Gauri stood quietly before Sharda's door, her heart heavy yet determined. She raised her hand and knocked softly.
"Bade Maa," she said gently, "may I come in?"
A pause — then Sharda's weary voice came from inside. "Come in, Gauri."
Gauri entered slowly. The curtains were half drawn, the room dim except for a thin beam of sunlight that fell across the bed. Sharda was sitting on a chair by the window, holding a framed photo — her fingers trembling slightly as they traced the image. Her eyes were distant, fixed on memories that refused to fade.
Gauri's heart clenched. She walked closer, her voice tender. "Bade Maa… everyone's been looking for you. The puja just ended, and… we all missed you there."
Sharda gave a faint smile, but her tone was flat. "You all did what was right. My mind wasn't in the right place today."
Gauri hesitated, sitting beside her. "I know… today isn't easy for you." She stopped herself, not wanting to say more than she should. "But, Bade Maa… I was thinking. Kamini's shadow is gone now. For the first time in years, this house isn't haunted by her darkness. Shouldn't we… try to bring some light back?"
Sharda looked at her — tired eyes, but soft. "Light," she repeated quietly, as if tasting the word after a long time.
Gauri nodded. "Yes. For so long, we've only prayed, cried, and fought. But now, Devi Maa has blessed us with peace again. I feel we've all forgotten what happiness feels like. Maybe it's time we remember — together."
Sharda sighed, setting the photo frame down. "You're right, Gauri. But my heart…" she pressed a hand to her chest, "it still feels so heavy. Some days I try to smile, but it just doesn't come."
Gauri reached for her hand, holding it gently. "That's why I want us all to go somewhere — just for a few days. Away from the mansion, the memories, the pain. A small family trip. Maybe it'll help."
Sharda shook her head. "You all should go. I'll stay here. I'll only be a burden."
Gauri's eyes grew moist, her voice trembling as she said, "Please don't say that. You're the heart of this family. If you're not with us, then what's the point of going anywhere?"
Sharda blinked, taken aback by the emotion in her words.
Gauri continued softly, "If you really consider me your daughter, then come with us. Let this daughter have the chance to see you smile again."
For a moment, the silence between them was heavy — then Sharda's expression broke. Her eyes welled up as she smiled faintly and cupped Gauri's cheek. "You have such a way with words, beta. You remind me of someone I lost long ago."
"Then don't lose this moment too," Gauri whispered, squeezing her hand.
Sharda nodded slowly. "Alright… you win. Tell everyone to get ready. We'll go — as a family."
Gauri's face lit up with relief and joy. She bent down to touch Sharda's feet, and Sharda blessed her, placing a trembling but loving hand on her head.
As Gauri walked out, she leaned against the wall in the hallway for a second, exhaling deeply with a smile. "Mission accomplished," she murmured softly, her eyes glinting with both pride and emotion.
Gauri descended the grand staircase with a deliberately serious expression, her steps slow and shoulders slightly slumped. The entire family—Veena, Dadi, Charvi, Yug, and Vihaan—was waiting in the living room, their eyes fixed on her.
Vihaan immediately stepped forward, reading her expression with concern. "What happened, Gauri? Did Bade Maa refuse?" he asked softly.
Gauri kept her head low, clutching the edge of her dupatta. "I tried my best, Vihaan…" she said quietly, her voice trembling just enough to sound convincing.
Charvi's smile faded. "Oh no… Didi, you really couldn't convince her?"
Even Dadi sighed, her face falling. "I knew it. After all these years, Sharda won't easily forget her pain."
Gauri took a deep breath, looking around at all their worried faces—then suddenly broke into a bright grin. "But she agreed!"
Everyone froze for a second, blinking in surprise before the news sank in.
"What?!" Veena gasped, her hands clasping together in joy. "She really agreed?"
Gauri nodded happily. "Yes! She said we should all get ready for a family trip. But only after I gave her one condition…"
Vihaan's eyes softened, a teasing smile curling his lips. "You didn't blackmail Bade Maa emotionally again, did you?"
Gauri folded her arms with mock pride. "If I did, it worked! Because now we're going."
The entire family broke into laughter and relief. Yug playfully gave Gauri a mock salute. "Bhabhi, I'm telling you—you always make the impossible possible! Even Kamini would've agreed to a vacation if you had convinced her."
Gauri chuckled. "Good thing Kamini's not around to test that theory."
Vihaan smiled warmly, walking closer and resting a hand on her shoulder. "You've really brought life back into this house, Gauri. Bade Maa will smile again—because of you."
Gauri's eyes shimmered with quiet emotion. "That's all I wanted."
The family's laughter and joy filled the mansion once more—something it hadn't heard in years. For the first time in a long while, hope didn't feel like a stranger.
To be continued…