The ecstatic evening filled the Shukla family with undivided joy and happiness. Life had been challenging to everyone, but only  because of pure love and zeal could they achieve what we all wanted to.

We were all one step closer and they all deserved to be a part of a grand celebration. Rekha let out her famous tight hugs to Raj ji and me while Ma was seated away with choking emotions. She immediately said that the family had to thank the Lord for the grace that he had showered upon us.

I totally agreed with that. Ma ji then came to me and said, "Bahu, all the success is actually because of you. Congratulations my dear!"

"Ma, no- it's everyone's-"

"Bahu, my son has never been this happy, responsible or matured. Today he is a father of a beautiful son and is thinking about future and everything.

He has supported his wife to achieve his dreams. All of this didn't just happen with my guidance alone. You did play a major role."

Fresh tears streaked upon my cheeks as I tried to modestly disagree. It was me, who had actually come a long way because of her son.

Dev cooed once again! People were just talking amongst themselves and not to him. I laughed while Rekha picked him up to play with him.

Raj ji and me exchanged quirky glances. This is huge and I could feel that he is trying his level best to stay as composed as possible, just mumbling words here and there. I could see that he was so happy to be amidst his family, especially with a news as amazing as this one.

Raj ji and me felt that we had a few people whom we'd like to personally share the news and thank them. Ma ji felt it was a great idea and suggested that we should first make a visit to the temple and then, probably board our thankyou-train.

I insisted on taking Dev with me, but however Ma ji and Rekha said that I really need to take a break from the world that orbits only around my son and have a quick escape into the real world too! Also this would be the first time I'm catching up for some alone time with my husband.

He gave a look, oops, sorry, it was the look; the look that he gives me of whether is it safe for us to take the bike, at least now!

But, how could he, I just lashed out on him!

Men!!

For the first time, I nodded and gave in. I was a bit to harsh and so I had to recreate the balance. Bidding farewell to my son, Ma ji and Rekha, we left.

I sat on that bike after almost a year and I felt I could use this alone time with my husband. As he started it off, I tightly wound my hands around his waist. Even if I could see the back of his head, I knew he was smiling.

"I'll drive slowly! But hold onto me this way, okay?"

A grin sought my lips and I whispered,

"Ok!"

The evening breeze played carelessly around us as I enjoyed every second with him in silence.  We first had mentally thought of fulfilling our duties and then actually have a heart to heart conversation.

We stopped at the temple and I earnestly prayed for the happiness of my family and thanked the Lord for all his blessings. I also made a special prayer for Dev's health and prosperity.

The mom in me!

We then ventured out to meet our gynaecologist; for she was the one who had really guided my husband and in return me through this whole process. She was so happy to know that I cleared the exams and so did Raj ji! She also appreciated that this little gesture of ours, i.e., personally coming over to deliver the news, really touched her.

She said that she's always there for Raj ji and me, if we need any kind of support. It was our doctor who entrusted Raj ji with courage and enthusiasm through his jitters of fatherhood and also, she was kind enough to tell him how to treat a pregnant lady.

So yes, over these few months, our doctor was one of Raj ji's trusted friend and well-wisher. We said that we'd keep her posted while she suggested that she'd really like that.

We then made a stop to our coaching centres, for all their support, teaching and motivation. Especially to work around the timings of both Raj ji and me, it really meant a lot for us and we seriously couldn't have done it without their help. They too shared their joys with us and wished us well for our future endeavours.

The night crawled in and I felt we had to return home. But Raj ji stopped me and pulled me close.

"Ji, we are on the road."

"Technically, a road that people wouldn't take at this time of the hour."

I breathed and snuggled into a hug.

"Congratulations, baby!", he whispered.

"Congratulations, back at you!", I told him.

He gently kissed my forehead and I could feel him smelling my hair. I loved it when he does that.

Still my arms around his well sculpted waist, I looked up at the night sky that was lit up with a million stars.

This felt perfect!

We didn't want to be a part of big celebrations; you know just the little things. We were so happy for eachother's accomplishments and the good vibes we received from doing those little gestures of just sharing our joy with people who helped us.

Our family now felt more closer to us and Dev kept us all cheerful and happy. I felt so good to just stay in the arms of my husband. I turned my head and looked around to absolutely ensure that no one was around. Gaining a bit of confidence, in the perfect set up, I cupped my husband's face and chastely kissed his lips.

The cool breeze just glazed through us like a blanket as my husband appreciated my boldness to kiss me back.

Well, it's all in the little gestures, isn't it?

❤️❤️❤️