Chapter 17-Her Mothers Promise
Vinaya began talking to the baby after midnight.
It felt foolish at first.
Then comforting.
No one interrupted.
No one compared.
No one pitied.
She sat by the window, one hand beneath the curve of her stomach.
"I hope you like books."
A kick answered.
Vinaya smiled.
"I shall take that as agreement."
Another movement.
"You should know something before you arrive."
She looked down.
"I am not very brave."
The baby shifted.
"And I am not the beautiful one in my family."
She laughed quietly.
"I had six older siblings. All extraordinary."
Her smile faded.
"People meant no harm. That is the strange part."
She stroked her stomach.
"They simply noticed everyone else first."
Her throat tightened.
"And after enough years, you begin noticing yourself last too."
Vinaya blinked rapidly.
"But you..."
Her hand spread protectively over the baby.
"You will never have to wonder whether you are enough for me."
Her voice broke.
"You will never wonder if I wanted someone different."
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"If you are loud, I will love you."
"If you are quiet, I will love you."
"If you are beautiful, plain, clever, difficult, stubborn..."
A watery laugh escaped.
"Although if you inherit your father's stubbornness, we may have problems."
She wiped her tears.
"I will love you anyway."
The corridor outside was silent.
Vinaya did not know Vikram had stopped just beyond the half-open door.
He had come to speak with her.
Instead, he heard:
"You will never have to earn your place in my heart."
Vikram froze.
Vinaya continued softly.
"I promise you something else."
He should leave.
He did not.
"No one will make you feel unwanted."
Vikram's hand tightened around the doorframe.
Vinaya lowered her head.
"Not even your father."
He closed his eyes.
And for the first time, Vikram understood that his silence had already become something Vinaya felt she needed to protect their unborn child from.