Sarita stood near the steps with Devendra and Gauri. Naina lingered farther back, moving in restless turns. Rajan stood near the pillars with folded hands and swollen eyes, lips moving in prayer.
The staff filled the edges. Drivers. Gardeners. Cooks. Sweepers. People who should have gone home hours ago.
Every voice fell away the moment they came into view.
Shock came first. Then disbelief followed by relief.
Alive. She was alive.
The weight of it hit Meera square in the chest.
Gauri moved first.
She crossed the courtyard with a mother’s desperation, hands rising to Meera’s face, trembling as they cupped her cheeks.
No questions came. No anger. Only relief.
Her thumbs moved over Meera’s skin while tears ran down her face.
That undid Meera.
Her arms went around her mother. She buried her face into her shoulder as guilt surged through her so hard breathing turned painful.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked. “Maa Sa… I’m sorry.”
Gauri only held her tighter.
Devendra remained where he stood for a moment, eyes fixed on his daughter. The tear marks. The stiffness in her posture. The exhaustion across her face.
His throat moved once. Then he walked toward her.
When he reached her, no questions came. No demand for explanation. His hand rose and rested over her head.
A blessing. A father thanking every god who had listened.
Meera’s eyes closed. Guilt deepened until it felt unbearable. He stepped back after a moment, giving her space even now.
Naina broke next.
A sharp sound left her as both hands flew to her mouth. Tears filled her eyes again. She rushed forward so fast two people had to step aside.
Gauri released Meera just in time.
Naina collided into her, arms locking tight around her. “Bhabhi…” Her voice shattered. “Thank God. Thank God.”
The words spilled out between breaths. Fear. Anger. Relief tangled together. “You disappeared… your phone was… nobody knew where you were…” Her grip tightened. “I love you. I love you. I love you so much.”
A broken laugh escaped Meera through her tears. She held Naina as best as she could, knowing no apology would be enough for what tonight had done.
Questions rose from every side.
“Where were you?”
“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”
“Why did you leave your phone behind?”
Voices overlapped. Relief had come, but fear refused to leave.