FF: Love:It was always there-PART18 updated on pg.70(Aug 10 /16) - Page 16

Awsumm parts yr...
story is going so interesting..
sorry for late comment...
I was lil bit busy...
continue soon ..
n thanks for pm

It's a wonderful story 😊

Hey starting dis story of urs

Chap 3

Pm me tooo weneva u update any of ur stories plzzz!!!!

I would love to see how ishra recognize their love for each other..please continue

viji have u stopped this one
pls dont do this
continue it

Thank You all for the comments and the like.
I'm sorry guys I did forget about this story.

I kind of lost interested and didn't know where to go about it with story ,which is why I haven't updated.
But I know some of you are still interested with this story and one person particularity who has been PMing me quite a lot.😳
I really appreciate that love and encouragement. For that I have come up with another update which I will update next.

**Don't know how many are still interested in this story. But for those who are, here that update you wanted. Sorry this written pretty quickly so haven't really got any good though process. I'm sorry if its disappointing 😳. Also I havent edited, so as usual ignore typos and grammatical errors.**

Part 8

He watched her from a distance. He knew he had to be the reason behind her tears. He just can't let her be like this any longer. He had to do something to change this, but what?

***

The first two month seemed to sail past and Ishita was glad her morning sickness was going away on its own. Ishita was starting to enjoy her pregnancy and was counting her days till she can hold her baby in her arms. Somewhere within there was still some sort of fear that occupied her mind. Raman on the other hand kept himself busy as he tried to find the courage to confront Ishita, IF only that was easy.

"Morning Raman", Ishita said as she walked in one morning finding him alone in the break room.

"Morning Madarasan, how is it going? " Raman asked as he poured himself his coffee.

"Okay, but I think the craving has stated" she stated searching the cupboards for something to munch on

"Don't you always have craving fatty" He teased her.

Ishita pouted "it's not me, it's the baby"

"Acha So what does my baby want?" he asked taking in a sip at his coffee.

"Pani puri!!! YES YES Pani puri!" she jumped in excitement making him smile.

"Let's go get some!" She announced.

"Now?! It's 10 in the morning, how about at lunch in few hours"

"Your baby want it now, let's go" She pulled him by his arm urgently.

"Okay okay relax, how about I meet you downstairs, I'll just need to drop of this report to chief"

"Okay come fast"

***

Ishita came downstairs only to bump into Mihir

"Hey Mihir" she said in her chirpy tone.

"Oh hi Ishita ji, how are you?"

"I'm okay, but the baby want pani puri" she said rubbing her stomach with a smile.

"Baby?!?!, you're pregnant?!? Congrats!!!" Mihir said in a pleasantly surprise tone

"You didn't know, Raman didn't tell you?" Ishita also asked in surprise, except her wasn't a pleasant one.

"No well we haven't even seen Bhai for months now, he keeping ignoring our calls and bailing out on the family gatherings. But Mummy ji wanted him over at dinner tomorrow at any cost, It's my duty to bring him even if it means I had to handcuff and drag him there" Mihir stated.

Ishita shifted uncomfortably hearing Mihir talk, Raman didn't tell his family. Was Raman ashamed of the baby and her? She wondered.

"Is bhai upstairs? Need to catch him real fast, I'm already running late, have a train to catch" Mihir asked as he checked his watch for the time and widening his eyes.

"If you want I can pass on the message" Ishita offered.

"Oh can you. That will be great. Please do make him come" Mihir said as he gave a quick hug to Ishita and ran out. "And please join us, I'm sure everyone would love it. "He shouted as he disappeared out the doors.

"Was that Mihir?" Raman asked walking in seconds later.

She looked at him sternly "Yeah. We need to talk" She said as she dragged him to a private corner

"What's up? What happened?" he asked in concern

"Why don't your family know I'm pregnant?"

Raman stood numb. In all that was happening he was worried only about her, he hadn't thought about his family let alone discuss this with them.

"Cause I was worried what they would think" He managed to say

"Is that it?" She asked rolling her eyes.

"I'm sorry Ishita I panicked" He confessed further. "This isn't necessarily something easy to tell your family"

"We did decide on this together Raman"

"I know"

"Well Mihir was saying your mom has insisted on us coming over for dinner tomorrow, so it looks like you have to tell them then"

Raman just nodded staring to the side

Ishita studied Raman. He looked, well confused. "I don't know what's wrong with you Raman, you been acting really weird ever since we found out about the baby. If you want to back down from all this, your welcome to. You're never obligated to this Raman, You aren't obligated to me." She voiced trying to sound unaffected.

Did he hear that right. He looked at darting eyes. She was serious. "Listen" He started, his voice sounded authoritative as a dictator "This is my baby understand. I will always be there, no one tell me to back down, you hear me" he stated staring into her eyes and squeezing her arms tightly.

Ishita wiggled her arms little as his hold pained her. "I want this baby more than anything Ishita, please don't tell me to keep away" he softly pleaded next. He was sincere. She knew it. But she wanted to hear it again from him. The truth is she wanted him to be with her throughout this. She NEEDED him to be. He was her strength, if he was to back down she wouldn't know what to do.

"If you want you can tell them we did it through a clinic or something" she optioned sympathizing with his situation.

"No, I think I've done enough lying already, but thanks." He said composing his thoughts. "But First how about we head out and get MY baby that Pani puri"

"I think I'm over it" she stated in a disturbed tone nearly turning around to go up.

"Didn't you hear me? I said to get pani puri for MY baby, not you" and saying that he dragged her out on their original plan.

***

Raman and Ishita were on their way to Raman's parent's house, which was a small town few hours away from Mumbai. It was a silent affair for most part of the trip, and no it was not the awkward kind of silence. Both were lost in their own thoughts. Both were worried about the consequence about the family finding out. She was worried about how his family would react. How much trouble he was going to be in. She had met Raman's family quite a few time, they were good bunch, but his dad was a strict one. She remember Raman stating his father nearly disowned him when he found out Raman had been smoking. This pregnancy this was much more serious than that. Raman being the eldest son, Ishita could imagine the dreams they would have in regards Raman wedding, his wife, his children. Unknowingly she had ruined it, at least partially. Meanwhile the only thing running through his mind was how he was going save Ishita from the negative judgements, including the ones from his own family.

"We are here" Raman stated pulling into the parking space. Ishita took a deep breath.

"You okay?" He asked.

"yeah just a little nervous "

"me too" he confessed.

They both walked down the path to Raman's small home. Ishita held onto his hand. He gave her assured smile "I got this" he said before knocking on the door.

"RAMANNN!!!!!!!!!" Toshi beamed in happiness and took Raman in a tight embrace.

"Arey Toshi, let them come in first "Bhalla ji said walking right behind her. Simmi, Mihir, Rinki watched from the back.

"You better have a good reason for not visiting your mother for nearly three months" Toshi asked pulling onto Raman ears.

Raman winced in pain "It's only two Ma..Sorry I had been really busy with work" he replied kissing her on the cheeks.

"Welcome Ishita Puttar, haven't seen you so long. How are you, it's so nice to have you here" Mr.Bhalla said taking Ishita into a hug.

"I'm fine uncle, I'm happy to be here as well."

"Arey Ishita, come come" Toshi went onto greet Ishita next. "And congratulations, Mihir told me everything. I was hoping you would invite us for your wedding, but no problem tell me who the lucky guy is" the old lady asked with excitement.

Ishita and Raman exchanged glances.

"Ma, let them settle down first, she going to be here for some time na, she will tell." Mihir interrupt giving Ishita a side welcome hug and went on to give a long one for his brother. Simmi and Rinki followed.

Soon Ishita and Raman freshened up and the family gathered around for Dinner.

"Oh Ma, how I missed your food" Raman said inhaling the aroma and sat eagerly at the table.

Ishita looked at the food in front of her. Chicken briyani, chicken paneer, chicken korma, butter chicken, chicken 65, boiled chicken eggs, omelette, EVERYTHING was Chicken. All Raman's favorite.Realizing there was nothing edible for her, she poured herself a glass of water.

"Serve yourself Ishita, don't you feel shy" Toshi instructed will filling Raman's plates.

"I just remembered I need to make a call, I'll be back you guys carry on." Ishita said as she got up faked to dial a number. Raman watched her as she disappeared up the stairs. It was only then, it clicked him to she doesn't eat meat and his mom has cooked everything entirely to his liking only.

"Ma!" He called out. "Can't you cook anything but chicken." He taunted as he got up and made himself to the Kitchen. He got busy finding pots and pan and some sort of vegetables. While his entire family gawked at him. Realizing he doesn't know how to make anything properly other than omelets and Maggie, he looked toward his mom "She doesn't eat meat." he reasoned.

"Oh sorry sorry I forgot." Mrs.Bhalla said smacking her head. "You go and eat and I'll make something for her."

"I'll help you" Raman insisted

"Arey just go eat, I'll have it ready in less than 5 minutes for her"

Raman sat down but he couldn't eat. He waited. As soon as a he saw his mom removing the pot off the stove, he quickly went up to bring her. It is when she has taken her first bite Raman took his. Mr.Bhalla watched his son in amusement. He didn't know this side to his son. Yes Ishita was a friend of Raman and she was their guest and it was important for her to be welcomed and well fed, but Raman's action wasn't just a sign of good hospitality. That care, that restlessness meant something else and Mr.Bhalla was no fool, but he brushed his thoughts as he remembered Ishita now belonged to someone else.

The evening continued with everyone laughing telling jokes and funny incidents of the past. Raman's family telling Ishita of Raman's childhood antics and Ishita in return saying he no better at work and sharing her share of stories of him.

It was one of Mr.Tandon's call that made Raman realize the time.

"We better get going, it's getting late" he said looking at Ishita who was busy painting her nails with his sisters.

His statement sadden everyone, including her. She didn't want to leave. It's been a long time since she felt at home like this. She didn't want go back to those four walls back in Mumbai. In these few hours with him and his family she has forgotten about everything else or maybe she didn't care about anything else.

"It's late Raman, stay over for the night and leave tomorrow" Mr. Bhalla stated.

Raman looked over at Ishita, who was more than happy by the suggestion so he agreed.

***

In the morning Raman walked into the seeing Ishita helping his mom with the breakfast preparations. They duo seemed like they were best friends for the past 7 birth. There laughter and giggles made Raman wonder if any food was actually getting made. But he liked it like this. Her, with his family.

"Ma Coffee" he called out as he sat down beside his father. It was Ishita who handed it to him.

"Thanks Madrasan, I forgot this was your house" he said with wink.

Ishita giggled at his sarcasm. Raman remark seem to catch Mr.Bhalla's attention except to him it didn't sound like sarcasm but he chose to ignore the hints of his own mind.

"Thanks Raman" He said out loud.

"Pa?" Raman asked in confusion.

"I haven't seen you mother this happy in a long time" Mr. Bhalla said as he watched Toshi. "You kids are all grown-up and gotten busy with your own life"

"Pa..." Raman trailed off understanding the hurt.

"I'm not blaming you guys, that's the cycle of life. I remember my dad saying these same words to me" Mr. Bhalla continued. "But do try to visit more often."

Raman nodded.

"Though I can't ask you to bring Ishita everytime, but I'm glad she came, this house hasn't been this happy since Simmi's wedding" Mr. Bhalla said looking at the two ladies in the kitchen who were busy in whispering something into eachother's ears.

Raman smiled as he too turn to see them for one more time. It's the "Madrasi charm" he muttered under his breath.

***

Soon the food was brought to the table. One by one everyone joined in. Mrs.Bhalla complained that after this everyone will run off. Simmi was to go back to her in laws house, Mihir will leave to Hyderabad, Rinki would be back to college. Raman and Ishita would also leave. Which meant the old duo would once again be alone.

"Why don't you guys move to Mumbai with Raman?" Ishita asked.

Toshi smiled. "He doesn't want us there, he's running a secret family and he's afraid we will ruin his romance" She fake complained.

Both Raman and Ishita coughed upon hearing that.

"I like to live somewhere quiet and peaceful" Mr. Bhalla reasoned. "All the traffic and noise is too much for our ears, we're getting old you see" he added

"Haan Puttar, Bhalla ji is getting old, I need to care for him, hopefully I won't waste too much of my young years with him" Toshi went on teasing her husband, leaving Mr. Bhalla to roll his eyes and the rest laughing.

"Oye, I forgot!" Toshi called out. "We talked about everything except the most important thing. You haven't told who that lucky guy is" she asked looking at Ishita.

"Which guy?" Ishita casually asked.

"Your husband. The father of your baby. You must show me his picture" Mrs.Bhalla demanded.

"Yes Ishita, even we want to see " Mihir, Rinki and Simmi echoed.

Ishita went quite. She turned to look at Raman, who remained still. It didn't look like he was going to speak up.

Not knowing how to go about it "Excuse me" she stated as she got up to walk away, but stopped as she heard his voice.

"I'm the father" he announced. Taking his entirely family by surprise. The loudness and joy that was seen on everyone's face disappeared. Minutes of silence took over the room.

Toshi ji was the first to react. She started to utter something really fast in Punjabi and started to beat Raman. Ishita watched Raman running around ducking his mother's hits and a smile played her lips. He looked cute, like a kid and it was obvious Toshi wasn't hitting him hard.

"I'm sorry ma, I didn't plan any of this" She heard Raman say ,which was the truth.

"You're having a baby and you're telling me you didn't plan any of this?" Toshi again asked beating him. "You waited all this time to inform this, I thought we raised you better than that Raman Bhalla" She seemed angry with him, but it also looked like she would understand. It was the dad that worried Ishita.

After managing to stop his mom from hitting him. "Ma I didn't think you would easily accept a south Indian girl as your daughter-in-law." Raman blurred out his first lie catching Ishita by a surprise. "Her parents already disowned us regarding our marriage. I didn't want the same thing to happen to here, so I didn't say anything. I'm sorry" Raman went on with his lie. He didn't want to face Ishita at any cost.

"You two are married??!" Was the first thing Mr. Bhalla asked.

"Haan Papa" Raman answered in all seriousness to his father.

And now It all made sense. That care, that tease, that look ,that smile and everything he seen in his son was indeed a sign of love.

"Is this all true?" Mr. Bhalla turned to ask Ishita next.

She stuttered as she nervously nodded staring at Raman. She was confused. What was this new act he was playing out, she just couldn't make sense.

***

**Okay that's it for now! Do let me know how it went. Criticism welcomed.😊**

Next Part 9: Page 33

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