It had been a week since Akshara's baby bump made an appearance. She was really happy and often caressed it. She would wake up every morning and measure it with an inch-tape to record the progress. Not that she would see any change on a daily basis. Abhimanyu would often wake up to see her standing in the front of the mirror and studying her bump with a smile on her face.

Seeing her happy made his insides do a happy dance. Sometimes, he'd join her. He'd scoop her in his arms and together they'd caress the small bump. Other times, he'd just keep his distance and enjoy seeing her happy.

Everyone in the house was really excited as well. They could hardly wait to meet the new member of the family. Harshvardhan was excited to be a grandfather and each day, he'd warm up to Akshara more and more. Manjiri would always take her to the temple and give her good books to read that'd fill her with positivity. Goenkas visited often as well as well. Abhira's baby would be the first child of next generation on both side of the family and everyone was really excited for the same.

Anisha was also done with her shooting and rushed back home as soon as she heard that she'd be a bhua soon. The only person bitter about it was Mahima. She still couldn't accept the fact that Manjiri will be a grandmother before her. Her son was the eldest, yet Abhimanyu's child would become the elder one of coming generation. Shefali had ignored her orthodox thoughts but soon they started to get to her. Parth's not-so-subtle hints to try for their own baby and Mahima's constant taunts made her quite jealous of Akshara who, unlike her, had a successful and loving husband & a very caring mother-in-law.

...........

It was morning time; Abhimanyu woke up to see his wife sitting sipping something off a cup while caressing her bump. He went to her and kissed her cheeks. Bending down, he kissed her bump as well.

Abhimanyu: Morning Akshu....Morning baby!...Chalo ready ho jao, walking time..

Akshara pouted and Abhimanyu kissed that pout. She started to throw a tantrum but Abhimanyu was quite adamant. He took her in his arms and took her outside.

Abhimanyu: Stop pouting Akshu wrna I'd have to kiss it away..

Akshara: Haw!! Publically?

Abhimanyu: Haan to drta hoon kya mai?

He pulled her into his arms. Akshara got red and looked around. A few people doing yoga stole glances at them. She got shy.

Abhimanyu: Oye hoye hoye....meri lal tamatar....tumhara sharmana dekhr Kon kahega ki humara baby hone wala hai??

Akshara: (hits his arms) tum bhi na Abhi!!

Abhimanyu smirked but let go of her waist. Instead, he held her small hands in his and started to walk.

Abhimanyu: It is good for you to be active during pregnancy Akshu, wrna mai tumhe kbhi force nahi krta...

Akshara sighed. She knew it was for her best. Together Abhira took a few rounds across the park.

Akshara: Bs Abhi!! Thak gayi hoon mai...please baith jate hai na!

Abhimanyu: Hmm...okay.

They sat down on a bench. Abhimanyu gave her some water.

Abhimanyu: Accha suno, mai na yahin thoda stretch kr leta hoon....thik hai?

Akshara: Hmm...I will relax.

She closed her eyes and leaned into the park chair, feeling the cool air on her face. She could hear the birds chirping and sighed happily.

*giggles*

Akshara frowned. Her peaceful time was disturbed by some giggles. She opened her eyes while frowning and saw a sight that made her blood boil.

Her husband was flexing his muscles as he bent side to side. She could drool at the sight of his body but what irritated her was the little fan club that had gathered nearby. Some girls were giggling and openly staring at her husband.

Akshara: beshrm!! Kaise has rahi hai...hehehehe....aisi awaz to darwaza kharab hone pr ati hai...ya phir jb koi chalk ko board pr ghaseet deta hai.....lekin inko kya dosh dena jb mera hi pati yahan public me stretch kr raha hai.....ghar me nahi kr skta!!???...mujhe na pehle hi mana kr dena tha isse...

She glared at the girls. One of them saw her and gulped. She gestured the one on her side and pointed at Akshara. The girl shrugged and they all resumed eyeing Abhimanyu.

Akshara: Haww!! Churail!!

She pouted angrily.

Akshara: ABHII!!

Abhimanyu dropped everything he was doing right then and there, he rushed to her side.

Abhimanyu: Kya hua Akshu? All okay?

Akshara: I want to go home..

Abhimanyu: Kya hua?

Akshara: Please......

She pulled her lips down and gave him puppy eyes. He tried to resist.

Abhimanyu: We can stay out of a little longer. Fresh air is good for your health..

Akshara: (mutters) but this place is not good for my temper..

Abhimanyu: what?

Akshara: Nothing...I don't feel that well Abhi...I-. please??

Abhimanyu got alarmed. He carefully helped her stand so that they could leave. The girls were surprised to see this. Akshara's baby bump was still small and not that prominent under her lose t-shirt. Moreover, her mangalsutra was tucked in as well. The girls frowned as they saw Abhimanyu leave with her.

Akshara squinted her eyes at them and pulled her mangalsutra out of her t-shirt. She gave them a tight, fake smile and they quickly disappeared. Reaching home, Abhimanyu made her sit and quickly got his medical bag.

Abhimanyu: let me check your BP! Kya hua..

Akshara: (snatches her arm from him) I AM FINE DR. ABHIMANYU BIRLA! YOU STAY AWAY FROM ME...HMPH!

Abhimanyu stood shocked as Akshara started to storm away to her room while Neil giggled in a corner.

Neil: Hehehe....bro...

Akshara paused on the staircase and turned with an annoyed face.

Akshara: hehehehe (makes a face) Aise bhooton ki tarah mt haso Neil! HOW IRRITATING?!

Akshara left, leaving the brothers stunned.

Neil: Bhabhi ko kya hua bro?

Abhimanyu: Pta nahi, park me toh relaxed thi, phir boli tabyat thik nahi lg rahi aur ab ye gussa....

Neil: Zarur kuch to kiya hai apne...

Abhimanyu: accha beta? Batau tujhe...

He chases Neil to hit him who laughs and runs away. Abhimanyu shook his head and looked upstairs. Gulping, he picked up Akshara's pre-breakfast snacks and went to their room.

Abhimanyu: Akshu!??

Akshara: Abhiii.....sobs*

Abhimanyu: (alarmed) Kya hua?? Kahin choti toh nahi lg gayi??

Akshara: I am sorry!! Vo pta nahi mujhe kya ho gaya tha...sobs*

Abhimanyu: (caresses her hair and hugs her) bs itni si baat? (kisses her head) baba, ho jata hai...chill...tum mujhe gussa kro, maro, peeto...mujhe koi issue nahi hai....mujhe issue isse h (wipes her tears) Pyaar se toh tum mujhe zeher bhi de do, koi issue nahi hai...bs roya mt kro..

Akshara sniffed her red nose and stared at him in awe. She did not want to admit she had been jealous. She simply hugged him tight and rested her head on his chest.

Akshara: I am so lucky to have you Abhi..

Abhimanyu: I am the luckiest..

Akshara: No I am luckier that you...

Abhimanyu: No I-

Akshara: KAHA NA MAI LUCKY HOON TUMSE ZYADA...

Abhimanyu: (surrenders his hands) okay meri chidkurani..

Akshara: ah!! Mujhse itna gussa kyu aa raha hai Abhi...I am so sorry...

Abhimanyu: shh....ho jata hai...accha ek kaam krte hai..Let us do something  that will enhance your mood. Okay? Let us go out and eat breakfast at your favourite place, okay?

Akshara nodded excitedly and left to get ready. She wore a cotton maxi dress that was comfortable and airy. Abhimanyu got ready as well. Abhira went out to eat breakfast and Akshara was instantly in a happy mood.

..........

It was evening time. Akshara had wrapped up her therapy sessions. She was sitting in Abhimanyu's cabin waiting for him. There was a knock on the door and Rohan entered.

Rohan: Akshara Ma'am?

Akshara: Dr. Rohan.

Rohan: Apko kuch chahiye?? Juice? Fruits? Anything to eat?

Akshara: Pichle ek ghante me teen nurses, ek ward boy aur ab tum same baat puch chuke ho....(she smiles)

Rohan: (smiles back) What can we say ma'am? We are really happy for you and Dr. Abhimanyu...and we care for our junior Birla...

Akshara: Thank you...pr no, I am good but kya tumhe pata hai Abhi kahan hai?

Rohan: Sir toh OT me hai ma'am...I don't know kitna time lagega...

Akshara: Hmm... can you tell Abhi I went home?

Rohan: Ma'am, Dr. Abhimanyu mujhe bohot marenge agar maine apko akele aise-

Akshara: I won't go alone. I will get Neil to drop me home, vo bhi car se...just let him know that I was getting tired so I wanted to go home.

Rohan nodded. Akshara went out and looked for Neil but she could not find him.

Harshvardhan: Akshu?

Akshara turned and smiled at him.

Akshara: Ji papa?

Harshvardhan: Tum kisse dhoond rahi ho?

Akshara: Vo Neil ko, I wanted to go home...and Abhi busy hai-

Harshvardhan: Neil hospital ke kaam se bahar gaya hua hai....come I'll drop you..

Akshara: Nahi papa vo-

Harshvardhan: Arey koi baat nahi...issi bahane mai bhi ek din jaldi chala jaunga...you wait in the lobby, mai bs abhi aya..

Akshara went away. Soon, Harshvardhan joined her. He drove her home.

Akshara: Papa, car kharab hai kya?

Harshvardhan: Nahi toh? Kyun?

Akshara: Vo itni dheere-

Harshvardhan: Arey vo speed se tumhe takleef hui toh?

Akshara looked at him in disbelief but couldn't say much. They reached home and Harshvardhan asked for Manjiri when the staff told them that she was not home.

Harshvardhan: Tum jakr rest kr lo...mai staff ko bolkr kuch khane ka bhijwa dunga..

Akshara: Nahi papa. Vo-

Harshvardhan: Papa bolti ho aur baat bhi nahi manogi?

He gave her a mock angry expression. Akshara melted at his care and left. She was near the staircase when she heard shouts.

Akshara: ye toh upar se aa raha hai..

She saw Shefali march downstairs with her suitcase in her hands. Parth was following her down.

Parth: Haan haan, jao tum.. waise bhi tum ghar me hokr bhi bahar hi rehti ho..

Shefali reached downstairs and banged her suitcase on the floor.

Shefali: Haan to ye ghar rehne layak hai kahan? Isliye bahar rehti hoon mai..

Akshara: Bhabhi? Bhai? Kya ho raha hai...

Shefali: tum toh chup hi raho Akshara! Sb tumhari wajah se ho raha hai...

Parth: isme iski kya galti??!!

Shefali: waah! Isse defend krne toh turant aa gaye...jb mummyji ke aage mujhe defend krna hota toh kya ho jata hai tumhe?

Akshara: Please aap dono ladiye mt...

Shefali: beech me mt bolo Akshara..

Harshvardhan: Agar chahte ho koi beech me na bole toh jhagda bedroom tk rakho...beech hall me ladoge to log bolenge bhi aur samjhayenge bhi..

Harshvardhan too came our hearing the commotion and corrected Shefali on her tone with Akshara. Shefali said nothing and picked up her suitcase.

Parth: Yahi ata hai tumhe...situation se bhagna..

Shefali: Toh situation bhi tumne paida ki hai...hr waqt bacha bacha bacha...tumhe aur mummyji ko aur koi kaam nahi hai kya? I want to focus on my career

Parth: Akshara ko dekho tum.....vo nahi balance kr rahi sb kuch kya?

Akshara: Bhai!!

Shefali: Toh tum bhi Abhimanyu ko dekho...tumhari tarah ghar nahi baitha hai vo...tum kamane lag jaoge tb mai bhi plan kr lungi....Jb dekho mujhe Akshara ka example dete ho....tum bhi seekho kuch Abhimanyu se aur mummyji ko bolo ki chachi se kuch seekhe!

Akshara was getting stressed hearing all the shouting and fights. She saw Shefali leave again and tried to stop her.

Akshara: Bhabhi stop!! Please ruk jaiye...aram se baat karenge na...

Parth: Jaane do isse Akshara..

Shefali: suna tumne? Kiske liye ruku mai phir?!

Akshara started to go after Shefali. Parth tried to stop and pulled her back. However, he over estimated her strength which was already low due to stress. His pull caused Akshara to lose her balance and hit the leg of the chair. She tripped over and fell down.

Harshvardhan/Shefali: Akshu/Akshara!!!

Parth stood rooted in shock and stared at his hand. He had never even dreamed of doing something like this. In anger at his wife, he had applied more than intentional force.

Parth: Akshara!! I am so sorry!!

Harshvardhan: Peeche hato tum...tum dono ke jhagde ne hi bigari hai Akshu ki tabyat...(to Akshu) Beta are you fine??? Chalo utho, hume hospital jana hai...

Akshara: I am fine papa...Ho-hospital nahi...Abhi...vo wahan hoga...he'll stre- (she held her stomach) ahh!!!!

Harshvardhan: That's it! we are not waiting even a second more...

Akshara: Pr Papa....ahh!!!

She fainted. The three were really scared now. Even the house staff had come out and were exchanging worried looks.

Parth: I- oh- god...I will call for an ambulance..

Harshvardhan: And waste time? No! Shefali! Help me lift her-

They bought Akshara outside. Manjiri was just coming in when she saw this.

Manjiri: Akshu!!!!! Hey bhagwan!! Kya hua isse???

Harshvardhan: Time nahi hai...tum gadi me baitho...

Manjiri sat, Harshvardhan and Shefali lowered Akshara in the backseat with her head in Manjiri's lap. Shefali began driving while Harshvardhan sat in the passenger seat. Parth stood watching them leave with tears in his eyes before getting in another car and following them.

..............

Abhimanyu signed a file and handed it to Rohan. They were in his cabin.

Abhimanyu: Anything else?

Rohan: No Sir, ab aap jaa sakte hai Akshara Ma'am ke pass...

Abhimanyu: Really Dr. Rohan?? (raises a brow)

Rohan: What? I understand Sir...

Abhimanyu: Dekh raha hoon mai...jbse tumhe pta chala hai ki Mai aur Akshu parents banne wale hai, tumhare gyan ke moti kuch zyada hi nahi bikharne lage....

Rohan: Arey Sir...(blushes)

A nurse barged in.

Nurse: SIR!!

Abhimanyu: What?

Nurse: Sir!!...Ma'am...Akshara Ma'am....unhe abhi abhi apke family members hospital laye hai...and she does not look good sir!...

Abhimanyu rushed outside and ran like a maniac to the gynaecology department. He entered the cabin of Akshara's doctor only to find her assistant there.

Assistant: Dr! vo...Dr. Divya ward no 103 me hai with Akshara ma'am, mai unki files lene ayi thi bs....

Abhimanyu didn't wait for her to complete her sentence. As soon as he heard the ward number, he ran off to it. He saw his entire family waiting outside.

Abhimanyu: Maa, kya hua Akshu ko??

They all looked at each other.

Abhimanyu: koi kuch bolega ya nahi??

Parth came forward and lowered his head in front of him.

Parth: (cries) meri wajah se hui hai Akshara ki ye halat...(joins his hands) I am so so sorry Abhimanyu...trust me it was not intentional...

Abhimanyu clenched his jaw and frowned. This was a revelation to both Mahima and Anand.

Abhimanyu: what do you mean??

Divya: Dr. Abhimanyu?

Everyone's attention turned to her. They enquired about Akshara's health.

Divya: Aap log please tension mt lijiye. Mrs. Birla is completely fine and so is her baby. I think she fainted due to fatigue and stress or maybe the sudden force of the fall.

Abhimanyu: hold on! FALL!?

Harshvardhan nodded slightly and gestured Divya to go on.

Divya: Um...Yes, that is what I was told. Anyways she is fine and I think she will wake up in an hour or so...

Abhimanyu: Thank You Doctor!

Divya: Abhimanyu, as a colleague bol rahi hoon ab...your wife is fine..and so is your baby...don't stress and aise panic mt krna Akshara samne...you'll make her anxious.

Abhimanyu nodded and thanked her. Then, he turned towards his family.

Abhimanyu: Well, is anyone going to tell me about the fall?? Akshu fell?? How? Parth bhai, you said it happened due to you...

Parth: I am sorry!! Intentional nahi tha Abhimanyu..vo bs..

Anand: Ek second! Ye hospital hai...yahan ye sb baaten mt kro...save them for the house. Abhimanyu you go to Akshara first. Tend to her. Ye baat baad me hogi..

Abhimanyu didn't want to drop the topic but he did out of respect for Anand and also because his priority was Akshara. Manjiri, Harshvardhan and Abhimanyu entered her ward. Others checked in on her and said they'd drop by once she wakes up and left. Parth felt guilty and didn't want to leave but Mahima dragged him away.

Abhimanyu sat next to Akshara and held her hand. Harshvardhan updated him of everything that went down at home. Right from Parth and Shefali fighting, Akshara trying to stop Shefali, Parth pulling her back and her falling. Abhimanyu wiped his tears and felt anger bubble inside him.

Harshvardhan: Manjiri, chalo hum canteen se kuch le aate hai...

Manjiri nodded and they left.

Abhimanyu pecked Akshara's forehead and stomach.

Abhimanyu: Kyu krti ho aise Akshu...dara diya na apne docman ko!! Apni parwah kyu nahi krti tum.....actually galti meri hi hai. I shouldn't expect others to pitch in for you. You, our baby- you both are my responsibility. Mujhe hi tumhe doosron ke bharose nahi chodna chahiye...I am so so sorry Akshu..

Abhimanyu had felt a roller coaster of emotions in an hour. The fear of the unknown, fear of losing her and the baby, relief at knowing they were fine and the anger at knowing what had happened. Her frail state was something that he hated with a passion, yet she was lying down looking vulnerable. He closed his eyes and thanked his Mahadev for keeping his wife and his baby safe. Bringing her hand to his lips and he sobbed his heart out.

.................

Abhira had a pregnancy scare but all is still merry :) Second part will be uploaded tomorrow. 

xoxo