#ch68 #Chroniclesoflife #Sagas_by_Irvika #sweetlovestory

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

This post is dedicated to my lovely friend Sneha Satyam Lamba... Loads of wishes on you birthday! 
Bonus na sahi...  Early post😜

It was extremely late by the time they returned and Shruti was dead tired. Days of running around had taken its toll. It took her a while to remove her make up and change her outfit and join Atharva. She looked at him and was saddened to see that he had already dozed off coz she had been expecting at least some moments of togetherness. She switched off the lights, lay disheartened and was trying to overcome the sudden feeling of discontentment that she felt. Her eyes were about to express her grief, as the tears began to sting. At that very moment....

To be continued.....

At that very moment, she could feel his hand on hers. She was taken aback as she had assumed him to be asleep.

He could gauge from her reaction and voiced, “I was waiting for you. I am not as bad as you feel I am. I know its our anniversary and even I have been looking forward to it.”
She started saying something, when he interrupted by putting his finger on her lips and shushed her in the most effective way. He said huskily, “Let me continue with the kiss we shared in the hotel. Udhar audience tha, warna I swear I would have taken you right then.”
She felt goosebumps hearing his words. After that, he didn’t give her a chance to utter a word and indulged her, making her feel treasured. Her senses oscillated from expectant to high and then back again, as he teased her. Shruti couldn’t tolerate the torment and squirmed under him. The wriggling heightened his passion and they delved in for the ultimate.

The next day, by the time it was evening, Shruti was in a very vulnerable state. They had been busy through the day, attending the guests who were yet to depart. It had been a while since she had been to Nashik and having met her family during the functions, had made her yearn to go to her place. In the evening, the Doshis had invited the family for the pag phera rasam.

Minish and Rhea had returned by afternoon and Rhea had gone to her place for the ceremony. The entire Doshi clan had gathered as all lived in the same vicinity. While having their meal, one of the aunts commented, “Shruti’s turn this year to give us good news to be followed by Rhea next year.”
Shruti smiled feebly as she had unknowingly touched a raw nerve. All their attempts had been futile and Shruti had started feeling that she might have to go for some treatment after all. 

The meal was a lavish affair and lasted for quite some time. Rhea had dressed up elegantly in a green bandhej sari and was not looking well. Her mom, Mrs. Doshi informed, “Rhea has been having fever since morning.”
The first thought that came up in Shruti’s mind was, ‘Matlab hua ke nahi hua??’ and had to stop her thoughts from wandering further. But she couldn’t help grinning at the way she was thinking. Poor Minish must have desperately waited and Rhea fell ill. She smirked as another thought popped up, ‘Rhea ko for sure anticipation me hi fever aaya hoga. She had looked like a scared rabbit. Bechaare Minishbhai.’

Shruti tried to be discreet but she was still to learn the art. Little did she know that Atharva had been looking at her and could very well judge what had been going on in that naughty little brain of hers. She turned her gaze, trying to avoid laughing when she saw him stare at her. He too was grinning inwardly but communicated with his gestures to control herself. She diverted her mind by attending Isha who had been insisting to take her ‘new chachi’ home.

Soon, it was time to leave and the scene changed from merriment to melancholy. Rhea, who had already been feeling low, burst out crying profusely. Heenaji and Atulji, her parents broke down as well. Ravina couldn’t stop the deluge of tears that flooded from her eyes as Rhea had always been a second mother to her. They hugged and cried, making everyone emotional.

Shruti, who had already been missing her family, got so emotional looking at them, that she burst into tears herself. The Shahs were taken aback for a second, but then Preksha commented, “It’s her anniversary today. And it’s been just one year. She is bound to feel emotional. Must have recollected about her own bidaai.”

Shruti was uncontrollable and couldn’t help it when the flood gates opened. Atharva was flabbergasted and didn’t know what to do. Heenaji was so sweet that she took her in her embrace and pacified her. Shruti felt all the more miserable coz she knew that she was missing exactly that mother figure in her life, who had been with her over the years. She knew she could never expect this from her mother-in-law. Somehow, she gathered herself and gained some semblance.

Soon, they reached home and did the ceremonies to welcome the new bride. Shruti noticed that the flowers from the bouquet that had been sent on their anniversary were missing and looked at Atharva, unable to understand.
He whispered, “Shall explain later.”
This upped the curiosity in Shruti as he had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he had said that.

As soon as they entered the room, she questioned, “Now tell me.”
He smirked, “You start getting a stomach ache if you don’t know something, hai na?”
She said impatiently, “I know my virtues. Now tell me, jaldiii.”
He revealed with a wide grin, “I used them to adorn Minish’s room.”
Shruti looked at him for a second and then burst out laughing, as she recollected their eyelock in the evening. She said haltingly, while still laughing, “Hope… hope it helps them to… you know, set the mood.”
He chuckled, “Your face reflected your thoughts so clearly Shru. Tujhe bhi koi kum keeda nahi hai. Sitting right there and thinking about all that. Tch tch, bigad gayi hai.”
She made a face and said, “Very funny. Look who is talking. The kind of comments you were making yesterday. It shocked me, sachhi me.”
He came near her and said, “You don’t know me jaanu.”
She responded softly, his nearness affecting her thinking, “Hmm.. dark horse of the family.” Atharva was relieved to hear her laughter and refrained discussing about the way she had broken down earlier in the evening, considering it to be a weak moment for her.

Minish and Rhea left for their honeymoon after a week and life moved on. Over the period, Preksha became still more unpredictable as she tried to show her upper hand, whereas Shruti could feel what Rhea was going through due to her recent experience. She felt it odd thinking that the person who didn’t know even the ABC of cooking till she had got married, was now guiding someone. The situation was all the more weird since Rhea was quite well trained and could cook well. But still, every household has its own system and in fact, Rhea was coming from a different culture. So, the onus of guiding fell on Shruti’s shoulders more or less as Preksha didn’t bother herself except giving advices.

The best outcome of the situation was Shruti somehow felt more like herself after Rhea came to the house. They bonded well with each other and eventually started sharing more or less quite a bit, trusting each other implicitly.

Nainaa was faring well in her pregnancy with the usual issues. She was due in August and Shruti couldn’t wait to get promoted to being called masi. On the personal front, Shruti and Atharva were still trying, hoping for some miracle. But as time passed, her confidence level started shattering.

The months flew by and it was August already. Nainaa had already moved to Nashik after her baby shower. Shruti had been to her place for a couple of days but didn’t stay for too long… just enough to settle Nainaa. Together, they planned excitedly as what will be needed and how will they go about it. Shruti promised, “The moment I get news that you are due, I’ll be there…. Promise.”

But it so happened that on 4th August midnight, well before her due date, Nainaa had sudden cramps and had to be hospitalised. Before they could control the situation, her water broke and the baby had to be delivered.

Shruti had been sleeping when she got a call from her mother first thing in the morning updating her about the situation and said, “Congratulations masi! Thankfully all went well and she has delivered a healthy baby boy.”
Shruti’s joy knew no bounds and she wanted to leave immediately when Jyotiji interrupted, “Shruti, Nainaa was hysterical thinking about how everything will be done inspite of our assurances. Blame it on pregnancy hormones. She particularly insisted you to get whatever the two of you had discussed and then come here.”
Shruti agreed and couldn’t wait for the shops to open. She had done her research well so it was a matter of picking up things. Within no time, she excitedly went on her way to her home, loaded with baby stuff. She was finally going to be at her home for a fortnight and felt happy about it. The one person whom she was going to miss was Atharva though.

Before leaving, she had urged, “Atharva, you should come to meet Nainaa and the baby.”
Atharva had replied, “You know the situation jaanu. I cannot leave before Shankar comes back from Delhi. And owing to the crisis there, it wont be before a fortnight this time. But I promise, I’ll be there for the baby’s welcome function.”
She hadn’t liked it one bit but then there was no point arguing and left it at that.

The following days were as hectic as exhilarating. Shruti and Atharva would often talk to each other as Shruti would excitedly pour in all the details and the cute moments. For Atharva, it was difficult coz he had really started missing Shruti’s presence and was more than desperate to be with her. Although the formal naming ceremony was done on the sixth day itself, they had refrained from holding a big celebration immediately, giving time to the newly born to settle down.

Shruti had yet again missed the periods and was completely fed up with her erratic schedule. She had avoided taking any treatment for the same till then, letting it take its natural course. When she mentioned about it to Jyotiji one day while they sat down for a chat, she said in a disdainful tone, “Mumma… I have an inkling that I’ll have to go for a treatment.”
Jyotiji had noticed her mood swings and had very well judged her state of mind, however much she had tried to hide.
Jyotiji asked hopefully, “Shru… have you done the test?”
She grimaced, “I am fed up of those tests mom. I must have done so many times by now, always hoping for a positive result. It’s high time I face reality. Poor Atharva has to face and handle me when I break down after every such result. Not to mention the extent to which I torture you and Nainaa. So, I have made up my mind. As soon as I go back, I’m going to consult a good gynaec over there and do whatever is required.”
Jyotiji’s heart went out to her girl and suggested, “Beta, how about consulting Dr. Minal since you are here?”
She refused, “No mumma. Even I had thought about it but then, practically I’ll have to continue with the treatment there na. So no point. Anyways, I shall be leaving tomorrow with Atharva after the function.”

Jyotiji nodded and fervently prayed to the Almighty to help Shruti and make the path easy for her.

Atharva came to Nashik at night so as to attend the function on the following day, 24th August. He was more than jubilant to have his wife back to himself and hugged her for the longest time till date. She realised that her overstay  must have taken its toll on Atharva and made it up to him lovingly. At night, he cuddled up with her affectionately, holding her hand, not leaving her for a moment. She could feel what she had been missing and slept blissfully.

The function went well as all showered blessings and gifts on the baby and mother. Abhinav was grinning from ear to ear, beaming at his son. His entire family was present and were over the moon.

Once through with the function, Shruti had her weak moments and hugged baby Adi for a long time. She embraced her family and then with dewy eyes, sat in the car with Atharva to return home. She discussed about her decision to consult the gynaec in Mumbai and Atharva had no choice but to agree with her.

Shruti had been trying to convince Atharva to come along with her to the gynaec since if any treatment would be recommended, the gynaec would obviously need to talk to both of them. So, finally she was able to pull him along as he was home for a puja. It was Shankar’s birthday and he had wished to perform a puja in their local temple.
She argued, “You need to understand that I won’t go without you. And usually you aren’t free. The gynaec unfortunately doesn’t entertain any patients on Sunday. And anyways, the puja is to be held at the mandir na. So it’s not as if you have preparations before that. You can spare an hour. I’ll take the first appointment at 10.”
Atharva reluctantly agreed after confiding in his mother. Shruti told Preksha and Rhea about the visit as well.

Preksha remarked, “It seems that you must have finally conceived.”
Shruti denied exasperatedly and said, “No bhabhi. Very unlikely, it has been this way since long now.”
Preksha commented, “Oh yes… anyways you two were not together for almost 20 days. So…”
She nodded without thinking over it herself. Little did she know that destiny had it’s own plans.

Atharva and Shruti reached sharp at 10, to be informed that the doctor had an emergency operation to attend and will be back soon. It was almost after 45 mins that the doctor finally walked in. Once she discussed about the problems Shruti was facing, Dr Anita asked, “Have you done UTP?”
Shruti shook her head and said, “No Doctor. I have done that multiple times and it’s very depressing when the result is negative every time. So didn’t bother with it.”
Dr. Anita said, “Please give your sample to the sister here. We need to verify first before going ahead.”
She did as told and sat waiting outside impatiently to know exactly what course of treatment would she recommend, hoping it wouldn’t involve anything extensive. Meanwhile, the doctor attended to another patient.

Alpaji called up asking, “How long will it take Atharva? We shall be leaving in some time.”
Atharva, who himself loathed waiting, said, “We shall come in some time mumma.”
Shruti went in the doctor’s cabin as soon as the patient came out and said, “Doctor, we are getting late as we need to attend a puja. Can you please take us in right now?” Atharva stood behind her, ready to speak his mind if they would have been asked to wait any longer.
Dr. Anita, a very sweet lady, looked at her beamingly and said, “I have the test with me. Don’t you want to know the result?”
Shruti responded in a disappointed voice, “I know it’s the same. So no point.”
Dr. Anita smiled, “Then you are in for a surprise dear. IT’S POSITIVE!!!”

Shruti stood there dumbfounded for a full minute, unable to believe her ears.
She thought she was day dreaming and just stood motionless. It was only when Dr. Anita showed her the test with two pink lines, did she believe as a huge smile broke on her face. It was then that she turned around to see Atharva’s face, all lit up. His happiness knew no bounds.
Shruti thanked her profusely, and said in a voice choked with tears, “You have no idea just how many times have I ached to see these two lines in the past months. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you so very much!”
Atharva also thanked her and asked, “So can you check her once before we leave?”
Dr. Anita responded, “The sonologist shall come at 12. I am sorry, but I cannot let you go before it is done.”

Atharva readily agreed and they waited outside. He took the test from Shruti’s hands and kept looking at it, assuring himself that it wasn’t a figment of his mind, that he was actually holding something that they both had craved for but given up hopes of seeing any time soon. He was on cloud nine and nothing, absolutely nothing could compare to the happiness that he felt at that time.

He turned his face to look at Shruti and bit his lip, trying to stop it from quivering. The sentiments that he had kept bolted within him for her sake, seemed to be about to erupt. She didn’t care that they were surrounded with people and held his hand, saying lovingly, “Congratulations Atharva. You are gonna be a dad.”
He smiled wholeheartedly and said emotionally, “Thank you Shru… thank you for this invaluable gift.”

Next moment, he received a call from Alpaji again, asking him as to how long when Atharva replied, “Maa.. it’s important. We shall be there in half an hour.”
Alpaji replied, “Okay then. We are leaving in a while. Don’t get late.”

Soon, the sonologist entered and Shruti and Atharva were called in. The excited couple went in, praying and hoping for everything to work out smoothly. The sonologist examined her and once he could locate, turned the monitor towards Atharva and Shruti, indicating the tiny dot in the sac. Shruti’s eyes were glued, trying to make some sense when the doctor said, “It is very early stage… just about 4 weeks. So, care needs to be taken as the heart beats are yet to reflect.”
It was baffling for them hence the doctor explained, “The heartbeats will be visible after another 8-10 days. This simply indicates that embryo has been properly implanted in the uterus.”

Atharva got anxious and look flustered not able to decipher whether there was an issue or not. Dr. Anita understood his dilemma and explained again after which he relaxed. She prescribed the basic supplements that Shruti would need to take after which they left from there.

Shruti quickly started descending the steps when he admonished unexpectedly, “Kya kar rahi hai Shru? Slow down.”
She took a minute to digest that and grinned, “Yes papa.”
He couldn’t keep a straight face and was as happy as he could be. They took the medicines and headed towards home. Shruti started discussing something when Atharva hushed her, indicating her to keep mum in front of the driver.
She couldn’t help smiling getting to see this side of Atharva and didn’t speak further.

It was one of the rare sights to see Atharva flummoxed, out of his wits and unsure of what should be done. He murmured, “Should we wait for 10 days and then let them know?”
She glared at him, “Don’t you dare! How do you expect me to keep quiet for so many days? And I am supposed to take it slow, right?”
He mumbled, “Hmm that’s also there.”

Alpaji was on the door step, ready to leave when Atharva and Shruti stepped out of the lift. Atharva looked at her and then instinctively went to her and whispered in her ears. Her face instantly transformed and Shruti looked at her nervously. She bent to take blessings and then had a shock of her life.

Alpaji was super excited and called out, “Miiinnniiishh! Good news! You are going to be become kaka again!”
Minish quickly came out of his room followed by Rhea and glanced at Atharva and Shruti and screamed enthusiastically, at the top of his voice, “Arey waaahhh! Mera toh promotion ho gaya. Congratulations to both of you!!”
Shankar and Preksha came out in  another minute and congratulated them as well. Preksha smiled and remarked, “I was just telling Shankar that we are about to hear good news.”

Just then, Alpaji remarked abruptly, “Wait! How is it possible? You two were not together for almost 3 weeks…”
Shruti explained, “Yes, but it is showing 4 weeks. So, we were together then.”
But Alpaji seemed to have stuck which hurt Shruti deeply. Just what was she implying at? Shruti herself had assumed that it wasn’t possible, without bothering to

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net