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--

The first conversation he was having with his baby. It was the first time, he was feeling like... the baby's mother's husband and possibly... a father? 

"Your Maa..." Anirudh felt his throat dry up, as tears filled his eyes at the mere mention of Bondita being a mother. "She is special. Not just to me... she has been special to a lot of people. I... I want her to be special to you too... I want you to... know her. If you don't know her, you will miss out on the... best." 

The tears welled in his eyes. 

"There were many... many others, I had dreamed of, for her to be special to. She was going to empower the whole world and... she was going to make many Bondita's," Anirudh said, his throat getting hoarse. "But now... I will settle, and be s - satisfied, if she can just light the candle in you."

The tears fell down his cheeks, as he caressed her belly. 

"It's not that I'm not ready to be... a f - father," he murmured to the baby inside, "I'm ready. I... do want it. I do want to be... one." It was the truth; being a father, he was ready for, and somewhere had a desire for too. 

"The only thing is... Bondita, your Maa, it wasn't her time," Anirudh whispered, feeling his nose getting stuffy now too, his voice getting slightly nasally. "B - but I w - won't c - complain about that... because even if I don't think the time is appropriate, the truth is that it's already happened. I just have one wish now... one request from you."

He glanced at the belly, as he took a deep breath, clearing his throat. 

"Take care of your Maa," Anirudh whispered, bringing his face close to her stomach, as he caressed her belly. "Protect her. Don't l - let anything happen to her. I love your Maa very much."

He didn't know how to convey his love for Bondita, for the first time ever to this little one. It was hard to explain to anyone, for it was beyond all explanations. However, this love was what made this. This love was what created this magic inside her womb... a magic he would have perhaps enjoyed more, had this been at a better time. 

For some reason, he was feeling a little more comfortable speaking to the baby. He felt like rambling... sharing more. 

A slight glance towards Bondita, and he relaxed a little, seeing that she was soundly asleep. A smile reached his lips, a heartfelt one as he glanced back at her belly. 

"But... do you know something? Before she was your Maa, she had already been my mother." He paused, a feeling in his chest of triumph, as if he just won a competition. She was his Maa first. He quickly gulped and pushed away such a petty thought, yet he couldn't help but feel like he won at something since the romance novels had defeated him, and the roshogullas nearly did too. "So I have no doubt that she will be the best mother!" 

His tone got emotional again, as he said, "You... you have to see her... as a mother. Nothing can happen to her. You have to witness this form of her. Just like I did... just like Batuk did too. H - he calls himself your Super Chachu..." A light chuckle left his lips, and he said, "If only he spent his time being a Super Student instead, I wouldn't need to worry about him."

Anirudh lightly rubbed Bondita's belly, the warmth of his palm transferring onto her skin. 

"They say that a mother has an undeniable connection with her baby when they're inside the womb. The umbilical cord that joins them is the link that nourishes, and takes care of the baby. But also the mother," Anirudh murmured. "Fetal cells can also be sent to the mother, healing her when she needs to be healed too. These stem cells can take the form of what the mother needs, can even heal many different organs within her body, and can last even after birth."

Anirudh took another deep breath, as he caught hold of his emotions. 

"This is why I can... give you this task. You aren't helpless in there. Just like you need your Maa, your Maa also needs you. In every circumstance... take care of her. I'll protect her from outside, and you protect her from within. Deal?"

He pressed his mouth to her stomach, his lips brushing over her belly button. 

He didn't know who he was kissing. Bondita, or the baby... but he felt the overwhelming need to come closer, to want to know more and more about the one inside her.

Unfortunately, for now, this was the closest that he could get. 

Lifting his mouth from her belly button, he smiled softly, feeling a strange, yet light feeling in his chest again. 

Then he glanced up at Bondita, who was still soundly sleeping. He grabbed the blanket and pulled it up to her chest, covering her with it. Sitting next to her, he brought his hand to her head and caressed her hair gently. 

"I'm sorry Bondita. I know I should tell you before leaving. But, I don't want to disappoint you. You were so happy after so long," Anirudh said softly, "You had given up your arguments... you were facing darkness and pain longer than I was. You... you even pushed all that aside to heal me. You forgot your own pain for me. You didn't even allow yourself to f - feel it." 

His eyes glistened with tears. 

"You're so great Bondita. So, great. How does anyone put a stop to their own pain, for someone else?" he murmured, tears rolling down his cheeks, "Yet you did. This is why you're a Goddess. This is why you're divine. Nobody... no human can have this kind of compassion for anyone. Everyone always thinks about themselves first. But you? You didn't care about what you wanted, what you believed... you were only worried about me. You only cared about my happiness. You wanted to heal me, even though you yourself were broken... yet you forgot that you were even broken. You forgot yourself... for me."

"You had given up your arguments all this time, and then in a split second, without another thought, for me, you had brought them back.... f - for me. This is motherly love. This is divine love. Only a Goddess can do this for her child, she can bring a revolution of change within her whole system, in the minutest of moments... out of such pure love."

He wiped his tears away, and brought his hand back down to her hair. 

"I don't want to hear you beg for me to stay... I don't want to have to order you to sit still. This is why I'm going now, without telling you. I... will be back. I promise. I just... I need to go and see, what we can do about delivery. I need to research more. I have to do it now. I can't sit still anymore. Not when your life is at stake. I can't lose you Bondita. I just need to go and cope with this... but I'll be back... you... you stay here, and wait for me. Trust me, that I will be back." 

He leaned towards her and kissed her forehead. 

"I'll call you when I get back to Tulsipur, and ease your worries when I'm there," he murmured. "Until then, you sleep, and let Thakumaa take care of you. Don't worry about me." 

Anirudh lifted his face and admired her sleeping figure. She looked like an angel. So peaceful. It was like after so long, she had been happy and tension free, and the truth was that so had he, today, despite this last nagging feeling about the uncertainty of her life. He didn't want to disturb her peace. 

He slowly got up and left the room. 

-- 

When he went downstairs, Kaka was lost in conversation with Thakumaa, the two of them with glows on their faces, looking quite happy, that they had lost track of time. 

"Jamai Babu," Thakumaa said, looking up at Anirudh. 

"Oh Anirudh, you came quick!" Kaka said, sounding sad that Anirudh didn't take longer. 

"Let's go Kaka," Anirudh said. 

Kaka nodded, and stood up. "Alright Kalindi, it's getting late, and the sun will set soon. We should get going." 

"You can stay here for the night," Thakumaa told the two of them. 

"No, it's better that I go back," Anirudh responded. "Thank you so much for the hospitality Thakumaa. You really gave me more honour than I feel was required this Jamai Sasthi." 

Thakumaa brushed it off and said, "No need to thank me Jamai Babu! You deserve every honour!" 

"I know how hard you worked on the function, that's why I didn't say anything and let you feed me... and fan me," he cringed slightly, remembering how uncomfortable he had been with the fan, "I didn't want to make you feel bad... but please, don't hold such a grand celebration for me again!" 

Kaka rolled his eyes and said, "Kalindi, he doesn't understand the importance of our rituals. It's better not to argue with him." 

Anirudh gave an annoyed look to Kaka, and Kalindi just said, "Jamai Babu, I know how you must feel, but you also understand that we love doing this for you. Anyways, it is getting late. Where is Bondita?" 

"Sleeping," Anirudh said, "I put her to sleep." 

"How are you now?" Thakumaa asked. 

"Fine," Anirudh sighed, "But I just need some time." 

"You know, death during childbirth isn't necessary. Many women make it without dying too. Think positive. And we will do our best for Bondita. You aren't lacking anything -- neither care, nor financial resources," Kalindi explained. 

Anirudh felt his heart constrict, his breathing getting heavy as Thakumaa brought this up again. 

However, there was another thing that he was reminded of -- financial resources. What happened to women who lacked the financial resources? Was the risk worse for them? This thought was bothering him inside. 

"Let's go Kaka," Anirudh just said, and went out of the haveli. 

Kaka sighed and said, "Alright Kalindi, I will take your leave. I will come back with Anirudh tomorrow to collect Bahu... if he doesn't come to get her without me!"

Thakumaa laughed and said, "Come soon Zamindar Babu. Bondita will eat my head off for sure, wanting to speak to her Pati Babu. Call when you get home." 

Kaka nodded, and walked out of the haveli after Anirudh, so they could get going. 

-- 

Bondita opened her eyes, not long after, and she looked around, noticing that Anirudh wasn't in the room. 

She slipped out of bed and was about to run out of the room, her saree pallu off, her saree extremely messy and wrinkled, not a decent look at all. 

She noticed that her blouse was pinned, almost as if Anirudh had anticipated what she would do, and had been worried about her running out of the room, forgetting that her blouse wasn't even covering her. 

Bondita threw her pallu over her shoulder and picked up the skirt of her saree, rushing out of the room, and running down the stairs frantically. 

When she got to the living room, she grabbed her Thakumaa's arms and demanded, "Thakumaa, where's Pati Babu?"

Chandrachur was there, eyeing Bondita's wrinkled saree with a pained expression.

"He left with Zamindar Babu. He will come back Bondita. Probably tomorrow," Thakumaa informed.

"When did he go?" Bondita asked, sounding panicked.

"Just now..." Thakumaa said, "Bondita, calm down."

Tears streamed down her cheeks and she said, "I - I didn't want to fall asleep, because I was afraid this would happen. He - he was just recovering. If he goes and hears something now... about my d - death then... no... no I need to go to him!"

What if he regressed? What if all the efforts they just made came crashing down? What if he left her only to lock himself up in a room of pain? 

No... no he needed her! She needed to be there, just to make sure he was okay. To heal any doubts and pains. She had to be there, so he could at the very least access her if he needed her! She was fine, even if he wanted to be alone... but she had to be in the vicinity of him! Not miles away, here in Krishnanagar!

"Bondita, he already left! Relax. I will call Zamindar Babu and ask him to watch over Jamai Babu!"

Chandrachur just continued to look at Bondita with a dead expression, his eyes not able to ignore the messy hair and wrinkled saree, knowing exactly how that happened. 

Bondita's mind was turning. Pati Babu left just now? She had to reach him. He couldn't be too far away. 

"I'll warm a glass of milk for you," Thakumaa said, "Jamai Babu, please keep an eye on her." 

She left to the kitchen, as Bondita looked around the room frantically. 

Chandrachur took a deep breath, too heartbroken to even talk to Bondita right now. 

Bondita started to rush towards the front door, nearly tripping over her saree, which wasn't even fitted properly anymore, the length being pulled out of her petticoat slightly, making it longer than her ankles. 

Chandrachur rushed over to her and grabbed her arms. 

"What's wrong with you Bondita?" he finally hissed. "Will you get yourself hurt over Barrister Babu?"

Bondita turned to glare at him, jerking her arms away from his grip. 

"Be quiet when you don't know anything!" she snapped. "I don't have time to say anything to you." 

"What will you do? Run to Tulsipur?" he scoffed sarcastically, "I didn't think you were so foolish. You always seemed smart."

Bondita rolled her eyes, at how much he was underestimating her. Did Chandrachur really believe that she was so dumb, that she would run to Tulsipur? Even she knew that by the time she got there by foot, her Pati Babu would be back to pick her up tomorrow! 

"Jamai Babu," her voice took an overly sweet turn, making Chandrachur look at her suspiciously. "Once upon a time, you got me a phone when I needed it. Do you remember?"

Chandrachur winced at those memories of the time he was supposed to marry her -- she had emotionally blackmailed him to get her a phone so that she could speak to that Barrister Babu! That too right in front of his nose!

"I need something else from you," Bondita said nonchalantly. 

"What?" Chandrachur asked, raising his eyebrows. 

"You see... I'm pregnant. And my Pati Babu just left me back here with my Thakumaa!" Bondita said dramatically. "He normally leaves his wallet with me, or his car keys. I'm so used to holding onto something for him responsibly! But here, I have nothing of his!" 

Chandrachur furrowed his eyebrows, not knowing where this was heading. 

"Instead, I was hoping you would let me hold on to something of yours! So that I feel like I'm not missing a day of my routine!" Bondita went on. 

Chandrachur couldn't understand such a strange explanation. 

"Fine... take my wallet," he just said, reaching into his kurta top, but Bondita shook her head. 

"What must you have in there?" she scoffed. 

Chandrachur furrowed his brows again, feeling insulted. 

"I've got money!" he said defensively. 

"My Pati Babu, has given me the keys to his whole safe!" Bondita said, "He has given me full access to his wallet, his money, and his property, and I am allowed to take whatever I want, no questions asked!" 

Chandrachur felt a tinge of jealousy in his heart. Barrister Babu did that for Bondita?

"You... can have my money too!" Chandrachur said immediately. 

"Of course, brothers should keep their sisters financially safe," Bondita said lightly. "But that's not what I want." 

At the mention of brother, his heart clenched. Argh, Bondita! You don't even want my money! What can I give you, to make you respect me?  Chandrachur thought with irritation. 

"What I don't have... is a car," Bondita said nonchalantly. "Pati Babu gives me his car keys, but I don't have my own car yet! Anyways, I would never ask you for such a thing! I only want your car keys, so I feel like I'm being trusted with something important."

Chandrachur glared at her, wondering if she was playing him right now. 

"Something is weird!" he said to her, frowning. "It doesn't make sense!" 

"You don't know pregnant women Jamai Babu! It may seem irrational to you, but the moods of pregnant women are irrational!" Bondita said in an accusatory tone, sounding slightly angry as if she was being misunderstood, causing Chandrachur to gulp. "Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry! Sometimes we crave foods, sometimes we vomit! And sometimes we have irrational desires! Won't you give this pregnant lady some comfort in her lonely day?"

At the mention of Bondita being lonely, and seeking his comfort, his heart soared with pride. Could he really comfort her loneliness?

"Of - of course Bondita! I would love to comfort you on your lonely day," Chandrachur said, "You won't have to be alone. I'll stay with you!" 

"Not necessary!" Bondita huffed. "Just give me your car keys, and I'll feel like I'm special."

Chandrachur frowned and he said, "Let me just check with Thakumaa, if asking for car keys is really a pregnancy symptom!"

Bondita gasped loudly and she said, "You don't trust me? And here I thought you cared! Do you want to comfort me or do you want to comfort Thakumaa?"

At the idea of comforting that old lady, Chandrachur shuddered. He reached into his kurta pocket and pulled out his car keys. 

"Fine, here... hold on to it. I'll get them when I'm going," Chandrachur just said, his head hurting slightly by the constant accusations and confusion. 

It wasn't like she could double cross him with mere car keys anyways! What did Bondita know about driving, and who would take her out in his car?

"Thank you Jamai Babu! You're really kind-hearted! Now, one more thing... I left a special perfume upstairs! Can you bring it down for me?" Bondita asked. 

At the mention of perfume, Chandrachur's eyes lit up. Did she really like his gift that much? His heart was flying in the sky now!

"Of course!" he just said, and nearly hopped up the stairs, to go to her bedroom. 

Bondita quickly seized the opportunity to glance around, and make her escape. Thankfully, her Pati Babu taught her how to drive, and she had a near photographic memory, so she was certain she knew the way back. 

When she had come here with Batuk, Chandrachur hadn't noticed that she was the one who was driving, so it was the most absurd thing for anyone to believe that Bondita, a girl, would know how to drive! 

When Chandrachur came back down happily with the bottle of perfume, he noticed that Bondita was missing. It was at this time, that Thakumaa returned with the glass of milk too. 

"Where's Bondita?" Thakumaa asked. 

"I... don't know," Chandrachur gasped, and then he dropped the bottle of perfume on the ground, causing it to shatter just like his heart, his hands shaking, as he ran to the front door. 

Thakumaa put down the glass of milk and joined him at the front, looking out, where Chandrachur's car was disappearing into the distance. 

"ARGH, SHE TOOK MY CAR!" Chandrachur yelled. 

Thakumaa turned to glare at Chandrachur. 

"Did you give Bondita your car keys?" Thakumaa snarled. 

"Y - yes," Chandrachur whimpered. 

"I never thought you are this --" stupid, Thakumaa nearly finished with anger, uneasiness in her heart. How did she get such a fool for a Jamai Babu? 

"How can she drive?" Chandrachur just gasped, his eyes watering all over again. "Don't tell me that Barrister Babu taught her this too?" 

First Bondita took his heart. Then his life left his body too thanks to her, and now his car was gone too?! Just how much would he need to sacrifice for her? 

--

Hope you enjoyed!

What did you think of Anirudh's scene with his baby?

The scene of Chandrachur/Bondita?

Anything that stood out to you/you enjoyed?

What will happen now?

A disclaimer: the fact about the stem cell was not known back then, but I'm taking some creative liberty here, so that I can educate my reader base with some cool facts. 

I'll write the next part now! Please press star and leave your comments!

Btw I asked a question on my Instagram (lovebarristerbabu) about the promo (who kidnapped Bondita?), and shared some responses. Do participate with your thoughts too and check out the responses!

Love you all! ❤️