Aman tried to understand the woman in front of him but he didn't think he could. Sakshi always puzzled him and this time wasn't any different.

"You must think I'm crazy" she continued before he could say anything "I've given a lot of thinking to this and decided I'm not going to keep the baby".

"Why?"he asked, irritated "you wanted it so badly that you didn't even want to abort..and now you want to give it to some strangers?"

She fiddled with the pillow for a while before replying "I want to start my life with a clean slate. And I know that's what you want too. This way we both can move on without interfering in each other's lives".

He still looked puzzled and she continued "I'm planning to apply for the research program in Canada so I can get a student Visa" she explained softly "once I give birth and done with the formalities of adoption, we can get separated".

"What about our parents?"he asked "will it be easy for them to accept your bizarre decision?"

She gave a meek nod "they have to..time heals everything and they'll come to terms with it".

He didn't know what to reply to that. A slow silence stretched between then only to be deterred by a soft breeze emanating through the balcony which was slightly open.

The meowing caught their attention as the cat sauntered towards Aman and settled on his lap, much to Sakshi's displeasure.

"Is he going to share the room?"she asked in annoyance, glaring at the cat which purred.

"Yeah. Don't ask me to adopt him too. I simply won't" he replied, ruffling the cat softly.

"Do you always have to be like this?" she seethed "don't you have an ounce of compassion in your vein?"

He slowly turned his gaze towards her "I've had a long day Sakshi.." he drawled "the last thing I want is a conduct certificate from you".

She didn't want to reply to that as she realized her words had been harsh. What was his fault in all of this?

"I'm sorry..." she turned to the other side, wiping the corner of her eye which had only begun to form a small tear "for my intolerance".

The cat meowed, making aware of the eerie silence stretch further into the night. She stared at the ceiling for a long time since sleep was out of the question.

"Where did you get him?"she asked, referring to the noisy pet in his arms; anything to distract her mind from the present.

Even though he looked perplexed, he decided to answer anyway "the cemetery".

The answer surprised her and she craned her head nearer "what were you doing in the cemetery?"she couldn't help but ask as curiosity got the better of her.

"You need not know that" he replied, taking the cat in his arms as he got up slowly "if you want anything, ask my mother". She watched him head towards the door "where are you going?"

He didn't look back "the only place where I can clear my head and think".

She didn't want to stop as it felt like the right thing to do at the moment. The rest could be dealt with later. Tossing back to her pillow, she stretched her feet and closed her eyes in a last desperate attempt to fall asleep.

And that's when the visions started...

◇◇◇◇◇

Debu stared at his friend and partner who was crouched on the floor with a grim expression on his face.

"I won't say 'I told you so' again" he began but Aman cut him off "you already said a thousand times so please shut up".

Debu scratched his head in irritation and simply watched his friend in silence and when he couldn't take it anymore, he huffed "you should have eloped when you had the chance".

Aman looked at the starry ceiling and ignoring the urge to reply. Debu let out a wary sigh "why the hell did you call me here then?"

Aman breathed deeply "I didn't want to be alone". Debu felt a twinge of sympathy for his friend even though he was still angry at the step he had taken.

"Moron" he murmured, settling beside Aman on the floor of their studio which was deserted except for the paintings which spoke volumes "Siya's going to kill me. She was pissed when I got ready at this hour and I didn't even tell her where I was going" he gave a small snort before continuing "I think she suspects I'm having an affair".

Aman laughed lightly "your wife's crazy". Atleast that part was true; his friend had a loving family.

"Marriage isn't that bad you know" Debu gave an encouraging pat on his friend's shoulder.

"Yeah..especially when you're married to your dead brother's fiancee who's expecting a child she has no clue, I think it's icing on the cake" Aman said by way of unfiltered sarcasm.

Debu didn't smile "this is so complicated" he sighed after Aman had narrated to him the consequences of his marriage "but if she doesn't want to keep the baby and wants a separation, then what's the problem?"

Aman shook his head "I don't seem to understand her at all. One moment she wanted to abort the baby and was almost ready and the next moment she says she wants to give birth and then adopt. She's one predictable woman" he continued "can't blame her though. You should see her father. All that controlling nature must have taken a toll on her".

Debu nodded "she must have a pretty good reason". Aman turned "for what?"

Debu shrugged "for not wanting to abort the baby" he looked intently at his friend "didn't you ask her?"

"I tried but she told me she has her own reasons" Aman rolled his eyes.

"See? I'm sure there's some serious back story behind it or else why would anyone want to keep a child when they had no idea who the father is or if they were raped or something?"

Aman got up with a start "no! I don't think that happened" he blinked. Debu glared at his friend in disbelief "dude! Someone took advantage of her. Hell! It could have been anyone, or more than one...we don't know..."

"Shut the hell up!"Aman yelled, unable to even imagine the raw truth his friend was spewing. But that was Debu; he was practical.

"Are you deluded?" Debu snapped "no one saw it...and even if they did, there's no evidence to suggest if it was forced or consensual  since she was drugged".

Aman didn't say a word as Debu went on saying many things. He hadn't thought of the possibility that Sakshi was attacked by one or more person... what if they had manhandled her? Wouldn't she have known?

"Why don't you ask her?" Debu said finally "talk to her and help her?"

"I tried to but she wouldn't open up" Aman said which was half true. Ever since they were married, talking was the last thing in his mind. He was angry for everything that was thrust upon him and partly blamed herself for it without even thinking.

After a brief silence, he spoke up again "I didn't want to get involved" he admitted a surprised Debu "I wanted to get away from all of this but I couldn't...I'm to blame" he bit his lower lip "I gave Amit the idea of taking her to the party and the guilt is killing me ever since".

Debu looked at him with sympathy "stop going on a guilt trip. You're not responsible for what happened later..it's your brother. He should have protected her. That's what I don't understand....how come he didn't have any clue?"

"Each and every speculation died with him" Aman gave a wane smile "I can't even ask him".

Debu patted his arm "don't leave your wife stranded in the middle" he said in a serious tone.

"To the world, she may be my wife but not to me" Aman said with a sneer. Debu ignored the quip and went on "help and support her as much as you can because she needs it more than you".

Aman didn't answer but closed his eyes wondering whether he would be able to help himself..

◇◇◇◇◇

When Sakshi walked into the kitchen, she could hear whispered conversation between Amrita and Devaki who spotted her and stopped speaking.

It had been a week since the marriage but it felt like it was yesterday because of the monotonous routine that was followed in the house. Amrita had come to stay and Sakshi was glad she had someone to talk to even if it was not too friendly for her benefit.

As for her mother in law, it was the usual routine to greet first and then Devaki would offer her a cup of tea in the morning. Even though Sakshi would offer to help, Devaki would decline stating she needed rest at this time. And the remainder of the days would be spent in her room, only to come out for lunch or dinner.

This morning wasn't any different and Sakshi sufficed with a formal greeting. Devaki gave a thin smile and greeted back but Amrita looked like she was happy to see her "did you have great sleep?"she asked in a bright voice.

Sakshi forced a smile and nodded, sitting next to her. Devaki wore her usual silence and sipped her tea. Sakshi cleared her throat and looked at her "maa?"she called slowly "I have an appointment with the gynecologist at two".

She watched as the mother daughter exchange a quick glance and then Devaki gave a small nod. Sakshi took that as a yes and finished her tea immediately.

"Why don't you go to my gynecologist?" Amrita suggested hopefully "she's the best in the city and she'll guide you throughout".

"I've already booked the appointment and I know the doctor. She's from the same hospital I worked before" Sakshi explained.

"It's okay..you can always cancel" Amrita argued "I want you to have a safe pregnancy, just like mine" she rubbed her belly with pride.

Sakshi didn't want to hurt her feelings, when she looked insanely happy at the prospect of having a child and finally relented.

Amrita called her doctor enthusiastically as she watched while Devaki stared at her "are you going alone?"she asked, breaking the ice.

Sakshi simply nodded but Devaki didn't look pleased "I'll call Aman and ask him to accompany you".

Sakshi pressed her fingers together in agitation; this wasn't good. The last thing she wanted right now was his involvement, again.

He hardly came home and even when he did, he would spend most of his time with his mother, occasionally coming to their bedroom to take his things or sometimes to retrieve his cat which would follow her to their room.
The conversation between them had ceased and she was grateful for that.

"I'm fine really..I'll be back soon" Sakshi tried to convince her mother in law who obviously wasn't.

"It won't look good if you go alone" Devaki explained in a stern way "in a few weeks, people would know and we should be prepared. It's better if you two go together for the check up".

It was an order she had to obey and Devaki took her cellphone, probably to call him, Sakshi thought with dejection.

After lunch and the by the time she was ready to go, Devaki walked into her room "he said he's busy..that he'll try". Sakshi heaved a sigh of relief "that's okay..I'll take a cab".

When she reached the entrance of the apartment, her relief was short lived as she saw the familiar Beetle parked in the corner.

Shit! She tried to ignore the car but couldn't as the person was right in front of her.

"Maa said you were busy" she said by way of accusing him for showing up. He didn't look pleased either "I thought so too but she sort of threatened me" he drawled "get in..I don't have much time left".

She decided to provoke him "sure.. you need your precious time to sharpen your paintbrush".

Contrary to her, he looked straight ahead "tell me the address". Stunned at his ignorance, she could only gape at him. Having never missed a chance at retorts, she wondered what must have conspired with him to ignore her rebuke.

"I asked you the address" he repeated much to her chagrin. Still perplexed at his behaviour, she told him.

The rest of the journey continued in silence, both stealing ocassional glances from each other but ignoring all the same.

They reached the clinic and she turned to him "I'll go from here...you need not chaperone me" and walked out of the car when she heard his voice "wait here..I'll be back".

"Your mother won't see you...don't worry" she retorted. He didn't answer but turned the car towards the parking lot which meant he wasn't taking no as an answer and  she had no choice but to take him along.

Please let the ordeal be over soon, she prayed fervently as they walked inside the clinic.

◇◇◇◇◇

"Don't be nervous" the gynecologist told her as she lay on the bed for the ultrasound scan "take a deep breath and relax".

Even though it was far from relaxing, Sakshi took a deep breath and tried to focus on the screen in front of her.

The doctor moved the device over her belly and went on checking while she saw the screen quietly.

"Everything looks fine to me" the doctor smiled and signalled the nurse "call her husband...he must want to see too".

"No it's okay" Sakshi stated immediately, much to the doctor's surprise and added "I mean...he's a little shy".

The doctor raised an amused eyebrow "this is to be shared by both of you" she motioned for the nurse who walked out. Heavens save me! Sakshi gasped slowly.

◇◇◇◇◇

Aman sat on the consultation room and checked the clock on the ceiling, wondering what the hell was taking so long.

The phone call from his friend didn't help at all. "Where the hell are you?" Debu demanded "Mrs Shah called twice....you had a meeting with her".
Aman cursed his rotten luck "tell her I'll be late".

"Are you insane?" Debu fumed "she's setting up a fundraiser and you say you're going to be late? We're talking cash here!"

"I know!" Aman snapped "I'm in the clinic with Sakshi for her checkup".
A small silence followed this statement.

"That's great" Debu said after a while "that's an improvement". Aman had to scoff at that "I'll call Mrs Shah regarding the fundraiser and..."

"Excuse me?"a soft voice interrupted his call and he saw the nurse approach him "the doctor's calling you inside".

Alarmed, he looked at her "is everything okay?" She gave a bright smile and nodded.

Curious, he walked inside only to find Sakshi lying on the bed with the doctor seated beside her and explaining while showing the screen.

The doctor turned her attention to him "your wife's ultrasound looks normal" she said with a friendly smile "let me show you".

Before he could comprehend, she showed him the screen and moved the pointer towards what looked like a black and white hazy structure. Confused, he turned his gaze towards Sakshi who looked equally awkward.

"This is your baby, can you see?"the doctor rounded off the pointer and Aman stared blankly "er..yeah..okay" he mumbled, not knowing what else to say at the moment.

"I know it looks small and hazy but this is the head...and these are two tiny feet...beautiful isn't it?" And soon, she went on to show the other organs while they both meekly nodded.

"Take care of your wife Mr Aman" the doctor said in a serious tone "she needs your emotional support throughout the pregnancy".

Aman shifted his gaze at Sakshi who turned away. He could observe her eyes tear a little bit.

Debu's words stung back at him...it could have been anyone...or more than one. He gulped for breath having no urge to stay inside the room any longer.

"I'll wait outside" he told her and walked out before anyone could stop him.

◇◇◇◇◇

"Are you hungry?"

"No".

"We could have something to eat".

"I'm fine".

"A juice maybe?"

Sakshi looked at him "I said I'm not hungry. Don't you have to get back to the studio?"

He wore back his sunglasses as he drove slowly and gave a sideways glance as he replied "I've already sharpened my paintbrush".

She caught his grin and smiled faintly as a small breeze swept through the car window and embraced the peaceful weather. Any other day she would have enjoyed the pristine weather but the inner turmoil in her heart wouldn't let her.

The sudden halt of the car brought her to the present and she saw that he had stopped the car to a side and the area around was deserted.

She gazed at him with a questioning look as he turned to her "do you want to talk?"he asked. Puzzled at the question, she gaped "about what?"

"Everything" he fixed his gaze on hers until she looked away "things you would want to tell someone but couldn't".

He waited for what felt like forever until she spoke up...

Hi everyone!!
How was the chapter...please vote and comment...
Sorry for the looooong delay...(life caught up with me..)😫
I'll try my level best to stay regular in updates...
Have a great day ahead ❤❤
(Sorry for not replying to your messages...)