:Cure me with your Love:
Part 32
Mini was experiencing morning sickness and feeling nauseated every now and then. She hated it. Doctor has said everything was normal with her pregnancy but still advised to take extra care for first trimester. Because of it everyone in the family specially Neil was behaving as if she was a porcelain doll and will break down any time. She was becoming frustrated day by day with their extra care. Neil had banned her from coming to the restaurant as he was hell busy there .With the expansion almost completed his work was almost doubled so he feared he wont be able to sit with her all the time and he didn’t want to leave her unattended. Neil was doing double duty. He woke up early in morning and made her breakfast himself and does all the necessary preparations for her lunch and then was managing the restaurant alone. At home also he had made sure that someone is always present with her in his absence. Neil changed their bedroom to the ground floor so that Mini doesn’t have to climb the steps everytime. Biji made sure Mini had her food and medicines on time. Dadu strictly prohibited her from watching action movies and everyday read ramayan to her for one hour to gave sanskar to baby. Mini was fed up of all this. She felt like she was on house arrest.
Mini was so eager to attend the upcoming photography summit but doctor advised her not to travel. She missed the summit and was feeling upset as it was very important for her career. She talked to the organizers telling them about her condition and asking their permission to atleast send her photographs for the exhibition but they had denied her. She couldn’t believe all the hard work she did for this summit was waste now. She was feeling sad when Neil called her,“Mini, you wont believe what just happened?” Neil said on phone excitedly.“What happened?” asked Mini while smiling at his excitement. “You know Michelin star rating system, the one which rates chef and restaurant?” asked Neil. “Yes I know but why are you asking as far as I know they have not started rating in our country.” Asked Mini confused over his sudden question. “Yes, but they had launched Michelin star guide in India last month And……” said Neil and took a dramatic pause. “And what Neil Oberoi just say it” said Mini getting excited as she realized what he is going to say. “Yes, our restaurant has got one star status. Patiala Babes is going to be one of first few restaurants in India to achieve Michelin star .” Neil completed. Mini shouted with excitement as she couldn’t believe her ears. “And now comes another bomb.” Said Neil as he had another good news. “Aur bhi kuch baki hai kya…isse bada aur kya ho sakta hai?” asked Mini unable to content her happiness. “Since its their launch in India,international media is covering it and CNN network has decided to interview the chefs of awarded restaurant and also showcase their restaurant in their special program.” Neil finished his big news. “OMG! Neil Oberoi, you are gonna be a celebrity chef and our restaurant…..international media coverage….oh I cant believe it….I think I am gonna faint because of happiness.” Said Mini, smiling ear to ear.
Arya was in her school. She was having lunch with her friends montu and neha when she noticed montu was upset today. “What happened Montu you look sad?” asked Arya. “Arya Montu’s parents doesn’t love him anymore” replied Neha for Montu.“Why? What happened?” asked Arya worried for her friend. “Nothing, It all started sometime back when mom and dad said that soon they will bring a little sister or brother for me. Mom got admitted to the hospital and they brought little sister for me.” Replied Montu telling the reason for his sadness. “So what? It’s a good news now you have a cute little sister to play with.” Said Arya not understanding his reason. “I also thought that first but since that little thing has come to our house nobody loves me. All the family members always are gathered around her. Everyone is bringing gifts and toys for her and they are always interested in playing with her. Nobody cares about me. Even my mom spends all her time with her. She has become everyone’s favourite.” Montu completed his sob story. “Oh, but this is very wrong. Didn’t you ask your parents why they are doing this to you?”asked Arya feeling sympathetic towards Montu. “What can he do? After all they are elders. And Montu is not alone. This even happened with me last year. I think once our parents decide to bring new babies they forget about us.” Sighed Neha. Arya become tensed thinking about her condition. She was lost when Neha shook her, “Arya what happened to you?” asked Neha. “I didn’t tell anyone but at my home also Biji told me that Veer Balika will soon bring a little baby for us.” Arya shared her worries. “Oh that’s not a good news?” concluded Montu.“You mean now nobody will love me at home?” asked Arya. “Yes, I think its gonna be worse for you.” Said Neha as she looked at Arya with sympathy. “Why?” asked Arya. “Well in our case our parents brought little siblings for us but in your case Veer Balika and your Genie are not even your parents. Once they have their own baby why would they love you?” explained Neha. Arya looked at them worriedly she never gave a thought about it earlier but what her friends are saying makes sense. What will happen now? Will Veer Balika and Genie stop loving her?, Arya thought.
Few days later everyone was gathered at home to watch Neil’s interview which was going to telecast today. Neil was also sitting with Mini holding her hand. The show started and one by one they showed every restaurant that was rated by Michelin guide. Soon the program featured the northern part and they showcased Patiala Babes restaurant. Everyone at Haveli cheered and then the host of the show welcomed Neil on the set. Neil became nervous seeing himself on tv while Mini laughed at him. Everyone else clapped for his entry. The host asked few questions about the restaurant and how great it feels to be a Michelin starred chef. Then at the last he asked about what is the motivation factor behind his success and to whom he gives the credit. To which he replied that it all starts with being passionate about his work and loving what he does is the reason for his success. After the interview ended everyone once again clapped for Neil but Mini excused her self stating that she suddenly feeling nauseated. Neil offered to help her but she denied. Neil sensed something happened to her but he decided to ask her in private later. Once they were in their room Neil brought up the topic but Mini brushed it off saying it was nothing she was really feeling nauseated that’s why she left. Neil knew she was lying but decided not to push her for now as she will tell him whenever she feel comfortable. Mini on the other hand, couldn’t sleep that night. She kept tossing and turning on the bed.She remembered his interview and couldn’t digest the fact that he didn’t even once take her name. She remembered when she received the award at Delhi how she gave its credit to him but Neil didn’t even mentioned her once let alone giving her credit.
Mini was sitting on sofa engrossed in her phone browsing and searching for new opportunities in photography something that she can pursue from home without much traveling but she found nothing. She was bored at home. Neil and everyone at home wont let her go to the restaurant as doctor has advised complete rest and no stress during first trimester, she couldn’t do her photography because all the good assignments required her to move out of house. She was not the one who sits idle at home but this pregnancy was testing her patience. Arya came back from school and she ran excitedly towards her Veer Balika. She hugged Mini and almost jumped in her lap when Biji scolded her, “Arya, behave yourself.What are you doing? Is this the way to sit? You know na your Veer Balika is going to have baby. Do you want to hurt her?” Arya looked down in guilt and came out of Mini’s lap and quietly sit by her side. She felt bad on being scolded and looked at her Veer Balika. She was still engrossed in her phone she didn’t even stop Biji. She was about to say something when Dadu came there. He was holding lots of packets. Arya became excited and went towards him, “Dadu ,what is this? Did you bring gifts for me? Asked Arya excitedly. Dadu smiled at her and showed everyone what he got. He showed all the toys, clothes, cradle he brought for the baby. “Dadu, abhi se ye sab lane ki kya jarurat thi. Abhi bahut time hai. We don’t even know if it’s a baby boy or girl.” Said Mini looking at all the shopping. “That’s why I brought both girls and boys dresses.” Replied Dadu as he showed the clothes. “Such a waste Dadu…..kya jarurat thi iski?”asked Mini. “Jarurat kyu nahi thi? Itne dino baad to is ghar mein chhota sa bachha aane wala hai aur tu kehti hai apne armaan bhi pure na karo. Arre main par dada banne wala hoon itna toh banta hai mera haq ki bacche ke liye ye sab le aaun.” Dadu chided Mini. Arya looked at Veer Balika and then Dadu and Biji.Everyone was talking about this new baby. Dadu brought so many gifts and not a single gift is for her. Looks like Neha and Montu were right afterall. Once this baby is born no one will love her. Now she hated this baby and Veer Balika and Genie for bringing this baby to her life.
Arya ran into her room crying. Everyone saw this. Mini gestured them to stop as she herself went to check on Arya. “Chhutanki what happened? Why are you crying?”asked Mini as she caressed her head. “Because I hate you. You are very bad. I hate you and genie both.” Said Arya angrily. “Why Arya? What happened?” asked Mini shocked at her statement. “Because you don’t love me anymore. I thought we are one family but you are bringing you own baby. Now on you will only love him.” Said Arya while crying. “No Arya, that’s not true at all. Who said all this to you?” asked Mini now worried for Arya. “I know everything already. I saw just now dadu, biji they all now only care about you and your baby. Biji even scolded me in front of you and you didn’t even say anything.” accused Arya. “Chhutanki, that was because I was busy in my phone..…I didn’t even listen properly.” Mini tried to explain. “I know you are making all sorts of excuses now. Truth is that you and genie don’t love me anymore. Neha and Montu’s parents also did same with them and you and genie are not even my real parents.” Arya let out her pain. Mini felt as if someone pushed a sharp knife inside her heart. Her Chhutanki blaming her for not loving her anymore that too because of this unborn baby. Among all the reasons for not having this baby she never thought about Arya. That Arya may feel insecure from the baby. How could she do that? How could she not think of Arya. Mini hated herself at that moment.She left the room disheartened from all this.
Neil came back home at night. Dadu and Biji told him about the afternoon’s incident how Arya cried all day. Neil felt very bad for her but before he talked to Arya he needed to talk with Mini as he knew now Mini will blame herself for everything and at this stage this is not good for her health so he first went to their room to talk to Mini. Mini kept thinking all day about Arya. She didn’t know how to handle her. She was having a headache because of thinking so much. To distract herself she again became busy in searching for photography assignment. She contacted many people but everyone declined her after knowing that she was expecting citing the reason that the assignment will require her to strain herself physically and they couldn’t allow her on board in this situation. Mini was further frustrated by this. She felt like she was handicapped. Just then Neil came in the room.“Mini, what happened to Arya? Why she reacted like that? Neil asked gently turning Mini towards him. Mini who was controlling her emotions till now suddenly felt the surge of frustration rising inside her, “Why do you care? What I do what Arya do? Tumhe kya matlab hai humse?” said Mini raising her hands in frustration. “What are you talking Mini? Why are you saying this? You know how much I care about you two?” replied Neil not understanding what got into her suddenly. “Oh Ya I know how much you care about us. While we are sitting here struggling with our problems you are busy giving interviews to international media.” Mini said in anger. “What? Do you even know what are you saying? Does it even makes sense?” asked Neil perplexed at her behavior. “Yes,it makes perfect sense. First you gave me hopes about my career and then when I was doing well you got jealous it hurt your male ego so you took a man’s ultimate revenge. You got me pregnant so that I have to sit at home like a normal housewife and raise your child, look after Arya. You left me alone to deal with all this and you are free to boast your cooking skills on tv.” Said Mini, before she could contemplate it logically.
“Come again, What did you just say….I…I made you pregnant to satisfy my male ego…..really Mini?” asked Neil hurt by her words. He couldn’t believe Mini said such things. He closed his eyes to control his emotions but couldn’t. Her words pierced his heart. “Ya, you are right. I don’t love you and Arya. I left you two alone with your problems. This is what I am…an insensitive ego centric man.” Said Neil in sarcasm. “Yes that’s what you are. Had you loved me, valued my efforts then you would have mentioned my name in your interview but no you were so full of yourself.” Mini put another allegation on him. Neil looked at her in shock now trying to understand if the fact that he didn’t thank her was making her this angry but then also how could she put such allegations on him. “Aise kya dekh rahe ho? Ye look kisi aur ko dena. I had decided to abort this baby but you and whole family blackmailed me emotionally to have this baby you didn’t even think about Arya how would she take it. Now she is hurt….all because of you.” Mini further blamed him for Arya’s condition also. Neil sighed and just kept looking at her. There was disappointment in his eyes. Mini looked at him and she immediately knew that she has crossed all limits. He was deeply hurt. She closed her eyes to control herself from saying anything further. She contemplated on apologizing but her ego came in between. “Not Mini, atleast not so soon. Hold your ground. Don’t look at his eyes. Remember his words. How he forgot about you in the interview. And maybe he is not completely at fault but he is equally responsible for your early pregnancy and the fact that he wanted this baby did put you under emotional pressure. In a way your career today is at standstill because of him.” Mini told herself trying to maintain her anger. She again looked at him. He was still looking at her blankly devoid of any emotions. His look made her shiver and she knew at that moment that she really messed up big time. She closed her eyes as remorse washed over her but she knew it was too late the damage is already done.
to be continued......
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