Nandini’s Family

Aditi was staring at her mobile screen, replying to her best friend Smita’s texts. Smita had married last year, which was why she stayed busy most of the time. She was Aditi’s only comfort space in the city. Nobody talks about the way marriage changes the dynamics of female friendships.

Aditi was a data analyst who came from a wealthy family. But a luxurious life could not give her peace. Her parents quarrelled every day. Because of their constant fights, she decided to work outside the family business rather than get involved. Her job became an escape from the disturbing thoughts caused by her broken family.

While travelling to the office, she often noticed a tea stall run by a trans woman named Kanta. One evening, while returning home, she stopped at the stall to rest. She ordered a cup of tea for herself. Kanta handed it to her in a kulhad, and she took a sip. The tea felt like a warm hug on a cold monsoon evening.

She thanked Kanta and left. The next day, she visited again, and then again the day after. Somehow, Kanta ji, as Aditi called her, became a friend. Aditi shared every detail about her work pressure, family troubles, and personal thoughts. Kanta ji became her listener in the crowded city.

Meeting Nandini

Little did Aditi know that this tea stall had entered her life for a reason. One evening, while talking to Kanta ji as part of her usual routine, she noticed a little girl crossing the road. The child was alone and wearing a school uniform. Aditi walked up to her and asked, “Why are you alone?”

The girl said that she had lost her way while chasing a balloon seller and was looking for her father. Aditi checked her school bag and found her school diary. It contained her details: “Nandini Sharma, Class 4/B.”

She immediately searched for her father’s number and called him to inform him of their location.

When he arrived, he thanked her and said, “Nandini is my everything. After her mother’s death, I felt completely alone. But Nandini made me stronger and hopeful.”

Nandini bade her goodbye with a sweet smile. That smile left an imprint on Aditi’s heart. Aditi had never truly understood what parental love felt like. The family she grew up in had made her lose faith in the idea of love and companionship.

A Life-Changing Decision

The school diary also had her address. Nandini’s school was near Aditi’s office. She returned to Kanta ji’s stall and shared the incident with her.

Kanta ji said, “Everything has a reason in this world. Every meeting, every situation, is here to whisper something to you.”

Aditi went back home. She picked up The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and started reading. She thought reading would help distract her from thoughts of Nandini. Then she came across a line:

“There is always someone in the world waiting for someone else, whether in the middle of the desert or in the heart of some big city.”

The line made her anxious. She wanted to meet Nandini again.

The next day, she forgot her lunch box at home. During her lunch break, she wandered outside in search of food. Suddenly, she noticed a dosa seller and bought a dosa from him. While having lunch, she saw Nandini. She turned and realised she was standing near a school. It was Nandini’s school.

Maybe it was destiny. She waved at Nandini and invited her to share the dosa. They talked for a while before Nandini had to leave.

This continued for a few days. Aditi deliberately forgot her lunch box so she could meet Nandini during her lunch break. Nandini usually ate her lunch outside near a mango tree. This is how the universe conspires to connect two strangers.

Now, Kanta ji was the only person who knew about the friendship between Aditi and Nandini.

After a few weeks, however, Aditi stopped seeing her. Nandini loved school. She loved studying, unlike most children her age. Yet she was nowhere to be found. It had already been two days.

Aditi shared her concern with Kanta ji. Kanta ji asked whether she had any way to contact Nandini. She reminded Aditi about the day she had met Nandini’s father.

Aditi immediately called the number. After two unanswered calls, she tried once more, silently praying for someone to answer. This time, a woman picked up and asked who was calling.

Aditi introduced herself as Nandini’s class teacher and said she was calling to ask about Nandini’s absence.

The woman replied, “Nandini’s father suffered a heart attack two days ago. He is no more. Nandini is with me. I am their cook. Currently, there is no one to take care of her. All of her relatives have stepped back.”

Aditi was shocked. Still, she somehow gathered the courage to ask for their address. Later, she sought Kanta ji’s advice. Nandini was alone. She had lost both her parents.

Aditi, on the other hand, understood the importance of having a parent, even though she had never experienced genuine love and care herself. She did not want to see Nandini suffer. She was a bright child with a beautiful smile.

For years, Aditi had wanted to move out of her parents’ house. She already had an apartment gifted to her by her grandfather. But she had never found a reason to leave.

Nandini became that reason. Aditi decided to take care of her. She chose to become a single parent and decided to adopt Nandini. Kanta ji supported her decision.

She immediately left for the address. As soon as she arrived, she saw sadness in Nandini’s eyes. She hugged her tightly and said, “Now I am here, and I will be with you.”

Nandini cried. Sometimes, all we need is a shoulder that does not judge.

Aditi packed Nandini’s essentials and took her to the apartment.

The next day was Sunday. Early in the morning, she went to Kanta ji’s tea stall, leaving Nandini there for a while. Then she returned to her parents’ house, packed her belongings, and left a note.

It read:

“I always wanted to end my life while watching you both argue every day. Today, I am leaving this house because I have finally found a reason to enjoy living. Please do not contact me. Thank you.”

She felt free.

Soon afterward, she completed all the formalities required to adopt Nandini. Nandini needed time, care, love, and attention. Aditi gave her all of that. She earned well enough to provide for her.

Kanta ji became a helping hand throughout the journey. She often told moral stories to Nandini until Aditi came to pick her up.

Nandini loved Aditi’s company. She shared every detail of her day with her. Aditi became her human diary.

Growing Up Together

As time passed, Nandini grew wiser. When she reached Class 10, she joined a mathematics tuition class.

Her mathematics teacher was a kind and generous man named Abhay. He was in his twenties and had become a Chartered Accountant on his first attempt. However, corporate life did not satisfy him. So he chose to follow his passion for teaching.

Nandini wanted to bring her mathematics teacher and her mother together.

She often felt that her mother needed a partner because she herself could not be with her forever. Aditi also needed someone who could wipe away her tears, listen to her silence, and understand the pain she never shared.

Abhay liked Aditi, though he never admitted it. Nandini could easily sense it. Whenever Aditi came to pick her up, Abhay smiled a little more and struggled to speak normally.

Aditi had entered her thirties and was comfortable with herself. Nandini often spoke about her idea of getting her mother married. She was a stubborn child, so Aditi eventually promised that if she ever felt someone was the right person, she would consider it.

Nandini’s Plan

Nandini’s birthday was approaching. She decided it would be the perfect opportunity to bring Abhay and Aditi together.

She invited Abhay a little early on purpose. Abhay gladly helped with the preparations and brought a bouquet of sunflowers for Aditi.

Unfortunately, Aditi received an urgent call about a meeting while helping with the arrangements. She had to attend immediately, unaware that it would continue for hours.

Kanta ji also had a fever and could not attend the birthday celebration. Understanding that Aditi was occupied, Abhay managed the remaining work. He made sure Nandini was happy and that everything ran smoothly.

When Aditi finally returned, she saw the children enjoying pizza.

She asked Abhay who had ordered it.

“I did,” he replied.

After the pizza party, Nandini’s friends left. Aditi thanked Abhay for his help. The two of them had dinner together while Nandini remained busy exploring her gifts.

When Abhay left, Nandini locked herself inside her room.

She was upset because her mother had been busy when she needed her most.

For the first time, Aditi felt that life might be easier with a partner. Nandini declared that she would open the door only if Aditi agreed to marry Abhay.

Aditi promised to think about it. That night, she could not sleep.

Finally, she sent Abhay a message:

“Can we meet tomorrow?”

Abhay was still awake. He could not stop thinking about Aditi’s eyes. When the message appeared on his screen, he thought he was dreaming.

But after pinching himself, he realised it was real. He immediately agreed.

A Family Built by Destiny

The next day, they met. Aditi was wearing a pink suit. Her fair skin and the outfit complemented each other beautifully. Abhay could not stop looking at her.

He was dressed in a white T-shirt and blue jeans. He pulled out a chair for her, and they both took their seats.

Aditi said, “Nandini wants me to marry you. She likes you because you are kind and caring. The help you gave yesterday made me realise that I need a partner. In the past six years, I never felt this need. I have recently been promoted to Senior Analyst, and my responsibilities have grown. I also understand that Nandini needs a father as she grows up.

So I will ask this directly: will you be Nandini’s father?”

Abhay could hardly believe what he was hearing. It felt as though the universe was answering his prayers.

He replied, “Since the day you came to admit Nandini, I have liked you. The beauty of your heart reflects through your eyes. Nandini is a bright and well-mannered child. Her upbringing says a lot about you. I would be honoured to have you as my partner and Nandini as my child.”

Aditi then shared her journey with Nandini.

She was not surprised by his answer because she believed the universe had brought them together.

Abhay’s parents had died in a car accident. He had been living alone for the past two years.

Aditi told him that she wanted to know more about him. Abhay took her to his home and showed her his achievements, certificates, and even spoke openly about his past relationships. He wanted their relationship to be built on honesty.

After all, a person’s past shapes who they become. Aditi had finally met someone who respected her choices, understood her emotions, and gave her the freedom to be herself. Abhay’s selfless love was enough to build a strong foundation for their relationship.

Eventually, they had a court marriage.

Nandini was happy to have a family at last, a family built by destiny.

Abhay moved into Aditi’s house. He looked after the home whenever she was away. They had disagreements, but they resolved them quickly because they wanted Nandini to believe in love. They never openly confessed their love to each other.

Yet it was there. It was hidden in the way Abhay waited for Aditi’s meetings to end. It was hidden in meals prepared especially for him. It was in reminder notes tucked inside lunch boxes. It was hidden in their small arguments that always carried a sense of care. Showing love often matters more than saying it. Love becomes mere words when it cannot be felt.

Abhay filled an emptiness in Aditi’s life that she had never known existed.

Kanta ji was happy to see them together; three strangers building a new story with one another.

Perhaps that is life: unpredictable, unplanned, and yet magical.

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About the Author

Rishika Bucha ( 1 Post)

Rishika is a passionate writer, avid reader, and lifelong learner with a deep love for nonfiction. She combines curiosity with a talent for storytelling. As an author of four self-published books. Rishika enjoys exploring different colours of life. When she is not writing, she is probably chasing sunsets, reading books, or spreading smiles.
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