Happy Ganesh Chaturthi and Micchami Dukkadam

I am all done with fasts and will start updating more frequently now. Enjoy! :)

..........

Goenka house was the most cheerful it had been in a while. Ever since Akshara and Abhimanyu came to stay with them, the elders couldn't stop fawning over them. They knew Abhira loved each other but seeing them shower the other with affection was heart warming. The two hardly ever tried, it was like they were programmed to pamper each other and the seniors cooed seeing such love.

Akshara's brothers also took good care of her. They revisited childhood memories and much to Akshara's embarrassment, filled Abhimanyu with her childhood shenanigans.

Flashback to their first night at Goenka house

After dinner, at Abhira's guest room; Akshara was leaning into Abhimanyu's chest, her favourite back rest and he was massaging her shoulders and kissing her head every now and then when a knock was heard. Vansh and Kairav soon entered with Akshara's favourite dessert.

Abhimanyu: (mutters) km se km humare ghar koi after dinner to disturb-

Akshara hit his chest lightly to stop him from speaking further and gave an awkward smile to her clueless brothers. Naksh and Kirti, who had stayed back for her delivery, entered as well. Soon, there were family members everywhere. On the sofa, with them in the blankets, on an extra chair- everywhere. Even Arohi, who often claimed night time to be her study hour, came. They chatted for a while but the conversation moved to the one everyone was excited for- baby Abhira.

Kirti: So, Abhimanyu....koi preference hai tumhari?

Abhimanyu: as in?

Kirti: Ladka? Ladki?

Abhimanyu: Healthy.

He answered in a sure voice.

Abhimanyu: Bs meri Akshu or baby dono safe and sahi rahe, I am more than happy.

Naksh smiled proudly.

Vansh: aise nahi chalega jijaji....koi to preference hogi aapki... beta ya beti...

Abhimanyu: um....if I have to say...beti.. bilkul meri Akshu jaisi...pyaari si..

Akshara looked at him with doe eyes but Kairav broke the moment with his snort followed by laughter. Vansh and Arohi joined him.

Kairav: Akshu? Pyaari???? Gundi thi ye bachpan me poori ki poori....

Vansh: saara kaam hum bhaiyon se karwati thi...aur tb Vatsal bhi yahin rehta tha...Akshu aur vo toh ek hi class me they...apna toh homework bhi ye ussi se krwati thi...

Kairav: aur kissi ki himmat jo princess Akshu ko mana kr de? Isse to rone ki zarurat bhi nahi thi...bs thoda sa sad face banati thi aur papa ghar ko sir pr utha lete they...

Naksh: krna bhi chahiye....afterall Kartik humesha kehta tha ki uski beti kbhi bhi compromise nahi karegi...

The mention of her father filled Akshara with sadness.

Abhimanyu: seriously?! I thought she was always like this.....soft and quiet yet naughty...(fumbles) mtlb bachpana hai thoda..but..

As Abhimanyu went onto describe his Akshara, Arohi realized how much of an affect she had on Akshara.

Kairav: Papa aur Sirat Maa ke jaane ke baad to Aru...

Arohi had honestly been trying to better herself these past years. She knew her past cannot be undone but she was willing to move forward but she did realise her damage ran deep. She quietly left.

Abhimanyu: um...waise I agree with Papa, Akshu should never compromise....

He kissed her head lightly and they shifted to easier conversation before calling it a night.

Flashback ends

Ever since then, Arohi maintained a short distance from Akshara. One night, Akshara confronted Arohi. Though she tried to escape the situation, Akshara didn't let her leave. Finally Arohi broke down and apologized. Akshara hugged her sister.

Akshara had grown over the years as well. Her marriage had taught her to prioritise herself. She no longer clinged to Arohi but that did not mean her love had vanished. She told Arohi that the baby was new hope for her and she would love to turn a new leaf with her sister. Arohi was delighted. The sisters baked a cake that day to celebrate- well, Arohi baked and Akshara instructed seeing nobody let her exert herself anymore. Specially since Dr. Divya advised against it after Akshara's health spree. The cake wasn't as well baked but the emotions were evident.

Suhasini: dekha Swarna, jo hum sb itne saalon me nahi kr paaye, iss bacche ke anne se pehle hi ho gaya...dekhna, ye hum sbke liye, specially Akshu aur Abhimanyu ke liye bohot saari khushiyan layega....

Nobody could deny that.

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

It had been a few days since Abhira began living with Goenkas. Abhimanyu strictly followed Akshara's diet and routine. He massaged her, cooked for her and accompanied her like shadow. Since her due date was coming closer, he was preparing to take an off as well. But, he also did not want to leave her alone during the day so this meant surgeries at ungodly hours. He was over working himself and this annoyed Akshara but he did not listen.

Abhimanyu: I am not tired Jaan...waise bhi parson se mai toh leave le lunga na...phir baby aane tk sirf resting...okay?

Akshara: Parso ke baad due date me time hi kitna reh jayega? Mujhe ghumao mt Abhi...

She huffed and put her hands at her waist. It was supposed to be intimidating but Abhimanyu found it cute. He did the mistake of saying it loudly.

Akshara: YOU!? Mujhe tum seriously lete hi nahi ho! Hey bhagwaan!! Kya mera cute hona mera gunah hai jo mera pati ...MERA EKLOTA PATI...mujhe seriously nahi leta?

Abhimanyu squinted his eyes and took her in his arms.

Abhimanyu: Oye nautanki, kitne pati chahiye....

Akshara pretended to think.

Akshara: zyada nahi...ek ghumane ke liye...ek pyaar krne le liye...ek annoy krne ke liye..

Abhimanyu: OYE!

Akshara: Hoyeee!!!...mazaak kr raho hoon chidkuraam...

Abhimanyu made a face and sat down with a huff.

Akshara: uff! Tum saath ho toh kya baaki ho...mere liye tum kaafi ho....

Abhimanyu: bs bs...ab makhan mt lagao...chalo so jao....

They slept cuddling but at night, Abhimanyu slipped past her to prepare for a surgery which was going to start very early in the morning.

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

Next morning, Abhimanyu came home when Akshata was having breakfast. She made him eat with her and freshen up.

Akshara: mujhe jaagta hua dekhega toh mere saath rehne ki zid karega but iske liye rest bhi zaruri hai...kya karu?

She told Abhimanyu that she had a restless night after he left and wanted to sleep in. Abhimanyu agreed and since he was really tired , he slept as soon as his back hit the bed.

An hour later,

Arohi: Akshu!!!

Akshara: shhhh...

Arohi entered and became quiet as Akshara pointed at a sleeping Abhimanyu.

Akshara: (whisper shouts) kya hai?

Arohi: Mimi tujhe mandir bula rahi hai...vo Kirti bhua aur badimumma mandir me hi hai...wahan koi bade pandit aaye hai so Mimi wants ki tujhe unka ashirvaad dilwa de.. mai hospital jaa rah hoon so I will drop you..

Akshara nodded and slipped away from Abhimanyu. She got dressed in an anarkali suit and left with Arohi. Her sister helped her walk up the steps towards the ladies. Even Manjiri was there. She enquired about Akshara's health. Arohi took off as she realized Akshara was in capable hands.

An hour later, Akshara had received the blessings and the ladies had made her touch things they were going to distribute.

Manjiri: Tu thik toh hai na beta?

Akshara: (breathes) haan...

Manjiri: sorry tujhe yahan iss halat me...

Akshara: Koi baat nahi maa....pr aur kitna time lagega? Vo maine Abhi ko bola bhi nahi hai yahan ane se pehle..

Manjiri: tu chinta mt kr....bs nikal hi rahe hai...accha tu ruk, ye Prasad kha...mai aati hoon...

Akshara sat there with a bowl in her hands. She was about to pick up the sweet when she saw a young boy behind a pillar staring at her. She smiled but he did not react. She bought her hands forward and gestured at the sweet. He slowly nodded. She stood up to give that to the kid.

Akshara: Kya naam hai beta apka?

She asked as she bent slightly to give him the bowl.

Boy: Shiva!

He said as he took the bowl and ran. Akshara looked at him go and stood up when a sharp pain shot her spine.

Akshara: ahhhhhhhhhh!!!

She looked around and did not see anyone she knew.

Akshara: Help!! Aahhhhhh!!!

Manjiri heard her and ran towards her.

Manjiri: Akshu!! Maaji!! Swarna Ji....Akshu beta, shaant...saans le...

She patted her head. Akshara was not always on the floor, her pain- unbearable. They called everyone but nobody responded. Vansh had gone to cover a nearby wedding with Reem, Kairav and the other Goenka men were at work while most of the Birlas were at hospital. Finally, it was Harshvardhan who picked up Manjiri's call and Naksh who picked Kirti's.

Harshvardhan: Kya hai Manjiri? Ek urgent meeting-

Manjiri: THE BABY!!!!! AKSHU- THE BABY HARSH JI

Harshvardhan: what!!?

He stood up and barked orders as well as sent an ambulance towards the temple that Manjiri mentioned. Here, Kirti also asked Naksh to wake Abhimanyu up and come to the hospital.

The birla hospital had seen many deliveries but none felt that personal to the hospital. Everyone was running around- trying to make themselves useful. Dr. Divya prepared the ward while the nurses were all set. Akshara was bought in- sweaty and screaming. The ladies were rubbing her hands when the doctor ushered them all out.

.........

Abhimanyu Birla cursed himself for choosing that day to be a heavy sleeper. He ran towards the ward the nurse pointed at. Their families were outside the ward. As Abhimanyu was about to enter the ward, Divya stepped out and smiled.

Abhimanyu: (in mind) No!!!!! I missed my child's birth!!??!

He stood blank. He was happy yet sad to have missed on the moment.

Divya: False alarm..

She gave them all a tired smile.

Abhimanyu: what!?

Divya: she was in pain but it was not labour pain. Quite natural for women to face this- she is sleeping right now. You can take her home after she wakes up.

Everyone who heard this news, their shoulders deflated visibly. They were anticipating the arrival of baby Birla.

Harshvardhan: arey kya ho gaya hai? Hum sb hi impatient ho rahe hai...due date ko waise bhi time hai...

Manjiri: (wipes her tear) haan..... humari Jaan apne parents ki tarah badmash hai...humari excitement dekhr tease kr raha hai ....

They laugh and disperse for tea while Abhimanyu went inside the ward and caressed his sleeping wife's forehead.

Abhimanyu: Tumhe na bandh kr rakhna padega mujhe khud se...kya zarurat thi aise mandir jaane ki...dara diya na Akshu...

He warmly touched her bump and smiled in relief. Eventually, Akshara woke up and was sent home after some tests.

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

Everyone left for home. Abhira were in a car with Naksh and Kirti.

Naksh: Dara diya apne baccha...

Akshara: sorry Mamu...

Naksh: apse nahi...hum toh apne ane wale chote mehmaan se baat kr rahe hai...

Akshara: haw! Bhua dekho na!!!

Kirti: kyu sata rahe hai usse Naksh....

Akshara: ssss...

Kirti: Kya hua Akshu? Uneasy lg raha hai?

Akshara: nahi toh...bs sss...

Abhimanyu: Akshu? Mai car ghuma loon kaho toh-

Akshara: Nahiii ...ahhhh....

Kirti felt someone wetness and looked at Akshara with wide eyes.

Kirti: Turn around!! Her water broke!!

Abhimanyu made a quick u-turn and drove

Akshara: aahhhh!!! Abhi bohot dard ho raha hai...please!!!! aahhh

Akshara was screaming in pain.

Naksh: Abhimanyu wo dekho....nursing home!

Seeing that Akshara was in pain and Birla hospital was far, Abhimanyu quickly drove towards the nursing home. He lifted Akshara up.

Abhimanyu: It will be okay Akshu...himmat rakho jaan...

He ran inside.

Abhimanyu: help!! We have a baby coming here...

Nurse: sir....aap aise...

Naksh: You go...mai formalities dekh lunga..

The nurse nodded and ushered Abhimanyu in a ward.

Akshara: aah...Abhi...(cries) bohot pain ho raha hai...

Abhimanyu: shh...jaan...I know...I am sorry...

He wiped her tears but his own eyes were getting moist seeing her in pain.

Abhimanyu: we need a doctor here!!!!!

A lady doctor ran in.

Doctor: sorry sorry....wait...

She instructed a nurse to give Akshara some medicine and help her change into a gown.

Doctor: she is not dilated enough...we'll have to wait...

Akshara: Abhi...

She whimpered in pain. He choked on his own sob and held her hand. Akshara hissed in pain again as another contraction hit her.

Kirti and Naksh were outside the ward.

Kirti: Naksh! In sb me maine family ko toh bataya hi nahi...

Naksh: Mere bhi dimag se nikal gaya...

They called everyone who again rushed towards the nursing home.

Abhimanyu was inside looking at his watch while Akshara moaned and shouted in pain.

Abhimanyu: Your contraction frequency has increased...where is that doctor??!!

He ran out.

Nurse: sorry sir...vo ek delivery chal rahi hai...

Abhimanyu: koi aur doctor?

Nurse: nahi sir...It is a small nursing home so humare on duty ek hi doctor hai...

Abhimanyu: what!? Aur ye aap pehle nahi bata skte they?

Nurse 2: sir, please understand. Apki wife ko wait krna hoga...

Abhimanyu: HOW CAN A PREGNANT WOMAN WAIT? IT IS A BABY!!---

Nurse: Itna hai toh khud deliver kr lo...

Abhimanyu: Nice idea....get me a nurse to assist.

Nurses: WHAT!!!????.....

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

The family members rushed inside the nursing home.

Harshvardhan: Meri poti aisi jagah...

Manjiri: Harsh Ji!!....chaliye abhi aap pehle...

Manish: Kirti!...Akshu kahan hai...

Kirti: Papa, Akshu ward me hai...

Doctor came out after delivering the baby.

Doctor: Nurse, vo dusri patient ki kya state h?

Nurse: Ma'am unki delivery ho rahi hai...

Doctor: kya? Aise kaise? Kon kr raha hai...

Nurse: unke husband...

The doctor was dumbfounded while Harshvardhan sighed in relief that at least the doctor inside is up to the mark as he knew his son will leave no stone unturned to ensure safe delivery of the baby and Akshara.

While the members outside the ward prayed and were confident, Abhimanyu was shivering inside. He knew the theory and operated on a pregnant lady before but that was long time ago. What if some sudden complication came up? He doesn't have enough practical knowledge about this...

Abhimanyu: Nahi....mujhe sirf accha sochna hai...hey Mahadev! Mujhe himmat do...meri biwi aur bacche ki raksha karo...

He prayed and approached Akshara with confidence.

Abhimanyu: Akshu, baba when I say push, you push okay?

Akshara: Ugh!!! I hate you!!

Abhimanyu: what?

Nurse: sir, bohot logon ki biwiyan aise bolti hai...aap continue kro...

Abhimanyu: eh...haa..haan...Akshu...push!! PUSH!!!

Akshara screamed and pushed.

Abhimanyu: PUSH!!

Akshara: I am pushing!!!

Abhimanyu: some more...

Akshara: KHUD LAGA LO....AHH...

Abhimanyu: kya?

Akshara: I ...AH!!....I AM NEVER LETTING YOU TOUCH ME AGAIN...

Abhimanyu: what!? Why?

Nurse: sir!! Focus...

Abhimanyu: PUSH BABY...PLEASE....

Akshara continued doing so...

Abhimanyu: I can see the head! Yes....

After lots of pushing, shouts and pain; Abhira heard the most wonderful cry of their lives. Akshara slumped in her bed, her sheets bloody and body drained.

Abhimanyu held his baby with shivering hands while the nurse instructed him to the cut the cord.

Abhimanyu: (cries softly) Akshu....humara ..humara ba-

He looked up to see his wife passed out in pain but with a small smile gracing her face. The nurse took the baby to clean while Abhimanyu himself cleaned his wife. Soon, another nurse came and assisted him. As they shifted Akshara to a different room, Abhimanyu went out to meet his family.

Manjiri: Abhi!!!! Nurse ne bataya...congratulations!!!

She hugged her son and cried.

Abhimanyu: I am a father...

He whispered and thanked his god. Everyone hugged him and enquired about the health of Akshara who was asleep and unaware.

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

Akshara woke up feeling sore.

Akshara: ouch!

Abhimanyu was quickly by her side.

Abhimanyu: Akshu? Baba, you okay?

Akshara: Abhi...haan...humara baby?

Abhimanyu smiled and pointed at the small crib next to her bed. She looked at him with tears and he kissed them away.

Abhimanyu: Smile meri jaan...ye khushi ka mauka hai...

Akshara: Ansu bhi khushi ke hi hai ....

Abhimanyu: Thank you...

Akshara: kyu?

Abhimanyu: for this...for us....for coming into my life and now bringing another life...I love you...

Akshara: (teary eyes) And I love you...

They kissed sweetly before Abhimanyu rested his cheek against hers as they together stared at the small bundle of joy, sleeping in a crib next to his mother's cot- wrapped in blue.

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

THE END

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

The baby had been delivered! This marks the ending of Pregnant Akshu Series. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I might write a Baby Abhira OS next which will follow their journey as parents. Or make it a series too. Keyword- Might.

Other series ideas:-

1. Festive Abhira Series

2. Fairytale Abhira Series

Also, this book as 60+ chapters, should I continue writing here itself or create a different book?

xoxo