Chapter 19

Meena led Lakshmi to her house, which was just a short walk from the railway station. The town was a far cry from the bustling city where Lakshmi had worked. There were no towering skyscrapers, no chaotic traffic, and no pollution. Instead, the town boasted charming old buildings that seemed to have been standing for centuries. Lakshmi gazed around, taking in the quaint scenery, but her troubled mind couldn't fully appreciate the beauty.

As they walked through the narrow streets, they entered a densely populated slum area. People sat outside their homes, chatting and watching the world go by. Lakshmi's presence drew curious glances and frowns from the locals. Meena was stopped by a woman who asked, "Who's this?" Meena replied, "She's my relative. Her husband is in the military, and she has no parents. She'll be staying with me." Meena answered, continuing to walk. The woman raised an eyebrow, skeptical of Meena's explanation.

"Really? But you said you have no one."

"How can a person be without anyone? Am I supposed to fall from the sky without parents?" Meena replied, a little sharply. "She's my mother's side relative. Even though we haven't been in touch, I still have relatives in the village."

The woman muttered to herself, "It's strange you have sudden relations," and walked away, carrying her plastic water pot.

After a few more steps, they reached a small house with a cement-sheet roof. Meena opened the door and said, "Come in, dear." Lakshmi stepped inside slowly, taking in her surroundings. Meena called out, "Rashi, it's getting late. Go get ready for school. Lakshmi, come sit here." She spread a mat on the floor for Lakshmi to sit on.

"Amma, I don't want to go to school today. Akka will feel lonely. Just today, I'll stay with her," Rashi pleaded. She had grown very fond of Lakshmi, and after hearing her story, she felt deeply connected to her. She wanted to comfort Lakshmi, who had been crying.

Meena looked at Rashi and nodded. "Alright, don't torture her with your nonstop begging," she said, smiling a little, before heading into the kitchen.

She returned a moment later with a glass of tea and handed it to Lakshmi. Lakshmi, who had been starving since the previous day, didn't hesitate. She took the glass and began drinking.

Then Meena asked, "Lakshmi, go freshen up. I'll make something for you to eat. You need to take your tablets, right?"

"No, I haven't taken any tablets. I didn't see the doctor yet," Lakshmi replied softly.

Meena looked at her with pity. "Okay, don't worry. We'll go to the doctor and get you the medicine. You just rest for now." She gently caressed Lakshmi's head, her heart aching.

Looking at Lakshmi, Meena couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. It was as though she was seeing her younger self in Lakshmi. When her husband died, she had been alone too. Relatives had abandoned her shortly after, and her mother had passed away just a few years later, leaving Meena to care for Rashi on her own. But Lakshmi's situation was even worse. At least Meena had her mother for a while. Lakshmi, on the other hand, had no one. Poor girl, why is life so cruel to her? Why does she have to suffer this much? Meena thought to herself.

She went inside and returned with a few sarees, handing them to Lakshmi. "For now, wear these. I think the blouse will fit you. If not, I can alter it for you," she said, pointing to the sewing machine.

Meena is a tailor and also works as a maid in people's homes, washing dishes and clothes. In her spare time, she does tailoring, stitching dresses and blouses exceptionally well. Everyone in the area brings their clothes only to Meena for stitching, alterations and repairs.

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Lakshmi was lying on the bed as the doctor performed a scan. The doctor pointed to a small, sack-like shape on the screen and said, "I've found the heartbeat." Lakshmi's own heart raced as she saw the image on the monitor, confirming that she was pregnant. Tears began to flow from her eyes, even though she couldn't understand exactly why she was crying-was it happiness or fear? She didn't know.

After the check-up, the doctor prescribed medications and gave her some instructions. She also scheduled the next appointment. Lakshmi left the doctor's office and stepped outside. Meena and Rashi were waiting for her. Rashi, eager to learn about the baby, quickly approached Lakshmi, grabbing her hands and excitedly asking about it.

But Lakshmi, her eyes still red from crying, looked at her with a forced smile. Then, her emotions spilled over. She began to sob, saying, "I'm scared. What am I going to do alone? How will I survive in this cruel world with my child? What if the baby is a girl? What if I die bringing her into this world? What if people use her the way he used me? I'm scared. I don't want this life..."

The others standing around looked at her with pity. Meena, sensing the depth of Lakshmi's distress, glanced around, took her hand, and gently guided her out of the ward. She led her to a bench outside and sat beside her. Rashi, visibly upset, watched helplessly.

Meena placed a comforting hand on Lakshmi's shoulder. "Look, Lakshmi," she began softly, "I understand how you feel. I was in your shoes years ago. But you know what? All of this will make you a stronger woman. You're going to raise a strong, bold child. And what if it's a girl? She is no less than any man. Look at me, look at Rashi-she'll handle anything life throws at her. It doesn't matter whether it's a girl or a boy; what matters is how you raise them. I trust that you'll be a great mother because of everything you've been through. So, don't cry. Trust the process. Everything happens for a reason."

Meena gave Lakshmi a reassuring smile before continuing, "Now, let's stop the crying and get up. We'll go check out that vacant room next to our house. If you like it, we can rent it. But don't feel obligated to-if you want, you can stay with us. It's no trouble, really. It's just the two of us."

Lakshmi listened to Meena, her words sinking in. She wiped her tears and said, "No, akka. Let's rent the house. I don't want to be a burden on you. Please."

Meena's eyes softened. "Lakshmi, don't call me 'akka.' From now on, just call me 'amma.' You're like a daughter to me, You're only a few years older than Rashi, and that's how I see you. As for the house, you're not a burden. But I understand you might want some space. So, if you feel better there, I won't stop you. Now, give me the prescription. I'll go get your medicines."

As she walked away, Lakshmi thought about everything Meena had said. The words stayed with her, giving her a bit of courage. She realized that even if she had married a good man and he had passed away shortly after, she would have still been alone. She had to face life by herself, with or without a partner.

Lakshmi made a silent vow: she would devote herself entirely to raising her child. She would work hard and make sure her baby grew up strong, resilient, and independent. The thought of never trusting a man again settled firmly in her mind. Her life, from now on, would be focused solely on her baby. Determined, she made the decision to move forward, one step at a time.

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Hey guys!!!

How's the chapter?, I really feel for Lakshmi. Her struggles are heartbreaking. What do you think?

Comment your thoughts.

Enjoy reading!!!

Bi Bi!!!