Chapter- Pregnant, Mrs SINGHANIA

Chapter- Pregnant, Mrs SINGHANIA

The black Mercedes Benz ran smoothly on the road, its engine hum low against the city's restless pulse. Prithvi sat in the backseat, holding his laptop on his knees, but his mind was miles away—struck in a storm of thoughts that wouldn't settle easily. Since the last two days, everything became mangled so much, as if the world had tilted and he was scrambling to find his footing. His eyes rest on the window glass in search of something, maybe a clarity. A restlessness caught him like a second skin. Should he ignore her or confront her or just fight against his own turmoil? No answer brought him comfort.The scenes from the day before replayed his mind like a broken film reel.

When he emerged from the bathroom that morning, he'd hoped to catch a flicker of change in her demeanour.Yet, in his disappointment she was looking calm, as steady as a cold lake in the morning—untouched by the turbulence flowing through him. That indifference seemed to sting his pride. After dinner, he buried himself in his study room, reckoning to avoid her.

If she didn't care, so he was .

He dissolved so much in the papers, didn't notice when exhaustion clung to him , his eyes only fluttered when the streams of morning lights filtered through the curtains. His wrist watch displayed past thirty seven. As he stepped into his bedroom , his eyes narrowed at the sight.

Sanyogita was sleeping. Her presence both brought a thought of relief and frustration together. He didn't want to face her yet his nerves couldn't stay calm in her absence. What happened to him?

His anger returned,hating loosening his control in himself.

Forcing his mind to focus on his business, he strolled ahead to a drawer, searching for a file. But the stuff wasn't there. Prithvi exhaled a sigh .He moved towards the cupboard, while rummaging, clothes tumbled out. One of Sanyogita's saree fell on the floor, a soft thud echoed in the air. For a moment his face shifted towards the bed and his eyes caught a glimpse of her face, she stirred in sleep , the blanket shifted slightly.

A breath of relief escaped his lips.

He knelt, to pick up the clothes, the fabric of the saree seemed to be whispered against his fingers. A faint, almost involuntary chuckle appeared in his cheeks . Three months ago this cupboard used to be occupied only with monochrome suits and perfectly aligned shirts. But now bright silks and soft fabrics had invaded his orderial world.

As he folded the fabric, something caught his eyes: As he folded the fabric carefully— more carefully than necessary.

Suddenly something caught his eyes: a torn….old scrapbook. Its spine was worn and one page had fallen open .

Prithvi's brows furrowed with confusion. “ This isn't yours..” a voice whispered in his mind.

He'd never written any scrapbook in his life. Not even in his childhood.

He craned his neck, and glanced at Sanyogita. She was still asleep. He turned gaze to his front back once again. His fingers hoovered over the scrapbook. He stood straight, placed it back beneath the saree. Then after a moment.. picked it up again.

He stood there for a while, his hand caught around the hardcover slightly. Then he opened it . Prithvi cheeks flushed with guilt peeking in her privacy without her permission, but curiosity won.

As the page turned, he saw on page filled with Crayon drawings,

In the next pages pressed with gulmohar flowers, and a peacock feather. There was cutout paper from animated movies, and the characters seemed to stare at him .

He turned to another page, his heart thud abruptly. His eyes lay transfixed at her teenage photograph. Her blue-grey eyes were as bright as a beautiful morning, her smile radiating as she hugged her mother. The first time he saw her in her teens, barely a twelve to thirteen years old girl, at the beach with her parents, her joys captured in a frozen moment.

He’d never seen her smiling like that. He looked back at her sleeping frame on the bed. Neither of them feel like the same person.

He turned the page again.

This time found, a page titled with "HAPPILY NEVER AFTER, SIXTEEN BIRTHDAY”

Poems, too, inked in her handwriting, each line a tribute to her mother, each word a whisper of grief and longing.

His eyes locked onto the date.

When his gaze dropped slowly, over each line as if he could read in between the words.

Mera pass pankh hain,

magar udne ki azaadi nahi...

Kehne ko khula aasmaan hai,

magar usmein mera basera nahi.

Sone ke pinjre mein rehti hoon,

Khidki se hi duniya jee leti hoon.

Honthon par muskaan saja deti hoon,

magar dil ki baatein zubaan tak aati nahi .

Risthey mere naam se judte hain,

Par kehne ko aapna koi nahi.

Sabko meri muskurahat chahiye,

Par meri khamoshi koi samajhta nahi.

Kehte hai sapnon ki koi seema nahi hoti,

par mere sapno par zanjeerein hain.

Raaste mere tay ho chuke hai,

manzil ka pata bhi nahi.

Sabke faislon par jeeti hoon,

Khud ki awaaz kabhi suni nahi.

Kabhi socha tha pyaar milega,

Jo haath thaam kar kahe—

Zindagi tumhari hai, ise yun khona nahi.

Mere paas pankh hain,

magar udne ki azaadi nahi...

Shayad kabhi apna aasman mile,

jahan pankh bhi mere hon..

aur har udaan par sirf mera haq ho.

……. Sanyogita✒️✍️

The moment he finished the poem, Prithvi stood still. Forget to blink. His eyes darted back to the lines over and over again .

The realisation hit him hard, the scrapbook was a collection of moments, not memories, because she had no one to share them with.

“Risthey mere naam se judte hain,

Par kehne ko aapna koi nahi.

Sabko meri muskurahat chahiye,

Par meri khamoshi koi samajhta nahi.”

He read and reread the lines, his chest wrenched, as if someone had squeezed his lungs out.

“Sabke faislon par jeeti hoon,

Khud ki awaaz kabhi suni nahi.

Kabhi socha tha pyaar milega,

Jo haath thaam kar kahe—

Zindagi tumhari hai, ise yun khona nahi.”

His own words echoed in his mind,

“If your dreams risk my family’s honor, yes. I will burn them down without a second thought.”

“And if my silence risks me? What then? Do I matter only as your wife, your reputation? Not as Sanyogita?”

“You are mine. That’s the only identity the world needs to see. Forget the rest.”

“Congratulations, Mr. Singhania. You don’t have a wife then you have a prisoner in your golden cage.”

“ I warned you once tonight. Don't ever try to test me again. For your own sake…”

“If you dare to ruin Singhania's name for your… childish dreams, I will not spare you. And Prithviraj Singhaniya never give second chance.. remember it ”

As his words reverted in his mind over again and again, something shifted inside him. All her life…decisions were put on her head. And he has added his name to that list as well.

He’d thought she resisted him out of her ego. But this…this wasn't rebellion. This was survival. She wasn't fighting him. She was fighting every hand that tried to limit her venture.

A strange heaviness pressed down his chest. Not anger. Not ego. Something dangerous. As the realisation hit him hard.

She didn’t marry him for his surname. She didn’t crave his authority. Not even she demanded his attention . Instead, all she wanted, someone to understand her.

A hollow ache settled in his chest. He closed the scrapbook carefully. Very carefully as if it were a fragile glass.

He walked to the bed, but cautious enough not to let her wake up . His eyes flickered to her features. Her face was peaceful. The bandage on her forehead caught his attention, a silent reminder of the terrible truth she had seen. Even in sleep, there was a tiredness to her face — the kind that doesn't come from physical pain ..but emotional exhaustion.

His hand lifted unconsciously…hesitant then slightly adjusted the blanket over her shoulder. His hand rested near her blanket, longing to caress his fingers through her hair . But, he shook off his thoughts reluctantly.

A voice whispered, quietly in his mind.“ You don't need anyone's approval… not even mine.”

He stood there longer than he intended to, nor did he have the desire to take his eyes off her sleeping face.

The room suddenly felt heavy.

“ No one can't cage you. The whole sky is yours,.... who am I to stop you?” His lips curled up with a faint smile.

His expression turned firm. “But if you ever fall….I'll be there”

He paused. “Not to claim you . Not even to control you. But just to hold you before you hit the ground.”

For the first time since the marriage, the thought didn't feel like authority. It felt like a choice.

Suddenly another memory resurfaced…her voice hesitant yet firm, re-echoed.

“I want you beside me”…. “as..a .. friend.”

He stepped back from the bed immediately, almost as if aware he'd crossed an emotional boundary.

“ Sir, we have reached home”

The driver’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

Prithvi blinked once and nodded . He stepped out, adjusting his office suit.

Then something caught his attention. He saw a black Black BMW 3 series glided past the gates, its engine humming smoothly.

His eyes narrowed instinctively , curiosity grabbed him better. That was Sanyogita's car , he knew it even when looking at the number. It wasn't just a car. It was the one her grandfather had gifted her .

“ Where is Sanjh going this evening? Irritation spark in Prithvi's demeanour. “The doctor had clearly advised her to take rest .” His jaw tightened. “ Doesn't this girl understand the language of concern?”

He turned towards the senior guard, a man who had worked there for ages. Prithvi asked him , in response the guard said “I don't know, Sir. When I asked the driver why he was taking it,he said it's his car now.”

Prithvi’s brows drew together, lines of worry etched on his face. “ His car?”

“Yes, Sir. I saw Choti Malkin hand him the keys.”

Silence dropped.

A slow stillness wrapped around Prithvi. “ Sanjh’s given her car. Is he someone who she knows?

“ Why would she give away something so personal?”

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Sanyogita video-called Mayuri. The moment Mayuri's face appeared on screen,her expression turned blank.

Mayuri's eyes zoomed on the screen . Her fingers tightened around her mobile. “W-why…is there a bandage on your forehead?”

Sanyogita breathing hitched momentarily, then she let out a sigh. “ It's a long story ..!”

“Okay, I'm here .” Her expression morphed with an empathetic gesture, “ Did someone attack you ? Or Did your Kharate Singhaniya throw a file at you?”

“Stop kidding…” Sanyogita rolled her eyes. “ Viraj’d never hurt me like that . And nor did I get attacked by anyone.” She shrugged.

An awkward silence hung between them, brief and hesitant.

Her lips pressed together into a thin line, she recounted the same story she’d shared with Pranali. She was hesitating while mentioning Prithvi's dangerous side to her best friend but quickly switched to other topics.

“ I ..I told him. Everything!” Sanyogita's cheeks reddened.

Mayuri's eyes narrowed, a line of confusion written on her forehead. “ Who ... .and what have you told ?”

“ Viraj.” Sanyogita said. “ I told him everything….”

Silence stretched between them. Dread slowly crept into Mayuri's expression

“ Have you…told him about Yash ?”

Sanyogita said. “ No. I couldn't get the chance. But I told him this marriage is an escape from my father's cage!”

“Oh my God!” Mayuri leaned closer to the screen. “So , what did he say after hearing you ?

Sanyogita shook her head slowly. “ Viraj is upset. He hasn’t talked to me since then.”

“ Oh my God!” Mayuri's mouth instinctively opened then closed. Her head tilted slightly, taking eyes off the screen for a moment.

She complained, “ Mayur, you did even hide the truth from me….”

“WHAT, TRUTH?” Mayuri squinted.

Sanyogita clenched her fist, “ Mayank, bhaiya is engaged to Pragya. I found out about it only on that day Ishanvi Bhabhi visited here. And the very next day, Viraj's grandparents visited here. I'm sincerely disappointed in you.”

Mayuri's jaw dropped.“ Sandy, I already told you, I really had no clue. And how do I know my brother while studying in London making.“ Pradesh Mein Hai Mera Dil part-2 !”

She shrugged defensively.“ He never mentioned having a relationship, nor did he tell Dad. He finally dropped the bomb just a week ago. I was shocked when Mom said , "His son very soon will be the son-in-law of the rich Singhaniya's.”

Sanyogita's expression softened. “Okay, fine... But that day, Dadaji introduced me to everyone as if I’m not just a daughter-in-law, but the Queen of England!” she clenched her teeth melodramatically, feigning to sob.

Mayuri blinked, chewing her laughter hard.

Her hand flew to her cheek “... Dadaji has a soft spot for Viraj, and he and Dadima announce that a Singhania bahu has as much responsibility as a member of Parliament. Their gesture made it seem like if I make a mistake, they will send me to jail.”

Mayuri rolled her eyes in annoyance and shook her head in disbelief. “Sandy, stop being foolish. No one can send you to jail for burning kheer.”

However, Sanyogita's expression remained unconvinced. She remarked, fenceless, shimmered in her words “ And on top of that , everyone in the Singhaniya house keeps teasing me and asking if I'm pregnant. As if I secretly swallowed a baby”

Mayuri choked. “WHAT?” It was as if she heard wrong .

“Yes” Sanyogita wailed, her pouting deepening. “Today, Pragya , Ishanvi bhabhi and Ishita Aunty came to see me in the morning. Ishanvi bhabhi was acting as if it were my baby shower. Since her arrival, she has teased me umpteen times with Viraj names . And do you know what she advised me?”

Mayuri glared at her picture on the screen, “What ?” Her brows arched high.

Sanyogita covered her face with both her hands. “ Ishanvi bhabhi told me ....if I put Viraj's photo on the wall, the baby will look exactly like him !”

Mayuri struggled to hold back her laughter. “Aww! So, put Kharate Singhaniya's photo on the wall “ she winked mischievously.

Sanyogita's expression darkened. “ I'll kill you ! Abhi tak hamare beech kuch hua bhi nahi hai ….how could they expect me to be pregnant? ” her nose scrunched, resentment bubbling inside her.

Mayuri laughed heartily, her shoulders rising and failing.“ Kya sach mein?...waise don't your kharate kumar ever try to get close to you?”

Sanyogita's breathing hitched. Her cheeks flamed pink, as an image of Prithvi in a towel flashed in her mind. But, she shook off the sinner's thought as soon as it appeared.

But that was enough to catch Mayuri's keen eyes. Her gaze narrowed, “ What happened? Are you imagining your , Viraj , for a close-up?”

Sanyogita's eyes widened, a warning alarm in her expression.“ I'll kill you, Mayur , if you dare to say anything unusual again!”

Mayuri giggled, a mix of amusement and disbelief.“ Arey baapre , police ko dhamki!”

“Mayur!” Sanyogita's hissed,

“ Okay, just kidding.” Mayuri replied, seriousness returned. Her facial muscles curved into a chuckled. “Thanks to you for boosting my mood. Since yesterday, I've been in a terrible mood. And you just performed like a stand-up comedian.”

Sanyogita smirked , she squinted suspiciously.” Why was your mood terrible?”

Mayuri hesitated.“ It's about a guy?”

Sanyogita was startled, but her expression shifted gasping in an extra dramatic way . “ A GUY? Who's that thug who dares to enter the den of IPS MAYURI?”

She lifted her brow, suddenly the pain resurfaced. She stopped torturing her head.

Mayuri laughed unknowingly, “ Hey , ek rich spoiled brat who thinks he ruled the world…huh!

Sanyogita's curious eyes regarded Mayuri captivated. “ Name , adress…. Aadhar number….”

“ Sandy….! “ Mayuri glares sharpened instantly. “ We don't have any Bollywood movies like meetings. He was just someone, having wireless by brain.”

“I see ! Sanyogita grinned .“ Now tell.” Her eyes shone with curiosity.

Mayuri coughed and shared with her the incident that occurred on the road. Sanyogita asked for the boy's name; Mayuri said “ I'll tell you someday as right now I have other things to do….unless my Boss will put me in start taking my interrogation”

"Okay , before you be careful of such rich spoiled brat .” Sanyogita suggested, her voice was genuinely laced with concern. “ If possible, tell uncle. I'm sure he’s powerful enough to give a handful of treatment to that rich brat…”

Mayuri giggled “ No way. “ She shook her head, declining her advice. “I just can't. Mom is already angry with my choice to leave my job and join the IPS, and I know Dad would go to any extent to save me. But I can handle this on my own. “

She paused to take a deep breath. “As for that guy, I don't want to think about him “ her expression shifted to resentment . “ He’s frustratingly insane and irresponsible who doesn't even know how to talk. He literally was eyeing like a roadside thug—definitely not my type.” A deep sigh escaped her lips as she finished her words.

Sanyogita's lips curved slowly. “ Oh!Not your type…huh? So you were comparing him with the type you fantasize about already ?Irritated… yet analyzing…”

“ SANDY!”. Mayuri's voice emerged louder. “Stop teasing me! “

Her voice dropped firmly, yet a hint of amusement lingered in her tone “ Focus on you kharrate Singhania first . Go and talk to him . From what I know, Prithviraj Singhaniya is more mature than you”

Sanyogita narrowed her eyes. " Aren't you taking his side over your bestie ? “

"It's not about sides !” Mayuri said calmly, leaning her back against the swivel chair.“I mean, Prithvi Singhaniya has done so much for you , and I guess he's expecting from you. Your confessions hurt him—that’s why.”

Sanyogita’s laughter faded. Her chest tightened, difficult to talk momentarily. “ But my intention wasn't to hurt him.”

Guilt smeared in her face like a delinquent criminal.She whispered low . “ Don't say that he expects something from me…. something I can't give.”

Her voice cracked. “ I'm already struggling, Mayur. I don't know which path I'm walking on.”

Mayuri sat steady. Almost speechless.

Sanyogita shivered, her heart twisting as she said in her mind . “ I don't deserve him….woh mujhse nafrat karnege…I can't stand the thought of seeing hatred in his eyes."

She couldn't bring herself to tell Mayuri what exactly was happening with her. She swallowed hard . The comparison she had made between the two men burned inside her like a silent crime.

The silence broke by Mayuri’s words, as if she could read her dilemma.

" I'm sorry, Sandy !” Mayuri whispered dejectedly . “ I shouldn't suggest you to do this marriage.”

Sanyogita's response was immediate. “ Don't be upset. “ Her voice suddenly dropped quietly. “ If I weren't involved in this marriage, fate would bring another for me.”

Mayuri's eyes softened. Guilt and worry etched on her face . “ Don't worry, Sandy. Don't torment yourself with this . Do what your hearts tell you. You haven't married Prithviraj Singhaniya for his wealth—it’s in your fate . But the good thing is; he’s never stopped you from anything. Have you realised that , when a man shows the biggest support for his wife?”

Sanyogita stared at the screen, however, her mind was occupied only with Prithvi on each side. Both his genuine and devilish.

“You never seek acceptance . Not even for love . You just wanted someone who let you touch the sky. And when you got tired of flying… he will be there to catch you before you fall”

Sanyogita stared at Mayuri who hung the call after a while.

“Sandy?”

No reply .

“SANDY?”

Sanyogita's heart grew heavy. “ I think someone’s calling me …. I'll talk to you later.”

The call ended.

Mayuri's face disappeared from the screen.

Sanyogita's eyes transfixed at her reflection on the black screen. Her eyes filled with warm tears. A storm of consequences swirling inside her mind.

“ What if Viraj never talks to me again?” Her breathing slowed down. “ What if he punished me, thinking I stabbed him in the back and would never be able to forgive me?

Then suddenly she sniffed dramatically. She grabbed a pillow on the plush sofa, nails dug deep. “ And what if Dadaji really sends me to jail?”

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

When Prithvi stepped into the living room, the empty hallway echoed with rapid “dhup-dhup-dhup” footsteps. Before he could react, a tiny missile launched at him.

“ MAMUUUUUUU!”

It was his four-year-old nephew, Neeraj, who collided straight into his long legs. Prithvi almost lost his balance, stumbling on the cold floor.

“ Careful, Neeraj!” Prithvi laughed.

Neeraj’s smile didn't falter. His tiny hands flew around Prithvi's waistline like he was claiming property rights. Prithvi scooped him up effortlessly.

Neeraj planted a soft kiss on his uncle's cheek,— a part of their usual greetings. “Good evening, Mamu”

Prithvi kissed him back.“When did you arrive, little tornado?"

Neeraj chimed in , his tiny teeth proudly on display.“ Mummy has come to meet the Rockstar Aunty today. Aunty isn't well !”

“ Achaa.” Prithvi teased, walking ahead with long strides. “My little doctor is pretty concerned about his Rockstar Mami!”

Neeraj made a face, shaking his head." Nope. I won't be a doctor, I'll be a singer.”

Prithvi's brow ached impressively “ Arey waha! My little rockstar!

Neeraj's small hands clung around Prithvi's shoulders as he whispered earnestly. “ Mamu,...do you know I'll soon be a little brother?”

Prithvi blinked, confused. His mind immediately swirls with possibilities. “ Did his elder sister become pregnant again?” He thought

“Ohh!,” Prithvi flashed a pleasant smile." Congratulations! Who told you ? Mammy or Daddy? "

Neeraj shook his head. " No.. Soumya Aunty told me .”

Prithvi's eyes narrowed, confusion deepening. His steps suddenly slowed. “Soumya told you?”

"Yes.” Neeraj nodded, still smiling. “Very soon I'll have a little sister. I want a sister only… brothers are bad; they will steal all my toys.”

Prithvi laughed, noticing hints of childhood jealousy in Neeraj’s words.

“Valid concern.” Prithvi grinned, and said “You have plenty of responsibility then.”

They reached the staircase.

“ Yes,” Neeraj declared proudly. “I'll take care of her because Rockstar Mammi will be busy singing.”

Prithvi frozen mid step, looking at Neeraj perplexed. “Rockstar…Mami? He muttered softly.

“Yes.”Neeraj eagerly confirmed.

Prithvi's brain rebooted momentarily. “ But why does Sanjh's music have anything to do with Neeraj's sister?"

Neeraj heard his uncle muttering. “ Soumya , Aunty said , Rockstar Mummi is carrying my sister in her tummy!”

Prithvi felt as though he’d received the most shocking news of his life . His soul seemed to leave his body for a brief moment.

“Sanjh?” he whispered internally “ IS PREGNANT?” His eyes widened as the realisation hit him hard.

“Yes,” Neeraj nodded. “ And Vishakha grandma made sweets today”

But Prithvi's brain replayed the last three months since their marriage like a film. During that time, neither of them committed anything that could bring a child into their lives.

Prithvi swallowed air deeply, his heart beginning to hammer faster as if a dhol was being beaten over his chest. Suddenly he imagined—

A tiny little fox swinging in Sanyogita's lap.

The girl started calling him “ PAPA..PAPA..”

His mother announced NATIONAL GRANDMOTHER DAY.

His grandfather was disturbing sweets.

The entire Singhania family triumphing as if it were another festival.

And he sat in the midst of this chaos, putting his hand over his head.

Neeraj patted Prithvi’s cheeks, pulling him out of his deep thoughts.

“ Don't worry Mammy. I'll share my sister with you.”

Prithvi looked at his nephew , unsure whether to shout or laugh. He stood there in the corridor. Holding a four-year-old tsunami.

Suddenly, a voice echoed “ Neeraj….. Kahan ho beta ?”

“ Mamu, drop me…Mummy is calling me .”

Prithvi nodded and gently let little Neeraj stand on the floor, his brain seemed to be officially left for vacation.

*********

Sanyogita was still lying on the couch, her thoughts racing as each possibility made her breath uneven.

“ What if Dadaji really sends me to jail…” she mumbled, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Her heart thudded as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the room .

Suddenly, a deep voice came. “ Which jail?”

Sanyogita sat up abruptly on the sofa. A jolt of shock spread through her spine.

There he was — Viraj, standing on the doorway. His expression was deadly, unflinching. His piercing gaze locked onto her .