It was lunch break and Deva's mother came home with another woman who works in school.Meenakshi was busy doing chores.From few days she has been feeling weak.Not able to eat properly or do anything.Not that she eats goodly or has any appetite.She hardly cares.This morning the dizzy feeling was too much.

DM-"The kids are becoming very stubborn.Not ready to hear anything.I have to make sure they pass this term.Sit for exams."

Deva's mother saw Meenakshi cleaning table.She ignored her and continued talking.When both suddenly heard the vase fell into floor breaking into pieces.She looked at it and then Meenakshi from whose hand it fell.She tried to compose herself and her anger.But woman beside her knew about her temper issues.They would feel pity for the girl.They never saw her talking with her daughter in law on good note once.

Meenakshi felt dizzy and covered her mouth.The nausea feeling hitting her and she rushed to washroom.Deva's mother shook her head.Not one thing this girl can do properly.She kept her books away and came to clean glass pieces.The woman beside her had smile on face.

"Seems like your daughter in law is not well.Maybe some good news coming?"

A small piece of glass pricked her skin.She widened her eyes being alerted with what she heard.Taking deep breath she looked into direction of where Meenakshi was gone.

Whole day Meenakshi couldnt eat anything and threw up.She was on room resting.The doctor was doing her checkup.She looked pale and felt it difficult to move.Deva stood outside with his mother.He was tensed.She was his responsibility and he was failing again and again to even take care of her.He frowned his brows and looked at his mother.When doctor called them.

D-"Looks like she has not been eating well.Too weak.Im giving medicine and some tests.Please get them done."

Deva took prescription and felt the guilt from inside.He couldnt see her pale face.Thats when his mother came there.

DM-"Doctor are you sure its nothing else.I mean.."

The doctor could get hidden meaning behind her words.And smiled.

D-"Its nothing like that.Dont worry in few days she will be back to health."

Deva was taken back by his mothers words.as the doctor left she came to room.Keeping bowl of hot boiled rice soup on table.She eyed Meenakshi who was sitting now.

DM-"I knew it.Im not destined to get this much happiness.Huh."

Deva and Meenakshi looked at each other.

At night Deva's mother was busy working in her sewing machine.When she found her son standing near door.She didnt say word.He came inside.

D-"Maa.Cant you be little easy with Meenakshi.I mean.Her health not well and.Please."

He knew he woulndt get any reply from his mother.So he didnt wait for one.He was leaveing when heard her.

DM-"Deva.Bring medicines and ask that girl to eat well.I dont want others to say that.We keep her starving."

She was done with set of dresses and and started with new ones.Deva just paused briefly and looked at his mother.

The next morning as sun rays entered room.Meenakshi was on bed.Her eyes at window embracing sunlight.She felt better feeling sleepy due to medicines.It was light cold there and she got up wrapping shawl around her.first thing she noticed around her were fresh flowers.On vase and then her breakfast on tray.Milk and fruits.She felt lump on her throat as she got down from bed.The fragrance of flowers bringing back memories.She touched them and thought who got them.She knew it must be him only.

"Why you want me to live now.When you were reason I died."

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