Accidental Attachment

Aftermath

Sree

I felt like a teenager, .. I skipped to the house, instead of walking and hummed my favorite song..
This was the first time after my sad engagement that I felt true hope for our relationship..
I looked at the ring on my finger and kissed it..

I entered the house drenched..
Wonder where Vikram went.. ?
Would I be able to see him normally after what happened..

I heard a loud noise in the kitchen.. I hurried to see Veena ma and Grandma..

"Don't say anything.. You took my daughter Bhanu's place", my grandma accused Veena ma.

" Ma, why are you suddenly bringing this up after so many years.. I thought.. You changed your heart.. I thought you loved me as your daughter.. ", Veena ma pleaded

" Daughter?? How can I love a stranger who took my daughter's place as my daughter? ", grandma scoffed..

I felt sad for Veena ma but I didn't interrupt.

" I always thought of you as my mother ma and Vikram is my son, why do you suspect that I don't want what is best for him? ", she asked.

" He is your stepson and always would be,.. Vikram's father is in a foreign country, and you didn't even tell him about his marriage,.. I have my doubts about you.. You are not going to stand in my daughter's place in the wedding.. "Grandma shouted

Veena ma was in tears

" Don't say that ma, I love Vikram as my own son.. It breaks my heart to hear you speak like this.. ", she whimpered.

" Did it break your heart, when you took my daughter's place?
When you were the reason,.. His father.. Hated her..
You were the reason for the end of their marriage..
Did you tell him, you worked in his office..
That his father, .. Liked you even when he was married.. Who knows you 2 might even have had an affair..
You might have planned for all this..
You would have been the most happiest person when she died.. You got what you wanted..
You know what.. You killed her... " Grandma shouted

Veena ma began to sob uncontrollably.
"Don't speak like that ma, it's not true.. It's.. "

"What? My father cheated on Bhanu ma",
We turned back to see Vikram standing outside..

His eyes were red...
Veena ma's eyes widened on seeing him.

" No Vikram, it's not like what she said.. I never", Veena ma started.

"You worked in his office.. You never told me.. What else have you been hiding from me.. Is she telling the truth", Vikram shouted

" Vikram.. Believe me,... I was an employee there but.. You have to", she stammered

"Enough!! I always thought you were my mother, that you won't lie to me, .. Throughout the years.. You didn't tell me the truth", he said

" I am your mother Vikram" , she said

"Are you? ", he asked and stormed off angrily..

Veena ma fell down on her knees crying.
Grand ma just left..

I couldn't see her like that..

" Ma.. Get up.. ", I said and helped her on a chair.

" Wait here.. I'll change and come", I said

I changed my dress and found that Veena Ma hadn't stopped crying..

I put my hand on her shoulder..

"Sree.. I don't care if Ma tells such stuff, but Vikram.. I can't bear it, if he hates me", she cried..

I wrapped my hand over her shoulder.