Kalpi could not believe anyone could be as happy has she was. It was as if she was living her dream. There was a perpetual smile on her face and her eyes were always shining as stars. She was sure that no one had the right to be so happy and she wondered what she had done to deserve this perfect life.
She and Vihaan had had the most perfect and romantic honeymoon in a tropical beach resort in Maldives.
The place was a resort with isolated individual villas with a lounge, dining and kitchen areas, opening onto an expansive veranda, a large pool and Jacuzzi. The water front villas were huge with glass bottom bath tubs, pond, waterfall and outdoor rain shower. The villa came with a 24 hour butler service and personal spa services. Their villa was situated on the waterfront and had its own private beach with tropical foliage hiding it from the view of everyone, making is absolutely private.
Kalpi was fascinated from the time she boarded the seaplane to reach the resort. Vihaan who had become jaded, having seen many beautiful resorts and hotels in the world, had a new found appreciation seeing everything through Kalpana's fascinated eyes.
He loved showing Kalpana around the amazing villa and the island around it and loved to see her eyes growing wider and wider with amazement.
He could not get over how beautiful she looked. He was so attracted to her and could not keep his hands off her and he was glad that the villa was isolated, as he would not have to control his hormones in his beautiful wife's presence.
Vihaan and Kalpi had spent days experiencing all the wonderful activities provided by the resort like snorkelling and scuba diving, sailing and wind surfing. Vihaan was very adventurous and took great pleasure in introducing Kalpana to all these things. He was pleasantly surprised to see what a good sport his wife was. She enjoyed learning new things and exploring everything. He loved seeing her listen fascinated to all the guides asking so many questions, so excited about everything.
They dined at the underwater restaurant among tropical fishes and Kalpana was absolutely spellbound.
One of the best days of Kalpana's life was when Vihaan arranged a beautiful romantic dinner on the beach. Watching the setting sun and rising moon light falling on the water was one of the most beautiful sights that she had ever seen. A specialized menu had been created by chef keeping their tastes in mind, but she was not really aware of what she was eating, as she was totally under the spell of her handsome husband who continued to stare at her with total longing in his eyes.
Vihaan and urged Kalpana to try champagne for the 1st time, and Kalpana had tried it hesitantly. The bubbles tickled her nose and she bubbled up with laughter. Vihaan thought to himself that she is more intoxicating than any wine or champagne in this world. He could remain drunk on her love for ever.
Kalpi still blushed when she thought of how Vihaan and she had made love on the beach. It was a total private beach, but she could not believe how bold she had been that day. Making love under the stars was an experience she would never forget.
The idyllic week they had together with adventure filled days and passion filled nights was the most unforgettable experience for both of them.
Once back from the honeymoon, Kalpi was ready for a sense of comedown, after the highs she had experienced. But her life was still as perfect as ever.
Vihaan was the most attentive and loving husband a girl could ever wish for and his parents gave her so much love and attention that she felt as if she was cocooned in love.
It seemed that God was overcompensating for every bad incident that had ever happened in her life.
She had started travelling with Vihaan on his various trips abroad. She had learnt so much from just observing Vihaan conducting business meetings. Each time she came out overawed by the Vihaan's sharp intellect and mature manner. She loved listening while he explained things to her. She was like a sponge which absorbed all the wisdom that was imparted to her.
In a short time after her wedding she had learnt so much from her husband and her father-in-law which 2 years in the MBA course had not taught her. Vihaan introduced her to everyone with so much pride, that many times she felt embarrassed. He slowly and steadily encouraged her to actively participate in business meetings.
Outside of business Vihaan spent a lot time introducing her to various places and experiences. Kalpana, who had not ever been out of Mumbai, really cherished all these precious moments.
The only thing that Kalpi still felt shy about was displaying her affection for Vihaan in public and wearing really bold clothes. Vihaan loved teasing her about her shyness and innocence, but he always respected her feelings. It was as difficult for Kalpi, as it was for Vihaan to keep their hands of each other as she was also totally enamored by her husband.
Their nights were filled with unbridled passion and initimacy. Vihaan introduced her to the various new aspects of lovemaking and Kalpi who was always a good student, was good at learning this also. She was still shy, but her shyness added a beautiful dimension to their lovemaking and they travelled to the stars almost every night.
Vihaan was totally besotted by his wife and unafraid to show it. She had brought so much joy and love into this life, that he had never been happier. His parents loved her and she seemed to fill their house with a unique grace and charm.
They did have cute fights and arguments at times, but they were always able to talk it through and at the end of day they always ended in each other's arms.
The cause of major number of their fights was Kalpana's discomfort about the money he spent on her. She was still not able to grasp the extent of their wealth and she always stopped him from lavishing any gifts on her. He loved doing it and she always pouted at the expense. His love was an exceptional lady, maybe the only one who did not want any money spent on her. Even thinking about her brought a smile on his face.
Nine months into the wedding.
Kalpi and Vihaan were to fly to USA early in the morning and both were getting ready for their trip. Suddenly Kalpi felt faint and she sat on the bed with a thump.
Vihaan was watching her ran towards her and asked worriedly, "Are you alright, dear".
Kalpi said, "I feel faint, but I think I will feel better if I sit here for sometime".
Vihaan, who could not see her suffer could not take it at all and said, "I will call the doctor". He started dialing the number and Kalpi stopped Vihaan.
"Vihaan, it is 5.00 in the morning, you can't disturb the doctor at this time. I will be perfectly alright, soon", Kalpi said.
"I don't care what time it is, you are not well and the doctor will come now".
Kalpi said, "Darling, I know you are worried, but don't worry I feel much better now."
Suddenly she got up and ran to the bathroom and puked her guts out.
Vihaan tried banging on the bathroom door, but she did not open it.
Vihaan could not take it anymore and he ran towards his parent's room.
He informed his parents about her health in panic and both his parents came into their room. By the time they reached the room, Kalpi was already lying down on the bed with her eyes closed.
Vihaan who was beyond worried went to her side and held her hand. She opened her eyes and smiled at him weakly.
"Dad, we cannot travel to USA today. I have to take her to the doctor now." Vihaan said.
"Vihaan I would not have forced you to go, if it was not for your appointment with the Governor of Michigan regarding the clearances for our new factory".
Kalpi immediately said, "Vihaan you have to go. If you don't go I will feel guilty forever. Mom and Dad will take care of me and I promise you I will go to the doctor the first thing in the morning. I believe it is just food-poisoning because of the dinner we had yesterday. Please do this for me, dear."
With heavy heart Vihaan left for USA. He kept on calling her from the airport so many times that Kalpi had to finally put her foot down and tell him she wanted to rest. Then he started worrying his mom.
His mom who had a good idea what her beloved daughter-in-law was suffering from, just smiled at her worried son's rambling talk.
In the morning, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law went to visit the doctor and the doctor after the check up announced the good news to them that Kalpi was pregnant.
Sonal hugged Kalpi wholeheartedly and just said, "I am so happy. I love you so much, for giving us this wonderful gift".
Kalpi looked at Sonal with tears in her eyes, "Mom, I am also so happy. Thanks for being more than my Mom to me. I love you all so much."
Kalpi said, "Mom, I want to wait till Vihaan comes back to tell him. I want to tell him this good news when he is in front of me. Do you think, it is wrong to keep it from him for so much time, when I know he is so worried?"
"No dear, there is nothing wrong in what you are thinking and don't worry I will set his worries at rest. But don't expect me to hide it from Vihaan's dad as he was also worried for you".
Sonal assured a worried Vihaan that his wife was perfectly alright and the doctor had assured that everything was fine.
But Vihaan was only reassured when he saw his lovely wife on Skype looking more gorgeous than ever, initiating a wave of longing in him.
Vihaan who had never been away from his lovely wife for so long after their marriage was dying to get back to her and when his plane landed he could not wait to rush home.
Kalpi who wanted to surprise her husband was already waiting in the car for him at the airport, even though it was so early in the morning.
Seeing his beautiful wife brought about a fresh wave of longing in Vihaan and he kissed her passionately not caring who saw them and she responded with equal passion.
"I missed you so much", Kalpi said.
"Not as much as I missed you. I hate being apart from you", Vihaan said.
They sat in the back seat of the car completely wrapped in each other's arms.
Kalpi was so excited and dying to tell Vihaan the good news, was just waiting to be alone with him.
Vihaan and Kalpi were having breakfast together and Kalpi was just waiting for him to finish his breakfast and take him to the bedroom where they could be talk privately.
Kalpi who had suffered irregular bouts of morning sickness, faced one now and ran towards the washroom.
Vihaan who was stunned for a moment, then got totally troubled seeing this and ran after her into their room.
Outside their washroom, Vihaan worriedly said, "You are still not well, why did you hide it from me? Darling, please let me know what is wrong. I can't see you suffer."
Kalpi who was brushing her teeth said, "I am fine, dear. Just give me a minute"
Vihaan who was already at the end of his tether said, "I will go and call mom. How could all of you hide your illness from me."
Kalpi opened the washroom door and smiled at him. She caught his hand in hers and said "Darling, come here with me and took him to the bed."
She made him sit on the bed and slowly moved his hand and placed it on her stomach and then huskily whispered into his ears, "Darling, very soon we are going to have an addition to our family. We are going to be parents".
Vihaan was totally stunned with happiness and became speechless.
Kalpi suddenly felt worried and asked, "Vihaan are you not happy?"
Vihaan suddenly came out from his trance and he pulled Kalpi towards him and hugged her and said, "Darling, you have made me happier than I have ever been. I can't believe we are going to be parents. Sweetheart, do you think I will make a good dad?"
Kalpi kissed his lips and said, "You will make the best dad in the whole wide world."
Vihaan then said, "I love you so much. Now you are going to rest till the delivery. From tomorrow I will arrange a nurse who will take care of you."
"My dear husband, have you gone crazy? I am pregnant not sick. I am still going to work and continue as normal. The doctor told me that I am in great health and my pregnancy should progress normally. Don't worry, my love, I will be perfectly alright".
"Kalpana, I do worry, please, I can't let anything happen to you."
"Darling, nothing will happen to me", she said and went into his arms. Vihaan hugged her tight.
Kalpi had been having the most blissful pregnancies. Her morning sickness was cured completely and she was feeling on top of the world.
Vihaan's parents pampered her like anything and treated her like a princess. Her Aai and Baba who had already shifted to Pune with Pakya, would land up every other week laden with her favourite eatables.
And Vihaan who was already the most caring husband took caring to another level. If there was anything she desired he would be the one who fulfilled it. If she felt like eating mangoes in winter, he would get it imported from abroad. If she desired a certain ice-cream brand, he would get up in the dead of night, get some shop to open and get it for her. Sometimes she would demand something, just to tease him and then would stop him from going to get it. But soon she stopped expressing her cravings because either her husband or her in-laws would fulfill her desire without any thought of expense.
Vihaan would not allow her to drive no would he allow any other driver to drive her. He would drive her to office and get her back from there himself, however preoccupied he was with work.
He would call her umpteen times at work to make sure she was alright. He would scour the internet late into the night just to find information about pregnancy and child-birth.
Kalpi had a smile on her face as she recollected the last time she had gone to visit the doctor with Vihaan. Vihaan who had made notes with information he had found on the net, had bombarded her with questions. The doctor was initially patient, but slowly started getting irritated and she told Vihaan with finality that his wife was perfectly fine and her pregnancy was proceeding normally.
When she took Kalpi inside for a check-up, she told Kalpi laughingly not to bring her husband the next time with her. Kalpi knew it was futile to even attempt to keep him away from these visits. He attended every doctor's visit and every Lamaze class, Kalpi attended.
He curtailed his visits abroad to a bare minimum, but would not allow Kalpi to travel with him even when the doctor said it was safe. Befor he went abroad he had talked his dad into driving her to office which embarrassed Kalpi no end. Kalpi tried to put her foot down, but her father-in-law assured her that it would be a pleasure for him to drive her to work.
Kalpi could still remember the day the baby had first moved in her body and she had placed Vihaan's hands on her stomach. She would never forget the look of absolute delight and wonder on his face as long as she lived.
Kalpana's face and body had grown lovelier during her pregnancy. Apart from a little enlargement of her breasts and the small cute tummy, she had not really put on any other weight. He face had acquired a glow which could light up any dark room and Vihaan found himself falling more and more in love with her.
The day of delivery arrived and Kalpana, Vihaan, Kamlaa, Sonal and Vitthal reached the hospital.
Kalpana whose water had broken and was already having some cramps, tried hiding her pain, as she knew Vihaan could not bear it.
Vihaan was beyond worried and he held her hand and looked into her eyes with a lot of concern.
As she was wheeled into the Labour room, Vihaan opted to come into the delivery room with her. Her mom was also there in the room.
Soon Kalpi had forgotten everything under the pain she had started suffering from. Her screams started coming out from deep inside and Vihaan felt tears flow from his eyes.
"Please make the pain stop. She is hurting", he shouted at the hospital staff.
The doctor who knew how over-emotional Vihaan could be, threw him out of the room.
Vihaan ran to his Mom and said, "Mom she is in so much pain. I can't take it anymore. I hate myself for putting her through it. I don't want a child; I just want her to be alright".
It took his mom all her control to keep herself from smiling. "Darling, she is going to be perfectly alright and so is your baby. Don't worry darling, this is totally normal".
"It may be normal, but she is so fragile and delicate. Mom, what if something happens", Vihaan asked.
"Nothing bad will happen, trust in God" his mom said.
Vihaan continued pacing down the corridor wearing out the carpet. He could not settle down at all. For the first time in his life, he prayed with his whole heart. The two hours he spent were the hardest of his entire life.
Suddenly everything stilled and a nurse came out the Labour room carrying a screaming baby in her arms and handed it over to him and said, "You have a lovely son. Also your wife is perfectly fine and you can see her in a short time".
Vihaan experienced the most profound feeling of gratitude to God and his Kalpana and he smiled widely. He felt his heart would explode with his happiness. His mom and Vitthal came to him. He looked at them and said proudly, "Meet my son, Dhruv". Suddenly his dad who had just come from abroad, landed in the hospital and soon everyone was Oohing and Aahing at the beauty of the baby.
Vihaan went into the hospital room where his wife was laying in the bed and said, "Thank you, sweetheart, for giving me the best gift in the world" and kissed her tenderly.
"I can't believe that the two happiest incidents in my life have happened in a hospital", Vihaan said.
Soon her parents and parents-in-law and Neha all joined them in her hospital room and Kalpi looked around and thought "I had just desired to obtain a fistful of sky and God has gifted me the entire universe full of happiness. Thank you for everything, Bappa." She then closed her eyes and prayed with her entire heart.
Cricket
Kundali Bhagya
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
Anupamaa
