chapter 2

Mahalakshmi’s phone buzzed, her father’s name flashing on the screen. Her hands trembled as memories came rushing back.

She remembered the day he had coldly blackmailed her, demanding her late mother’s small restaurant. "If you don’t hand it over," he had threatened, "your babies won’t live to see tomorrow."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about her mother. Only then had she realized the real reason her mom had forced her into marrying Vijay. Her mother had known about her failing heart and the limited time she had left. She had wanted to protect me from her father’s greed and cruelty.

Her chest tightened as anger and sorrow clashed within her. "You fought so hard for me, Amma," she whispered, her resolve strengthening.

Mahalakshmi’s heart ached as she recalled that fateful day. Vijay had stepped in at the last moment, saving their babies from her father’s cruel intentions. But by then, everything between them had already fallen apart. Their divorce was finalized, and the rift between them seemed too wide to bridge.

"I will take care of them," Vijay had said firmly, his voice steady but his eyes filled with something unspoken. He had cradled their children in his arms and turned to leave.

Before stepping out, he paused, glancing back at her. The look in his eyes pierced through her soul—it was a mix of longing, pain, and something she couldn’t quite decipher.

For a moment, she could feel it—he missed her. Despite everything, there was a part of him that still held on. But he walked away without another word, leaving her standing there, lost and unsure of what to do next.

Her heart whispered what her mind refused to acknowledge: she missed him too.

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Mahalakshmi ignored the buzzing phone, her father's name flashing persistently on the screen. She took a deep breath and turned her attention to the soft cries echoing through the room.

Her twins, a boy (Karthik)and a girl(Karthia), were crying, their tiny fists waving in the air. She gently picked them up, one in each arm, and settled into a comfortable spot. As they latched on for their feed, a sense of peace washed over her.

She looked down at their innocent faces, their small hands clutching at her, and smiled. In that moment, everything else—her pain, her past, her fears—faded into the background.

“You two are my everything,” she whispered softly. “No one will ever hurt you, not while I’m here.”

Her heart swelled with determination. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew she would face them for her babies. They were her strength, her hope, her reason to keep going.

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In the quiet of the night, Mahalakshmi heard the doorbell ring. Confused and hesitant, she approached and opened the door. Standing there was Vijay, her husband.

Without thinking, she threw herself into his arms, surprising both of them. Tears streamed down her face as she clung to him, seeking comfort she didn’t know she needed.

Vijay froze, stunned by her unexpected embrace. Slowly, his arms wrapped around her, holding her gently. He didn’t speak, but a bittersweet wave of emotions washed over him.

His mind flashed back to the painful memory of their first night together—how his drunken mistake had shattered the trust between them. That night had created a chasm between them, one he thought could never be bridged. Her hatred for him had been justified, and he had carried the guilt ever since.

But tonight, as she held him tightly, he felt something different. A flicker of hope lit in his heart. Though he couldn’t erase the past, maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance to make things right.

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