Update 32
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the village, Priya adjusted her dupatta and stood, brushing her salwar lightly. “I should get going now,” she said softly, glancing at Sujata and Manisha.
Raju, who had been listening intently, rose from his seat. “I’ll drop you home,” he offered, his tone calm but genuine.
Sujata exchanged a glance with Manisha, a faint smile curving her lips. “Of course,” Sujata said warmly. “Raju, make sure she gets home safely. And don’t forget to stop by Leela’s house—she wanted to see you.”
Manisha nodded with a smirk. “And come back soon,” she added playfully.
Raju nodded, holding the door open for Priya. The two stepped out into the cool evening air, the faint scent of flowers lingering as they walked down the quiet path toward her home.
As they strolled, Raju broke the silence. “Life in Mumbai is hectic,” he began, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Balancing work and personal life is a challenge. That’s why I decided to come back to Walvan after my mother passed away. I needed some clarity.”
Priya turned to him, her eyes filled with understanding. “I’ve heard so much about your mother,” she said gently. “She was a strong, graceful woman. Everyone speaks highly of her.”
Raju smiled faintly, his gaze fixed ahead. “She was my biggest inspiration,” he replied, his voice tinged with emotion.
Priya continued, her tone thoughtful. “Someone once described her to me. Tall, with a fair complexion, always dressed in elegant sarees that turned heads wherever she went.”
Raju chuckled softly. “Yes, she had a way of carrying herself that left an impression on everyone,” he said.
As they reached Priya’s house, she stopped, turning to face him. “Your journey is inspiring,” she said sincerely.
“Thank you, Priya,” Raju replied, his tone warm. “Take care.”
Priya nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips as she stepped inside. Raju waited until the door closed behind her before turning and heading toward Leela’s house.
The walk to Leela’s home was quiet, with the distant sounds of children playing and the occasional rustle of leaves accompanying him. When he knocked on the door, Leela opened it, her expression shifting from surprise to composure in seconds.
“Oh, Raju,” she said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her surprise. “Come in. I have something for you to take to your aunts.”
From inside the house, her husband’s voice called out. “Who’s there, Leela?”
“It’s Raju,” she replied quickly, her tone steady. Turning to Raju, she added, “Come with me to the storeroom. What I need to give you is kept there.”
Raju followed her through the modest house to the small, dimly lit storeroom at the back. The air was thick with the scent of spices and dried grains. Leela moved quickly, her hands fidgeting with the folds of her saree.
Before Raju could ask, she turned to him abruptly, unhooking her blouse in one swift motion. Her blouse fell away, revealing her full, rounded breasts. Her dark nipples were slightly hardened, contrasting against her lighter skin.
“You need this, don’t you?” she whispered, stepping closer and guiding his face toward her chest.
Raju hesitated, his breath catching, but her urgency and the familiarity of the act compelled him. He leaned forward, his lips brushing against her nipple before latching on.
Leela exhaled softly, her fingers cradling the back of his head as she held him close. “That’s it,” she murmured, her voice low. “Drink slowly.”
Raju suckled steadily, his warm lips drawing gently as her breathing evened out. Her free hand rested lightly on his arm, her touch firm yet soft.
“You’re very different, Raju,” she whispered, her tone soft and reflective. “Gentler than your grandfather.”
Before the moment could deepen further, her husband’s voice broke through the quiet. “Leela! Did you find what you were looking for?”
Leela tensed, pulling away quickly and adjusting her blouse and saree with practiced efficiency. “Yes, I found it!” she called out, her voice steady despite her flushed cheeks.
Turning back to Raju, she leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “Sorry, I have to go,” she said, her voice hushed but sincere.
She grabbed a metal plate, wrapped it in a cloth, and handed it to him. “Take this to Sujata,” she said firmly, her expression softening. “And be careful.”
Raju nodded silently, stepping out of the storeroom as Leela composed herself. Her husband barely glanced at them as Raju exited the house, the evening air cooling his flushed face as he walked back toward home.
into night. After returning from Leela’s house, Raju handed over the wrapped plate to Sujata in the kitchen. She gave him an approving smile, her eyes briefly scanning his face for any signs of unease.
“Leela must’ve been happy to see you,” Sujata said warmly, placing the plate on the counter.
Raju nodded, his voice soft. “Yes, Mausi. She said to send her regards.”
Manisha entered the kitchen, her saree slightly loose from the day’s work. “Dinner is done,” she announced, her tone light. “Let’s all rest now.”
As they prepared for bed, Raju noticed Sujata and Manisha exchanging glances. Sujata approached him, her voice soft but firm. “Beta, aaj hum tumhare saath soenge,” she said.
Raju blinked, surprised. “Why, Mausi?”
Manisha stepped closer, her expression calm. “You’ve been through a lot lately, and we want to be here for you,” she said. “You need comfort, and we can provide that.”
Without further discussion, the three made their way to Raju’s room. The small space was dimly lit by a single lantern on the bedside table. Sujata sat on the edge of the bed, adjusting her saree as she glanced at Raju.
“Come here, beta,” she said softly, patting the space beside her.
Raju hesitated, but the warmth in her tone reassured him. He sat down, his posture stiff as Sujata leaned closer, her hand brushing lightly against his shoulder.
“Relax,” Sujata murmured, her voice soothing.
Manisha, who had been standing near the doorway, approached the bed. She unhooked her blouse, letting it fall open as she adjusted her saree. “Raju,” she said gently, “you need this.”
Sujata followed suit, loosening her pallu and unhooking her blouse. Both women settled on either side of him, their presence grounding yet intimate.
Manisha guided his head to her chest, her hand cradling him as she spoke softly. “You’ve been carrying so much, beta,” she murmured. “It’s time to let it go.”
Raju latched on tentatively, his lips forming a gentle seal around her nipple. Manisha exhaled softly, her fingers stroking his hair as she leaned back slightly.
On his other side, Sujata waited patiently, her exposed chest rising and falling with steady breaths. When Raju shifted, releasing Manisha, Sujata leaned in, guiding him toward her.
“Here, beta,” she said quietly, her tone filled with warmth.
Raju latched onto Sujata, his hooth warm against her skin as he nursed. Sujata cradled his head, her hand tracing soothing patterns on his back. “You’re safe with us,” she whispered.
The room was filled with quiet intimacy, the rhythmic sounds of Raju nursing creating a calming atmosphere. Manisha leaned back against the headboard, her hand resting lightly on Raju’s shoulder as she watched him relax.
As the night deepened, the three lay intertwined on the bed. Raju’s breathing grew slower and steadier as he drifted off, his head resting against Sujata’s chest.
Manisha smiled faintly, adjusting her saree. “He needed this,” she said softly.
Sujata nodded, her hand gently stroking Raju’s hair. “We’re here for him,” she replied, her voice filled with quiet resolve.
The room remained peaceful, the bond between them strengthened in the quiet moments of care and connection.
The golden morning light crept through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. Raju stirred slightly, his body nestled between Sujata and Manisha. His head rested gently against Sujata’s chest, her arm draped protectively over him. Manisha lay close on his other side, her hand resting lightly on his arm.
The soft rhythm of their breaths filled the quiet room, mingling with the faint chirping of birds outside. Sujata was the first to wake. She glanced down at Raju, his face still pressed lightly against her, his lips brushing her saree-covered chest where he had nursed earlier. Her lips curved into a gentle smile, and she softly stroked his hair.
“Beta, wake up,” she whispered, her voice tender and warm.
Raju stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he blinked up at her. “Good morning, Mausi,” he murmured, his voice heavy with sleep.
Sujata chuckled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. “Good morning,” she replied. “Did you sleep well?”
Before Raju could respond, Manisha shifted beside him, her eyes slowly opening. She stretched lightly, her saree slightly disheveled from the night. Her gaze softened as she saw Raju sitting up.
“You’re awake early,” she said teasingly, her voice still laced with sleep.
Raju sat up fully, his movements unhurried. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing between them. “I didn’t want to disturb you both,” he said softly.
Manisha smiled faintly, reaching out to pat his arm. “You didn’t disturb us,” she said. “In fact, I think we all slept better together.”
Sujata adjusted her saree as she sat up, her blouse slightly creased from where Raju had rested his head. She placed a hand gently on his shoulder. “You seemed so at peace last night,” she said. “That’s all we wanted.”
Raju glanced down, his expression softening. “I felt… safe,” he admitted. “Thank you.”
Manisha leaned closer, brushing her hand over his cheek. “Beta, you don’t need to thank us,” she said warmly. “We’re your family. This is what we’re here for.”
Sujata’s gaze softened further as she smoothed her saree. “And don’t forget,” she added with a playful smile, “it’s our duty to take care of you. Always.”
As the three moved to rise from the bed, Sujata adjusted the pillows and folded the blanket neatly. She glanced at Raju, her tone gentle. “Go freshen up, beta. Breakfast will be ready soon.”
Manisha nodded, her eyes still watching Raju closely. “We’ll make something light and refreshing for you,” she said, her tone encouraging.
Raju gave a faint smile, his posture relaxed as he headed toward the bathroom. The quiet click of the door closing left the two women alone in the room.
Sujata turned to Manisha, her voice dropping to a whisper. “He feels lighter today,” she said, her tone tinged with relief.
Manisha adjusted her pallu, her expression thoughtful. “Last night was important,” she replied. “He needed that comfort.”
Sujata nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “We’ll make sure he always has what he needs,” she said firmly.
The two women left the room, moving toward the kitchen to prepare the morning meal. Their bond with Raju, and with each other, felt stronger, their shared care a source of quiet pride and mutual understanding.