Chapter Forty Three
Raj was so surprised that for a minute he couldnt say anything at all, and then But how did this happen? he asked, his brain unable to process the idea fully.
Well Captain Rajveer I imagine it happened in the usual way. Shalini told him somewhat amused by his reaction, Now you dont really want me to go into a scientific explanation for you do you?
Naina blushed at this, and even Raj coloured slightly, before he reached out to take his wifes hand. His head was spinning from this information, they hadnt planned it was early in their marriage and Naina was still studying. He had no idea if she was happy at the news or not, or whether she would regret it. She was very young after all, and she still hadnt graduated. He shouldve been more careful and now but the idea of having a child with her, their child, made him smile despite his worries.
Itll probably take awhile to sink in Shalini told them, observing the looks on both their faces, Its an important moment in your lives.
Thank you for telling us, Raj replied, a smile now visible on his face as he glanced across at Naina. This is well right now I cant I mean
Thats quite alright, Captain, now I can understand if you and Naina want some time alone so feel free to leave me now. She told them, her eyes sparkling.
Naina hadnt spoken yet, but when she looked up it was easy to see the joy in her eyes, mixed with just a little bit of fear.
Still grasping her hand, Raj led her out of Shalinis office and back to their room where he closed the door softly before leading her to the bedroom where they could talk freely.
You are happy, arent you? he asked her gently, almost afraid of what the answer would be.
She reached out a hand and touched his face lovingly, running her fingers down his cheek before she reached out to take his hands in hers.
"How could I not be?" she asked him, "Our child… what more could I want?"
"I was worried," he tells her as he squeezes her hands, "You're young to become a mother, and you haven't finished your studies yet. I want you to be able to graduate, to work…"
"Being pregnant won't stop me from studying," she reassures him, "I'll continue to study for as long as it's safe and then go back and finish after the baby is born. Fulfilling one dream doesn't mean that I have to give up on my other dreams."
Unable to express his relief that she's not disappointed by the news, Raj hugs her tightly, trying to be even more gentle than usual. She rests her head on his shoulder.
"I won't break if you hug me, you know." She tells him, amused. "I'm just pregnant, not dying of some disease."
"I know… but it's my first time… I mean of course it's my first time… I mean, I know it's yours too…" He's gotten so mixed up in his happiness and relief that he can't speak properly and she laughs.
"So when should we break this news to everyone?" she asks.
"As soon as possible," he tells her with a grin, "I know that Sherry will be thrilled by the idea of becoming an aunty, and I can just imagine how happy Abhi and the rest of the cadets will be to find out too, and as far as I know Shalini… she won't be able to keep this quiet for long."
**
Raj was right, and in the end they didn't need to worry about notifying anybody, Shalini did an admirable job of it for them. Unable to control her happiness, she had let out the news to Suriji when she met him in the mess.
"Oye Shalini ji sach?" he had asked her excitedly, and when she nodded in the affirmative had let out an "Oye Balle Balle!" and unable to control himself he had broken out into an impromptu bhangra dance, "Free chai for everyone!!!!" he had announced, and the cadets had all cheered.
Whats up, Suriji? Yudi asked him, as he came over to their table to serve chai.
Oh puttar, such great news I just found out from Shalini-ji, Naina puttar is pregnant!
As soon as she heard it, Sherry let out a screech of delight, Are you serious Suriji? she asked him.
I just heard it from Dr Shalini, you can ask her yourself!
Incredibily excited, Sherry turned to hug Pooja tightly, who was already jumping up and down where she sat on the bench before she turned to hug Aalekh who sat on her other side.
Im going to be a bua!! she announced happily to everyone.
Aur apun mamaa banega! Aalekh announced just as happily.
Oy what about the rest of us, are we all just missed calls? Pooja asked, Were all going to be aunties and uncles!
Im going to call my mummy up right now and ask her to send her best laddoos! Huda announced happily.
They continued to dance excitedly around the mess for awhile, hugging each other, until Sherry pulled away. Ill go and congratulate them! she told everyone, before running out of the room and down the corridor.
She spotted Abhi at the last moment, but was still heading at far too great a speed to stop herself colliding with him. He grabbed her by the arms to stop her falling down and steadied her, pulling her up again before he stopped to stare. Her cheeks were flushed from running and the happiness in her eyes and full fledged smile on her face were something he had never seen before. Happy like this, she was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.
She laughed, clutching his arms as he made sure she regained her balance. Have you heard? she asked him excitedly, Do you know?
Do I know what? he asked her, not having a clue what she was talking about but excited anyway.
That Naina is pregnant! she exclaimed, She and Bhaiyya are going to have a baby!
He let out a whoop of joy and before he knew it, Sherry had thrown her arms around him to hug him. He found himself hugging her back tightly, lifting her off the ground slightly in his own happiness before he remembered exactly where they were and exactly who he was hugging and put her back down.
She looked a bit embarrassed about it, but it didnt dull her happiness one bit, Im going to go and congratulate them, she told him, Come with me.
Maybe I should let you go by yourself he said uncertainly, even though he was dying to see them both, I can always see them later.
Dont be silly, well both go now, she told him, and grabbing his hand, dragged him the short distance to Raj and Nainas room, flinging open the door excitedly.
Bhaiyya! Bhabhie! she called out, not bothering to knock as she ran inside. Finding Raj in the kitchen area, she hugged him, jumping up and down while doing so.
He laughed as he hugged her back, remembering when they had been younger together and the way she used to act as a small girl. They had been so happy back then life had been so uncomplicated.
Oh Bhaiyya, Im so happy, I just heard the news! she told him, Youre going to become a father! Im going to become an aunt! Wheres Bhabhie? letting him go, she ran to the bedroom to find Naina. As soon as she had gone, Abhi took her place, hugging Raj tightly and clapping him on the back.
I cant describe how happy I am, my friend. He told Raj warmly, If Naveen had been here today then He breaks off abruptly and they hug each other even tighter before finally letting each other go as Sherry emerged from the bedroom with Naina, who had been resting on Rajs orders.
Congratulations, Naina. Abhi told her, giving her a loose hug. I was so happy to hear the news.
I dont think Ive ever been this happy before in my entire life. Sherry exclaimed, still clutching one of Nainas hands. Dont worry Bhabhie, Ill do as much babysitting as you need so that you can go back to your studies afterwards.
Abhi laughed at this, I expect that the whole academy will offer to help with babysitting, he told them, Youll never have any lack of offers to help.
Weve only just found out today and already Raj is in a bit of a state, Naina joked with them, He keeps telling me to go and rest, wont let me do any work. The only thing he has let me do since finding out is to call my mother and even then he grabbed the phone from me midway through the conversation to get tips from her.
Raj smiled sheepishly at this, What am I supposed to do? he asked helplessly, Its been so unexpected Ive panicked a little bit. Im sure Ill calm down after a week or so when I get used to the idea.
Or maybe after nine months or so when the baby is born, Abhi joked and Raj laughed, knowing that it would probably turn out to be true.
There was a knock at the door then, and Raj opened it, a large smile on his face when he saw the person standing there.
Our babys future mamaa has arrived. He announced to Naina cheerfully, putting an arm around Aalekhs shoulders and escorting him inside. Aalekh was quieter about his happiness than the others but he crossed to where Naina sat on the courch, placing one hand on her hair before sitting down beside her.
Today he announced emotionally, Youve given me one more relation I never dreamed I could have.
Naina bursts into tears at this statement and Aalekh puts his arm around her in a half hug.
Im sorry, she tells him, I think it must be the hormones that are making me cry.
Its alright. He tells her, calmly, I understand.
Raj crosses the room to sit beside her, taking her hand in his and smoothing the knuckles with his thumb. No more crying, he tells her in a mock stern tone. Its bad for the baby.
Naina laughs at this, See, hes started again. She tells them all.
We all want to have a party for you both tonight, Aalekh informs them, What do you say con congrat congratulations. Will you come?
Of course I will. Naina promises, Unless Captain Shekawat here forbids me from going.
They all turned to look at him expectantly.
Of course I wont! he says cheerfully, But I want her in bed by an early hour. She has to be rested if shes going to college in the morning.
Naina sighs at this, wondering how shes going to survive the next nine months with him and Sherry rolls her eyes. Bhaiyya, Naina is training to be a doctor, I think she can tell by herself what she should and shouldnt do. She advises him.
I know Raj says a little guiltily, Im just feeling quite protective I guess.
I think the right word is overprotective. Abhi tells him, Now the rest of us have a party to plan so we should leave the parents-to-be alone for awhile.
They say their goodbyes and leave the room, their excited voices carrying down the corridor.
I have been overdoing it a little bit, havent I? Raj asks Naina.
Just a little bit, she replies, a small smile on her face. But youre adorable when you do it.
She puts her arms around his neck, and he places his around her waist before planting a small kiss on your cheek.
No matter if we hadnt planned this, she tells him, No matter if Im young and havent finished my studies yet. Well overcome every problem that occurs, and well be happy together with our family.
You know Ive been thinking of something for awhile now Raj tells her, And today with this news, its made me think that its an even better idea. What if from now on Sherry lived with us? She hasnt been happy with her father I dont know what problem there is between them but I know that shes not happy. If she lived with us then she could have a real family, and it would be easier for you as well
Raj she quietened him, putting her finger on his lips. You dont need to give me reasons. I would be the happiest person in the world if Sherry came to live with us. Even I dont want to send her back home to her father.
Then its decided, Raj announces, She wont go home next holidays shell stay with us instead.
Did you see how happy she was? How happy they all were? Naina asks him, her eyes sparkling.
At least now you should know how much everybody loves you, Raj tells her, Youve got more support than you know.
And Ill never forget it she tells him, Coming to the academy to join you has been the best decision of my entire life. Ive never received love like this before or had friends like this before.
And she knew that their baby was going to be one of the most loved babies in the entire world.
**
It didnt take long for the cadets to decorate the mess with the help of Suriji, Abhimanyu and Shalini. They strung up streamers and balloons while Suriji made a cake, Pooja chattering away nonstop to Ali and anyone else who would listen. Huda didnt waste any opportunity to flirt with the other female cadets who had come to help, although he did occasionally shoot glances in Sherrys direction. He hadnt entirely gotten over her yet, although he was trying his best to.
Ive never been so happy in my life as I am today, Sherry told Abhi as he helped her with some plates. He hadnt been able to resist approaching her, he had never seen her like this before, as if she was about to overbrim with joy. He was so used to seeing her upset, sad, that the change was like magic. She was once again the girl that he had met briefly at Rajs graduation ceremony, full of fun and chatter.
From now on, this is how you should be. He tells her, an intensity in his voice that makes her pause to stare at him, I dont want to see you upset again or worried. Whatever has happened in the past has happened, you cant change it. Forget it and move on into the future.
He wont allow me to forget it, she tells Abhi, momentarily sad again, He wont let me go that easily but one thing is for future. I wont even allow so much as my fathers shadow to fall on their baby.
Now forget all about him, he tells her, And give me that smile again, the one that was on your face just before.
She smiles at him then, blindingly beautiful in her happiness, and unable to help himself, he touches her face gently and then realising what he has done, turns around awkwardly.
Raj and Naina will be arriving any minute, we should get these plates out he says in a distracted tone, taking a pile out to where the tables are set up.
And despite herself, despite everything, Sherry keeps smiling.
**
An hour later, the party was in full swing. Suriji had insisted on feeding Naina as much cake as possible and giving her his special lassi, telling her that it was good for the baby. Practically every cadet in the academy came up to give their congratulations, and even Brigadier Chandook had come in briefly to congratulate the pair. Dr Mishra had appeared at some point and after congratulating them both slightly cooly, had gone to stand with Shalini. Naina was happy with this, the more distance between them and that woman the better.
Huda had just put some music on and was encouraging everyone to dance when suddenly the electricity went off. A few cadets shrieked and Raj quickly put out a steadying hand to Naina where she sat, worried that she would be scared. He was almost knocked off balance when someone brushed past him, but he steadied himself on the table.
Oy dont panic cadets! Suriji announced, Ill just get the candles and then go check the fuse! He emerged shortly after with candles, putting them on the tables before going out to check the fuse. Abhi, Raj and Shalini made sure that the cadets were calm before he returned back to where Naina sat.
You are okay arent you? he asked her.
What did you think, that after everything weve been through, a little darkness would scare me? she asked him laughingly. Youre being overprotective again.
Ill try to be better in future, he tells her, But honestly no promises.
I wont ask you to make any, she tells him, and as he stands behind her, placing both hands on her shoulders, she brings up her hands to cover his.
No matter how dark the world around her was, today there was nothing that could stop her happiness shining through.
Edited by gazal_sameer - 16 years ago
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