Page 183 of The Redemption
“Pratap, this is Siya.” Kailash Uncle introduces us. Then turning to me, he adds, “And Siya, this troublesome old man is Meher’s father and my best friend… Pratap Walia.”
Pratap Uncle laughs. For a second, I forget that the man standing in front of me is the Chief Minister of the state. Right now, he simply feels like someone’s father. I fold my hands respectfully and greet him. Uncle blesses me, and then his eyes soften.
“So you’re the girl who’s been occupying my daughter’s and my friend’s entire vocabulary these days.”
“Dad,” Meher groans before Ayaan pulls her closer and places a kiss to her forehead.
“Meher has spoken about you so much that I feel as though I’ve known you long before today, beta.” Pratap Uncle’s smile widens. “And since she doesn’t praise people easily, you must be special.”
I smile shyly. “Meher is just being too kind to me. But thank you.”
“Don’t thank me,” he replies immediately. “Just like Meher, you’re my daughter now. And daughters don’t do formalities. Think of this place as your second home. You are always welcome here.”
There is no arrogance in his voice. No pride. No authority. Just the warmth of a father.
I smile back before turning to Mom. “That’s my mom, Rukmini Vardhaan.”
Pratap Uncle immediately folds his hands respectfully. “Namaste, Rukmini ji.”
Mom returns the greeting, and I see a glowing smile on his face. Then Uncle looks from me to Mom and sighs.
“I was just praising your daughter,” he says, looking at Mom and shaking his head dramatically. “But I apologise, Siya beta. Your mother clearly wins. She’s far more charming.”
Mom smiles, slightly embarrassed.
“Thank you, Pratap ji,” she says warmly, “When I first heard that Meher’s father was the Chief Minister of the state, I imagined someone very stern, arrogant, and too busy to have time for family. But after meeting you today, I realise how wrong I was. Honestly, I’m glad I was mistaken because nothing should ever come before family.”
Pratap Uncle nods. “I agree with you, Rukmini ji,” he says. “Although I learnt that lesson very late in life. I made my share of mistakes. I buried myself in responsibilities and duties, believing everything else could wait. But one day, I realised my family needed me more. My sons and daughter… they come first now. Ever since that day, I haven’t looked back. Nothing is more important to me more, and I never take them for granted.”
“I admire that,” Mom says sincerely. “That’s how a man should be. Family first.”
Uncle chuckles, almost embarrassed by the praise, while I simply stand there, alternating my gaze between the two of them. I can’t remember the last time I saw Mom admiring another man so openly. The only person she had ever admired like this was Dad.
Ever since he passed away, Mom has mostly kept to herself. Our lives have always revolved around mafia people, hidden lives, and walls built out of necessity. But here… she’s smiling,talking freely, laughing, and looking genuinely comfortable among people who belong to an entirely different world. Strangely, that makes me happy because Mom deserves this too. Before the moment stretches further, Ayaan finally speaks up.
“I think we should get everyone settled. The puja has to begin according to the muhurat.”
Meher nods immediately. Then she turns to Simran.
“Please make sure Siya and Aunty are comfortable. Although I know Raghav will be taking care of them anyway.”
Simran waves her hand dismissively. “You don’t have to tell me that. You just enjoy your day. We’re all here.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry about anything,” Devika adds with a reassuring smile.
Satisfied, Meher beams happily before leaving with Ayaan to join the priest. A small puja has been arranged for the well-being of the babies, and Ayaan and Meher would need to sit together and perform the rituals.
As soon as they leave, Devika turns to Mom. “Aunty, if you don’t mind, I could really use your help with one of the rituals. Simran and I have no idea about a few things. If you could guide us a bit.”
Mom immediately smiles. “Of course. Come, I’ll help.”
Simran sighs in relief. “Thank God. We desperately need an expert.”
With that, Mom leaves with Simran and Devika.
Vishnu excuses himself as well, going away with Kailash Uncle and Pratap Uncle to check on the guests, which leaves me standing with Raghav, Trisha, and another man who I now recall is Trisha’s husband. She had shown me his photo on her phone when she was in Cape Town.
Trisha reaches me first. She takes my hand and looks at me almost nervously.
