Part 16
The beginning of a new day and everyone is busy doing their own thing. The city is bustling with activity, vendors are all set on the streets showing their wares on carts, doing business, cars and buses are crowding the roads, causing road blocks in some parts, people walking on the streets with deadlines to meet places to reach before it is too late. Most of the early morning walkers are on their way home after their brisk walks in the parks, along the seashore or just on the sidewalks on the streets.
KM is not keeping with the city's hustle and bustle. Everyone is so laid back and the house is rather quiet. No sounds of children playing, no cars rushing people to work or school trips. KK, Dadi, Rishabh and Soumya are done with breakfast and Rishabh is getting ready to leave for work. He looks up the stairs as if waiting for someone to come down and get to work. He looks at his watch and his eyes widen.
Rishabh: Ma, it is past nine and there is no signs of Bhai or Bhabhi. I hope everything is alright with them. Soumya comes near Rishabh and gestures to him to be silent. She speaks softly under hear breath: Let them be Jaan, they are finally getting time for themselves, why are you in a hurry to wake them up? Have you forgotten the first few months of our marriage?
Rishabh blushes and looks at Soumya. He says bye to everyone and leaves for work: Soumya please ask Bhai to call me when he comes down.
KK looks upstairs as well and smiles: Soumya, why don't you give instructions to Bansi kaka and the rest. She smiles at Soumya and goes into her room with Dadi.
Now it is time for us to go upstairs and see what's happening there. The curtains are drawn really close so the room is still in fairly dark. You can hear snoring from the room – loud snoring and our very own King and Queen are fast asleep, snuggled cozily in each other's arms showing no signs of waking up. Their trip to Planet Venus last night seems to have left them tired and exhausted.
Ram stirs slowly and sees Priya sleeping on her side, on his arm cuddled up beside him with her arm around his chest. He smiles and turns towards her and holds her real close to him as he gives her a kiss on her forehead. Priya feels his kiss and snuggles closer to Ram and kisses him on his chest. Slowly she opens her eyes and raises her head only to see Ram looking down at her with a beaming smile. She slowly moves up and he bends his head as their lips meet each other and are locked together in sweet surrender. What starts off as a soft, gentle caress slowly builds momentum and their kiss deepens as they are filled with the warmth caused by their close proximity to each other. Finally they break out of the kiss and look into each others eyes.
Priya: Good morning sweetheart!
Ram: Mmm! What a lovely morning it is, couldn't have been sweeter dear. And he snuggles into her neck nuzzling her as she squirms because she is ticklish. She begins to giggle like a teenager after her first kiss.
Priya: What is the time Ram?
Ram looks at the bedside clock and is surprised, so he turns on the lamp and looks again: OMG it is 9:45! He groans! Do we have to wake up now? Can't we stay in bed a little longer? He turns to Priya and kisses her on her eyes.
Priya tries to break out of his bear hug but is unable to: Please let me go Ram, what will everyone say? It is almost ten in the morning and we are still asleep, oh my goodness!
Ram gives a naughty smile as he holds up her mangalsutra and shows it to her: Remember sweetheart, we are married; we are not doing anything wrong. Can we continue from where we stopped last night? He takes her lips in his and kisses her gently. Priya is lost in the ecstasy that he created. She feels a thousand butterflies fluttering in her tummy and surrenders to him completely. As he is moving away to take a breath, she narrows her eyes and implores him to let her go. Ram smiles and loosens his hold on her and she takes the opportunity and slips out of bed. He gets out too and follows her into the restroom and their romancing continues behind closed doors. After a while both of them step out, Priya in a dressing gown with wet hair and Ram with a towel around his waist and water dripping from his hair as well. Both of them get ready and step into their room; Priya goes to the dressing table to dry her hair and put kajal in her eyes while Ram follows her like a little puppy. He turns her around and puts sindoor in her maang and picks up the bindi and puts it on her forehead. Priya looks adoringly into his eyes and they have an eye lock. She makes him sit on the edge of the bed and dries his hair as he holds her around her waist and kisses her tummy and she squirms around giggling. She breaks free from his arms and tells him to come down for brunch and he shakes his head.
Ram: Why don't you ask Bansi kaka to bring our brunch upstairs? That way we don't have to face the millions of questions and inquisitive looks that will be thrown at us.
Priya: Well, we have to face them sometime, so why not now? Come, let's go downstairs now. Remember we have to go and pick up Peehu this evening.
Ram again pulls Priya close to him and holds her around her slender waist and lifts her face with his fingers: How long before we know if you are pregnant?
His question takes her by surprise and she giggles. At first she thinks he is teasing her and when she sees the innocent look in his eyes she covers her eyes with her hands and her cheeks turn a dark red as do her ears: Ram, are you serious? It will take a while. You have to be patient. She turns away from him shyly and breaks out of the hug and runs to open the door. He follows her as they go down the stairs.
KK looks at them and smiles: Good morning Ram, Good morning Priya.
Priya tucks her hair behind her ear and is avoiding eye contact with KK and looks at Ram: Good morning Ma. I'm sorry I woke up so late this morning.
KK gives her a hug: It's alright beta. There was no hurry and since Peehu is also not there I am sure you had a good night's rest. Saying that she blinks her eyes and gives her a knowing smile. Her eyes fill up as she looks up and says a quick prayer under her breath: Dear God, let them always be this happy and content!
KM is witness to their romance blooming and everyone is happy for them. Ram and Priya are enjoying their renewed romance and don't waste an opportunity to tease each other. Ram is eating healthier again, totally off his tablets and actually goes for walks whenever possible. Peehu is very happy seeing her parents together and not fighting. Kush and Ayesha are settling down together. Ayesha has a few modeling assignments and is working hard at making a good life with Kush. Karthik and Nuts are happy that Kush is with them and Peehu visits to spend an odd weekend with them. There is a lot of family bonding going on and everyone is happy. Sudhir and Shipra are also very happy to see all the children settling down. A month flies by and the children are getting ready for the summer vacation. Peehu and Kush want to go out of Mumbai during the summer so the parents are all busy planning a short holiday to a beach resort nearby.
March twelfth is round the corner and Ram is making plans for a surprise for Priya; their special day, a very memorable one for both of them. This was their special anniversary. He roped in Vikram and Neha into his secret as they were going to take care of Peehu for the night. This was their special time together and he was looking forward to it.
On the morning of the twelfth, he wakes up just like a normal day and gets ready and leaves for work even before Priya wakes up. She is a little disappointed that Ram never remembered their special day. She was a little worried if there was something at work that was keeping him preoccupied as he seemed very lost in thought all week. She wakes up feeling a little tired and lazy, very unlike her usual self. She gets ready and goes down to get Peehu ready for school. She calls Ayesha and sets out to drop off Peehu and meets Kush at school. Ayesha and she chat briefly and they leave in their separate ways. Priya goes to the temple and does a special archana in their names and brings the Prasad home. Neha calls her and says that she will be picking up Peehu from school as Ritsy wanted to play with her. She said she will drop her off later that evening.
Priya sounded very disappointed: Okay Neha, please don't forget to bring her back early, as she has school tomorrow and goes to bed by eight.
Neha: Don't worry Priya, I know it is a school night. Why do you sound so dull?
Priya: Well, nothing much Neha, I'm just feeling a bit lethargic today. I guess it will pass.
Neha: Is something else bothering you?
Priya: Well, Neha there is no use hiding anything from you. You know today is a very special day for Ram and me. She suddenly stops and bites her tongue. Doesn't know what to say further, because Neha will tease the hell out of her.
Neha: Ah! I see, I know what you mean Priya, this is the day you and Ram consummated your marriage six years ago right?
Priya blushes and is silent.
Neha: Poor Ram has had it today. I guess he has forgotten about it.
Priya: He must have had something important at work or he would never have forgotten. I just hope he is not stressing out about something at work. She hears Ram's car and says bye to Neha and disconnects the call.
She goes downstairs to meet him and he says a brief hello and goes upstairs. Priya gets some tea and crackers and goes upstairs. She is angry with him because he forgot their special day. She puts down the tray and is making the tea. Ram tip toes slowly behind her and holds her by the waist and pulls her close to him as he rests his chin on her shoulder.
Ram: Hello beautiful! How has your day been today?
That hug from him sent a million tiny shocks all over her body and she forgot herself completely. All she could think of was Ram, Ram and her beloved Ram, gone was the anger and disappointment. She was so happy to be so close to him again.
Priya: My day has just begun Ram, I was waiting for you to say hello. You left very early this morning and didn't even wake me up and wish me. I was a bit disappointed, but all that has vanished with this hug. I love you Ram, you are my life.
Ram: Sorry about this morning, I was a bit busy. I promise to make up for it though, are you ready?
Priya is startled by his words and she turns and looks at him: Ready?
Ram smiles at her and walks her to the bed and picks up a bag and gives it to her: Happy anniversary to the love of my life. My life has no meaning without you, you make me complete and to remember this day – the most memorable day in my life, second to none, I have something for you. I hope you like it.
Tears fill Priya's eyes as she looks into Rams love filled eyes. She is too choked to say anything, just stares into his eyes as he continues to smile and look at her: Thank you Ram, so you remembered our special day?
Ram frowns and moves his hands to wipe her tears: I might forget to breathe, I might forget to eat but I can NEVER forget this day Priya. Don't be fooled ever that I can forget this day. You gave my life a new meaning and took our relationship to such beautiful heights that will remain with me till the end. He takes her in his arms in deep embrace and both are lost in their own world. Suddenly Ram breaks the hug and looks at his watch.
Ram: Okay sweetheart, go and get ready, we are leaving in a half hour. He goes into Peehu's room and gets ready while Priya goes into their washroom to get ready.
She comes out in a dark red georgette saree with a black border looking gorgeous! She goes to the mirror and puts kajal in her eyes and lipstick, adorns her forehead with a bindi and is about to put sindoor in her parting when Ram stretches his hand and takes the box containing the sindoor and turns her around as he fills her maang. She looks at him and raises her eyebrows as she admires him from head to toe. He is wearing a royal blue sweater and black slacks and wears the fossil watch Priya gifted him.
Priya: Look at my handsome hunk! Why do you hide your good looks in those dull and boring suits day in and day out? You look so much younger and even more handsome than you already are.
Ram bends his head blushing: You look stunning Priya, I can't take my eyes off of you. I have something else to give you, please turn around.
He opens a red jewel box and takes out a beautiful diamond necklace and puts it around her neck and locks the clasp as he bends down to give her a kiss on her shoulder. Priya closes her eyes as she feels his lips touch her shoulder and she shudders with excitement – he always manages to make her feel so good.
She looks at the reflection of the necklace in the mirror: You don't have to buy me such expensive gifts Jaan, you are the most precious gift and nothing compares to it. Thanks a lot.
Ram: Okay we have to leave now or we will never reach on time.
Priya: Where are we going Ram?
Ram: It's a surprise. Just come with me and I will show you.
Priya holds on to Rams arm and they both go downstairs and Ram tells KK that they are going out and winks at her. She smiles and gives them both a hug: Enjoy your evening both of you.
They get into the car and Ram drives away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They go to a resort in the hills far from the madding crowd in a very secluded area. The place is on a beautiful island in the middle of a lake. They park their car on the parking lot and take the ferry across to the resort. The cool evening breeze blows through Priya's hair lifting it off her shoulders and sends shivers down her back. Ram comes close to her and puts his arm possessively around her providing her with the warmth she was looking for.
She is lost in the beautiful surroundings and looks at Ram: This place is like heaven, I love it.
Ram smiles at her: I knew you would fall in love with this place. It is beautiful and befitting my beautiful wife.
Priya: What about Peehu….
Ram seals her lips with his as if to tell her to stop talking: Don't worry about anything or anyone. She will be taken care of, you have to trust me.
She smiles at him and wraps her arms around him. As they reach the resort, he holds her hand and helps her off the ferry onto firm ground. They are escorted to a cottage with a large patio overlooking the lake. The bus boy brings their luggage and Priya looks at the boxes with surprise.
Priya: Ram, when did you pack this suitcase? How long are we going to be here?
Ram: I packed it last night and had it put in the car before you woke up this morning. We leave here tomorrow afternoon, but can extend our stay if you wish.
Priya: Ah this place is so romantic Ram, a perfect getaway for our special day. I love this place, but I love you more.
They sit on the patio for a while as they watch the sunset. The chirping of the birds going home to their nests fills the air and soon the full moon rises leaving silvery streaks in the lake. Dinner is served on the patio, but, Priya has no appetite. She nibbles at her food and Ram notices. He is also overjoyed at the thought of spending the evening alone with his beloved – something that they have not been able to do in the past couple of months and have been craving for quiet alone time. He eats his dinner and they go for a walk around the island. Ram has his arm wrapped around Priya and she has her arm around him as they walk leisurely along the bank of the lake. He looks at Priya and notices that she looks a little pale.
Ram: Are you okay?
Priya: Yes, I am, though a tad bit tired.
Ram is a little concerned: You seem to look a little pale.
Priya smiles at Ram: Oh no Ram! Just the moonlight on my face, I am fine, please don't spoil the beautiful evening worrying about me.
They walk back to their cottage and go into their room. A beautifully decorated room with candles all over and a round bed in the middle of the room. Soft pan pipe music fills the air and the fragrance from the candles is intoxicating. As they walk into the room Priya remembers their special night six years ago and she blushes in anticipation of what is to come. Ram lifts her off her feet and lays her down on the bed and she moves over making room for him. The rest of the night is just as beautiful as it was six years ago and none of them kept count of the number of times they made love that night. It was magical and love was in the air. Soon the two of them were sound asleep in each other's arms, dead to the world, tired and exhausted after all the love making.
The sound of the birds chirping in the trees as they left their homes for the day was so loud that it almost engulfed the sounds of snores from the room. Priya stretched her arms and looked at Ram, ruffled his hair and planted a kiss on his cheek. She covers her face with her hands as she remembers the night before and her ears are turning dark red.
Ram: Good morning Priya!
Priya: Good morning Ram.
They get out of bed and call for tea to be brought in while both of them freshen up for the day. Ram wears a cream full sleeved t shirt and jeans while Priya is wearing a light blue saree with white embroidery and matching jewellery. They sit out in the patio enjoying their tea when suddenly Priya jumps out of her seat and makes a dash to the rest room. Ram follows her and waits outside as she staggers out of the wash room holding her head and falls into Ram's arms. Ram lifts her gently and puts her down on the bed and calls the attendant.
Ram: Is there any way we can get a doctor? My wife seems to be ill and needs to be seen immediately. He is nervous and keeps trying to shake Priya but there is no response. He takes a glass of water and sprinkles it on her face and she stirs a bit.
The attendant: Sir, we don't have a doctor on site, but we can call for one from the local hospital. It might take her a good half hour before she gets here. I will send for her for all it is worth.
Ram: Priya, please open your eyes.
Priya opens her eyes and shuts them almost immediately. The room is spinning around and she is unable to focus. After a few minutes she feels a little better and opens her eyes.
Ram is staring into her face with tears in his eyes: Priya, what is the matter? Here, drink this water, it might make you feel better.
He calls the attendant to find out where the nearest hospital is and doesn't wait for an answer. He calls the city hospital and asks them to send a helicopter to airlift Priya to avoid any delay in treatment.
Ram is in tears: I am sorry to have brought you so far away from civilization, Priya. Don't worry, we will be out of here shortly. He puts his arm around her and kisses her on her forehead.
Priya is feeling better and tries to console him, but Ram is not listening to her at all. She is almost sure what the cause of all this discomfort is, but is unable to say anything to Ram.
The helicopter lands and they leave in it to the City Hospital and they bring a stretcher and take her in for a check up. Dr. Jain is waiting for Priya in her chamber and as soon as she is brought in, takes her in to examine her. Ram is pacing up and down the chamber waiting for Priya to be brought back.
In a few minutes, Priya walks slowly with the doctor by her side. She pulls the chair and makes her sit down.
Dr. Jain: How are you feeling now Priya?
Priya: I am fine doctor.
Ram: Doctor, is she alright? What was wrong with her?
Dr. Jain: She is fine Mr. Kapoor. There is nothing to worry, you can take her home. I have done some tests and we should get the results in a couple of hours. I will call you at home and let you know if there is anything to worry about.
Ram takes Priya and when they reach home everyone is worried. He carries her into their room and Priya tries her best to stop him, but he doesn't listen. He lays her down on the bed and gives her some water to drink. He holds her hand in his and kisses it. He strokes her arm and looks very worried.
Priya smiles at him and he heaves a sigh. She puts her hand on his shoulder and he turns and looks at her: Please don't worry Ram; there is nothing wrong with me. I am fine, I promise. I think I know what happened, but there is a slight possibility that I am wrong.
Ram doesn't want to listen to her: We should hear from the doctor in a short while Priya. Please try and get some sleep. I am sure you are fine but would like to hear that from the doctor. He gets up and walks away from her side and is pacing up and down the room.
In a little while the doctor calls on Priya's mobile and she answers it, Ram comes running in and waits for her to finish talking.
Ram: What did the doctor say? Is everything alright?
Priya is smiling and her face is red in color: Yes, Ram just as I suspected, there is nothing wrong with me I ….
Ram cuts her conversation: Then why did you faint? What was the reason? I am sure you didn't hear her well. Please call her and I would like to talk to her.
Priya sits up on the side of the bed and pulls Ram by his hand: Ram, I am fine, really there is nothing wrong with me. Please sit down by my side. He sits down and she rubs his back till he is calm and she turns his face towards her: Do you want to know what the doctor said?
Ram looks at her and nods his head.
Priya bends her head shyly: Ram, you are going to be a father for the second time, I am pregnant Ram. She says those words and covers her face with her hands. Ram turns and looks at her with wide eyes. He slowly moves her hands from her face and lifts her chin with his hand.
Ram's face is glowing with excitement: What did you just say? Are you pregnant? Did I hear right?
Priya nods her head as she blushes and he takes her in his arms and holds her as close to his chest as possible and suddenly realizes what she said and moves her away from him in case he is hurting her. He puts his hand on her tummy and gently rubs it. Tears flow down his cheeks and seeing him in tears, Priya breaks out in tears of joy and nods her head. He bends down and kisses her on her tummy.
Ram: I don't know what to say Priya. This is such wonderful news Priya. Thank you so much for giving me this wonderful gift. I cannot believe this, I am so happy for us darling. I am going to be a father again and this time, I promise to be by your side all the time. I can't tell you how excited I am. Thank you Priya.
He takes her in his arms and holds her as close as he can but very gently.
Let us leave them with each other as they celebrate this moment. Another milestone in their lives and the excitement knows no bounds.
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
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