'Kisne kaha function khtm ho gaya hai!?'

Everyone turned to look at the main entrance. Akshara forgot her sad mood that very instant and screamed happily.

Akshara: Nanu!!!!!

She ran towards Naitik Singhania who stood with a broad smile.

Naitik: arey aram se...

Abhimanyu: Akshu sambhal kr!

Thy both said at the same time, making Akshara stop on her tracks. She rolled her eyes at Abhimanyu and went towards Naitik in slow motion. They shook their heads at her silliness.

Naitik: Idhar aa (hugs her) dramebaaz hai bilkul....ye bata kaisi hai?? Mera Par-Nati/Natin kaisa hai?

Akshara: rocking nanu!! Aur ye toh pakka wala boxer hai...din bhar kick hi krta rehta hai...

Naksh: arey saari baaten Nanu se hi hongi ya hume bhi koi dekhega?

Akshara broke from the hug and saw Naksh and Keerti. They hugged Akshara sideways due to her belly and inquired about her health as well.

Keerti: Papa? ..Damadji....aur uncle...aap sbne ye kya pehna hai??

During the whole fiasco, the women had forgotten to ask the men about their strange outfits.

Naitik: Haan bhai, koi theme thi toh hume bhi bata dete...

Manish: apki bhi mazak krne ki adat nahi gayi hai Naitik ji

Swarna: Apka kaam bhi mazak banne wala hi hai! ye kya pehna hai apne?

Suhasini: Haan, Akhilesh, kya hai ye sb!?

Mahima: Thank god Anand normal kapdo me hai..

Shefali: aur Parth bhi..

Neil: Kyunki dono hi uncool hai....not adventurous like us!

Abhimanyu gestured him to shut up but he did not notice and told the ladies how they were a part of Akshara's godbharai function.

Manjiri: Abhi!!??? (to Harsh) Aap bhi?!?!?!

Suhasini: hume hi smjh jaana chahiye tha jb ye bina na-nukur kiye chale gaye....arey bol dete...hum maan jaate...

Abhimanyu: sach me Mimi?

Suhasini: humhare yahan har Godbahari me admi aisi harqaten krne lage they function me baithne ke liye so humne rules flexible kr diya....tum dubara bolte toh hum bitha dete Akshu ke side me...

Arohi: accha hua nahi poocha...sbke ye funny roop miss ho jate Mimi..

Nishtha: Haan....everyone say cheeze....

Abhimanyu: Phone rakh neeche!

Neil: Nishtha ki bachi!!

Nishtha: Bhabhi!!!

She gives the phone to Akshara.

Akshara: phone to nahi milega...aur

Abhimanyu: aur?

Akshara: (smirks)

Abhimanyu: dekho Akshu, mujhe na iss smile se dr lg raha hai....

.........

Ten minutes and countless emotional attyachar later, the men were lined up. The ladies had asked them all to act like them. Akshara said- 'outfit pehen hi liya hai toh use it'

First went Manish who stood up straight. He squinted his eyes and pursed his lips.

Manish: Manish Ji, subah ho gayi hai, aaj office nahi jana? ......Manish Ji, dawai nahi leni?.....Manish ji, ye koi romance ki age hai..

Swarna: Manish ji, ye koi jagah hai ye sb-

Everyone burst out laughing.

Keerti: Bilkul sahi acting ki papa!!

Manish: aur nahi toh kya? Har baat aise smile krke kehti hai....mujhe toh ab smile se bhi dr lgta hai..

Swarna: (smiles and says slowly) ghar chaliye Manish ji...

Since Kairav and Vansh were unmarried, they acted like Suhasini and Arohi.

Vansh: I am the best! Best best best!!....no. 1 hoon mai....uff, mere jaisa toh koi bhi nahi hai...I am so so talented...

Kairav: haan meri bachi....arey thu thu thu..nazar na lage...

Suhasini: arey aisa kb kaha maine?

Arohi: Mimi!! Pehle Vansh bhai se kaho...aisa kb kahan maine?

Neil: Chipkali sochti toh aise hi ho tum...

Arohi: Shut up! tumhe bada pata hai...

Then, Akhilesh came and said since his wife is in London, there was no point for him to act. Others forced Harshvardhan who made a serious face.

Manjiri: rehne de na Abhi...

Harshvardhan immediately sat down cris-crossed on the floor and began to pray back and forth. He said a prayer for everyone in a emotional tone. After that he opened his eyes and wiped the imaginary tears. Manjiri was somewhere glad to see him involved in family function while others teased her.

Harshvardhan: dekho kapdo se kuch nahi hota...aapko bhi krna hoga bhaisahab...

Anand: pehle Abhi ko toh krne do..

Abhimanyu smirked and adjusted his pallu. He began to walk in centre of the crowd. He suddenly tripped.

Naitik: beta sambhal ke...

Shefali: You fine Abhimanyu?

Kairav: (laughs) arey ye to Akshu ki acting hai...

Neil: Haan...humari Girija bhabhi...

Akshara pouted while Abhimanyu stood up straight.

Abhimanyu: Abhi! Tum toh meri bilkul care hi nahi krte....itna bhi nahi sochte ki ek lipstick hi aur la doon taki meri wife ki 99 lipsticks 100 ho jaye....

He acted how Akshu behaved with him during her craving days. Everyone laughed at how cute her demands were. Abhimanyu laughed along till he noticed Akshara's expression. He gulped and pulled Parth.

Abhimanyu: ab bhai ki baari...

He said and removed the saree and straightened his kurta.

Parth: Mai...maine toh nai pehna na koi female outfit...

Shefali: so what? It will be fun Parth. Come on!

Parth: Oh-okay..

He acted like Shefali working on laptop and barking orders on phone vs listening like a docile lamb from her boss.

Anand acted like Mahima when she is at hospital but he was shy and not very good. Inside, he was also scared how Mahima would react if she did not like it. Neil acted like Nishtha, clicking silly selfies and convincing Abhimanyu to do her homework.

Naksh was also forced to act like keerti. He did an impression of how Keerti behaves when angry.

Akshara: waah!! Mujhe toh pata bhi nahi tha bhua-mami aise bhi krti hai...Mamu aur kro na...

Naksh: arey bs bs..kyu meri acting ka real demo dikhwana chahti hai mujhe...

Keerti: accha Naksh!?

The ladies had a good laugh. Then, lunch was served and everyone sat together. Akshara was happily chatting with her maternal family while Abhimanyu fed her small bites of food. Then Goenkas and Singhanias left while Birlas also went to their rooms claiming to want to rest. Since Akshara was also tired, she went to her room too.

........

An hour later, Abhimanyu slowly removed Akshara's hold on his t-shirt and got out of bed. He placed a wall of pillows on either side of Akshara and left the room quietly. Downstairs, Neil and Parth were working. God bharai's decoration was getting taken off.

Neil: Bro! Aap jao...rest kro..

Abhimanyu: pr tu? Aur baki sb...

Parth: Dekh caterers se baat ho gayi hai, vo late ayenge...

Neil: aur iss decoration ke utre bina baby shower ka decoration kaise hoga....

Parth: Isliye we asked Kairav and others to not come...aur bakiyon ko bhi rest krne bol diya...ye toh staff nikal hi raha hai...we will make sure it's done on time.. tb tk sb thoda rest kr lenge...

Abhimanyu: aap log bhi toh thak gaye hoge na...

Neil: bro hum ye krke sone chale jayenge...decor Kairav- Vansh supervise krenge with Shefali bhabhi and Nishtha...we will rest then...you go..

They pushed Abhimanyu towards the stairs. Sighing, he went back and slept cuddling his wife.

..........

Akshara woke up in the evening. Her vision was slightly blurry.

Akshara: Abhi?

She said in her sleepy voice.

Abhimanyu: Haan meri jaan...

Akshara: Kya time ho raha hai?

Abhimanyu: 6 baj rahe hai...

Akshara: wow! I slept for long...

Abhimanyu: You were tired na baby...accha utho...kuch kha lo..

He made her sit and she rested her head on his chest. He pecked her hair and made her rest her back against the head board. Then he gave her the fruit bowl. As she ate the bowl, Shefali knocked on the door. Abhimanyu nodded at her and left.

Shefali: Akshu, chalo, ready hona hai...

Akshara: ab kiss liye?

Shefali: surprise ;)

Akshara: wow...more surprises!!? Koi aa raha hai kya bhabhi?...

Shefali: no no no....no questions. Come.

Akshara washed her face and freshened up while Shefali arranged everything properly. Once Akshara came out, she did light make-up on her face and put her hair in loose curls, clipping on the sides. She put her own hair in a loose braid.

Shefali: Ab, outfits.

She took out a blue outfit.

Akshara: pretty...

Shefali: Thanks! This is for me....wait yours must be in the room...

She took out Akshara's.

Shefali: Abhimanyu said you look great in every colour but this one was specially made for you.....he said you look heaven-sent in pink.

Akshara looked at the pink outfit in awe and touched the soft fabric. She slipped into it and Shefali helped her wear matching flats.

Akshara's outfit aesthetics

Akshara looked at herself in the mirror while Shefali slipped into her own outfit. While Akshara's was a gown, hers looked more like dhoti-pants and a peplum.

Shefali: Neeche chale Akshu?

Akshara nodded slowly and they went downstairs. The lights went dim as soon as Akshara reached the staircase. She couldn't see much and as soon as her eyes met her husband's at the bottom of the staircase, everything else faded.

Abhimanyu looked like a prince in his jacket and dress pants. Akshara couldn't make much of his outfit as her eyes got lost in his. Abhimanyu's own eyes were shinning bright as he drank the sight of his pregnant wife. He felt the luckiest man alive. He forwarded his hand and she rested her palm there.He kissed the back of her hand and bowed to her.

Abhimanyu: You look unreal jaan...dil ke doctor ka heart fail kr diya..

Akshara blushed a red shade and looked down.

Akshara: Tum bhi kitne hot lg rahe ho docman....compete to krna hoga na...

Abhimanyu: (smiles) chalo...

He turned her to face the hall and that very moment, light were adjusted properly and Akshara saw the sight in front of her with big doe eyes.

Her whole family was standing there facing her. They bowed in courtesy as if it was old era. The house was wonderfully decorated and each looked like the night sky had come down on land.

Baby Shower Aesthetics

Everyone was dressed wonderfully like a Disney prince/princess. Shefali and Keerti were in blue, Jasmine and Elsa, Arohi was in green, for the princess from brave but Neil teased her saying she was Fiona from shrek. Nishtha was dressed like Mulan while Manjiri was dressed like Rapunzal. Swarna was wearing Belle-inspired and Mahima was wearing snow white's attire. Suhasini was in green-red saree and said the colours were Ariel inspired.

The men were all dressed like Disney princes as well. They parted ways for Akshara to come sit on a seat. Behind her was written Baby Abhira in Neon.

Akshara: baby shower?

Abhimanyu: haan..

Akshara: Thank you....aap sbne subah hi toh godbahari ke liye itna kiya aur ab ye....thank you...

Manjiri: bs beta...aise sb nahi kehte..

Naitik came forward and made her wear a tiara on her head.

Naitik: Princess ki princess bhi princess hi hoti hai...

Akshara hugged him. Everyone congratulated Abhira and they had bought presents for the baby to come. There were basic childcare things, many unisex outfits and toys.

Neil: Chalo ab baaten bohot hui, hum games shuru krte hai...

Arohi: tumne plan kiya hai toh not interested.

Neil: Tumhe khila bhi kon raha hai?? It is for couples only.

Arohi: Bhaiya!!

Nishtha: mujhe bhi toh khelna hai...partner me khel lenge....Vansh bhaiya??

Vansh: I will be your partner

Anisha: Kairav! You play with me please..

Arohi: aur mai..

Suhasini: hum hai na...

Arohi: Okay mimi...jeetna hai...

Naitik: Phir toh mai aur Akhilesh ji bhi pair up ho jayenge...

They all paired up and the staff soon bought the game setup out. There was a table for each couple and there were ten in total. There were somethings in the basket and something was covered with a cloth.

Neil: ab aap sb vo kapda hathaiye...

They removed and were surprised.

Mahima: Oh god!

In front of them were dummy babies.

Neil: Oh god nahi...oh baby...aap logon ko 3 minutes ke time me baby ka diaper change krke, usse khana khila kr burp krwana hai...jiska baby bina roye ye sb kr lega...vo jeet jayega...

Shefali: Ye kaisa game hai...hume to practise bhi nahi hai...

Parth: Is generation ka pehla baby abhi hua nahi hai...bado ko chodkr kissi ko practise nahi hai...

Nishtha: Bhaiya bhabhi ko toh hai..

Kairav: arey yaad mt dilao...mere kaan toh aaj tk ghoonj rahe hai...

Vansh: sahi me Kairav...kya naam tha uska? Nina, Naina??.... Akshu bhi kiski baaton me aa gayi thi...

Manjiri: aaplog toh kuch ghante hi they...humara sochiye...

Abhimanyu: Maa....aap kyu us baat ko yaad kr rahe ho? Chodo ab...game pr focus kro...

Manjiri: okay okay...

Neil: Okay, so...ready? The game starts now!

Harshvardhan and Manish grabbed the baby to remove its pants in a hurry and they began to cry. Swarna and Manjiri did not even get a chance and glared at their husbands. Others saw this and gently took off the pants and diaper. It was covered in green-brown substance and stink badly.

Parth: chi! Ye kya hai..

Nishtha: potty hai bhai..

Anisha: pr ew...itni smell...

Suhasini: hota hai beta...ye toh phir bhi kuch aur hai...

Arohi: Mimi!! Focus..

Suhasini: haan haan...

Anand was struggling to remove so Mahima pulled at it and removed the diaper a little too hard. The baby cried making Mahima and Anand also out.

Vansh: waah...bade log hi out ho rahe hai...out of practise ho gaye hai na isliye... high five Nishtha!

Nishta gave him high five but in a hurry left her hold on baby's head making it bob back and cry. They were also out.

Soon, only Keesh, Abhira and Arohi-Suhasini were left whose babies had not cried. They had fed the babies and Abhira were now patting its back.

Arohi: Mimi jaldi...baki teams ne khila diya hai..

Suhasini: haan...ek second..baache ke saath jaldi nahi kr skte...

Arohi: Mimi!! Unka baby burp kr dega...hum khilate reh jayenge...

She saw only one spoon of the formula was left and stuffed it in baby's mouth making it wail.

Suhasini: Aru!

Vansh: arey topper third aayi...

Arohi glared at him and sat down sadly. Here, Abhira had worked like a team. At first Abhimanyu had slowly changed the diaper while Akshara had gently fed the baby. Then Abhimanyu was petting the baby's back gently.

'Burp!'

A small burp was heard and Akshara clapped. They turned towards Keesh who were laughing. Soon, Abhira's baby burped as well.

Naksh: Bohot accha kr rahe they tum Abhimanyu pr hume tumse zyada practise hai is mamle me...

Keesh were the winners of the game. The families also danced and then baby pictures of everyone was presented in a ppt. Everyone cheered and guessed who was who. They had a fun night and everyone then moved for dinner.

Akshara excused herself to go to the washroom. As soon as she came out, Abhimanyu held her and walked back inside. He latched the door and stared deep into her eyes.

Akshara: Abhi!?

She was breathless and surprised.

Abhimanyu: Tonight you've looked so radiant my love. I almost wish we were alone.

Akshara: Abhi....please...koi aa jayega...

Abhimanyu: (puts a finger on her lips) shh...let me atleast give your gift. They delivered it late but-

He pulled her in front of the mirror and stood behind her. He looked deep into her eyes in the mirror and slipped a pendant-chain round her neck. The chain was delicate and the stone was pink, matching her dress. He then dipped his head and kissed the base of her neck.

Akshara moaned and this turned Abhimanyu on further. He rested a hand at the bottom of her stomach, supporting the belly and cupped her neck with another while kissing her nape. She was getting more and more breathless as he continued. Abhimanyu looked up and saw his desire reflect in her eyes. He quickly yet gently turned her and cupped her face.

They were both heaving and in a flash, their lips met. Abhimanyu nibbled on her lower lip and tasted his wife.

Knock knock!

Abhira ignored it and continued kissing each other. Akshara's hands were on his chest.

Knock knock knock!

Arohi: Akshu?? Sb thik toh hai...tu abhi tk aayi nahi...

Abhimanyu: ye!

Akshara quickly put her palm over his lips and composed herself.

Akshara: A- Aru? Sb thik hai...I'll come..

Arohi: You sure? Need anything? Help with the dress?

Akshara: Nah...Nahi...all cool...you go...I'll come.

She said okay and left.

Akshara pecked Abhimanyu's lips lightly and left. Abhimanyu ran his fingers through his hair and took deep breathes before exiting as well. He saw Akshara near the pillar touching her pendant with a smile. He held her hand.

Abhimanyu: Chalen?

Akshara nodded. They went towards the table where the family was seated. The dinner was full of laughter and happy talks. Then they big everyone goodnight and retired for the night. Abhimanyu held Akshara out of her attire and they slept cuddling.

Abhimanyu: Long day Jaan?

Akshara: Yes but fun...I just get tired easily...

Abhimanyu: Its' okay...almost time...we'll have our baby soon...

Akshara: wow! Pta hi chala...aisa lg raha hai ki kl hi toh pata chala tha mujhe that I am with child...

Abhira started talking about the coming baby and slowly drifted to sleep in each other arms.

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

Next OS will be last of pregnant Abhira series

XOXO