Unspoken Hearts

Embracing Acceptance: A Cup of Chai and Shared Stories

"Sidd, you shouldn't have raised your voice on her." She leaned my head on her chest and kissed my hair, trying to console me as I tried to control the tears, threatening to slip off my eyes.

"I don't know Amy; it hurt me the way she placed Kiara before me. Her happiness precedes our happiness. She thinks you're not suitable to be the daughter-in-law of Singh's." I muttered while she caressed my face and made me look at her.

She smiled and said, "Go and talk to her. Apologize to her baby. She's your mother. And about that not-suitable part, I'll work on it and make her believe that I'm suitable to be her daughter-in-law. Don't worry."

I nodded my head and got off the bed. Picking up my t-shirt from the floor, I slid it on my body and said, "I'll be back soon." I told Amy and stepped out of the room while wiping the tears from my eyes.

"Okay. I'm waiting." Her faint, soft voice hit my ears. I internally smiled. I chose the right girl for myself. She's the best for me.

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My heart began to feel heavier as I got closer and closer to my mom's room. The guilt of raising my voice against her and the hurt in her eyes began to dawn on me.

I shouldn't have done that. I'll talk to her, apologize, and make her understand that Amy is good enough for me. That mom should at least give Amy a chance to prove herself.

I stood outside mumma's room and contemplated between knocking on the door or stepping into the room without informing.

When I took a deep breath and lifted my hand to knock on the door, I heard a familiar voice. Not one, but TWO.

It belonged to mum and Kiara. The voice belonged to them.

As I listened in on their chat, an unintentional frown formed on my face.

"Mumma, he loves her. He does not love me, and we cannot change it. Accept it, maa. At least give Amelia a chance."

When Mumma agreed to what she said, I felt a flood of relief run through my vein.

"Okay. Okay, I will give her a chance. But what if she fails to prove herself? Then he'll have to marry you, and I'm not negotiating any further on this point."

There was a period of silence between them, and I heard a breath, perhaps Kiara sighed.

I need to talk to Mumma right now. I nodded and rubbed my chest, "You can do it, Siddarth. Talk to her. She will understand. After all, she is your mother."

I took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

"Come in." Mom's distant voice hit my ear and I stepped in while pushing the door open.

Kiara Mehra

My breath got trapped in my chest as he appeared in my vision. Everything started to hurt again.

Why have I come here?

Oh, absolutely. Because Mom asked me to come over.

I lowered my gaze as tears pricked my eyes. If I look at him for any longer, I will lose control of my emotions.

He continued glancing at me and Mumma.

It took me a minute to realize he wanted me to exit the room.

Oh. I smiled to myself and got out of bed. Standing on my feet, I glanced at mum and said, "Bye maa. I will see you tomorrow." I whispered quietly, pecking her cheeks.

She sniffed and nodded, smiling tightly. I waved to her.

My chest became inebriated as his odour reached my nostrils. I immediately walked by him and stepped out, locking the door behind me.

Leaning against the wall, I took a big breath. I was deeply touched by the intimate proximity.

I never expected someone to have such a strong influence on me.

I shook my head and went to the kitchen to fetch myself a drink of water.

To my astonishment, Amelia was also there. Her pale complexion shone in the fridge light.

Now as I look at her, I see she's attractive. More beautiful than me. Her skin was silky and glowing in the dark kitchen.

Undoubtedly, he fell for her. She's quite attractive and may also be polite.

She closed the fridge and spun around, letting out a squeal as she saw me standing near the counter.

I offered her an uneasy smile and said a low, "Hello."

She also smiled at me. But her smile was less awkward than mine. Her smile seemed genuine, as if she were truly thrilled.

Made me feel a little better. After the drama I created just as she arrived.

I assumed she hated me by now. To be honest, I don't blame her for hating me. She has every cause to hate me.

First, her future mother-in-law despises her because of me. Second, it will be difficult for her to impress Mumma now.

"You're Kiara, right?" I nodded and took a step more into the room.

"Yea. Um, I am sorry about today." I whispered softly, guilt in my chest.

She gave a sweet laugh and placed her hand on my shoulder. "That's okay. I know there's something I don't know."

I glanced at her, and there was no indication of hatred or displeasure in her eyes for me.

Why isn't she hating me?

A wave of relief washed over me as I realised that Amelia, despite the circumstances, harbored no ill feelings towards me. The weight of guilt that had been weighing heavily on my chest began to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

"I appreciate your understanding." I said, my voice till tinged with apprehension.

Amelia smiled warmly, her eyes softening with compassion. "Kiara, I know things might seem complicated right now, but i believe that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps there's a lesson to be learned from today's events."

I nodded, grateful for Amelia's wisdom and grace. Despite the initial tension between us, I sensed a newfound sense of understanding and acceptance blooming between us.

"Want some chai?" I asked, smiling warmly at her. But i realised, she might not even know what chai is. "If you don't know-" but Amelia cuts me off with a soft laugh and said, "I know what chai is. Siddharth drinks it every evening."

I stepped further in the kitchen and started preparing chai for us. She stood beside me silently the whole time, but the silence wasn't awkward anymore. It was peaceful.

"Can you remove the cups from the lower cabinet? 4 cups. I know mumma and Siddarth must want a cup too." Amelia nodded and opened the lower cup. Removing the cups she placed it on the counter.

I poured the chai in the cups and place the empty pot and strainer in the washbasin.

"I'll give this two cups to them in aunty's room." I nodded and handed her cups. "I'll take this two in the living room." She smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

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As we say together in the cosy living room, sipping our cup of chai, I found myself opening up to Amelia in a way I hadn't expected. I shared my aspirations, my fears, and my hopes for the future, believing that Amelia is someone I can confide in.

To my surprise, Amelia listened attentively, offering her words of encouragement and support. She spoke of her own journey as a young women, about her aspirations, her dream of becoming a model and how she met Siddarth, the ups and downs of their own relationship.

I contemplated between telling her about how i was feeling. After so long, I finally opened up to someone and said, even if not everything but some things about myself to her. After years, there was someone who was willing to listen to me, my words.

"Hey Em!" I spun around as I stepped out of the room. "Um hope I can call you that." I hesitated since I've only known her for few hours and already gave her a nickname. But she grinned and nodded her head, "Off course you can Kiki." A smile broked onto my lips as she called me Kiki.

"Wanna hangout tomorrow? If you don't have any plans with Siddharth?" His name felt strange on my lips. I am not used to calling him by his name.

"Sure." She removed her phone from her shorts pocket, unlocked the phone and handed it to me. "Here, save your number in my phone as Kiki." I laughed softly and did as she said. Also ringed my number so that I had her number in my phone.

"There. See you tomorrow Em." She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. "Good night Kiki."

Her arms felt warm and comforting around me with a sense of acceptance. She accepted me.

"Bye."

"Bye bye." I waved and turned around to leave.

By the time I left Siddarth's house, I felt a sense of relief and clarity washed over me. Relief because finally I told someone about myself. And clarity, because I was certain that, it's Siddarth I'm upset with and I don't have to hate Amelia for it.

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