MPbGD thread # 2, part 70 on pg62 on 18/4/12 - Page 38

emotional but very sweet part..

loved it alot..

karan..linda n arun...they were really amazing..

n ridz getting all care n respect she deserves..

superb part di..

thnx for the pm...

Part 69

"Kanna don't run, wear this otherwise everyone will say shame shame."

"Chooya wait, top, top (stop)"

"Kanamma, careful, you'll trip on that pawadai (lehenga) and fall. See, he's not wearing his shirt. He's a bad boy, not listening to athai, don't talk to him."

Even though Riddhima was lying in her room on everybody's strict orders to rest, she could very well visualize the scene going on outside. Surya must be refusing to wear his shirt so Suja must be chasing him. And that Barbie doll, Karishma, must be following him around like she always did. (Karan had come to India with his family on 3 weeks leave.) At times Riddhima felt as if history was repeating itself with yet another girl forever chasing her athaan. Though she was physically tired, Riddhima was extremely happy. The ceremony had gone on very well, without any hitch.

Four months after their return from the US her nephrologist had given her the green signal to try for a baby. When she had failed to conceive naturally even after trying for six months, they had decided to go in for an IVF. She had been thrilled when she became pregnant through IVF, but everything had come crashing down when she miscarried in the sixth week. She was very depressed and had cried for days together. Her athaan, though himself very dejected, had been a pillar of support to her. He took care of her like a little baby and took her out with him, wherever he had to go, with regards to the hospital construction, which had begun in full swing after their return from the US.

On her gynac's recommendation, she had taken a second trial, a few months later. She had chosen her wedding anniversary as the date for the procedure, as she thought it would prove lucky for her.

The previous year, their 30^th anniversary had been celebrated grandly, immediately after their return from the US. Suja and Prakash had made all the arrangements. A big shamiana had been put up at the hospital grounds. Several poojas had been performed for their good health and prosperity. This was followed by a grand wedding lunch. Almost the whole village had been invited besides relatives and friends.

But for their 31st anniversary there had been no celebrations whatsoever. They had all just gone to the Santana Gopalakrishnan (a diety who bestows the boon of a baby) temple and prayed for the success of the procedure, performing a special pooja there. The team of doctors had decided to transfer two fertilized eggs to her uterus, to increase the chances of conception. But though she was on complete bed rest, neither of the babies had developed as expected, and had to be aborted in the second month.

Everyone was deeply saddened by their loss for the second time, but Riddhima was totally devasted. She felt that the names people had called her, were true. She was indeed a barren woman, incapable of bearing a child. She drew into a shell, rarely talking to anyone. All the love and care of her athaan and her daughter seemed insufficient to bring her back to normal. Even Priyam and Surya failed to draw her out. She would talk to them politely but never played with them or pampered them.

Armaan was scared she was going into depression. So he had suggested a trip to the US to divert her mind. But she had refused point blank. Even the temptation of seeing their granddaughter or attending Arun's graduation ceremony, failed to produce any enthusiasm. When Arun had pleaded with her, she had stated her ill-health as the reason. Instead she tried to force her athaan to attend his graduation ceremony. But he refused to leave her alone and go.

But it was Arun who finally came to their rescue. He decided to do his post-graduation in Carnatic music, in India and moved in with them. His constant pranks and naughtiness was what brought Riddhima out of her shell. She couldn't help laughing at his antics and the ice was broken. Slowly she became her normal self.

Six months later it was on Arun's insistence that she agreed to have a third IVF. The doctor had told Armaan that it was probably because of their close genetic connection, that the pregnancy was not taking proper course. She suggested that they go in for donor egg or donor sperm. But Armaan knew that Riddhima wouldn't want a baby at all, if it wasn't hers and her athaan's. So he politely refused the doctor's suggestion.

When Riddhima was impregnated the third time, the doctor advised her to remain in Chennai for a while, so that her progress could be monitored well. So once again they had temporarily moved to Shekar's house in Chennai. Third time proved lucky for her and after 3 months they returned back to their hometown with Riddhima in the second trimester of her pregnancy.

Armaan looked after her like a precious doll, not letting strain in any way. Her sugar level, creatinin level, as well as hormone levels had to be closely monitored. The hospital construction had been halted for the time being, as Armaan only attended to her, 24x7. Each and every member of the family took care of her in their own way.

Suja would visit her from time to time and make interesting food for her, keeping in mind her diet restrictions. She even taught Rajesh a few recipes which her amma liked. Even Priyam, who had matured a lot after Surya's birth, would pamper her amamma, asking her if she needed anything from time to time. Riddhima enjoyed all the attention but at the same time felt awkward many a times as her children and grand children were looking after her.

When Linda and Karan decided to pay them a visit and spend three weeks with them, Suja had suggested that they have her Ghod Bharai ceremony at that time, so that the whole family could rejoice it. At the same time it would be less of a strain for Riddhima as it was only her sixth month.

Riddhima smiled to herself looking at her arms filled with bangles and affectionately patted her ever-growing stomach. The Ghod Bharai ceremony had been conducted this morning. The guests were all chatting with one another, as they waited for the lunch to be served. In the meantime she was sent packing to her room to rest for a while. No one was prepared to listen to her when she said that the guests would think it odd. On the contrary the guests themselves asked her to go and lie for a bit. So here she was, locked in her room, lying on her bed but all her attention focussed on, what was going on outside.

She was seeing Karan, Linda and Karishma after 2 years. Karishma had grown into a very pretty girl inheriting her father's dimple, which he had inherited from his father, her athaan. That made her doubly cute in Riddhima's eyes. Moreover she had her mother's blond hair but dark eyes, again like her father. On the whole she was an Indo-American fusion doll. She was looking all the more pretty today in the Kancheepuram silk pawadai. Surya had grown into very naughty boy, now in his 'terrible threes'. Suja had a tough time handling him even with Prakash's and Priyam's help,

Riddhima was brought out of reverie when there was a knock on the door and Linda came in, requesting her to come and have lunch. Armaan followed closely behind saying "No Linda, let Riddhima rest, I'll bring the food for her, here."

L: Kamala aunty asked me to bring amma. She said amma has to feed some kids before having her own lunch. Only after that all the others can have lunch.

R: Please athaan, I've rested enough. Let me complete the last ritual of this function. I promise I'll come and lie down after lunch.

Half heartedly Armaan agreed to her wishes. They went into the lunch room where a banana leaf was spread on the table with rangoli all around it. Kamala akka took Riddhima and seated her in front of it. She was served a lot of rice and dal. She was supposed to mix and feed all the little boys and girls who had come for the function. Karishma and Surya who usually made a lot of fuss to eat wouldn't leave their amamma's side, lest one of the other children should sit next to her. They sat on either side of her, as they very well knew that they were not supposed to sit on her lap. The other children stood opposite her and she fed each one by turn. But her two darlings created a ruckus vying with each other, to eat out of her hand.

Finally after a few morsels Kamala akka took the kids to their mothers for the remaining feed and let Riddhima eat in peace. Having had their lunch, the guests began to move out. As they left, Suja and Linda offered Kumkum to all the ladies. They admired the way the American daughter-in-law of this family had mingled with all. Before leaving each and everyone wished Riddhima whole heartedly, that she should have a safe and easy delivery, and also that she should give birth to a bonnie baby.

Soon Armaan came there and telling them that it was time for Riddhima's rest, took her to their room. At the door Karan and Arun stood reminding the guests about the next week's party. Yes, it was Armaan and Riddhima's 32^nd wedding anniversary the following week. That was the main purpose of Karan's visit to India with his family. Earlier he had thought of making the trip after his amma had delivered, but Linda wouldn't be able to get leave at that time. Hence they had preponed their visit to coincide with their parents' anniversary.

Armaan made sure that Riddhima was comfortable, placing pillow at her back. She was sleeping on her side as advised by the doctor. Then sitting next to her he was brushing her hair. "Athaan you also lie down for some time, you must also be tired" Riddhima pulled his hand. "I'm fine" he said smiling his trademark dimpled smile. But when she pouted like a disappointed baby, he just shook his head and got up. She thought he was going away. But he closed the door and came and lay down beside her. At once she cuddled up to him in the most comfortable position with her head on his chest. And in a few minutes, she was fast asleep. And as always, he kept watching her face as she slept peacefully, till his eyes also drooped shut.

Over the past few months they had grown very close. She depended on him for everything, right from scrubbing or powdering her back, washing her hair and even drying and plaiting it. Luckily she didn't have much of morning sickness problem, but even then he'd first feed her some dry biscuits first thing in the morning, followed by a glass of unsweetened milk. When she went for her bath he would ask her not to lock the door so that he could walk in anytime she needed help. Then he'd brush her long tresses and had slowly learnt to plait them too.

When Suja and Prakash had noticed all this, during one of their visits, they had teased them a lot. Riddhima had felt very embarrassed and blushed, but he had not minded it in the least. On the contrary, he had argued with them asking if "I don't help my wife, who will?"

Initially when word had gone round that Riddhima was pregnant, some people were really happy for her, like her school teachers. While some tongues wagged about her pregnancy at menopausal age. As far as possible Armaan made sure that these words didn't fall on Riddhima's ears. But on the few occasions that it did he would tell Riddhima not to mind what people thought or said. When he asked her if she was ashamed to carry his baby, she proudly refuted it.

Every morning he would take her for walks, holding her hand. She too didn't mind it because she had become quite bold and stopped taking people's remarks to heart. She found that, once she stopped bothering about what they said, people also stopped talking. Now she thought only of her precious baby and her adoring athaan. Armaan loved this changed Riddhima very much and mentally thanked his baby for reforming her because he felt it was the hormonal changes going on in her body, which made her so bold.

Riddhima was enjoying each day with her whole family around her. That morning she woke up finding her cosy pillow missing. Where had her athaan gone? Seeing that the time was 7, she got up and went to the washroom. Usually they both woke up only at 7 and after freshening up they'd sit together while she had milk and he coffee.

Just as she came out of the bathroom she noticed her athaan enter with a tray in his hand. On it were 2 cups and a long stemmed red rose. She looked at him and smiled. Of course today was their anniversary and since their return from their return from the US, this had become a ritual on their anniversaries and her birthdays.

Putting the tray on the side table he held out the rose to her and wishing her "Happy anniversary", kissed her. Then pulling out a box from his pant pocket, asked her to guess what it was. She smiled at him saying "it must be some jewel. Even though I keep telling you every time that I'm not very fond of jewels you keep buying something or the other." Her athaan smiled at that saying "You are definitely one of a kind. Every woman thinks of ways to get her husband to buy some jewelry for her and you," he just shook his head sadly.

Seeing that he was disappointed she pulled him close and kissing his cheek whispered "I'll take it, if you take what I give you." Thinking she was talking about a kiss on the lip, he said "I'm willing to take whatever you give me." She got up and went to the cupboard and brought a smaller jewel box. Looking at her surprised he asked "Now what's that?" pulling his hand forward she slipped a solitaire diamond ring on his finger.

A: Riddhima, when did you buy this? I didn't let you go out anywhere on your own, then how did you?

R: I have my means. What did you think? Only you can get me gifts?

A: But Riddhima this must be so expensive. Why did you

She shut his mouth with her palm and with tears in her eyes said "From the time you've come back you are one who's always giving. For a change let me give you something. And I didn't buy the diamond. It was my amma's nose ring. As it looked too big on the nose, I never wore it. I thought it would make a nice ring for your finger." And before he could argue further, she looked pointedly at the box in his hand and asked "Are you planning to give that gift to me for our next anniversary?" He burst out laughing and took out a chain with a diamond studded Ganpathy pendant. Putting itaround her neck he said "He'll take care of you always." She hugged him tight and then moving a little away picked the pendant in her hand and observed it. "It's so very beautiful. Thank you so much athaan."

Kissing her yet again he said "You are most welcome." Then hearing some commotion outside said "Come on let's go and have breakfast. Looks like the battalion has come down. All of them must be waiting to wish us."

Karan and Suja had occupied the rooms upstairs, with their families, while Arun slept on the sofa downstairs. Now all of them were walking in and out of the kitchen with the mothers feeding their young kids. The fathers were seated on the dining table waiting to be served by Rajesh. He was making hot hot uthappams for everyone, with sambhar and chutney to go with it.

When Armaan and Riddhima joined them at the table, they were greeted with "Good morning" from all of them. Then they all got busy eating their breakfast. None of them seemed to remember the date. Riddhima couldn't believe it and when she looked at her athaan, he too had a surprised look. When the two ladies joined them, having fed the kids, they all started discussing the program for the day.

Prakash: A circus has come to town. Let's take the children for the show.

"Yes, yes all of them agreed."

Arun: I'll also come.

L: sure, all of us will go. Amma, dad you'll also come na?

Riddhima was upset that they had all forgotten their anniversary, so she wasn't in a mood for anything. So she made an excuse saying "No, I don't think I should strain so much. You all go, I'll rest at home."

A: Yes, Riddhima is absolutely right. The trip to the town in this weathe will tire her. We'll stay at home, you all go.

No one seemed to be disappointed by their refusal. On the contrary, all of them unanimously agreed that amma should rest at home. Having had her breakfast, Riddhima and Armaan retired to their room. Outside, all of them were talking what time they should leave and how. When her athaan gave her the medicines she took it from him and gulped it mechanically. Seeing her sad face Armaan took out the new saree he had purchased for her and said "Get ready, we'll go to the temple."

At first Riddhima wanted to refuse,then she remembered that all through these years, that was one thing she had been doing unfailingly, on this day. Hiding her disappointment she smiled at her athaan and began changing. Having changed when they went to inform the others that they were going to the temple Linda remarked "That's a very pretty saree, amma. Is it new?" Riddhima just nodded and put on a fake smile.

When Suja teased "Oh, oh someone is so decked up. Don't miss the long mogra strands in her hair. Have you left any for us amma?" it was the last straw for Riddhima. She'd have burst out angrily but the squeeze of her athaan's hand stopped her from doing so. Defending her Armaan said with a smile on his face "If you want flowers, ask your husband to get it for you. I got all these flowers only for my wife." Then he laughed out loudly as if he was just joking.

Then putting his arm around his wife's shoulder said "Come Riddhima, let's go otherwise the aarti will begin and we'll get delayed." Turning to the others he smilingly said "Bye, see you all at lunchtime." All of them burst laughing as soon as they both left. "I don't like making amamma sad like this" Priyam grumbled. "But we are going to compensate for it in the evening na?" was her mother's retort.

I had planned to make this the last part, but I wasn't able to conclude it satisfactorily. So I think I'll have to post one more. Love ssh57.