Chapter 6
[MEMBERSONLY]
[NOCOPY]
Hi Friends
This is the second (and last) epilogue of this SS. With this, "The Postern of Fate" officially ends.
I'm feeling quite--no, very!-- emotional about that---but then, the story arc has come to a close.
As always, please do let me know what you felt. Your feedback means a tremendous lot, and motivates me to keep writing. Your comments have truly been an invigorating force throughout this 5S and 2 Epilogue series.
I will be back sometime soon with an OS/2S, will take a bit of time, though, as I will be on a medium term hiatus from writing. Lots of pressures and commitments on various fronts which I need to handle. Will be back the soonest I can, though. (How can I resist my SwaSan mania...
)
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Epilogue 2[NOCOPY]
Hi Friends
This is the second (and last) epilogue of this SS. With this, "The Postern of Fate" officially ends.
I'm feeling quite--no, very!-- emotional about that---but then, the story arc has come to a close. As always, please do let me know what you felt. Your feedback means a tremendous lot, and motivates me to keep writing.
Your comments have truly been an invigorating force throughout this 5S and 2 Epilogue series. I will be back sometime soon with an OS/2S, will take a bit of time, though, as I will be on a medium term hiatus from writing. Lots of pressures and commitments on various fronts which I need to handle. Will be back the soonest I can, though. (How can I resist my SwaSan mania...
)<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
March, 2018
It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind
blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ** The
weather seemed to conspire to gild the day with happiness; the chills and light woolens of winter were a thing of the past, but the suffocating, oppressive heat and humidity of summer, were still several weeks into the future.
It was crisp, cool, and yet sunny; days that were golden and tingling, each followed by delectable twilights streaked in pinks, peaches and tangerines. Lovely weather, mused Sanskaar, ideal for taking his beloved, glowing wife for an outing to the extensive Indian Botanic Gardens, or the grounds of the magnificent Victoria Memorial. Or perhaps for boating by the Princep Ghat, affording those magnificent views of the Vidyasagar Setu bridge, with its myriad of twinkling, glowing lights?
But then he gazed at his wife, half tenderly indulgent, part affectionately exasperated. She was as mad as a March hare! thought Sanskaar, with the familiar, potent adoration coursing through him as he watched her. She was pursing her lips in abject concentration, supervising the household help as they plastered the ceiling and walls of the bedroom with glow-in-the-dark stickers. On their last foray to get "essential supplies" for the eagerly awaited arrival, Swara had literally had a ball in the store, buying up reams and reams of peel-and-stick appliques. A panoply of stars, planets, comets, meteors and various other celestial objects Sansakar could not even identify, now winked and shimmered across the broad expanse of ceiling and walls. He bit his lower lip, trying hard to stifle a laugh. This kiddo was certain to be an astronomer or an astronaut, the way the room was being set up...
"What do you think, Sanskaar?", asked Swara, turning excitedly to take a look at the handiwork she had directed. Sanskaar turned his head artistically this way and that, screwing his eyes up in mock concentration. "It looks awesome, Swara...", he said, finally, still trying so very hard to keep the chortle from his voice. "But tell me one thing...just one doubt. The stickers are supposed to glow in the dark, to reassure kiddo, no? But the amount of stickers you've had stuck here...I don't think it ever would be dark, Swara! Can kiddo sleep in perpetual daylight?!" Swara sent a long, murderous stare his way, but Sanskaar was too busy doubling up in laughter to notice. Swara's own lips twitched upwards in joy. It was so wonderful to see him laugh merrily like this, open, contented and witty. Sanskaar was always an awesomely handsome man, and when he laughed like this, his face carefree and boyish, he was well nigh irresistible.
Sanskaar's chortling was interrupted by something small and solid coming toddling in to grasp his legs. He looked down, startled, and his heart expanded with a surge of affection, as he beheld his little brother in law. Ahir, a year old now, stood a little unsteadily, grasping Sanskaar's knees and making tiny jumping movements to indicate that he wanted to be lifted. He giggled in sheer glee as Sanskaar picked him up and held him close, then tossing him up in the air and catching him deftly.
It always filled Sanskaar with a tremendous joy, a serene sense of contentment, that Ahir adored him so much. He was a friendly, outgoing child, and loved both his sisters immensely. He was thus a frequent visitor to Maheshwari house, and also thoroughly enjoyed the company of his Lakshya jeeju. But it was Sanskaar who was his favorite adult, apart from his own parents. Sanskaar himself had no clue why this was, and just felt humbled by the innocent and exuberant love Ahir lavished on him. Perhaps it was because Ahir liked the way Sanskaar tickled him, rasping his stubble over his baby soft cheeks and belly? Or perhaps it was because Sanskaar patiently played endless games of peek-a-boo and hide and seek whenever Ahir came over? No one was quite sure.
Swara had playfully acted possessive and jealous the last time this had happened. After her parents and Ahir had taken their leave, and when she and Sanskaar were getting ready for bed, she had sighed melodramatically that she knew the reason why Ahir was so devoted to Sanskaar; even more so than to his own sisters. She had read an article, she said, that babies and toddlers were inherently more attracted to faces with symmetrical features. And, sighed Swara, how could anyone compete with Sanskaar in that department? Everything about his chiseled, Grecian profile was symmetrical perfection! Swara would certainly have ribbed Sanskaar on these lines for a considerable period of time, but her teasing came to an abrupt end, when Sanskaar stopped her flow of words in the most tantalizing manner. By capturing her lips between his, in a mind numbing, heart pounding kiss. It was a tender, sensuous and thoroughly exploratory kiss---and when he drew back a bit later, Swara had a dreamy smile on her lips, and a rather dazed expression in her eyes. Sanskaar gave her a knowing smirk. After nearly two years of marriage, they still had this effect on each other, and always would. One of their toe curling kisses could make their insides melt in a warm puddle, even as their hearts were filled with an immense joy and tranquility. A sense of being more alive and yet more peaceful, than they ever had been. Licking his lips lightly, still savoring the taste of Swara's strawberry flavored lip balm, Sanskaar had quipped slyly, "You were praising me so much Swara! My features, how attractive you found me and so on...And I simply couldn't resist. Like you've said before, Tum meri biwi ho na? Tumse kya sharmana?" Swara could only blush in response, as she burrowed her face in the crook between his shoulder and throat. Well, at least they had bolted the door this time. No one to interrupt that surprise, sweet kiss...or what would then follow...
That memory crossed both Sanskaar and Swara's minds, as they glanced teasingly at each other. And then Swara had to go back to supervising the sticker arrangements---there was a last sheet remaining, and a few uncovered square inches area of the walls yet to cover! Sanskaar smilingly turned his attention to Ahir, tickling the little boy under his chin, even as he grasped the collar of Sanskaar's t-shirt and pulled it into his little mouth.
Lakshya came in a minute later and looked around the room, transfixed and bemused by the sheer wattage, of what were supposed to be subtle, glow in the dark stickers. Not comprehending Sanskaar's warning looks and the almost frantic shakes of his head, he rushed in where angels would fear to tread. "Isn't this all a bit too much? Looks sort of garish, no?" he asked, earning another murderous glare from Swara and a stinging remark about how some people just didn't understand how much effort had gone into this. Lakshya threw a piteous look at Sanskaar, as if imploring for support, but Sanskaar merely shrugged and winked at him in empathy. He loved his brother a lot, and in point of fact, agreed with him on this. But he certainly wasn't going to rile up his wife for that! Lakshya playfully punched Sanskaar's shoulder. "You're such a joru ka ghulam, Bhai!" he whispered. Sanskaar threw a mock glare at him, before whispering back even as he aimed a light kick at Lakshya's shins, "You're a fine one to talk, Lucky! I'm far better than you---Ragini has you completely wound round her little finger! Don't even think of denying it!" And Sanskaar grinned victoriously at Lakshya's rather sheepish expression.
Their attention, and Ahir's too, went back to Swara who approached them with a huge smile on her face, satisfied at a job very well done. "Completed!" she exulted, and Sanskaar immediately told her to get ready to go to the Victoria Memorial or for the boating trip he had planned---whichever she preferred. But Swara looked at him entreatingly and rather apologetically. "Can we do that another time, Sanskaar? Tomorrow evening, perhaps? I need to go to select the crib-cum-baby cot, and some crib mobiles too. You need to come with me too; you don't mind, na?"
Sanskaar looked at his wife, immense affection and near worship in his eyes. How could he ever say No to her? With that look in her eyes, he would walk over hot coals, if that was what she wanted him to do, not that she would ever ask that of him, of course. "Fine, jaan, whatever you want", he said, ignoring Lakshya's muffled laugh, which he hastily converted to a cough at a nasty glare from Sanskaar. And handing over an excitedly bouncing Ahir to Lakshya, Sanskaar took his equally excited wife for an expedition to the various baby stores near by. So she could pick and choose, with extensive and exhaustive deliberation, the best baby crib and crib mobiles on offer. The eagerly awaited arrival deserved nothing less than the very best, after all! It was a good thing, Sanskaar thought, smiling to himself, that he was such a patient man.
It was a few days later, that Sanskaar and Lakshya returned together from the office to find their respective wives sitting together on the plush, comfortable sofa in the family den, next to the study. The lads stood at the doorway silently for some moments, contentedly taking in the sheer beauty and tranquility of the scene within. Both Swara and Ragini were stroking the baby bump tenderly, almost reverentially; even as they softly sang in tandem, an exquisite song in Raag Bhairavi. And suddenly, Swara squealed in excitement. "The baby kicked! I could feel it moving! Sanskaar!! Come quickly! Just touch here, you can feel the movements---its amazing!"
Sanskaar looked positively embarrassed. He was tremendously excited about the baby too, looked forward to its arrival, but this--asking him to feel the movements, was a bit much. Swara kept looking at him expectantly, but he stood awkwardly where he was. Lakshya, however, had stormed forward, and placed his hands eagerly on the baby bump, rather unceremoniously pushing Swara's hands aside to make way for his own, ignoring her indignant squawks of protest.
Lakshya's eyes were suddenly filled with a film of tears, as he felt the flutter of a vibrant, growing life beneath his palms. He looked up at Ragini, his heart in his eyes, love and respect for her pouring from him, even as she brought her dainty hands up to cover his own, laughing and crying in turn. Ragini held Lakshya's warm hands close over her 21 week pregnant belly, as they stroked together, murmuring sweet nothings to their unborn baby, as they tried to decipher what movements they were feeling. Was that a knee? A foot? An elbow perhaps? Or even the back of their baby's head? It was rather hard to precisely tell...
Lakshya felt an immense awe, a sense of responsibility wash over him. He had matured considerably over the months past, become more aware of the consequences of his actions, and had become far more circumspect as a result. But he would always retain that inherent child like exuberance, a happy go lucky, cheery insouciance. In many ways, that had earlier been his greatest weakness---but now, tempered as it was by his rush of paternal affection and protectiveness, it would be, perhaps, his greatest strength. As a foil to his more driven, determined wife; a balancing factor that would ensure their child got the best of both influences.
Swara attempted to lighten the moment that had gotten rather emotional, by teasingly pulling Lakshya's leg. Ragini and she had again decided, she averred, that the baby would call her mausi, and Sanskaar mausa. Lakshya pursed his lips, delighting in an argument. It would, of course, have to be chacha and chachi, he insisted. And over the heads of their cheerfully squabbling spouses, Sanskaar and Ragini's eyes met as they smiled slightly at each other. They both recalled a conversation they had had all those months ago, when Sanskaar had forbiddingly warned Ragini not to interfere in his plans for bringing down Maheshwari, Karma and Sons; artfully revealing his knowledge of her fake pregnancy as a bargaining chip.
Sanskaar's calm voice broke the squabbling. "I thought it was decided the baby would call me Bade papa and Swara Badi ma?" he said quietly, nodding to Ragini smilingly. Ragini smiled widely back, pulling Swara into a warm side hug. "That's right, Jeeju! Don't you remember, Swara, that's what you and I decided on-----well, the last time? Thank God Ahir never had to call you that, all that confusion was sorted. But the principle applies now right? Especially when it is for real this time!" she laughed.
And so it was settled. Bade Papa and Badi Ma it would be, for the eagerly awaited arrival to address Sanskaar and Swara. Ragini stood up from the sofa a tad awkwardly, she was tired after a long day and all the excitement, and wanted to lie down for some time. Lakshya assiduously helped her up the stairs. Ragini laughed at his protectiveness, reminding him that she was in her 5th month of pregnancy, not the 9th! But he was taking no chances---Ragini had had a very difficult first 4 months, and for a time, it had looked very like she might lose the baby. Everyone, and especially Lakshya, watched over her like a hawk as a result.
Much later in the night, when all of the family had retired to their rooms after dinner, Sanskaar sat comfortably on the granite counter top of their modular kitchen, head leaning against the shelves behind him. Swara was carefully picking out the Corelle plates from the dishwasher, handing them over to Sanskaar to wipe dry. Their maid had taken the next couple of days off, and she didn't trust the substitute who came in, with these dainty dinnerware. Sanskaar gazed at his wife languidly, his molten, smoldering eyes caressing her. Swara looked so beautiful, even she dressed simply and functionally. The pallu of her lightly sequined sari was tucked into her waist as she completed her chores, her creamy, flat midriff exposed to his ardent gaze. How he longed to touch her. He contemplated her slim stomach dreamily. He and Swara had decided to plan their family a bit later, soaking in at least the first two years of their marriage in each others company, having each other all to themselves in a sense. Swara wanted to get her music school up and running, too; and Sanskaar was a pillar of support for her in that endeavor. Sanskaar wanted to have that extended time they'd decided on...but just for future reference, he imagined Swara's now perfectly slim stomach becoming rounded and prominent as she carried their child----the miracle that they would create together, part him and part her. He felt a deep stirring within himself, and smiled quite wolfishly. His uncontrollable male hormones!!
Sanskaar, as always, was a man of action. He saw a target, resolved to reach it, and then planned the best way to go about achieving his goal. He noticed that a stray strand of Swara's lovely tresses had escaped her braid, and that delectable, wavy lock was hanging down her cheek. It was then the most natural thing in the world, for him to hop down from the counter and put his arms gently round her from behind. He carefully tucked the strand of hair behind her ear, brushing Swara's by now flushed cheeks with the warm pads of his thumbs. He leaned forward to nuzzle the nape of her neck, and grinned as she let out a breathy sigh. And then, her eyes flying open in shock, Swara uttered a slightly panicked squawk. "Sanskaar!! We're in the kitchen! Kuch toh sharam karo!"
Sanskaar quirked a furry, expressive eyebrow at her, even as he grinned cheekily back, cocking his head to one side. "Its almost midnight Swara. We're the only two people awake in the entire house at this time---and that's including Ramu kaka, who's probably snoring away in the outhouse while pretending to do guard duty! And he can't see into the kitchen anyway, even if he was awake! So what's the problem?" And with a quick jerk, he lifted her up on the counter and seated her in front of him, holding her in his arms, even as he lightly grasped her thighs between his knees. "Swara..." he breathed huskily, and she shivered. How could merely hearing her name in his voice, sound like such a potent caress? "I was thinking Swara...we have planned to try for our baby only after a few months, na? But I think we need to get into the groove---preparation wise. Just so we're fully ready when the time comes, you know? Practice makes perfect and all that kind of thing. We need to get cracking with our frequency and repeat efforts, Swara. Some new techniques too, perhaps? What say?"
"I think you need this!" Swara exclaimed playfully, as she reached for the tap right next to her arm, and splashed a handful of cold water on Sanskaar's face. She took advantage of his momentary shock to push him back gently, and raced past him into the hall, giggling with sheer, mischievous glee. But before she could even reach the steps, she felt his strong, muscular arm wrap around her waist, even as she covered her face in her hands, trying to stifle her giggles.
In one swift movement, Sanskaar swept her up in his arms, and held her very close to his chest. Like he had done so many times before. And like every time, Swara fit perfectly, like she was made to fit the space between his arms, to lie close to his chest, right where his heart beat.
Sanskaar looked into her laughing face, with a look of such blazing, potent adoration in his eyes that Swara felt momentarily breathless. "You are going to pay for drenching me with cold water, Mrs Maheshwari...You have to warm me up under the shower now...", he smirked. Swara gave a small laugh and nodded in acquiescence, and Sanskaar grinned in triumph, striding up the stairs as his wife contentedly buried her face in the crook of his neck.
The practice sessions in the weeks and months to come, promised to be tantalizing indeed.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
1) ** : It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade:
Is a sentence from the great Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
2) The name Ahir is derived from the Hindustani Classical Raag Ahir Bhairav. The Raag itself is a spellbinding, awe inspiring mixture of Bhairav and the ancient, but now rare Raag Ahiri or Abhiri.
Given the musical setting of Swaragini, I felt Ahir would be a very apt name for Swara and Ragini's kid brother.
3) In my imagination, Ragini and Lakshya's baby would be named Bhairavi (if its a daughter), and Malhar (if it is a son). Both are Classical Ragas-- Malhar is Hindustani Classical; Bhairavi has variants in both Hindustani and Carnatic.
4) Swara and Sanskaar's children, in my imagination, would be named Varun Sanskaar Maheshwari and Shruti Sanskaar Maheshwari.
It was crisp, cool, and yet sunny; days that were golden and tingling, each followed by delectable twilights streaked in pinks, peaches and tangerines. Lovely weather, mused Sanskaar, ideal for taking his beloved, glowing wife for an outing to the extensive Indian Botanic Gardens, or the grounds of the magnificent Victoria Memorial. Or perhaps for boating by the Princep Ghat, affording those magnificent views of the Vidyasagar Setu bridge, with its myriad of twinkling, glowing lights?
But then he gazed at his wife, half tenderly indulgent, part affectionately exasperated. She was as mad as a March hare! thought Sanskaar, with the familiar, potent adoration coursing through him as he watched her. She was pursing her lips in abject concentration, supervising the household help as they plastered the ceiling and walls of the bedroom with glow-in-the-dark stickers. On their last foray to get "essential supplies" for the eagerly awaited arrival, Swara had literally had a ball in the store, buying up reams and reams of peel-and-stick appliques. A panoply of stars, planets, comets, meteors and various other celestial objects Sansakar could not even identify, now winked and shimmered across the broad expanse of ceiling and walls. He bit his lower lip, trying hard to stifle a laugh. This kiddo was certain to be an astronomer or an astronaut, the way the room was being set up...
"What do you think, Sanskaar?", asked Swara, turning excitedly to take a look at the handiwork she had directed. Sanskaar turned his head artistically this way and that, screwing his eyes up in mock concentration. "It looks awesome, Swara...", he said, finally, still trying so very hard to keep the chortle from his voice. "But tell me one thing...just one doubt. The stickers are supposed to glow in the dark, to reassure kiddo, no? But the amount of stickers you've had stuck here...I don't think it ever would be dark, Swara! Can kiddo sleep in perpetual daylight?!" Swara sent a long, murderous stare his way, but Sanskaar was too busy doubling up in laughter to notice. Swara's own lips twitched upwards in joy. It was so wonderful to see him laugh merrily like this, open, contented and witty. Sanskaar was always an awesomely handsome man, and when he laughed like this, his face carefree and boyish, he was well nigh irresistible.
Sanskaar's chortling was interrupted by something small and solid coming toddling in to grasp his legs. He looked down, startled, and his heart expanded with a surge of affection, as he beheld his little brother in law. Ahir, a year old now, stood a little unsteadily, grasping Sanskaar's knees and making tiny jumping movements to indicate that he wanted to be lifted. He giggled in sheer glee as Sanskaar picked him up and held him close, then tossing him up in the air and catching him deftly.
It always filled Sanskaar with a tremendous joy, a serene sense of contentment, that Ahir adored him so much. He was a friendly, outgoing child, and loved both his sisters immensely. He was thus a frequent visitor to Maheshwari house, and also thoroughly enjoyed the company of his Lakshya jeeju. But it was Sanskaar who was his favorite adult, apart from his own parents. Sanskaar himself had no clue why this was, and just felt humbled by the innocent and exuberant love Ahir lavished on him. Perhaps it was because Ahir liked the way Sanskaar tickled him, rasping his stubble over his baby soft cheeks and belly? Or perhaps it was because Sanskaar patiently played endless games of peek-a-boo and hide and seek whenever Ahir came over? No one was quite sure.
Swara had playfully acted possessive and jealous the last time this had happened. After her parents and Ahir had taken their leave, and when she and Sanskaar were getting ready for bed, she had sighed melodramatically that she knew the reason why Ahir was so devoted to Sanskaar; even more so than to his own sisters. She had read an article, she said, that babies and toddlers were inherently more attracted to faces with symmetrical features. And, sighed Swara, how could anyone compete with Sanskaar in that department? Everything about his chiseled, Grecian profile was symmetrical perfection! Swara would certainly have ribbed Sanskaar on these lines for a considerable period of time, but her teasing came to an abrupt end, when Sanskaar stopped her flow of words in the most tantalizing manner. By capturing her lips between his, in a mind numbing, heart pounding kiss. It was a tender, sensuous and thoroughly exploratory kiss---and when he drew back a bit later, Swara had a dreamy smile on her lips, and a rather dazed expression in her eyes. Sanskaar gave her a knowing smirk. After nearly two years of marriage, they still had this effect on each other, and always would. One of their toe curling kisses could make their insides melt in a warm puddle, even as their hearts were filled with an immense joy and tranquility. A sense of being more alive and yet more peaceful, than they ever had been. Licking his lips lightly, still savoring the taste of Swara's strawberry flavored lip balm, Sanskaar had quipped slyly, "You were praising me so much Swara! My features, how attractive you found me and so on...And I simply couldn't resist. Like you've said before, Tum meri biwi ho na? Tumse kya sharmana?" Swara could only blush in response, as she burrowed her face in the crook between his shoulder and throat. Well, at least they had bolted the door this time. No one to interrupt that surprise, sweet kiss...or what would then follow...
That memory crossed both Sanskaar and Swara's minds, as they glanced teasingly at each other. And then Swara had to go back to supervising the sticker arrangements---there was a last sheet remaining, and a few uncovered square inches area of the walls yet to cover! Sanskaar smilingly turned his attention to Ahir, tickling the little boy under his chin, even as he grasped the collar of Sanskaar's t-shirt and pulled it into his little mouth.
Lakshya came in a minute later and looked around the room, transfixed and bemused by the sheer wattage, of what were supposed to be subtle, glow in the dark stickers. Not comprehending Sanskaar's warning looks and the almost frantic shakes of his head, he rushed in where angels would fear to tread. "Isn't this all a bit too much? Looks sort of garish, no?" he asked, earning another murderous glare from Swara and a stinging remark about how some people just didn't understand how much effort had gone into this. Lakshya threw a piteous look at Sanskaar, as if imploring for support, but Sanskaar merely shrugged and winked at him in empathy. He loved his brother a lot, and in point of fact, agreed with him on this. But he certainly wasn't going to rile up his wife for that! Lakshya playfully punched Sanskaar's shoulder. "You're such a joru ka ghulam, Bhai!" he whispered. Sanskaar threw a mock glare at him, before whispering back even as he aimed a light kick at Lakshya's shins, "You're a fine one to talk, Lucky! I'm far better than you---Ragini has you completely wound round her little finger! Don't even think of denying it!" And Sanskaar grinned victoriously at Lakshya's rather sheepish expression.
Their attention, and Ahir's too, went back to Swara who approached them with a huge smile on her face, satisfied at a job very well done. "Completed!" she exulted, and Sanskaar immediately told her to get ready to go to the Victoria Memorial or for the boating trip he had planned---whichever she preferred. But Swara looked at him entreatingly and rather apologetically. "Can we do that another time, Sanskaar? Tomorrow evening, perhaps? I need to go to select the crib-cum-baby cot, and some crib mobiles too. You need to come with me too; you don't mind, na?"
Sanskaar looked at his wife, immense affection and near worship in his eyes. How could he ever say No to her? With that look in her eyes, he would walk over hot coals, if that was what she wanted him to do, not that she would ever ask that of him, of course. "Fine, jaan, whatever you want", he said, ignoring Lakshya's muffled laugh, which he hastily converted to a cough at a nasty glare from Sanskaar. And handing over an excitedly bouncing Ahir to Lakshya, Sanskaar took his equally excited wife for an expedition to the various baby stores near by. So she could pick and choose, with extensive and exhaustive deliberation, the best baby crib and crib mobiles on offer. The eagerly awaited arrival deserved nothing less than the very best, after all! It was a good thing, Sanskaar thought, smiling to himself, that he was such a patient man.
It was a few days later, that Sanskaar and Lakshya returned together from the office to find their respective wives sitting together on the plush, comfortable sofa in the family den, next to the study. The lads stood at the doorway silently for some moments, contentedly taking in the sheer beauty and tranquility of the scene within. Both Swara and Ragini were stroking the baby bump tenderly, almost reverentially; even as they softly sang in tandem, an exquisite song in Raag Bhairavi. And suddenly, Swara squealed in excitement. "The baby kicked! I could feel it moving! Sanskaar!! Come quickly! Just touch here, you can feel the movements---its amazing!"
Sanskaar looked positively embarrassed. He was tremendously excited about the baby too, looked forward to its arrival, but this--asking him to feel the movements, was a bit much. Swara kept looking at him expectantly, but he stood awkwardly where he was. Lakshya, however, had stormed forward, and placed his hands eagerly on the baby bump, rather unceremoniously pushing Swara's hands aside to make way for his own, ignoring her indignant squawks of protest.
Lakshya's eyes were suddenly filled with a film of tears, as he felt the flutter of a vibrant, growing life beneath his palms. He looked up at Ragini, his heart in his eyes, love and respect for her pouring from him, even as she brought her dainty hands up to cover his own, laughing and crying in turn. Ragini held Lakshya's warm hands close over her 21 week pregnant belly, as they stroked together, murmuring sweet nothings to their unborn baby, as they tried to decipher what movements they were feeling. Was that a knee? A foot? An elbow perhaps? Or even the back of their baby's head? It was rather hard to precisely tell...
Lakshya felt an immense awe, a sense of responsibility wash over him. He had matured considerably over the months past, become more aware of the consequences of his actions, and had become far more circumspect as a result. But he would always retain that inherent child like exuberance, a happy go lucky, cheery insouciance. In many ways, that had earlier been his greatest weakness---but now, tempered as it was by his rush of paternal affection and protectiveness, it would be, perhaps, his greatest strength. As a foil to his more driven, determined wife; a balancing factor that would ensure their child got the best of both influences.
Swara attempted to lighten the moment that had gotten rather emotional, by teasingly pulling Lakshya's leg. Ragini and she had again decided, she averred, that the baby would call her mausi, and Sanskaar mausa. Lakshya pursed his lips, delighting in an argument. It would, of course, have to be chacha and chachi, he insisted. And over the heads of their cheerfully squabbling spouses, Sanskaar and Ragini's eyes met as they smiled slightly at each other. They both recalled a conversation they had had all those months ago, when Sanskaar had forbiddingly warned Ragini not to interfere in his plans for bringing down Maheshwari, Karma and Sons; artfully revealing his knowledge of her fake pregnancy as a bargaining chip.
Sanskaar's calm voice broke the squabbling. "I thought it was decided the baby would call me Bade papa and Swara Badi ma?" he said quietly, nodding to Ragini smilingly. Ragini smiled widely back, pulling Swara into a warm side hug. "That's right, Jeeju! Don't you remember, Swara, that's what you and I decided on-----well, the last time? Thank God Ahir never had to call you that, all that confusion was sorted. But the principle applies now right? Especially when it is for real this time!" she laughed.
And so it was settled. Bade Papa and Badi Ma it would be, for the eagerly awaited arrival to address Sanskaar and Swara. Ragini stood up from the sofa a tad awkwardly, she was tired after a long day and all the excitement, and wanted to lie down for some time. Lakshya assiduously helped her up the stairs. Ragini laughed at his protectiveness, reminding him that she was in her 5th month of pregnancy, not the 9th! But he was taking no chances---Ragini had had a very difficult first 4 months, and for a time, it had looked very like she might lose the baby. Everyone, and especially Lakshya, watched over her like a hawk as a result.
Much later in the night, when all of the family had retired to their rooms after dinner, Sanskaar sat comfortably on the granite counter top of their modular kitchen, head leaning against the shelves behind him. Swara was carefully picking out the Corelle plates from the dishwasher, handing them over to Sanskaar to wipe dry. Their maid had taken the next couple of days off, and she didn't trust the substitute who came in, with these dainty dinnerware. Sanskaar gazed at his wife languidly, his molten, smoldering eyes caressing her. Swara looked so beautiful, even she dressed simply and functionally. The pallu of her lightly sequined sari was tucked into her waist as she completed her chores, her creamy, flat midriff exposed to his ardent gaze. How he longed to touch her. He contemplated her slim stomach dreamily. He and Swara had decided to plan their family a bit later, soaking in at least the first two years of their marriage in each others company, having each other all to themselves in a sense. Swara wanted to get her music school up and running, too; and Sanskaar was a pillar of support for her in that endeavor. Sanskaar wanted to have that extended time they'd decided on...but just for future reference, he imagined Swara's now perfectly slim stomach becoming rounded and prominent as she carried their child----the miracle that they would create together, part him and part her. He felt a deep stirring within himself, and smiled quite wolfishly. His uncontrollable male hormones!!
Sanskaar, as always, was a man of action. He saw a target, resolved to reach it, and then planned the best way to go about achieving his goal. He noticed that a stray strand of Swara's lovely tresses had escaped her braid, and that delectable, wavy lock was hanging down her cheek. It was then the most natural thing in the world, for him to hop down from the counter and put his arms gently round her from behind. He carefully tucked the strand of hair behind her ear, brushing Swara's by now flushed cheeks with the warm pads of his thumbs. He leaned forward to nuzzle the nape of her neck, and grinned as she let out a breathy sigh. And then, her eyes flying open in shock, Swara uttered a slightly panicked squawk. "Sanskaar!! We're in the kitchen! Kuch toh sharam karo!"
Sanskaar quirked a furry, expressive eyebrow at her, even as he grinned cheekily back, cocking his head to one side. "Its almost midnight Swara. We're the only two people awake in the entire house at this time---and that's including Ramu kaka, who's probably snoring away in the outhouse while pretending to do guard duty! And he can't see into the kitchen anyway, even if he was awake! So what's the problem?" And with a quick jerk, he lifted her up on the counter and seated her in front of him, holding her in his arms, even as he lightly grasped her thighs between his knees. "Swara..." he breathed huskily, and she shivered. How could merely hearing her name in his voice, sound like such a potent caress? "I was thinking Swara...we have planned to try for our baby only after a few months, na? But I think we need to get into the groove---preparation wise. Just so we're fully ready when the time comes, you know? Practice makes perfect and all that kind of thing. We need to get cracking with our frequency and repeat efforts, Swara. Some new techniques too, perhaps? What say?"
"I think you need this!" Swara exclaimed playfully, as she reached for the tap right next to her arm, and splashed a handful of cold water on Sanskaar's face. She took advantage of his momentary shock to push him back gently, and raced past him into the hall, giggling with sheer, mischievous glee. But before she could even reach the steps, she felt his strong, muscular arm wrap around her waist, even as she covered her face in her hands, trying to stifle her giggles.
In one swift movement, Sanskaar swept her up in his arms, and held her very close to his chest. Like he had done so many times before. And like every time, Swara fit perfectly, like she was made to fit the space between his arms, to lie close to his chest, right where his heart beat.
Sanskaar looked into her laughing face, with a look of such blazing, potent adoration in his eyes that Swara felt momentarily breathless. "You are going to pay for drenching me with cold water, Mrs Maheshwari...You have to warm me up under the shower now...", he smirked. Swara gave a small laugh and nodded in acquiescence, and Sanskaar grinned in triumph, striding up the stairs as his wife contentedly buried her face in the crook of his neck.
The practice sessions in the weeks and months to come, promised to be tantalizing indeed.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Footnotes and References
1) ** : It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade:
Is a sentence from the great Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
2) The name Ahir is derived from the Hindustani Classical Raag Ahir Bhairav. The Raag itself is a spellbinding, awe inspiring mixture of Bhairav and the ancient, but now rare Raag Ahiri or Abhiri.
Given the musical setting of Swaragini, I felt Ahir would be a very apt name for Swara and Ragini's kid brother.
3) In my imagination, Ragini and Lakshya's baby would be named Bhairavi (if its a daughter), and Malhar (if it is a son). Both are Classical Ragas-- Malhar is Hindustani Classical; Bhairavi has variants in both Hindustani and Carnatic.
4) Swara and Sanskaar's children, in my imagination, would be named Varun Sanskaar Maheshwari and Shruti Sanskaar Maheshwari.
Your reaction
Nice
Awesome
Loved
LOL
OMG
Cry
Post Your Comment