Yaadein - Part 56 (LAST PART)

 

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Chapter 56


Khushi’s pregnancy had been a bliss to almost everyone in the family. Arnav had tactfully freed her from all the work stress by assisting her father in running Gupta Office. His own work was handled by Ayush Singh Raizada who never had such frequent Business trips in the past few years like he had in the last three months but nevertheless, that man was enjoying. Because their fathers had been so supportive enough to reduce their burden, Arnav could solely focus on pampering his wife and spending maximum time with her and Aarav. Likewise, Khushi focused on them and the baby inside her. It was her sixth month of pregnancy now when Khushi’s clothes stopped fitting her and she was short of wardrobe. So, Arnav decided to take his wife for Shopping.


“How about this one?” Khushi asked coming out in a Cotton Kaftan dress which was loose enough to keep her baby bump comfortable. Arnav was instantly impressed.

He was sitting on the single couch at the waiting area outside the Trial room of a stylish boutique where Khushi was trying out the outfits and putting one heck of a fashion show for her husband. She had started with some real sexy ones at first to tease him a bit and it had worked wonders, especially when Arnav lost his patience and helped her get out of that dress really fast, with his hands and mouth. It was only after that when Khushi decided to stop teasing him and finish the shopping real quick to get back home. Aarav still had enough time to return home from school which would give them the needed privacy.


“It’s perfect” Arnav rose to his feet. “Lets pack this one and this…” he started selecting the dresses she had tried so far.. “and these too. Now lets go home”


Khushi giggled seeing his urgency but stopped him before he could drag her away.


“I need to buy few more stuff” She pouted. He eyed her for testing his patience but then quickly gave her a kiss.

“You got 15 minutes. Make it fast”

“Fast?” She repeated touching her belly and he rolled his eyes knowing she couldn’t move faster at this state.

“Fine.. but hurry up Sweetheart” He urged.

“I will” She pecked his cheek and headed back to the trail room.

Arnav was still waiting for her when Anjali and Shanti Jha entered the same boutique. They had no clue he was there, watching them.


“Mummyji, I really don’t think I can carry such outfits well” Anjali muttered.

“Then you should stop thinking that way. I know they will suit you”


Arnav didn’t intrude the two and kept watching them from far. Seemed like Shanti Jha wanted to shop something special for her daughter-in-law. It was good to see how much his Di was comfortable with her mother-in-law and getting all the necessary pampering from her which she always desired. Shanti Jha bought a few western outfits for Anjali which he assumed was because soon Shyam and Anjali were flying to Canada for some of his medical conference and this would be their son Ansh’s first official abroad trip with his parents.


“What are they doing here?” Khushi came out changing her dress and stood next to him.

“Shopping” he mumbled.

“I see.. But western dresses? I am excited and seems like so is Shanti Aunty.. She is no more a typical mother-in-law, is she?”

“You are right. And its evident from the happiness on Di’s face and how they mingle with each other”

“Chotte?” Anjali noticed the two and quickly rushed to meet. Shanti Jha followed her with equal surprise on her face. “I see you have looted my brother” Anjali teased seeing all the shopping bags in Arnav’s hands.

“There’s more to loot” Khushi winked giving her a gentle hug. “Hello Aunty” she then greeted Shanti Jha who blessed her and asked about her health.

“What did you buy?” Khushi asked checking out the outfits over the table where Anjali and Shanti Jha came from.

“Mummyji wants me to take a handful of western outfits this time to Canada” Anjali shied whereas Khushi was more than happy to tease her more.

“That’s a wonderful idea. I think Shyam needs some stress buster after all his conference hours”

While Shanti and Khushi laughed out seeing Anjali blushing hard, Arnav was embarrassed to imagine his sister and Shyam’s romance. But he could see how much things had changed between these three women here. Shanti Jha had transformed and she no longer criticized Anjali. She had accepted Anjali as a daughter more than her son’s wife. Plus ever since her grandson Ansh was born, she doted too much on the mother-son. And the good part was that Khushi was also getting along with them as a team.


“Chotte, we have already planned for Khushi’s baby shower ceremony”


Khushi had been hugging my arm while chatting with them but after she stiffened hearing Anjali’s plans, she had all my attention. I knew she might have recollected the time when we had celebrated the same in Shantivan when she was carrying Aarav in her womb.


“Anyway, there’s still one month to go and I will be back from Canada by then. So, once I am back, me and Mummyji will visit Shantivan and then we will decide on the best date to perform this” Anjali added.


They all talked for some more time and then dispersed back to their respective homes. Khushi was silent in the car but not for too long. Arnav pulled her close in his arms and kissed the top of her forehead.


“You need to stop going refreshing your memories Khushi. I have told you this many times”


Khushi nodded and kept her head Arnav’s shoulder. It wasn’t as easy as Arnav made it look. She recalled how during the first baby shower, she was more than tempted for the rituals to end as she was in pain and wanted to get some rest but the guests kept coming and she never got the privacy she needed. It annoyed her and she vented it out on Arnav the moment he had come to introduce one of his distant relative who had never made it to their wedding. It was a mess when some guests mocked at their pairing and a few taunted what kind of mother she would be having that much temperament. Everything had taken a toll on her health that night and she had decided to pack up and leave to her father’s home. But again, Arnav didn’t let her move out.. he never could!!

“Let’s not have a baby shower this time” Arnav whispered. She immediately tilted her head and met his eyes.

“Why would you say that?” she snapped. “Arnav, the baby shower is not just merely a ceremony. It gives the baby everybody’s blessings”

“I know but if it scares you, we better avoid it. I cannot risk your comfort Khushi”


Her eyes teared at his confession. She cupped his face.

“Stop being so overconcerned and overprotective towards me. Yes, I got a bit emotional recollecting the last baby shower but under no circumstance I am going to miss this one. Didn’t you promise me during the beginning of my pregnancy that we will make new memories this time?”


Arnav nodded with pride. Yes, he had promised her that. To make new memories. And he was so elated that she was so eager for this ceremony unlike the last time.


“This driver better lands us home fast” Khushi muttered. “I cannot wait to make it up to you for being such a good husband”


Now it was his turn to be surprised. Khushi’s overactive hormones had kept him on toes from past few months and he totally loved it.


“How about we start from here and then continue the rest at home once we reach?” He asked and before she could agree, his lips smashed on hers.


*****************

Baby Shower


Dressed in a Red designer Saree, Khushi was seated between the guests, taking in the wishes from the relatives and friends of Raizada and Gupta side. Anjali and Shanti Jha had arranged the event and were totally killing it tonight. Arnav, Ayush, Shashi and Shyam were also a part of this even though the event was strictly a ladies function. Aarav was constantly around his mother to check upon her and he had been doing since ever since he got to know Khushi was carrying a baby inside her. Every day he got ready to school by himself even though Khushi insisted on dressing him up. He considered himself a big boy already as he was going to be 9 years old in few months. After coming home from school he would check on Khushi’s health and made sure she didn’t do much work. He even didn’t bother her much for helping him with the homework. Now it was Arnav’s job to take his studies while Khushi took ample of rest. Aarav’s love for his mother was something they all were awed of.


“Mom” Aarav reached Khushi with a glass of juice. She was talking to the guests. “You look tired. Drink this. It should keep you hydrated”

The guests were impressed and Khushi was proud of her son. She took him in her embrace and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you for looking after me. Did you eat? You must be hungry”

“I will eat later Mom”

“That’s not fair”

She quickly excused from the rest and held his hand, taking Aarav straight to the Buffet counter which was set up at the other corner of the living room. She made his plate, filling it with his favorite meals.

“Mom, I can make it on my own”

“I know you can” Khushi smiled. “But I love doing this for you like you love taking care of me all the time”

Anjali reached there.

“Khushi, I will ensure he eats. You should go sit with the guests”

“No Anjali” She resisted. “I won’t take long. And the guests better know I am already a mother. My son comes first to me .. he always will be. They can wait for some time”

Anjali sighed because she knew no amount of efforts was going to change Khushi’s mind. Khushi started feeding Aarav while sipping the juice he got for her. Arnav watched this scene from the lobby of the first floor and could only feel proud of both his wife and son. They were one mother-son pair he had never seen in the world before. So much love and devotion they had for each other which was immeasurable. He quickly made his way down once Khushi had fed Aarav and finished her juice too.


“Dad.. Look what I gifted Mom”


Aarav gifted Khushi a special pillow wedge as she always complained about her aching back due to her belly bump. Aarav had discussed this with Arnav and Anjali before buying this gift using his pocket money. And with it was a thank you card too for being such a wonderful mother and giving him the joy of becoming a elder brother to someone. Khushi was so delighted by the gift that it brought few more tears in her eyes but Arnav soothed her down. She kissed Aarav’s face and cuddled him for long.

“I love you Mom”

“Love you more” She replied stroking his cheek.

“Aarav, go check if Anjali Bua needs anything”

“Okay Dad” Aarav ran away and Arnav draped his arm around Khushi’s waist, pulling her close.

“Thank you” She whimpered.

“What for?” he asked. “That gift is from Aarav not me”

“You gave me the most precious gift in the form of Aarav..” she replied. “And now I have one more from you inside me.. I don’t think I had that motherly qualities in me but you got it out of me by giving me these beautiful babies. I can’t thank you enough Arnav..”


Arnav wiped her happy tears.


“Two things..!! A wife never thanks her husband for giving her babies. If you still do, I will give you many more in the near future”


Now she giggled. He finally was able to change her mood.

“And what is that second thing then?” she queried. Arnav’s eyes sparkled as he brought her face close to his and kissed her nose. Khushi was all bothered and tantalized by his touch. They were still in the same overcrowded room as the guests and yet Arnav didn’t mind showing them how much he loved her. She suddenly flinched worrying Arnav.

“You alright? What happened?”

She quickly placed his palm over her belly. He didn’t realize why she did that until the baby kicked again. Despite staying around his wife all the time, he had always missed the moments when she felt the baby kick. This was first!!

“I think the baby likes it when you kiss me” Khushi teased.

“In that case” Arnav kissed her again, this time straight on her lips. “We should kiss often”


Khushi couldn’t agree any less!!


*******************


The next few weeks passed too quickly wherein Arnav winded up all of his work so that he could free up his entire time to look after Khushi who needed him the most. And finally, that day arrived. Khushi was putting Aarav to sleep when she felt immense pain in her body and everything after that blurred out until they reached the hospital and she delivered a cute little baby girl after three hours of labor pain. But this time, there wasn’t a single moment when Arnav wasn’t around her. He was practically living that pain with her, boosting her confidence and giving her hope that this was soon going to end once the baby was out.


Khushi didn’t realize when she passed out after delivery and when she woke up again, she was shifted already in a private room with her husband sitting next to her and stroking her cheeks. The moment she saw him, he kissed her forehead taking a sigh of relief.


“The baby?” she murmured.

“The Doctors are cleaning her up. She will be here soon” He replied.

“Her?” Khushi’s face brightened. Arnav wanted a baby girl and his wish just got fulfilled.

“Yes sweetheart.. it’s a baby girl..”

“Aashi” Khushi murmured entwining her fingers with Arnav’s. “Where’s Aarav? He must have panicked..”

“He was at home with Shanti Aunty and Di. They are reaching any moment now”


The nurse came inside with the baby in arms and the couple stilled. Arnav helped Khushi sit on the bed and even helped her hold their baby in arms. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks as she held Aashi for the first time..



“I feel the same..” Khushi sobbed. “I had this same feeling when I held Aarav for the first time after he was born.. I had this damn same feeling”


Arnav nodded, unable to speak anything as words choked. He got up and gave her a kiss, stroking her and then the baby..

“Mom..” Aarav rushed inside the room. “Is that.. my sister?”

Arnav quickly pulled Aarav to them.

“Yes Champ.. That’s your sister, Aashi.. Say hello to her”

Aarav was too afraid to touch her.

“She is so . tiny.. She must be hungry”


Khushi and Arnav both laughed at their son’s worry.

“Can I hold her?”

“Soon.. Not yet though. Once she is little better, we can all take her in arms.. Right now, let her be with your Mom” Arnav explained nicely.


Soon Ayush Singh Raizada, Shashi Gupta, Anjali, Shyam and Shanti Jha entered the room and blessed the baby, showering all their love and wishes to the couple and their little daughter. Indeed, life was back on track for all of them and it would stay like this forever.


The End


EPILOGUE 

Note: Yes, I am going to give an Epilogue to this beautiful story which breaks my heart tonight as I put an end to it. Yaadein will always be special to me because I have Arnav – Khushi – Aarav and Aashi.. all in one frame at the end.. A happy family!!


I will soon post about the new fiction which will be replacing Yaadein. Give me some time.

_______________________________________________________________________________

For those who have read my recent new eBook - No Wedding Bells, know already who Ruhi Singh is. So will Ruhi find her Happily-Ever-After? Wait for eBook ROYAL VOWS to come out in June 2021 or before. Sneak Peek Below: 

Standalone Romance Novel

Ruhi Singh

Happily-Ever-After is not what I was looking for after a heart-breaking love tragedy in my life 9 years ago. I still believe in love but it’s simply not for me anymore. Burying the demons that scared me, I have stepped into a new world to make a fresh identity and only when I thought things will sort out for me now, I get an invitation from the Royals of Mahalpur for teaching Painting to someone from their family. I take it up as they are ready to pay me a huge sum for this three-month tutoring. Least did I know life was throwing a challenge named Raunak Malhotra, the eldest son of the Royal family, who had an attitude as high as Mt Everest and anger which could burn a whole city in seconds.

Raunak Malhotra

Happily-Ever-After is not what I was looking for after I lost my best friend-cum-wife, 4 years ago in a car crash. Now all I have that reminds me of her is my four-and-half year old daughter, Palak. Burying the bruises of my loss, I tried to step ahead but my family thinks I have changed. I am not the one I used to be once. To alter their beliefs, I agree to this stupid idea of learning a new skill which can calm my mind and bring me out of my loss forever. I know that’s freaking impossible but I will do it for them. Least did I know life was throwing a challenge named Ruhi Singh, my new painting teacher, who had a heart of gold and was as damaged as I am at the moment. We are both scarred, so how the hell can we soothe each other?

Can two broken souls unite and get their happily-ever-after?

Wait for this eBook – Royal Vows to find out.


Releasing in JUNE 2021.