MPbGD thread # 2, part 70 on pg62 on 18/4/12 - Page 36

simply amazing n awsum update di..

loved it alot..

its was really a cute one..

loved the bonding...

liked the name...of the baby..

caroline karishma..

cont. soon..

thnx for the pm...

hey dear

lovely update...ridhhimaz character is such an inspirational character which is rarely found...

looking forward for the next part

lovr

sania

awesome superb update sooo sweet

Part 68

"Oh God! How can I leave you and go my darling?" Riddhima shed tears holding the baby close to her chest. She had just finished bathing the baby and dressing her. Armaan walked in with the baby's feeding bottle. He put the bottle on the table and putting his arm around Riddhima, wiped her tears. "Come on Riddhima, don't cry. Enjoy the last few days of our stay here with this cutie pie. Don't worry we'll come again soon."

Handing Riddhima the bottle he said "She must be hungry." The baby fell asleep as soon as she was fed. When they laid her in her crib and went into the hall, Armaan asked "Have you decided which saree you are going to wear for the party tonight?"

R: No, actually I'm not even in the mood for a party.

A: Come on Riddhima. It's a party to welcome the new member of our family, whom you love so much. I know you are sad because we have to leave her and go in two days time, but you shouldn't let it show on your face. Otherwise people might think you are not happy about her coming to our family.

When Riddhima didn't reply he went next to her and lifting her chin said "Come on cheer up for our darling Karishma's sake. Or else she'll feel "my grandma isn't happy to welcome me." That at last brought a smile to her face.

Linda had gone shopping for a new dress for the party, as none of the old clothes fitted her. But that was not the only thing she was shopping for. She wanted to buy something very special for amma. Not that she could repay her in any way for all that she had done, but just as a token of her gratitude.

When she had come home 3 days after her C section, she had difficulty in even turning over on the bed. Riddhima didn't let her do any work except feed the baby even though the baby was quite cranky. On the very first day she had laid down the ground rules. She and her athaan would take care of the baby the whole day long. Changing her nappy, rocking her to sleep etc. They would bring her to Linda only when she was hungry.

During the feed times also, Riddhima would help Linda sit up and arrange the pillow behind her back, to support her. Another pillow would go on her lap and the baby on top of it. That was because the stitches were still painful though the clips had been removed. But Riddhima couldn't keep awake at night, because of her medication. So it was Karan's duty to help Linda feed the baby. He was on leave for a week so he caught up with his sleep during the day. Besides that Riddhima also did the cooking for herself and her athaan, while Karan would cook for Linda.

Karan joined Linda at lunch time so that they could have lunch together and also shop for a gift for amma and dad. As they had theirnlunch, the talk went to Riddhima's and Armaan's return to India. When Linda said "I've never seen a woman like amma." Karan nodded and smiled thinking how initially Linda hadn't liked amma instructing her, what to eat and what not to; what to do and what not to. Now they were more like mother and daughter rather than mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

L: I don't know how we'll manage after they've gone.

K: The nanny will be joining tomorrow. You have a month to train her before you get back to work. Don't worry everything will work out well.

After a quick lunch they shopped for the gifts and then Linda went for her appointment to the beauty salon. But before that, she called up home to find out how the little one was. "She's taken her feed and sleeping like an angel" Riddhima assured her. But the fact had been that they had to rock her in the swing and then in their arms for nearly an hour before she had fallen asleep. Armaan had even suggested that they phone Linda and ask her to come home. But Riddhima dissuaded him saying she had got out of the house after almost a month, so they shouldn't spoil her fun.

They were having their lunch when the doorbell rang, Riddhima asked "who could it be? Linda said that she had an appointment with her beautician." Armaan shrugged his shoulders as he went to open the door. Hearing no sound whatsoever, Riddhima asked "Who is it athaan?" and turned around. She was shocked to see Arun walking in sleathily. Noticing that she had seen him he ran and hugged her.

Instead of hugging him she slapped his arm with her left hand asking "Why did you lie? I'm sorry amma I'm not able to get leave. I also want to see you, but I can't help it" she mimicked him. He laughed out aloud and said "Got you fooled, didn't I? how did you even think I'd miss such an important occasion. That shows you don't know me at all." Then pulling her right hand to his mouth ate the morsel of food that she was holding. She was about to say something when he said "amma I'm feeling very hungry." Her anger totally disappeared. Pulling him down on the seat beside her she started feeding him with her own hands as if he was a small boy. Watching them, Armaan just shook his head and smiled.

After lunch Riddhima took Arun to introduce him to his niece. "OMG she's too cute!" he exclaimed.

R: What's that OMG?

A: OMG is the short form for 'Oh My God' amma.

Shaking her head she said "You and your lingo. You youngsters are bent on shrinking the language which has been painstakingly built over so many years." Then mother and son sat chatting the whole afternoon. Inspite of repeated reminders from her athaan that they had to keep up till late that night because of the party, she refused to take nap. Finally Karishma woke up for her feed.

When she went to get her bottle, Armaan requested Arun to convince her to take a nap. When Riddhima returned with the bottle, understanding his dad's concern, Arun said, "Amma let dad feed his granddaughter and take care of her. Let's go and have a nap, I'm feeling very tired." He literally dragged her upstairs leaving her no choice.

The party was organized in the community hall of their housing complex. The heroine was dressed in a pretty pink gown. Karan, Linda and Arun stood at the entrance welcoming the guests while the grandparents looked after their angel.

Bhaskar and Bharati were the first to arrive along with Janaki amma. When the trio reached them, Riddhima and Armaan touched Janaki amma's feet and took her blessings. She blessed that Riddhima should attain motherhood in the near future. She then hugged them both saying "I hear you are leaving in 2 days. I'm going to miss you both." They both had been spending a lot of time with her the past few days. She'd make some special dish and call them over to have it. Their pleas that she shouldn't trouble herself so much, fell on deaf ears. She said it was a joy to cook the old south Indian recipes for someone who appreciated them.

Shekar, Kalpana and their children were the next to arrive. The introductions were made and after a brief hi, hello Kalpesh and Sarika joined their cousins. When Kalpana complained "I'm very angry that you didn't keep your promise to visit us" Riddhima explained to her it was because Linda's delivery was unexpectedly preponed. "We'll definitely make another trip and then we'll stay with you till you push us out of your house" Armaan joked.

A few of Karan's close friends were the only other guests. All of them came and started crooning over the baby. In a few minutes a huge cake was brought in and taking the mike Karan drew everyone's attention to it. Then he and Linda came and drew Armaan and Riddhima by their hand saying "Come let's cut the cake."

R: Linda none of your friends seem to be here, shouldn't we wait for them?

L: Amma, all the guests we invited are here.

R: I don't understand.

But before she could ask anything more, she was standing in front of the cake. Seeing the words "Happy anniversary Amma, Dad" she looked questioningly at Karan.

A: Karan it's not our Anniversary today. You've got the date correct but the month wrong.

K: We know dad that it's next month. But unfortunately we won't be able to make it to India then. So we planned this party, to celebrate it in advance today.

Arun: And also as a farewell party for your first visit to the US.

R: But wasn't it supposed to be a welcome party for Karishma?

"It's an all in one party amma" Linda said pressing the knife in Riddhima's hand. The turning to Armaan said "Dad please hold her hand and both of you cut it together." When Armaan held her hand and was about to cut the cake, Riddhima said "wait, wait" and went to the carseat, where the baby lay sleeping. Picking her up in her arms she joined her athaan and said "Now all three of us will cut the cake together. OK?"

They cut the cake amidst a lot of cheering but the little one began to whimper as her beauty sleep was being disturbed. Linda took her back to her crib. Karan raised a toast "To my awesome amma and my dearest dad. As life meandered through the twists and turns, it taught you a lot and you learned. Your love has proved wrong the saying 'Out of sight out of mind.' Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary!" Then it was Linda's turn. "Hope you both enjoy a healthy and happy life and celebrate many more such anniversaries. May God fulfill all your hopes and aspirations. May you move on to Golden, Diamond and many many more!"

The whole crowd shouted in chorus "Heartiest congratulations to you both!" and raised their glasses and drank from it. When Riddhima hesitated Armaan put his arm around her and whispered "it's just apple juice, not wine. Drink it." Smiling at her athaan for having understood her hesitation and thanking him with her eyes, she sipped the drink. Then she was asked to feed a piece of the cake to her athaan and he had to take that same piece and feed her. Then Karan, Linda, Arun and each and every guest were fed small pieces of the cake by both Armaan and Riddhima.

Karan and Linda came forward with a box in each one's hand. Karan opened the box in his hand and took out a broach studded with a few diamonds. Handing the empty box to Riddhima, he pinned the broach on the left shoulder on her pallu. The crowd gave a thunderous applause. Linda went towards Armaan and opening the box took out a cufflink from it. Handing the box to dad, she held his hand and started fixing the diamond studded cuff link.

A: Oh this was why you asked me wear this new shirt which you had bought. My shirts don't have corresponding buttonholes to fit the cuff links.

She smiled and nodded at him. Putting his free hand over her head, while she fixed the other cuff-link he asked "What was the need for such an expensive gift Linda? I know with the hospital expenses and the baby, you already have a lot of expenses. There, Riddhima was posing the same question to Karan who assured her that 80% of the hospital expenses was taken care of by their insurance company and she shouldn't break her head over such things.

Karan and Linda lead them to the sofa and making them sit there, Linda said "These gifts can in no way compensate for all the love and care you've showered on us. We don't want to belittle it by saying thank you. But we want to tell you that we too love you as much. We're going to miss you a lot," she couldn't continue further as she was choked with emotions. Riddhima stood up and hugged her tight, copious tears were flowing from her eyes too. Karan and Armaan also flicked away the tears from their eyes. Putting his hand on Linda's shoulder Armaan said "I promise we'll come over again soon. We too won't be able to stay away from this miracle" indicating the baby.

Arun was watching all this from the side as he was also unable to handle his emotion. Then one by one the guests came forward with their gifts. Some with bouquets and some with gift vouchers, etc. Most of Karan's friends also touched their feet seeking their blessings.

Kalpana had brought a gold chain each for Armaan and Riddhima. When they refused to accept such an expensive gift, she said to Riddhima"If you truly look on me as your elder sister, you should accept it." So Riddhima had to relent and accept. And to Armaan she said "I've never given you a proper gift as my BIL. Please don't refuse this."

Bharati gifted them a painting of Yashoda chasing Krishna, which she herself had painted. Riddhima was awestruck seeing it. She just kept repeating "It's so beautiful! You are such a great artist!"

A: I never knew you could paint so well Bharati.

B: Actually I've started taking some lessons in painting, in my spare time.

Bhaskar: Otherwise she just sits and broods. Painting keeps her busy and happy.

B: It was amma's idea that I should paint this picture. I copied it from one of her prayer books.

R: I'll pray for you to get you daughter back and I'm sure she'll be with you soon.

Riddhima looked around wondering where her younger son was. she hadn't seen him after the cake cutting. Suddenly the lights in the room went off. Then Arun's voice came over the mike saying "Amma, dad this is my gift for you. Heartiest Congratulations!"

When they turned in the direction of the voice they saw a spot light lighting one corner of the room. A boy stood next to a huge drum occupied and Arun stood with his guitar strung across his shoulder. Soon a pretty girl joined Arun and they began singing a fast number. One by one the young couples came on the dance floor, while the others sat cheering them.

After they had sung 5-6 numbers, Arun requested "Dad, get amma on the dance floor for this one." As per his son's wish Armaan pulled Riddhima to the dance floor. "Please athaan I don't know how to dance," she begged. All the other couples moved away and the spotlight was on just the two of them. Paying no heed to her, Armaan held her hand and started waltzing, as Arun started with Cliff Richards' song 'Congratulations and Celebrations' modifying it a bit.

Congratulationsand celebrations
When I tell everyone that you're in love with me
Congratulations and jubilations
I want the world to know I'm happy as can be.

Who could believe that I could be happy and contented
I used to think that happiness hadn't been invented
But that was in the bad old days before you returned,
Before I let you walk back into my heart.

Everyone hooted and cheered while Riddhima stood hiding her face in her athaan's chest and sniffing. Removing his guitar Arun came to them and hugged them. When they came out of the hug Riddhima, pulled his face down and kissed his forehead, saying "Thank you so much kanna, for this wonderful gift. Thank you for fulfilling my wish to see you perform live." Beckoning to his friends, Arun introduced them. While Roshan who was on the drums shook hands and congratulated them, Riddhima hug Anjelina saying "You all were wonderful."

Karan and Linda joined them and thanked Arun's friends. "Thank you so much for taking the time and coming over. You've made this party a grand success." Then Karan ushered all of them to the dining room for dinner. It was quite late by the time the last guests left. Arun stayed back to spend the last 2 days of their stay with them.

Iniya puthandu nal vazthugal! to all my tamilian friends who are celebrating New Year's Day today, and all the others who celebrate this day, Happy feast!. love, ssh57.