Timeline: Akshara has entered the third and final trimester of her pregnancy.

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

Akshara was now in the last trimester of her pregnancy. Everyday got busier. Suhasini would keep planning pujas for her and the baby. She'd bring over a lot of her home-made recipes for her with Swarna. At Birla house, Manjiri too was very excited to be a grandmother. She started to knit sweaters, cooked healthy meals for Akshara and pampered her a lot.

Apart from the women, the men were really looking up to it as well. They could hardly wait but none was as impatient as the soon-to-be father, Abhimanyu Birla. He couldn't wait to meet his baby with whom he'd only been talking through Akshara's belly. He wanted to hold the little life in his arms now. However, he couldn't deny that he was really enjoying this phase of life as well.

Abhimanyu never thought it'd possible for Akshara to be more cute than she already was but his wife kept getting cuter every day. Her bump kept getting bigger and she looked more glowing than ever. Sure, her craving increased a lot too. She'd make him run in the middle of the night for the most random thing more often now but he'd have it no other way.

.....

One morning, he was returning from his morning exercises with a cup of juice for Akshara when he saw her sitting in her bathrobe. A waist-tie held the fabric together but it shaped around her pregnant belly.

Abhimanyu: Haaye!! Ye kitni pyaari hai...

He kept the tray on the desk and hugged her from behind. He cupped his hands under her bump and planted a huge kiss on her cheeks.

Abhimanyu: Good morning meri methidana!

Akshara: (pulls her lips down in a sad smile) bad morning!

Abhimanyu: (turns her to face him) kya hua? Kahin dard ho raha hai kya? Hum Doctor Divya ke pass chalte hai

Akshara: baat vo nahi hai...ye dekho

This is when Abhimanyu looked down to where she was pointing at. Her dress had buttons but she couldn't close them around the bump. The few that closed were stretched and looked like they'd pop open anytime.

Akshara: Vo dekho...

She pointed at the heap of clothes behind them. She went and picked them up from the bed, one by one.

Akshara: ye bhi tight tha...aur ye! Mera favourite suit!, I cannot bend and wear its pants...also they feel tight at the waist... ye wale ka look hi accha nahi ata, saara print bump pr stretch ho jata hai...

She let out an exasperated sigh. Abhimanyu got an amusing smile listening to her rant.

Akshara: You find this funny?!! You!! How dare you?! Ek toh mai itni pareshan hoon.....all my clothes can never be worn again..I am so chubby!!!

Abhimanyu: Oye! (cups her face) khabardar jo meri biwi ke baare me aisa kahan toh...

He made her sit and have water.

Abhimanyu: ek minute, mai abhi aya...

He left and came back with a dress. It was cotton and comfortable. He helped Akshara out of her tight outfit and made her wear it.

Akshara: Hash! Yeh sahi hai...Ye kahan se?

Abhimanyu: Shefali bhabhi se li hai...Unhone unki sabse loose fitting dress nikal kr di hai...

Akshara: Great! Pr roz roz vo bhi kaise-

Abhimanyu: Kisne kaha roz-roz? Tayar ho jao meri jaan, tumhara docman tumhe shopping pr lekr jayega aaj...

Akshara: yay!!

She pecked his cheeks. He pecked hers too and made her sit on the stool in front of the mirror. While she got ready, he picked up her clothes.

Abhimanyu: and don't worry, ek baar baby aa jaye toh dheere dheere ye wapis fit ho jayenge..

Akshara nodded. Abhira came down for breakfast and later informed everyone of the plan.

Neil: wow! Baby shopping! Mai bhi aa-

Manjiri: Neil! Andr ana...mujhe kaam hai..

Manjiri took him the kitchen and scolded him lightly.

Manjiri: tu bhi sach me buddhu hai Neil. Mera ek beta chidku, ek buddhu!

Neil: Maa! aisa kyu bol rahi ho aap?

Manjiri: arey akele jaane de dono ko...let them have fun...kl ko teri biwi ayegi aur Nishtha third wheel krti rahegi toh aacha lagega tujhe?

Neil: arey haan..oops! mai toh bhool hi gaya tha..

Neil went back to sit at the table.

Akshara: Neil, hum abhi nikalne wale hai...kyunki shaam me surgery hai Abhi ki ek...tum free toh ho na?

Neil saw the annoyed expression on Abhimanyu's face and laughed it off saying he was only joking. Then he looked thankfully at Manjiri for driving sense into him.

.........

Abhira reached the mall and Abhimanyu parked in the front parking itself as it had a spot. They walked in hand-in-hand. Abhimayu specially tightened his grip at the stairs and got her inside the mall. They first went to the female stores and looked for clothes for Akshara.

Akshara had a different way of shopping. She'd run her eyes through the store and pick out the colour or pattern that looked striking to her. She ran her eyes through the racks when something red with embroidery caught her eyes. She pulled it out.

Akshara: Abhi! This?

Abhimanyu was unlike her when it came to shopping. He did not go out often and mostly had his online delivered after checking details. While personally shopping, he'd touch the fabric and think of the purpose of the dress. Here, it was for Akshara's maternity clothing. He felt the fabric and made a face.

Abhimanyu: No Akshu, this fabric will irritate you, it is synthetic. And ye pattern dekho..kaise pehnogi isse? Jo dress pehne ke liye jhukna pade vo rehne do..

Akshara: (pouts) ye toh maine socha hi nahi....accha Abhi ye baad ke liye le lu?

Abhimanyu: Okay..

Akshara quickly kept it in her usual size. After two more such clothes Abhimanyu stopped her.

Abhimanyu: Akshu! Tum na pehle maternity clothing dekh lo..

Akshara: Mujhe toh samajh hi nahi aa raha...tum hi dekh do na..

Abhimanyu: Accha, ruko...

He went around the store and within few minutes returned with a few dresses that were made of soft fabric and were loose fitting.

Akshara: Ye kaise badi badi laye ho...

Abhimanyu: Ye bs pregnancy time ke liye hai baba...try them atleast..

Akshara: uff!

Akshara went into the changing room.

Akshara: 6 clothes!

She waited for the tag but when she looked up she saw the lady at the counter eyeing her husband.

Akshara: uhem!!

She smiled sweetly but her eyes could kill! The lady quickly handed Akshara her clothes and went out excusing herself. A few minutes later, Abhimanyu heard a voice.

Akshara: Abhii..

Abhimanyu: kya hua??

Akshara: ek baar aao na...

Abhimanyu came closer to the changing area.

Akshara: vo mujhse khud se pehna nahi jaa raha hai...

Abhimanyu: Akshu, pr ye ladies..

Akshara: Abhi!! Koi nahi hai yahan abhi...

Abhimanyu looked left and right. Then he quickly entered the changing room.

Abhimanyu: Akshu, tum konse me ho?

Akshara opened hers slightly and pulled him in.

Abhimanyu: Kya hua?

Akshara: I cannot pull it over my head.

Abhimanyu smiled and kissed her pout away. Akshara's eyes widened. He then pulled her dress over her head and she blushed as she was almost bare in front of him. Abhimanyu smirked at her blushing cheeks and bent down to plant a huge kiss on her neck before slipping the dress over her head. Then, he adjusted it and turned her around. Hugging her from behind, he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Abhimanyu: Perfect!

Akshara: kaise nahi hoti? Mere docman ne select ki hai..

Abhimanyu adjusted his collar and patted his back. She laughed at his antics.

Akshara: accha ab baaki bhi toh issi size me hai na and dusri do toh abhi fit hongi nahi...so mujhe aur try nahi krni..

Abhimanyu: pr?

Akshara: no pr...this changing is tiring..

She sighed and Abhimanyu helped her out of her dress. Then he made her wear her own.

Akshara: tum yahin ruko..mai dekhi hoon agr koi bahar hai toh nahi na..

She went out and saw the changing room was empty but the woman was again at the counter. She went and asked her to get her a different size of a dress. The lady left with a fake polite smile and Akshara used that time to pull out Abhimanyu and leave.

Counter lady: Ma'am, ye lijiye..

Akshara: (takes back the original size) nahi yehi de ho..

She left the lady gapping at her. They paid for their clothes and left. Akshara bought a few more clothes- wrap dresses and comfy wear. Post that, Akshara remembered something.

Akshara: accha Abhi, tum jao..I have to shop something..

Abhimanyu: haan to mai hoon na yahan..

Akshara: arey smjho..ek kaam kro tum ye packet pehle car me rakh do...kbse pakde hue ho..

Abhimanyu: Ye itne koi heavy nahi hai...mai utha lunga pr tumhe akele nahi chodkr jaunga...vo bhi aise-

Akshara: tum sbjho na Abhii....

She subtly pointed at the rack in the corner.

Abhimanyu: OOoooo

Akshara became beet red in the face.

Akshara: chidao mt Abhi...I need a new size for that also..

Abhimanyu smirked. He looked Akshara up and down.

Abhimanyu: I can tell you need a bigger size..

Akshara: Abhi!!

Abhimanyu: Mai madad kr doon....after all mujhe dekhna hai to meri bhi pasand ka-

Akshara: haw!! Kitne behsrm ho na tum..

She covered her face feeling shy. She warned him but nevertheless, Abhimanyu followed her to the lingerie section. Post shopping for Akshara, Abhira had a food break. Abhimanyu order them a subway salad, much to her distaste. To make her feel better, he let her pick dessert. She got some gulab jamun.

Abhimanyu: you eat! Tb tk mai ye car me rakh ata hoon...wait krna and uth kr jaana mt kahin..

Akshara nodded half-mindedly, already nose deep in her dessert. Abhimanyu left and came back quick. Post this, they went to buy clothes and toys for the baby. Akshara kept getting emotional looking at the tiny clothes. They also bought a crib and other stuff for babies. A girl approached her.

Girl: Excuse me ma'am?

Akshara: yes?

Girl: Hi, I am Naina..

Akshara: Hi?

Naina: First of all congratulations

Abhira smiled and thanked her.

Naina: First pregnancy?

Akshara nodded.

Naina: Why don't you try out workshop for expecting parents. It is a two day workshop, coming Saturday and Sunday. I am sure you'll find it useful, specially as first timers.

Abhimanyu: No thanks- her husband is a doc-

Akshara: (hits his chest lightly) thanks!!

She takes the pamphlet.

Akshara: Pamplet lene me kya jata hai? Kyun mana krke kissi ko bura feel krwana..

Abhimanyu: Ye pamphlet kissi aise ko mil skta tha jo iske baare me sochta...ab hume milla to waste ho gaya na..

Akshara: whatever...

She rolled her eyes and folded it. Then, she put it in her bag that he was carrying. They paid for the clothes and wrote down the address to have the crib and bigger stuff delivered. The other smaller stuff was in packets. They also bought some other random stuff she wanted before she felt hungry. Abhimanyu was comparatively full but they ordered some south India food. After the meal, Akshara ordered something sweet yet again. It was a chocolate tart and some ice-cream.

Abhimanyu looked at his wife cutely devouring the food. She offered him some. He couldn't deny her when she asked with the sweetest face so he took a bite.

Abhimanyu: Accha baba, I will keep these packets and come get you...okay?

Since the way outside had some steps, Abhimanyu wanted his hands to be free to support her. He went away while Akshara was in her own world- relishing the sweet flavours.

'Akshara!?'

Akshara looked up when she heard her name. She saw a girl who looked familiar but she couldn't remember her.

Girl: Hi! You don't seem to remember me...I'm Jasmine...Jasmine Kaur?

Akshara frowned before it hit her. She knew this girl from school. Before moving away, Akshara and Arohi were in the same school. Jasmine was her classmate and Arohi was a year younger. She used to tease Akshara all the time as she was sweet and an easy target. Later, when Arohi became openly against Akshara, she also gained confidence seeing Akshara get bashed whenever Arohi crossed paths with her. She started to bully her. Overtime, Akshara left the city and they completely lost touch.

Truth be said, Jasmine was always jealous of Akshara- her likable personality and melodious voice irked her so she took her anger on her by ridiculing her. She walked closer to see realisation draw in Akshara's eyes.

Jasmin: ah! You do remember me now. Trust me, it was difficult to recognize you..kitni sukhi si thi pehle...ab toh..hahahaha...pehle bhi dekha...akele baith kr khana thoos rahi and ab bhi...loney life? Hahahha

Jasmin was pleased to see- the girl she always teased- look in a bad shape. Yes, she was still very pretty but Jasmin saw her chubby face. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she saw what she was eating.

Jasmin: Awww...and look at you now...you are still as lonely as I remember...Chalo I will sit and give you my company...Old times sake- yeh ehsaan toh kr hi skti hoon..

She sat down without invitation. Akshara felt anger bubble inside her. Seeing her brought back bad memories. She wanted to enjoy her dessert and not suffer her insufferable company.

Jasmin: Waise how are you..?

Akshara: I am good..

Akshara said and went back to her dessert.

Jasmin: No manners I see..I am good too...thanks for 'not asking'..

Akshara: yeah...yet you didn't take the hint..

Jasmin was taken aback, the Akshara she remembered hardly answered back. She saw the nuptial chain and smirked.

Jasmin: Oh! You are married! Congratulations...

Akshara: (looks here and there) Thanks...

She was distracted.

Akshara: (in mind) ye docman kahan reh gaya...waise toh do minute akela nahi chodta..

Jasmin: Chalo aacha hai..tumhe bhi koi mill hi gaya...but look at you....mujhe galat mt smjha...mai tumhare bhale ke liye hi keh rahi hoon....kitna bhi loser pati ho, tumhari aisi halat dekhr chod hi dega...

Akshara glared at her.

Jasmin: Oh come-on! I might sound rude but I am only saying truth...I am your well-wisher, giving you good advice..You should take care of your body..look at your face..and arms..

Akshara was aware of her gained weight but she also knew better then to let the words of such a mean person get to her. Most of her weight was her bump and she looked fab- her docman had told this to her everyday and she believed him.

Jasmin: waise hai kahan tumhara loser pati...jo yahan akele thoos rahi ho..

Before Akshara could respond, Abhimanyu came in.

Abhimanyu: Akshu! Sorry jaan...vo hospital se call aya tha...

Akshara: It's okay Abhi...let's leave.

Akshara turned to see Jasmine staring at Abhimanyu with her mouth flung open. Akshara did a happy dance in her head.

Abhimanyu: You have company?

Akshara: No one of importance.

Abhimanyu felt it funny but dropped it. He helped Akshara get off her seat. Jasmine got her second shock when she saw Akshara's baby bump. Akshara wanted to laugh at her face.

Akshara: Bye Jasmine...(she turned) oh and by the way...thanks for your advice but maybe you should follow you own. After all, I am pregnant.. but what's your excuse?

And that served the hat-trick shock to her childhood nemesis- Akshara's mouth shutting response.

Abhimanyu: Was she mean to you?

Akshara: let it be..I handled it..

Abhimanyu held her protectively and got her into the car. They drove back to the house. Those who were home gathered around so see the shopping, especially for the baby stuff.

'Surprise!!!!'

Abhira and everyone got shocked to see Anisha at the doorstep. They cheered and hugged her. They were all very happy.

Abhimanyu: Nish!! Tu yahan? Acchank?

Anisha: Ana hi tha....mera project wrap ho gaya tha toh mai jaldi se aa gayi wapis....after all bhua cannot miss the birth of her first niece/nephew!

She wished them.

Anisha: Mom?

Manjiri: Baki sb hospital hai..

Anisha: Accha hi hai...wrna saara mood kharab kr deti..

Manjiri: Beta aise nahi kehte..

Anisha: ohoo chachi...accha vo sb chodo...mai upar jaati hoon...I need to change out of these travel clothes.

Anisha left leaving others in shock of her surprise entry. Manjiri rushed in the kitchen to make her favourite dinner and Nishtha-Parth helped Abhira put the stuff into their room. Neil went back to the hospital and others were already at work.

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

Post dinner, Akshara was relaxing near the pool. There was lot of tension at the dining table as Mahima was angry with Anisha for her constant appearing and disappearing acts. Moreover, the table was packed with her favourite stuff and even though Akshara was past her stage of nausea, some aromas still irritated her.

So, she had her meal early and sat away. Abhimanyu had told her health came first and she agreed wholeheartedly. She laid back on the couch. She opened her eyes as she felt her legs being moved.

Akshara: Abhiii!!!

Abhimanyu: sshhh...

He observed her swollen feet.

Abhimanyu: I knew it! Jaise tum chal rahi thi mai samjh gaya tha....batana chahiye tha jaan..

Akshara: Abhi...tum pehle pair chodo mere...

Abhimanyu: Akshu! Baby tumhare andr hai, tum khud nahi ho...aise bachho wali zid mt kro..

He showed the bowl of heated oil he had bought for her. He slowly massaged her feet and Akshara moaned in relief. His big hands twisted and rubbed her tiny feet.

Akshara: You are the best Abhi....Thank you..

Abhimanyu: shhh...

He pecked her lips and continued massaging her feet. He looked up and noticed she had fallen asleep. He picked her up in his arms and took her into their room. The family who was at the table saw this and teased them.

Others: Aweee!!!!

Abhimanyu gave them an irritated look and gestured that she was asleep.

Abhimanyu: (mutters) inke chakkr me Akshu uth jayegi...kitne pyaar se so rahi hai..

Parth/Neil/Anisha/Nishtha: Chidku phirse chid gaya!!

.........

xoxo