Chapter 60: A Daughter's Trust

That afternoon, Veeresh left for VR Industries after finishing lunch.

The palace was quiet.

Mahendra and Mahesh were resting, while the younger children were still at school.

Aadhya had woken up from her nap.

She stood outside Poornima's room for a few moments before knocking softly.

Knock... Knock...

Poornima: "Come in."

Aadhya entered hesitantly.

She looked a little embarrassed.

Poornima: "What happened, beta?"

Aadhya looked down.

Aadhya: "Can... can you help me with something?"

Poornima: "Of course."

Aadhya took a deep breath.

Aadhya: "Can you please tell me how to use sanitary pads?"

Poornima's expression remained calm and reassuring.

She nodded gently.

Poornima: "Come with me."

They went into the attached washroom.

Poornima took out a fresh sanitary pad.

She explained everything patiently.

Poornima: "First, always wash your hands before handling a pad."

Aadhya nodded carefully.

Poornima showed her the unopened packet.

Poornima: "Remove the paper covering from the back of the pad."

She demonstrated where the adhesive side would stick.

Poornima: "Place it in the centre of your underwear so it sits comfortably."

She explained how the wings folded around the sides of the underwear to help keep the pad in place.

Poornima: "Change your pad every four to six hours, or earlier if it becomes full."

Aadhya listened attentively.

Poornima: "Always wrap the used pad in paper before throwing it into a dustbin."

She smiled.

Poornima: "Never flush it down the toilet."

Aadhya nodded.

Poornima continued,

Poornima: "Keep yourself clean by washing the external area gently with water during your routine hygiene."

She added,

Poornima: "Wear clean, comfortable underwear."

She opened a small cupboard.

Poornima: "If you ever feel irritation, you can talk to a doctor or use products recommended for intimate hygiene. Don't use random creams without advice."

Aadhya smiled.

Aadhya: "Mom always tells me to use cloth."

Poornima spoke gently.

Poornima: "Some families use clean, properly washed and completely dried reusable cloths, and others prefer sanitary pads. What's important is keeping everything clean and changing it regularly."

Aadhya looked relieved.

Aadhya: "This sounds much better."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "The most important thing is that you're comfortable and hygienic."

Aadhya suddenly hugged her.

Aadhya: "Thank you."

Poornima hugged her back.

Poornima: "You're always welcome."

After a few moments, Aadhya hesitated again.

Poornima: "There's something else, isn't there?"

Aadhya nodded.

Aadhya: "I need your help."

Poornima: "Tell me."

Aadhya looked nervous.

Aadhya: "Could you please tell Dad... that I don't want to go to Mom's house anymore?"

Poornima looked at her quietly.

Poornima: "May I ask why?"

Aadhya sighed.

Aadhya: "I can tell Dad myself..."

She looked down.

Aadhya: "...but I'm not comfortable talking to him about some things."

Poornima gently held her hand.

Poornima: "You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."

Aadhya nodded gratefully.

Then she spoke softly.

Aadhya: "Mom's friends come home often."

She looked uncomfortable.

Aadhya: "There's always loud music and noise."

She swallowed.

Aadhya: "I don't feel comfortable there."

She continued,

Aadhya: "And she keeps scolding me, saying I should learn cooking."

She smiled weakly.

Aadhya: "I'll learn."

She counted on her fingers.

Aadhya: "I already know how to make tea, coffee, and Maggi."

Poornima smiled warmly.

Poornima: "That's a good start."

Aadhya nodded.

Aadhya: "Please... the next time Mom calls, ask Appa to tell her no."

Poornima gently tucked a strand of hair behind Aadhya's ear.

Poornima: "I'll speak to your father."

She continued carefully,

Poornima: "But I'll also tell him exactly what you've told me—that these are your feelings."

Aadhya listened.

Poornima: "He loves you very much."

She smiled reassuringly.

Poornima: "He won't force you to go somewhere you genuinely don't feel comfortable."

Aadhya's eyes filled with relief.

Aadhya: "Really?"

Poornima: "Really."

She gently squeezed her hand.

Poornima: "And whenever you're ready, if you ever want to tell your Appa yourself, I'll be right beside you."

Aadhya smiled.

For the first time, she felt she had someone she could go to with questions she found difficult to ask.

And for Poornima, it wasn't about replacing anyone.

It was simply about being there when a child needed a trusted adult to listen.