Chapter 60
Radha was right. He didn't understand. It wasn't as if a pregnancy could be kept secret for very long. "Radha, I was just excited to know. You looked so tired and you were tired when you had Charu. I thought we should confirm it. I didn't think it would upset you. Why don't you turn in? I'll finish up some work in the study and come." "Why do you want to work in the study? Are you angry with me?" "No sweetheart. I didn't want to disturb you. I really need to get some structure in the lockdown procedure." "Work from here LD. Don't leave me alone." "Okay sweetheart. Now into bed."
Radha obeys him without arguing. He covers her with the duvet and sits with her until she falls asleep. He then starts working. Finally, he feels that he has put enough body into his plans and gets ready to turn in. He removes Radha's pillow gently and rests her head on his arm as she preferred and turned off the lamp.
In the morning, Radha wakes up first. She is snuggled against LD's warm chest and his hand was warm against her womb. A small gesture of protectiveness that she had always received from him even when he had lost his memory. As she gets up to go to the bathroom she sees the kit on the dresser. Suddenly she feels the urge to know also. She takes the kit and does the test. She was about to check for the result and stops. It was only fair that LD saw the result with her. She leaves the kit on the shelf and goes to make tea for LD.
Radha brings the tea and wakes up LD. Demanding his morning hug first, he is happy to see Radha back to normal. He goes to brush and sees the used kit on the shelf. "Radha?" "I did the test in the morning." "And are you..." "You have to tell me. Remember you wanted to savour the excitement of the test being positive? So I didn't look at the result." "I don't know how to read it. I just asked for the best kit." "Does it have one line or two?" "Two." "Congratulations, you are going to be a Papa again." "Oh Radha!" and he reaches out to hug her. "Just a hug is not enough, Mr C."
LD lifts her up and carries her to the room. Lifting the flannel shirt she was wearing, he kissed her womb. "Hi Baby, this is Papa." Radha hugs him tightly. "You are the best husband in the world and the best Papa in the world too." "And you are the best wife and mother in the world." "Your tea must be cold. I'll bring you another cup."
When he finished shaving and was ready for his cup of tea, he sees a rose and a chocolate bar on his bedside table. "What is this?" "When you knew about Charu and the twins you bought me chocolate and roses. So this time I thought it was my turn - only I didn't have the time to buy them. The rose is from the garden and the chocolate I already had..." LD had broken of a piece and popped it into Radha's mouth.
At work, Radha lets Vatsala know and LD shares the news with Mr O'Brien. "We haven't shared the news with our families yet. But you have been like a father to Radha and she wanted you to know." "I am honoured." "During both her earlier pregnancies, she had severe morning sickness and so I wouldn't like to leave her alone but there is that conference that I am supposed to leave for on Friday." "Boy, your wife is more important than any conference. I'll attend the conference and you can attend the fundraising dinner that is being organised by the convent. You seem to have made quite an impression on Sister Mary. Be sure to take Radha along."
On the way home, LD pulls up at the medical store. "Radha come with me." "Here? But..." "Just come." Taking a sweet box in one hand and holding Radha's arm with the other, he goes to the shop. "Bhai Saab, I just wanted you to share in our good news. We are having a baby." "Congratulations," he stammered.
"What was that about?" "You were worried that he would gossip. Now he won't." "But you didn't say anything." "It's a man thing. You won't understand."
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Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain?
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