Chapter 33
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Part 33
ipkkndfollower 2014-01-21 03:08:30
"Astha! Astha, where are you?" As usual Shlok was calling Astha since he had misplaced something. This was a daily occurrence. Shlok was getting more and more dependent on his wife of several months. It had been three months since they all had moved back in. Sojal and Varad had got married a week after the confrontation between Anjali and Niranjan.
Varad was a changed man. He laughed and smiled more ever since Sojal came into his life. Sojal's natural bubbliness and warmth had captured and thawed his frozen heart. Shilpa still held a special place in Varad's heart. He cherished their moments, had locked it away safely and treasured it. His present was Sojal and she was truly a gift in his life.
As for Niranjan and Anjali, their lives had taken a 360 degree turn. It was Anjali who called the shots completely. She had taken charge the day she came back and protected her family like a fierce lioness. The presence of the complete family in Varad's wedding had put all media speculation to an end as far as their family was concerned.
Niranjan went abroad and met qualified therapists along with Anjali. He came back and took time for meditation, yoga, reading books, and so many other things that helped him calm down. But more than anything else, the presence of Anjali by his side helped him progress faster. Niranjan had taken a lot of time to open up and accept he had a problem. Even the therapists were finding it a little difficult but at last things were starting to get better.
Anjali had made up her mind to not budge unless Niranjan cooperated. Her determination slowly got to him and he started responding better to the therapy. As for Astha, she was the most cherished person in that household. It was thanks to her that the entire Agnihotri family had got a new lease in life.
And the same Astha came out of the washroom looking a little pale. She was doing part time MBA in the Agnihotri University. Astha was more than happy to contribute at home and at the university.
Shlok looked up in distraction after searching for his wallet. He came to her quickly when he saw her face. "What happened? You're so pale. Is everything fine? Do you want water?" His words were falling one over the other and concern was written all over his handsome face.
"No, I'm ok. Just a little tired."
"Let's go to the doctor. Should I call Ayi?" He was about to turn away, when Astha caught his wrist.
"No Shlok. You first relax. There's nothing wrong with me."
"But you're looking ill."
Astha looked down and her face was flooded with sudden color. Shlok was confused seeing his wife silent. Usually she spoke nineteen to the dozen. So what happened now? He cupped her chin and forced her to look up.
"What?" His voice whispered, his eyes narrowed in concern.
"I...it's..." Her eyes darted away. She didn't know how to say it. And finally, "I think I'm pregnant. And the morning sickness has started I guess." Her voice came out in a whisper.
Shlok was stunned for a second and then he whooped her up in pure joy. "Shlok..leave me." She was laughing now. Astha had been uneasy about his reaction. He had wanted to wait till she completed her MBA. Astha was still young and they had enough time. But now, after seeing his unadulterated joy, Astha was relieved and felt extremely happy.
He put her down gently and looked into her cute face. Shlok kissed her lips softly "Thank you for the gift you've given all of us. And thank you so much for this wonderful news." He placed his palm gently on her midriff.
Astha gave a shy smile. Suddenly Shlok realized something and spoke. "But how? Every time we took precautions." His expression was quizzical.
"Not during your impromptu session at my mother's place."
"What?"
"When I had gone for three days remember? And you barged in on the second day?" Astha reminded him with a cheeky smile and a deep blush. She remembered the frantic love making session they had had after missing each other for two days.
Shlok gave her a sheepish grin and hugged her. "It only goes to say how irresistible I find you." Astha just rolled her eyes.
Together both of them went down and gave the good news to the entire family. Astha was blushing with all the congratulatory wishes and Shlok was beaming with pride. Anjali thanked god that the heir for the family was on its way. This time she promised to take good care. She too hugged Astha and kissed her on the forehead.
"I am truly happy. You have brought so much of joy to this family. God bless you always. I hope we get a lakshmi just like her mother." Anjali looked at Astha and stroked her head when she said that.
Astha felt immense pride and happiness in her mother in law whom she called Ayi now. At last the lines of inequality began to diminish and today Anjali Ayi wanted a girl to be born. What more could Astha want?
Astha and Shlok together took the blessings of the elders. Astha kept her head on Shlok's shoulder and sat secure in his arms. She thanked her Bappa for giving each and every one of them in the room another chance. Another chance to live, another chance to love.
I hope I have done justice to the story. Didn't want to drag it too much. This was my second fiction and I would like to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to drop in a comment, a kind word. Love and 🤗 to all of you. Am not sure what the concept of my next FF will be. Still pondering over it. I am also thinking of taking a small break from writing and getting back. Will keep you guys posted! Hope you all had a joyful reading experience.
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