SS: Second Chances Last Part Pg 27 - Page 4

Part 4

Kabir was silent.

Ananya: Kabir say something!

Kabir: I need to process this. You are saying that you want to move out? Over the small argument we had that night?

Ananya: It wasn't a small argument. It highlighted the fundamental differences between the ways we envision our future together?

Kabir: This is because of the marriage issue right? Give me some time. I'll force myself, I mean convince myself.

Ananya cupped his face in her hands. She had never seen him so vulnerable

Ananya: Kabir I am confident this space and time will help us figure out a common ground.

Kabir: What if it doesn't?

Ananya: Then the sooner we break-up the better. The longer we wait, the harder it'll get!

Kabir: Fine. GO! No. I don't want to hear another word. Leave!

Ananya didn't know what to take and what to leave. This house had become her home. Finally she decided to pack a bag with the basic essentials. She tearfully packed up and left.

Over the next few days Kabir calmed down. He realized that Anaya had been right. He had been trying to avoid the difficult question.

Kabir and Ananya tried their best to find a common ground. They tried professional counseling. Everything else was fine in their relationship. They loved and respected one another. But when it came to the issue of marriage, they were at a dead end.

Kabir was too badly scarred to get married again.

Ananya couldn't see herself remaining in a relationship that wouldn't end in marriage.

Kabir noticed that Ananya had started looking very pale and weak. He was very concerned about her. One morning Ananya came to his office.

Ananya: Kabir, I wanted to talk to you about something.. Its about us. I mean it's a personal matter.

Kabir: Let's talk right now. We can go to the coffee shop across the street.

Ananya: No I need to follow a lead right now. Let's meet at home.. I mean your home tonight?

Kabir nodded.

Kabir was waiting for Ananya. It was pouring outside. The bell rang and he opened the door to find a drenched Ananya standing outside.

Kabir: Ananya. No. You'll first go and change. Only then we'll talk.

Ananya went to the bedroom. She found that it was completely unchanged. Kabir hadn't moved his clothes to the empty cupboard. The clothes that she had left behind were still in their place.

Her eyes filled up with tears. She composed herself, changed and went out.

Kabir came towards her with a mug of coffee in his hands.

Kabir: Just the way you like it. Lots of milk and lots of sugar.

Ananya: Kabir.. I can't. I mean I have stopped having coffee.

Kabir: Ananya is everything ok?

Ananya: Kabir last week when I was on my beat I fainted.

Kabir: And why didn't either you or Sunny tell me?!

Ananya: Kabir calm down. I went to the doctor who conducted some tests. I got the reports day before. Here see them.

Ananya continued

Ananya: but before you open them just understand that this was as much as a shock for me. We have always been so careful and taken necessary precautions. I don't know.

Kabir opened the report and for the first time in his life he was at a loss for words.

Kabir: This says.. That you are pregnant.

Ananya: Yes. The doctor says I am 10 weeks along. I know this must be a huge shock...

Ananya's voice trailed off. Kabir had picked her up and was dancing around. Needless to say that Ananya hadn't expected this reaction

Ananya: Kabir put me down!

Kabir: I am sorry Ananya. But this is the news best ever! I can't tell you how happy and excited I am.

Ananya: Really?

Kabir: Why are you so surprised? And why did you wait two whole days to tell me this news?

Ananya: I didn't know how you'd react. Your failed marriage has made you weary of marriages. I wasn't sure if the pain of having lost a child in the past might...

Kabir: Not at all. I can't tell you how happy I am :)

He added anxiously.

You are happy, right?

Ananya: I don't know. It's all too overwhelming for me. Plus ever since I found out I have only been scared of your reaction.

I should get going.

Kabir: I'll drop you.

Ananya: No I drove here. I can go on my own.

Kabir was left thinking. Have I really blown away my second chance at happiness?