Meera’s mom blinks, surprised, not expecting that from me. But before she can respond, Meera speaks up. “Mom, can we go in and continue this conversation?”
“Okay,” her mom says, stepping aside.
Meera nods at me, and we follow her mom inside. The living room is exactly as she had described over one of our dinners—soft, calming hues, hand-embroidered cushions, framed photos of her with her parents, and glass shelves filled with small, cute showpieces.
I think about how much she must have missed this homely atmosphere, and how I’ll need to coordinate with my interior designer to redo our home for her, turning every corner into a little haven just for her. Something warm and lived-in, not the sophisticated, artificial place it is now.
Her mother gestures towards the sofa. “Sit, I’ll get some water.”
“No, I am good,” I reply with a shake of my head as I settle on the couch with Meera beside me, her mother taking the seat opposite us.
My hands twist nervously in my lap. God, I thought I could handle anything. Yes, I knew speaking to her parents would be hard, but I was confident I could get through it. Now, though, I feel completely on edge.
Feeling my tension, Meera places her hand over mine. I give her a reassuring nod, drawing quiet strength from her touch, and meet her mother’s eyes once more.
“I know things didn’t start off well between us,” I begin, my voice steady but sincere. “And I know you have every reason to dislike me.”
Her mom studies me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she exhales slowly. “I won’t lie… I am wary of you,” she admits.
“I understand. And I don’t blame you,” I reply with a nod.
“The way you forced our daughter into a marriage… no parents would ever accept that,” she says, her gaze sharp. “But I want to know why you did it.”
I lean forward. “No explanation I give can undo what I did. I am guilty, and I take full responsibility for that. I can’t change the past, but I ask for a chance to show you that I take my vows as her husband seriously, and that I will always do right by her.”
Meera squeezes my hand in a quiet reassurance, and I continue, softer this time, letting the truth in my heart spill out. “I really love your daughter. I love her more than anything I’ve ever known.”
Her mother takes a slow, measured breath. “You are… not what we wanted for her. Your world… your background… it scares us.”
“I know I come from a different world, and that can be intimidating. But I swear, with everything I am, I will do whatever it takes to make her happy and protect her.”
She looks at Meera, who meets her mother’s gaze and nods, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
“Like any parents, we want our daughter’s marriage to succeed,” her mom sighs. “But we are not the kind of parents who would let her stay in a marriage where she isn’t happy. I want her life to be peaceful. If you can give her that… then I will try too.”
“I swear,” I breathe out, “I will make her happiness my life’s mission. I will cherish her, protect her, and love her with everything I have. You have my word.”
She nods once, acknowledging me, not fully convinced, but willing to make a genuine effort.
Meera rises to her feet and sits beside her mother, wrapping her in a hug. “Thank you, Mom.”
Her mother presses a kiss to her forehead before turning her gaze back to me. “But I am not the only one you need to convince. You’ll need to win over her father too.”
“I know,” I nod. “Where is he?”
Her mother hesitates for a moment. “In… his room.”
Meera looks at me. “I’ll come with you.”
I shake my head. “No. I need to have this conversation with him alone.”
Both women study me hesitantly, but I hold their gaze with calm determination.
Finally, her mother nods and points down the hallway.
“His room is there,” she says, indicating the closed door.
I rise to my feet and make my way towards the door. Talking to her mom had gone well, but facing her father… that would be a different battle altogether. I am certain of it.
