Disclaimer: Longer than originally planned.

........

Note: Pregnancy month seven.

........

'I miss you' said Abhimanyu for the nth time.

'Haan Haan pta hai!' replied Akshara while rolling her eyes.

Abhimanyu had to go away to Jaipur in a hurry for an emergency surgery. One of his old patients had suddenly collapsed. His condition got rather complicated so the doctors there requested Abhimanyu's presence.

Abhimanyu had never been away from Akshara ever since he found out she was pregnant. Yes, he did go to work but he had considerably cut down his work load to be with her. Moreover, Birla Hospital was where Akshara worked as well so he'd always keep an eye on her. He was anxious. He had never spent a night without her all these months! He was worrying with many what ifs but he knew his patient's life was at stake so he went but not before giving her a humungous list of what not to do and what to do. Everyone in the house and hospital were under strict instructions too. They found it funny but knew better than to tease him when he was already feeling this anxious.

Now, he was at Jaipur, waiting in a temporary cabin while the operation theatre was getting prepared for surgery and some tests were being done. He called his wife and mentioned how much he missed her. At first she replied with love, told him she missed him too but as he kept mentioning how much he missed her, she grew tired of responding to the same thing.

Abhimanyu: Kitni mean ho na tum??

Akshara: Yeah yeah, now go cry a river!

Abhimanyu: Chid kyu rahi ho itna!!

Akshara: Mai nahi chidti!! Tum Chidku ho...samjhe na!!!

Akshara huffed and sat down with a pout.

Abhimanyu: Arey baith kyu gayi??! Chalti raho, walk khtm hone me 5 minute hai...

Akshara: chill!!

Abhimanyu: I am chill...listen-

Akshara: ABHI!!!!

Abhimanyu: Kya hua??? Sb thik hai na???!!..A-

Akshara: Mujhe abhi abhi kuch realise hua....

Abhimanyu: KYA?

Akshara: Tum chidku ho!!! Baby bhi tumhari tarah chidku hua toh!?!?!?

Abhimanyu: hash! Toh ye baat thi! Mai toh dr hi gaya.....ek second-

He breathed in relief before frowning at his wife's face on the phone. She gave him a sweet smile.

Abhimanyu: Ye chidku chikdu kya lga rakha hai?? Aur mujhpr gaya baby to kya issue hai...accha hai na- meri tarah strong hoga, apni mumma se bohot pyaar karega-

Akshara: hmm...gussa bhi karega...

Abhimanyu: tumpr toh kabhi nahi krta mai-

A nurse knocked at his cabin informing him that the OT was ready and junior doctors were waiting with the vitals and reports. Abhimanyu advised Akshara to rest well and follow her routine before ending the call.

Akshara looked at the blank screen on her phone. Abhimanyu had left in a hurry early morning. At that time, she had enjoyed his absence. She never thought she'd say it, but she enjoyed the small break from his constant instructions and care. Her day went by smoothly at the house and then the hospital. The staff always pampered her, more so in Abhimanyu's absence as they all felt responsible for her. At home, the Birla children cared for her a lot but the one person overly protective of Akshara after Abhimanyu was Harshvardhan. He did maintain distance but cared a lot too.

Now it was evening and Akshara had ventured out for her evening walk as she was bored in the house lawn. She had a staff accompany her with her things and was walking around listening to soft music when Abhimanyu called her. She did miss him and did not know how she'd sleep that night without him.

As she sat down, she twisted her neck to look for the house help and noticed she was speaking with someone else who worked nearby. Akshara shrugged her shoulders and thought to rest there itself for a while.

'Hello?'

Akshara looked up to see a woman she had seen around at the park many times. She was pregnant too and often came for walks.

Akshara: Hi!!

Woman: May I?

She gestured at the empty spot on the bench next to her.

Akshara: sure!

Woman: Thanks! I am Meera by the way...

Akshara: Akshara (she smiled)

Meera: I have seen you around here with your husband ...

Akshara: Yes, he always comes with me on my walks...

Meera: Oh- I thought you were alone so I came-

Akshara: No-no, I am glad you did. He isn't here today. He had an emergency.

Meera: (rolls her eyes sadly) tell me about it...

Akshara: what happened?

Meera told her that she was eight months along and this was her second pregnancy. In her first pregnancy, initially her husband was very excited and tagged along everywhere but as she gained weight, he lost interest. He started getting work emergencies that kept increasing. Then, post delivery, she got busy with the baby and their relationship just lost the charm. They only talked to discuss their daughter. Now, in her second pregnancy, she already has zero expectations and does everything alone.

Akshara heard everything and caressed her small bump. Will that be her fate too? Meera realised she said too much and Akshara's mood had dropped. She tried to cheer her up and say that this might not happen with everyone but damage had been done. The house help came as the sky started to get darker and took Akshara home.

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

Akshara ate dinner silently that day. Everyone thought she might just be missing Abhimanyu. Later, Akshara went to her room and sat down. The words kept ringing inside her head. What if she faces the same thing? She opened her phone and googled to check if this happened to everyone. She came across numerous articles on how men lost interest in pregnant wives and often grew distance. Some even cheated! Akshara knew her Abhi would never even think of cheating on her but she worried if he ever grew distant. Tears welled up in her eyes and she laid down on their bed, eventually falling asleep.

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

Abhimanyu tip-toed inside their room early morning. His surgery had ended midnight. After checking everything and discussing with that hospital's doctors, he left immediately as he did not want to be another moment without Akshara. He spoke with his mother and found out that Akshara ate but went to the room early. Thinking she would be tired, he did not call her.

Presently, as he soundlessly entered the room, he saw his wife asleep in a weird posture with cushions enveloping her every side. He smiled and ruffled her hair softly. Her face had a cute pout and Abhimanyu fought with an urge to pepper her with kisses. He changed quickly and got in bed with her removing some cushions. He knew how tricky it was for her to find a comfortable position to sleep, especially without him, so he pulled her back to his chest and cupped her small bump. Akshara sighed in her sleep and Abhimanyu kissed her shoulder before joining her in her sleep.

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

Akshara woke up rubbed her eyes. Realising the position, she figured Abhimanyu was back. She shifted slowly and saw his face. He looked very tired. She circled the bags under his eyes and kissed his cheek.

Akshara: Kitna thak gye ho tum docman!

Then she recalled her conversation with Meera and all those articles she read. She again felt a little sad and went to freshen up. Later, she was eating some fruits while Manjiri chopped and fed them to her when Abhimanyu came downstairs.

Abhimanyu: Akshu!!! ..Maa- aap..

Manjiri smiled. Abhimanyu told her that they had to go to gynaecologist that day so they'd skip the walk. Akshara nodded and got ready. Abhimanyu took his car out since he did not think bike to be safe to travel with Akshara anymore. Throughout the ride, she was quiet. Abhimanyu felt her mood off and worried. Akshara tried to reassure him that was fine.

In the doctors's cabin, Akshara laid on the bed while Abhimanyu held her hands as the doctor applied the cool gel on her belly. Abhimanyu smiled at the screen and so did the doctor.

Akshara: what is it?

Doctor: Your baby is very healthy Mrs. Birla and everything looks perfect!

Akshara looked at Abhimanyu who nodded. They both stared at the screen while the doctor did some other tests. Abhimanyu rested his palm on her belly.

Abhimanyu: Sunna apne baby? Aap bilkul perfect condition me ho..

Akshara: Kaise nahi hoga? Iske papa kitna dhyan rakhte hai iska....

Abhimanyu smiled and kissed her forehead and nose before lightly pecking her lips when the doctor left.

Abhimanyu: Accha suno, I discussed with the doctor when you were changing.

Akshara: Kya?

Abhimanyu: I think it is the right time for you to go on maternity leave.

Akshara: what?

Abhimanyu: Think about it. It is your seventh month. I know some people work until later but I think you shouldn't.

Akshara: But I will get bored in the house.

Abhimanyu: Uff meri cutu wifey. Tum hospital aa skti ho...jb mn kare and you can sing here. People love your voice aur ek doctor hai- vo to deewana hai poora...(winks) I mean just leave your duties, usse break le lo. Mn ho na ho, sessions lena, baat krna...don't do that now. Ek toh mujhe already bura lgta hai ki iss state me bhi tumhe sbki problem sunni padti hai..

Akshara: awe! Tum kitna sochte ho na docman! Thats my job to listen but I understand. This does tire me more now...I'll think of this for sure.

They came home and shared with everyone that baby was fit and fine.

...........

Akshara was walking really fast in the room. She had decided to go on maternity leave a little later. Perhaps at the onset of her 8th month but she will take her duties lightly now and delegate more. She also decided to be active. She read this helps during childbirth. She also thought it would help her get back in shape sooner. So, she started to add more exercise to her routine and started to eat the healthier foods. This confused family at first.

Manjiri: Akshu? Tujhe ye pizza nahi chahiye?

Neil: bhabhi fries bhi hai...

Akshara: (unconsciously licks her lips) nahi nahi, this daliya is fine. I think baby only craves this now-a-days. Junk food dekhr toh ew sa lgta hai..

Manjiri nodded and took those plates away.

Akshara: (in mind) sorry pizza bhai, fries didi...sorry.

Abhimanyu: (pulls her cheeks and kisses her) toh baby apne papa jaisa hai, healthy khana pasand hai....

Harshvardhan: (coughs when he sees the kiss) waise apne papa pr jaane ki bajaye apni maa pr jaye toh better hoga, atleast gusse ke mamle me...

He said looking sideways and left quickly.

Abhimanyu: (frowns like a kid) Akshu! Mai kahan krta hoon zyada gussa?

Akshara: (gives him a look) really Abhi?

Abhimanyu: Mtlb bina baat ke nahi krta na...

Akshara: haan...

She hugs him as if to console him. she smiles how he hugs her close as if complaining about the world.

Abhimanyu: has rahi ho na mujhpr?

Akshara: nahi toh (stifles her laugh)

Abhimanyu: Akshu ki bachi!

Akshara: vo toh pet me hai...

Abhimanyu laughed at her silliness and pulled her close, feeling blessed to have her in his life.

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

It had been a week since then, Akshara went on walks with Abhimanyu and only ate healthy foods. She exercised in her room from youtube videos of baby-safe workouts. Unknown to others, she also stopped eating ladoos prepared by Suhasini and Manjiri. She would take one from the box given to her and simply hide them in another box. Later, she would feed it to some other people on the streets. She went to work for lesser hours and spend the saved time working out as well.

At night, Abhimanyu commented how she looks dull. She took it in sense of her weight while he only meant how she looked tired which was a fact. She started exercising more vigorously.

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

After that one week.

It was a Sunday and like usual, Goenkas and Birlas were gathered for breakfast. They had been doing this all her pregnancy. To Goenkas surprise Akshara picked up fruit bowl and not the aloo-puris.

Anisha: Since both families are here...

Kairav: we would like to make an announcement...

Neil: OMG! CONGRATULATIONS!

Anisha: arey yr, bolne to de...

Abhimanyu: congratulations nish, kairav!

Anisha: Manyu!

The siblings hug the couple. They had taken a break when Anisha left for work and rekindled over the years. Now that Anisha came home, they talked it out.

(A/N: I had planned this earlier and didn't think of changing the plot so let us assume Anisha is a good person and didn't cheat on Kairav with a married man)

Anisha and Kairav announced that even though they want to get married, they want to wait till their nephew/niece is out in the world. Family agreed and rejoiced. After breakfast, sweets were bought. Neil and Vansh went out and bought drums.

Akshara: ye hui na baat!!

She was hugging Kairav and moved out of it to dance.

Abhimanyu: Akshu! No...

Akshara: tum chup karo, mere bhai ki shaadi hai...mai nahi rukne wali..

Kairav: Akshu, shaadi me nach lena na...

Anisha: bhabhi, isiliye hume shaadi postpone ki hui hai...please!

Akshara huffed and stopped but she was now feeling very dizzy and fainted.

Abhimanyu: AKSHU!

..........

Goenkas and Birlas were standing outside Abhira's room. Abhimanyu and Mahima were checking her inside the room. The door opened and Abhimanyu bought out a limp Akshara in his arms.

Manish: Kya hua?

Swarna: kuch ghabrane wali baat hai kya?

Mahima: Pta nahi, isliye Akshara ko hospital lekr jaa rahe hai..

Manjiri: didi, thakan ki wajah se-

Mahima: pr ab tk hosh aa jana chahiye tha...

The family got worried and Abhimanyu took Akshara to the hospital. Divya was surprised to see Akshara limp in his arms and so was the whole staff. She checked on her and gave her an injection.

Abhimanyu: what happened Dr. Divya?

Divya: What was she doing?

Abhimanyu: her brother announced engagement plans so she was dancing.

Divya: oh god!

Abhimanyu: Yes but only for a few minutes, we all made her stop.

Divya: few minutes? Pr phir? Dr. Abhimanyu, you can wait besides your wife. I suspect- no, I will comment once her reports come.

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

Few hours go by, the doctor assures the baby is fine along with Akshara so everyone goes home except Abhimanyu. Akshara was still asleep.

Divya: Dr. Abhimanyu?

Abhimanyu: Reports aa gayi? Kya hua hai? she should be up by now.

Divya: Yeah! I came to discuss that with you...seems like she over worked herself.

Abhimanyu: what? By few minutes of dancing?

Divya: I think she has been doing something for longer. What is her routine like?

Abhimanyu: like we discussed it. she had started eating healthier these days as that is what she craves but physical activity is limited to the two walks you approved and we have cut down the route so that she doesn't get super tired.

Divya: Oh.... maybe even the walks are too much for her but in my opinion, it is something else. Anyways, I have given her some injections, she might wake up soon. Also, one more thing-

Abhimanyu:-

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

Akshara fluttered her eyes open and saw Abhimanyu staring at her face.

Akshara: Abhi...

She coughed. He gave her water but stared silently.

Akshara: Hospital again? uff docman....

Abhimanyu: -_-

Akshara: accha ghooro toh mt

Abhimanyu: -_-

Akshara: kuch toh bolo...sorry I danced..

Abhimanyu: and?

Akshara: and?

Abhimanyu: and what else Akshu?

Akshara: I don't understand...

Abhimanyu: Aur kya naya add kiya hai tumne routine me Akshu?

Akshara did not reply. Abhimanyu told her that the doctor said she fainted because her body is overworked and exhausted.

Abhimanyu: It is almost dinner time Akshu! You were out for the whole day. You know what else the doctor said? That it will affect the baby's health if it continues. Your health has gone south on one week! So you tell me what is happening to my Akshu and baby...Is it the walks I make you take? Do they tire you?

Akshara: (in a small voice) no

She was shocked. She did not know her working out hampered her health and worse, they baby's.

Abhimanyu: what?

Akshara: sorry Abhi...

She sobbed.

Abhimanyu: oye!

He knew it was serious when she did not say 'hoye'. He hugged her and rubbed her arms. She apologized over and over before telling him that she had been working out on her own and eating less. Abhimanyu pressed her to know why she did so.

Akshara: because I don't want to lose you...

Abhimanyu was blown away by her insecurities. He felt bad that he did not realise it.

Abhimanyu: Don't say sorry. I should apologize. What kind of a husband am I? I should have reassured you...meri hi koi galti rahi hogi ki tumhe mere pyaar pr yakeen nahi raha...

Akshara: Abhi! Don't say that...

She pulled him back for a hug and told what the other woman shared as her experience.

Abhimanyu: meri buddhurani!! Hr kissi ka experience alag hota hai. You cannot project that into your life.

Akshara: sorry! (to her belly) sorry baby...mumma ne tang kr diya na apko...

The baby kicked hard.

Akshara: Abhi!!! Did you?

Abhimanyu: I-

Akshara: oh wow.

Abhimanyu: Akshu!! Mujhe lga tha ye toh mai pakka miss kr dunga first time-

They cheered and put hands over her belly. The baby kicked again and they rejoiced. Tears poured down their eyes as they felt connected to their baby more ways than one.

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

Akshara got discharged. Divya gave some more instructions and asked Akshara to take leave sooner. Akshara apologized to Abhimanyu again. They did not tell the family about why she fainted but mentioned she was just tired. They told how they felt the baby and that changed the topic. Now everyone wanted to feel the kick too. Even the Goenkas rushed to Birla house despite the timing to feel the new member.

Arohi: Akshu, ye kick kyu nahi krna...mujhe bhi feel krna hai...

Nishtha: me too bhabhi, I did not feel

Akshara: bs ab.. thak gaya hai vo

Abhimanyu: and so is the mother....aap log bhool rahe ho ki Akshu aaj thaki hui hai pehle se hi...let them rest?

Abhira bid everyone goodnight and left for their room. Akshara entered and was mind blown by the pictures handing from the ceiling and the roses on the floor.

Akshara: Abhi!! This!! Why?

Abhimanyu: because you deserve this meri jaan..

Akshara: and when did you...

Abhimanyu: When everyone was hogging you for baby's kicks...and I had help

Akshara: this is so sweet.

Abhimanyu: Not more than you..

He back-hugs her.

Abhimanyu: Look at that picture Akshu...your first ultrasound. Look at all these pictures. This is our journey baby.....and only we will decide how to write it. I love you! All of you! Tumhari to awaz ne hi deewana kr diya tha mujhe...tumhare size, color ya kissi phycial appearance se kuch fark nahi padta tumhare pati ko....I got lucky that you are the most beautiful person I even laid my eyes on- you are everything! Cute, hot, innocent yet naughty! You are my blessing baby and I will always be grateful for you..

Akshara: Abhi!! (sobs) I love you so much! I am sorry I ever thought otherwise. I did not doubt but it was just my fear of losing your affections....I thought you will drift away...

Abhimanyu: never meri jaan...

He turned her to face him and cupped her face.

Abhimanyu: I don't care kiska kya experience raha hai, for me only you matter. You are very very desirable for me. I don't even care if you don't reduce the pregnancy weight or never look like you did before. You are bringing a life into the world, that is bound to leave its trace. It will only add to your beauty, not take away from it...

Akshara: Thank you... Thank you so much docman...tum bohot acche ho..

Abhimanyu: aur tum bohot hot!

Akhara: what?

Abhimanyu: Let me show you how desirable you are...

Akshara: ye- ye kaise mood jump hai Abhi...

Abhimanyu: romance wala...

He rubbed his hands all over her soft body. She bit her lips to suppress her moans as he massaged her body with his large hands.

Akshara: Abhi..

Abhimanyu: I have no problem with any of this...any change in your body is natural and only makes you beautiful...(kisses her head) for example...(kisses her nose) your cute cheeks...(lightly bites the cheek) I love that they softer, fuller...(plants a big kiss on her other cheek).....

He held her shoulder and dipped to kiss the mole on her neck. He looked up and couldn't take his eyes off her plump lips. He took them in his and kissed her passionately. His hands gently rested on her belly and chest.

Abhimanyu: And I definitely have no problem with the increasing size...

He bit her ear.

Akshara: but I have a tiny tiny issue...

Abhimanyu looked up. He was deep into his romantic zone.

Akshara: I- I don't like the smell of roses...You know ...maybe its the pregnancy. The smell just irritates me...I am sorry.. I thought I'd control...

Akshara ranted out of guilt.

Few seconds later, Abhimanyu Birlas, who had all plans to worship his wife's body was now brooming away the rose petals from his room with a frustrated frown. The windows were also open to let the scent out. Akshara mouthed sorry, feeling bad but his expressions made her laugh. Abhimanyu looked at her smile and his mild frustration melted.

At the end of the day, this is what mattered, her happiness, her smile, her in general.

And he was very grateful for her.

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

Deleted the rant as it had no place in the book in the long run :)

xoxo