The living room felt like it was holding its breath 😶🌫️.
Mochi's mother sat quietly on the sofa, fingers curled into the edge of her shirt, knuckles pale. Her back was straight, but her hands trembled slightly.Mochi noticed. She always noticed.
Her father stood near the table with two older relatives. Their voices were sharp, heavy, relentless. Each word landed like a stone.
🗣️ Relative 1:"You already have three grown children. This pregnancy is unnecessary and irresponsible."
🗣️ Father:"We're only trying to protect you. At fifty, the risk is high."
🗣️ Relative 2:"If something happens to you, who will take responsibility? Think wisely."
Mochi stood near the doorway, fingers clenched in her sleeves 🤍.She wanted to speak.She wanted to scream.But her throat closed up, fear pressing her voice down before it could rise.
Her mother finally spoke, barely above a whisper.
🌸 Mother:"…It is still my choice."
For a split second, hope flickered.
Then—
BANG.
🗣️ Relative 1 slammed his hand on the table.
"Choice? This isn't about choice!""It's about common sense! You don't need this child—"
The word need echoed in the room like an insult.
Mochi's chest tightened.Her mother's shoulders sank just a little.
And then—
🚪 The door opened.
Laddu stepped in quietly, carrying the leftover basket of fruits and sweets 🧺🍎🍬.He took in the scene in one glance.
• Mochi's pale face• Her mother's trembling hands• The sharp, accusing voices
He placed the basket down slowly.
Carefully.
Then he stepped forward.
⭐ THE MOMENT EVERYTHING SHIFTED ⚡
Laddu's voice wasn't loud.It didn't need to be.
🧍 Laddu (calm, steady):"Aunty doesn't have to justify wanting her own baby."
The room stilled.
🗣️ Relative 2 narrowed his eyes."And who are you?""Why are you even speaking in a family matter?"
Laddu didn't flinch 😐.
🧍 Laddu:"I'm speaking because she's being pushed into a decision she doesn't want."
🗣️ Father (defensive):"We are not pushing. We are advising—"
🧍 Laddu cut in gently, but firmly:"Advice becomes pressure when her voice is ignored and only one voice is allowed to be loud."
Silence rippled through the room 🌊.
Mochi's mother lifted her eyes to him, surprise and gratitude mixing together.No one had spoken for her like that before.
⭐ THE LINE THAT SHOULD NEVER BE CROSSED 🚫
🗣️ Relative 1 scoffed and turned toward Mochi's mother.
"You can barely handle the two girls you already have.Your son is away in the army.Do you want to become a burden to your own children?"
The word burden poisoned the air ☠️.
Mochi sucked in a sharp breath.Her mother's head bowed.
Before anyone could say anything—
Laddu stepped forward.
He placed himself between them.
Not shouting.Not threatening.Just standing.
And when he spoke, his voice cut cleanly through the room 🔪.
🧍 Laddu:"Stop."
Everyone froze.
🧍 Laddu:"You crossed a line."
🗣️ Relative 1 sneered."Oh? And what will you do?"
Laddu met his eyes without blinking 👁️.
🧍 Laddu:"I'll remind you of something important."
He inhaled slowly.
🧍 Laddu:"Forcing or emotionally coercing a pregnant woman into terminating a pregnancy is illegal."
The room stiffened.
🧍 Laddu (clear, precise):"Section 313 of the IPC covers causing miscarriage without consent.""And emotional coercion counts as undue influence."
💥 Shock hit like thunder.
Mochi's father froze mid-breath.The relatives stared at Laddu like the floor had vanished beneath them.Mochi's eyes widened — her shy heart racing wildly 💓.
🗣️ Relative 2 (voice shaking):"…Who do you think you are to lecture us on the law?"
Laddu didn't raise his voice.
He simply said the truth.
⭐ THE WORD THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING 🏠❤️
🧍 Laddu:"I am the adopted son of this family."
The world stopped.
No one breathed.Even the ticking clock seemed to hesitate ⏳.
Mochi's father turned slowly toward Laddu.Shock. Conflict. Recognition.
Mochi's mother's eyes filled instantly.A tear slipped down her cheek — not of pain, but of something warm 🌷.
🌸 Mother (whispering):"…Laddu…"
🗣️ Relative 1 stammered:"Adopted son? Who adopted you?!"
Her father hesitated… then straightened.
🧔 Father (quiet, firm):"We did."
Her mother nodded, voice steady now.
🌸 Mother:"He has been like a son for years.""More than some blood relatives."
The relatives shrank into themselves.
Laddu stood tall — not angry, not aggressive — just unshakable 🧍♂️.
🧍 Laddu:"And as a son…""I won't let anyone hurt her.""Not with words.""Not with pressure.""Not with fear."
Silence wrapped the house like a blanket.
Mochi stared at him, heart pounding, eyes shining ✨.
Her shy thoughts whispered softly, almost afraid to exist:
💭 I think…💭 I love him even more now. 💖