The new dawn shined brighter than ever through our window curtains. Raj ji slept peacefully next to me like there was nothing to worry about in this world. My heart felt that it was in the right locus and somehow I felt a lot more lighter.

A few moments laters, as Raj ji and me got ready to meet my in-laws, I knew it was time to break the news to them.

"Good morning baby!", he acknowledged me.

I smiled back and blew a kiss in the air.

"Pavi, we've gotta tell Ma and Baba."

"Ji, I was thinking of the same."

"Pavi?"

"Hmm-?"

"Why don't you invite Ma ji and your sisters as well?"

"Sindhu and Dhrithi?"

"And Manish too! Because, let's not be the one who gives a good news. Let's have company-"

"Whaaaattt?"

"Okay it's not in my place to give the news Pavi, please don't ask me-"

"Raj ji- What are you hiding from me?"

"Pavi, this is not fair! I really cannot keep a secret from you-"

"Okay, so what do I do now?"

"Invite everyone for lunch!"

"Okay!"

"But before that come here and give me a kiss."

"Ji, what is this?", I asked feeling shy.

"Pavi!! We've been married for more than two years now and we're going to be parents for the second time. You're still shy?"

I blushed.

"OMG, my wife is blushing!"

And with that note he pulled me close to him and gave me a deep kiss.

After that, Raj ji went to invite his in-laws to our home and I went to inform my in-laws that we are arranging for a big feast. Ma ji and Babaji were really happy to know that I was volunteering to host a family event.

As Ma ji, Rekha and me got into the food preparations, we engrossed into our own world of girl talk. Time went by and the grand smelling, lip smacking lunch was prepared.

I walked out of the kitchen to find everyone sitting in the hall and having a conversation. Smiles and small talks were exchanged amongst everyone. My mother came over to give me a hug.

Manish and Sindhu however looked a bit more nervous than ever. My suspicions just grew really strong. But I decided that I need to give time.

All of us settled down at the dining table. I first served a sweet pudding to everyone. I then looked at Raj ji and he gave a nod. Both of us stood up and looked at everyone.

"Thank you all for coming over. Today we're here to celebrate the fact that by God's grace and with your blessings, I got a job offer."

My mother and Dhrithi were more than elated. Everyone else also joined in the celebration. Happiness seemed to swarm around the room. Dev just started clapping along.

"Thank you once again. Manish, do you want to take over?"

Manish was flabbergasted with the sudden spotlight. I too was waiting for this moment to commence.

"Pavithra, why don't we start eating-"

"Oh, hey! There is no escape from here my friend", teased Raj ji.

I chuckled but everyone had their eyes glued on Manish. Sindhu became more nervous than ever and even before Manish could get it over with, Sindhu stood up and said,

"Ma, Aunty ji, Uncle ji, Manish and I have been together since our college days. We had been waiting for the both of us to get a job. Manish and Rajeev Jiju got into the same company and I got placed as an HR in their sister company. I have known no greater soul than Manish-"

Woah!

Everything was out in the open. Ma looked at Dhrithi and me and asked, "Did you both know about this?"

We nodded in agreement and acceptance.

"Sambandh ji, we know Manish for a year now, and he has been more of a son to us-", explained Babaji.

"Yes Ma ji, he really helped out when Babaji was in the hospital-", added Raj ji. Everybody went around the table to add value to Manish's goodness. Ma listened carefully but her eyes were only on Sindhu.

A calculative silence was casted in the room. Ma looked at me and then went back to glancing at Sindhu.

"I have done many mistakes just to get my eldest daughter married. It is our by God's grace that she has gotten a family as precious as yours.

I pray and wish that I do not commit the same with my other daughters as well. Since my husband is no more, the decision falls solely on me. My daughters are smart and very thoughtful people. If Sindhu has chosen Manish, finds him responsible, loves him and has accepted him as her life partner, then I have no objection. Congratulations my children on your job offers. May you all have a great career ahead."

A sense of unadulterated joy sprouted within us. We just walked around and hugged Manish and Sindhu. Tears slipped through both of their eyes and Raj ji, who was even more closer to them went and consoled.

"On this happy note, shall we start eating?", asked Babaji.

Raj ji and me exchanged glances and Rekha cleared her throat.

"Actually we have one more thing to tell-", I interrupted.

Puzzling looks were traded but I decided speak anyway.

"Raj ji and I are expecting. Dev is going to become an elder brother!"

Ma ji sprinted from her seat and walked towards me and Ma joined her.

"What? How many days?"

"Three weeks-"

"Did you go to the doctor?"

"No Ma ji, I took a pregnancy test-"

"When?"

"A few days ago-"

"And you didn't tell us?"

"Ma, she wanted to tell me first. Since I was not here, she just kept it to herself-", explained Raj ji

"Oh, okay!"

"Are you doing okay?"

"Yes Ma-"

"Let's book a doctor appointment for tomorrow then-"

"Sure Ma ji-"

"What a nice day! At least now let's celebrate with the delicious food yaar-", joked Babaji.

Everyone just laughed along.

***

A/N:

In recent times, I've not been big on writing the Author's Note. The reason being, hey, you're here to read the story and not much on what I have to say in person, right?

But today's an exception cos I really wanna thank all of you, the readers, voters and the commenters, thank you for taking out your time on my book. I just started writing simply as a passion and hobby. But now to see that this book has reached 66k+ reads, it brings me joy and surprise!

I love you all! Take care!!

And see you soon with the new update.

PS: Please do continue Voting and Commentting! 💗

***