A Priceless surprise

8 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

A Priceless surprise :

Sanyogita’s pregnancy report came out that said she was six weeks pregnant which was confirmed by a transabdominal scan and transvaginal sonography showing gestational sac, cardiac activity, and CRL. For confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy beta HCG test was done in 48-hour intervals to get double the value of the previous

One man opens the gate of the private lift and leads them across the large lobby.

“ Prithvi now it's past ten thirty in India. Maa and Dadimaa will be worried for us. We are so busy at work we can't think about the time! “Sanyogita sounded worried

Prithvi smiled and clasped her hand " Don't worry Jaan I'm with you I'll handle everything okay. I have told already Maa and Grandma toh had their dinner, maybe we will be late for coming “

Hearing him, Sanyogita relaxed a bit.

One man was standing outside of the main gate of their duplex compartment when the gate for them.

They stepped into the vast living room and could see nothing but the darkness.

They thought perhaps everyone had gone to sleep.

Sanyogita asked Prithvi to flash his mobile screen before he reached his pocket and was shocked. Sanyogita caught Prithvi with fear, there was an "O' shape in their mouth.

Shimmering papers sprayed on their head coming out of Bursting balloons, they saw everyone was shouting in unison

"Surpissssssseeeeeeeeee"

"So how was the surprise ...chocka diya na!"" Ariyan and Anushka said with a laugh

Sanyogita and Prithvi both eyes grew wider in astonishment seeing the

gleaming faces of all the facies standing in the living room before them.

Sanyogita was as shocked and loaded with happiness to see Annaya standing before her. It has been so long since they met her. Although she had sent sargi to her for her first Karwachauth after marriage, the meeting was not that lengthy as Annaya was worried about her husband Avinash and also Abhiram, Prithvi's father who warned them not to keep any kind of contact with both husband and wife.

Anannya stepped toward them , and as soon as Sanyogita hugged Annaya.

A mere maternal affection she has always felt in Annaya’s presence.

She embraced her too.

After breaking the hug Sanyogita asked

“ Mamsy I'm so glad to meet you many many days after. But why are you all….

Annaya cut her in the shot and Said “ Thanks to Maa she informed me by phone call and gave me the good news.

Prithvi and Sanyogita both saw Shambhavi smiling seeing them “How couldn't they come? I called my daughter-in-law. I know my two sons will never have the dare to go against their mother's command. Agar to Sher hai toh mein sawaaherni hoon “

Everyone giggles at Shambhavi's comment.

“ Agree with Maa. Unless you two forget me for so long. We are eagerly waiting for you two. don't you know Maa has to go to sleep earlier but she is still waiting for you two ! “" Ananya sounded complaining in her maternal tone. “ and forget about Prithvi at least you could tell me”

“ No Mamsy it's like that … you already know about Dad ...! “"

Looking at the jaw-dropped face of Prithvi Ananya continued" I know beta… but for Me, you , Sanyo always be like my Aryan and Anushka …”

"Mumsy..I'm sorry we just got the report this morning.." Sanyogita let out

" It's okay beta… apology is accepted. Now come and change your outfit. We have arranged a little surprise party for both of you !"

Prithvi and Sanyogita exchange amusing glances with each other. They were overjoyed witnessing the little yet heartening celebration of their family members.

Anushka who was standing hugging Shambhavi came to them and said in excitement “ Bhaiya I'm so angry with you. You forgot your sister after marriage. Bhabhi se shadi ke baad Behan ko paraya kar diya” She made a cute puffy face

Everyone giggled at Anushka's accent.

“ Haatt pagli… how could your Prithvi bhaiya forget his little princess! “ He taps on her head “ Boddhu ladki!! ""

Anushka looked up at his brother and hugged him tightly.

“ No Anu, how could you think that anyone can take the place of you in your Brother's heart? Not even your Sanyogita Bhavi and not even your Meera Bhavi could dare to do that “ Sanyogita emphasised Meera’s name intentionally.

Ariyan who was watching both his little sister and elder sister-in-law's tantrums , took a break to glance at his lady love, Meera blushed a little after hearing Sanyogita address her as the sister-in-law of Anushka.

He noticed her cheeks were flushed. Moreover he was too blushing from inside.

Anushka's cute complaining face beaming with a shiny smile in replacement.

" I'm so so happy Bhabhi, when Mom informed me someone younger than me is coming to us, now I no longer be the youngest member of the family, " Anushka said with enthusiasm

Everyone giggled at her innocent excitement.

"Many more years after there isn't any giggling laughter of any kids in the corner of Malhotra mansion, " Shambhavi bit her tongue when slipped out of Malhotra mansion mistakenly…

Everyone looked at her.

Aware of every single person's eyes on her she corrected herself “ I mean in our little world.. soon a new grandchild will come to make our world beautiful with their innocent laughter “" She caressed Sanyogita's head with compassion. Sanyogita couldn't help but smile as her heart was gathered with emotions

“ Thanks a lot, beta, we didn't have words to describe how happy we are only hearing the news, I wish Purvi, there may be in the Cosmo, will be happy both of you and Prithvi “

Ananya too gave two gold bangles to Sanyogita

"Mamsy, this ?"

"No, beta, if Purvi was alive then she would definitely do this. She said to me when Prithvi settled down in his life, and made his small family then I have to give her bangles to his wife. accept it beta "

Sanyogita's eyes welled up with tears although she controlled her emotions.

“ Mamsy Papa knew about this? “

Annaya looked at her speechless.

Sanyogita understood. She looked at Prithvi who said " No Mamsy we can't take it “

" Prithvi !! “" Ananya frowned at him in disappointed

“ No Mamsy, we will take it when Dad comes upon himself and asks his daughter-in-law to wear it only then Sanyo will accept this.”

Sanyogita agreed with her husband" Yes Mamsy, Prithvi thik hai keh rahi hai.. we will take it only when Papa will give it from his heart. “

Ananya looked at them hopelessly.

Shambhavi opened her mouth and told. them to take the bangles but both Prithvi Sanyogita were adamant in their decision as it was. So she gave up. And prayed silently in my heart that things would go well like before.

Nilima who had remained silent for the entire conversation, simply stared at her daughter, her eyes getting damp witnessing the love and affection for the family members for Sanyogita. She was happy from the bottom of her heart, and now her daughter and son-in-law's married life is going to be complete.

The serious emotional environment was broken by a thin yet innocent voice

“ Auntyyyyy!!" “"

Sanyogita was surprised to see her nephew running towards her.

She sat on her knees to reach up to the height of little Superman Ariyan who hugged his darling Aunty by her neck.

She kissed the soft skin of his cheek.

" Aunty, Why did you come so late? I was waiting for you for so long!!!!" He moved his right hand in the air to draw an imaginary

period how long he waited for their arrival.

“I'm sooo sooo sorry beta.. your Aunty didn't know Superman was waiting for her. Please forgive Aunty “Sanyogita's voices become childish automatically.

Prithvi noticed the duo and made a face “ You're waiting for your Aunty only… not for your best buddy. I'm hurt “ He clasped his hands, closed his chest, and tried to make a sad face.

Ariyan's heads moved up and back as to the met gaze of the six-foot-tall physique of Prithvi.

“No I too waiting for you Prithvi “ He broke the hug with her Aunty to reach Prithvi.

Prithvi filled Ariyan wrapping his little arms around his waist. His mouth was facing up to his stomach only. Prithvi's fake sad face turned into an amusing smile, by losing the hands from his chest he bent a little and took little Aryan in his arms, close to his chest.

Ariyan spread his tiny arms around him and made a circle around his neck.

“ Prithvi, Mummy said soon I'll get a little sister or a brother of mine, ?""

" Yes, Dude !" Prithvi chuckled

Sanyogita stood up on her heels and blushed at Ariyan's words.

" Yeepee… Then I'll play with them every day " Ariyan began to clap with his soft palms .

Prithvi’s large hand grabbed the whole face of Ariyan, he kissed on his soft cheek.

Later kissed him back .

" Sanyo, congratulations, I'm very very happy for you both " Ariyan's mother said with a pleasant smile. She hugged her sister-in-law tightly.

She was overwhelmed by seeing her closer one in their sudden happy moments.

Meera came and greeted her “ Congratulations Bhabhi. Although I knew about it , “ She gave a wink to Sanyogita.

Prithvi noticed this and laughed

“ But today Ariyan gave me the news and asked me to join the small surprise family. I couldn't bound her happiness, or the opportunity to Miss the chance of meeting with you” .

Sanyogita hugged her tightly and asked "Thanks a lot Devrani Ji, btw did you want to see me or do you have other plans to meet my dear Devarji….. " Sanyogita tease

Meera’s cheeks flushed red due to shyness.

Ariyan was baffled to see the teasing of her elder sister-in-law. Although he was seeking opportunities to meet Meera in private.

Arjun and Maya were too invited to the party.

Prithvi now understood why he was in a hurry to reach home. All the plans were made by his dear grandmother.

Maya and Arjun both greet them from the bottom of their heart.

Shambhavi, Ananya, and Nilima stepped into the kitchen to arrange the dinner. Sanyogita too wanted to join them but they warned her that tonight's party was because of her. Sanyogita was the attraction of this night. So she can't do anything except enjoy this night.

Anushka wanted to help but Annaya told her to go to study as she would soon have her semester in the upcoming month. Also, Meera to help her in her Studies. Meera agrees with Annaya.

Anushka Muttered “ Abhi se hi pyari Sasu Maa ki bate manne lage bhabhi “

Meera heard this and gave a look to Anushka who giggled instead.

Here in the living room,

The last member who stole Sanyogita’s attention was her best friend Radhika and her son Rahul.

Seeing her smiling, Sanyogita reached cloud nine of happiness “ Radzz finally you came back. I thought You would next year. “ Sanyogita giggled in excitement and hugged her bestie

Radhika hugged back the same intensity of happiness " How could I miss my child’s surprise party? finally meri beti badi ho gayi hai! “"

" Radz stop joking. “

Everyone notices how these both best friend

Cheerios their meeting whenever they meet.

Radhika giggled" I'm thinking about Jiju how could you handle both children of thin ?? ”

Prithvi giggled and replied joining the teasing of Radhika " Just Siddharth is handling you I'll learn in time”

Sanyogita threw him a narrow gaze. Prithvi giggled at her expression.

Siddharth who was holding their fifteen-month-old baby boy, Rahul in his arms responded “ So, dude finally you too are going to be father! “" He punches gently on Prithvi’s shoulder

Prithvi replied with the same style. Both the boys shared a buddy's laugh.

Ignoring the presence of Prithvi jokes, , Sanyogita focuses on Rahul.

Sanyogita's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Rahul, her voice filled with affection.

"Aree, Mera bacha, come to Massu!" She extended her arms, and in a flash, Rahul nestled into her embrace, his tiny hands wrapping around her neck. Sanyogita's face lit up with a warm smile. "Radz, I'm being honest, I've missed Rahul more than you lately. I wish Shivji would bless me with a baby like him. I'll play with him all day and never let him out of my sight!"

Prithvi's eyes widened, especially at the words "never let him out of my sight."

Ariyan caught his brother's gaze, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. A sly grin spread across

Ariyan's face as he asked, "Bhavi, you mean you'll give your entire attention to your child?"

Sanyogita's laughter filled the air. "Yes, yes!....bache toh hotei hai pampered karne ke liye (Babies are meant to be pampered) . I'll always give my kid attention!"

Rahul giggles harmonized with Sanyogita's, and she pressed her cheeks against his chubby ones. "Alleeaaa meraaa bachhaa!!!! Umahh umahhh...umahhhh!!!!" Sanyogita showered Rahul with kisses, her affection overflowing.

Radhika's laughter echoed through the room, and even Siddharth cracked a smile.

Ariyan teased, "Maybe Rahul likes beautiful ladies, that's why he's so attached to you, Bhavi!" Sanyogita's giggles continued, and Prithvi shot his brother a mock-scornful look. Ariyan chuckled at Prithvi's reaction, but Radhika playfully rolled her eyes. "Perhaps you're right... Papa pe jo gaye hai na!" (Maybe he takes after his father!)

Siddharth chimed in, "Whenever you see something good in Rahul, you compare it to me. And all the bad qualities belong to me, right?" Radhika playfully rolled her eyes again, and Sanyogita's giggles persisted.

Sanyogita was too busy playing with little Rahul and didn't notice her words were pricking. Someone. And that someone was her husband.

“ Sanyo be careful someone is getting jealous” Siddharth indicated through the gesture of eyes to her

Sanyogita followed the gaze and looked at Prithvi who was looking at her but as soon as her eyes met him, he diverted his attention to little Ariyan “

Buddy let's go, I will take you on a long drive. Even we go to watch movies, and amusement parks this week. “

" Sach Prithvi “

" Yes, yes, why not! “" “ Prithvi sounded excited. He kissed Ariyan's cheeks. As Sanyogita was giving to Rahul.

Sanyogita watched both Ariyan and Prithvi. She walked to them and scolded " Nahi bilkul. Nahi… why are you spoiling my kid? Tum toh khud toh brigade raees hoo… mere bacche ko bhi bigadne par ready ho Gaye hoo“"

" What? “"You called me Bigda Reese.. you mean rich spoiled brat"

“ yes!" “"

Prithvi made a sad face .

Everyone present in the living room laughed at them…

Shambhavi and Ananya scolded them and told them to stop fighting, go, and come back fresh. They would soon have their dinner together.

Although They reached the room

Rahul didn't want to leave his Aunty.

“ Okay, Rads do not worry let me stay with my bachcha with me tonight.. I want to play with him while night “

Aryan coughed a little. “ Bhabhi, I think Rahul likes you. I have heard baby boys love their mom and aunty more than their father”

Siddharth was too laughing silently.

Prithvi watched this nevertheless he was hopeless. He knew how Sanyogita ignored him whenever she met Rahul.

***********

Prithvi and Sanyogita, when entered their master bedroom , were more surprised the whole room was decorated with so many balloons, and different sizes of soft teddy bears ..the thing that captured Sanyogita's attention and left her blushing from the core of her heart, was a cute baby pink teddy bear on the bed as if it was their newborn baby.

Sanyogita put Rahul gently on the bed and told him in a childish accent “ Baby Aunty will come soon . " Suddenly she thought it would be better if Prithvi took care of him till she returned from the Closet room. Rahul was busy playing with teddies .

“ Prithvi, could you help me??“

" Finally Patidev ki yaad aayegi! “" Prithvi said while unfastening his tie and standing before the mirror.

Sanyogita found it like a taunt “ What rubbish!!! Prithvi is just a baby. If you are behaving like this now what will you do when your baby comes??“"

“ You said then you will give your entire attention to him. Why did you then think about me? “" His jaw tightened.

Looking at his jaw-dropped face she walked to him kept her hand over his shoulder and made him look at her " How strange. I can't believe in my eyes and ears you are the same person who gives me aphorisms regarding life, and human nature, you have read umpteen books, gone to meet Swamiji in Ashram… now behaving like an immature kid. . Prithvi, now you will soon be a father. This thing doesn't suit you at least!! ” She retorted in disappointment.

“ So what if I have a gyaan of life that doesn't mean that you will ignore your husband soon. If you become a father, that means you would no longer love anymore!" He kept his eyes on the other side of the wall.

“ Ho kya Gaya hai tumhe?? What happened to you all of a sudden? “" Sanyogita was getting irritated then

“Because when we reached home you didn't think about your hubby. Not even when we are in our bedroom.”

Sanyogita's eyes grew wider. “ Then you want me to talk to you romantically in front of everyone. Tonight if they heard you like this what they will think about us.. … At least we shouldn't disrespect our elders.

Prithvi's heart is getting heavy “ I didn't mean that. You have changed”"

" When did I? “" She was looking at him up breaking the gaze

"Isn't that so? If you were like before, we wouldn't be quarreling," Prithvi said, his voice slowing down, his puffy face making Sanyogita's heart melt.

"Then tell me, what does my hubby exactly want from me?" Sanyogita asked, her arms still spread around him.

Prithvi's eyes locked onto hers, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You'll hug your husband and..."

Sanyogita's arms tightened around him, and Prithvi's hands instinctively wrapped around her slim waist. "And..." he whispered, his lips inches from hers.

Sanyogita raised an eyebrow, waiting for his response. But instead of speaking, Prithvi buried his mouth in the crook of her neck, planting a flurry of kisses across her skin. Sanyogita's laughter echoed through the room as she tried to push him away.

"You'll never change! You're a true bigda raees!" (spoiled brat) she teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Prithvi paused, his gaze locked onto hers, his voice low and husky. "Toh aur bigad jaayein na!" (Then let's get even more spoiled!) His nostrils flared, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

As Prithvi's mouth trailed down Sanyogita's exposed shoulders, his lips tracing the curves of her neck, her breathing grew heavier, her eyes widening in surrender. She tried to free herself, but Prithvi's hold was gentle yet firm.

Just as their lips were about to meet, a tiny cry pierced the air. Sanyogita pushed Prithvi away, her gaze darting to the bed. Rahul's baffled eyes stared back at them, his tiny hands clutching a teddy bear. The bear slipped from his grasp, falling to the floor as Rahul's eyes welled up with tears.

Sanyogita rushed to him, scooping him up in her arms. As she comforted him, Rahul's tears subsided, but he refused to let go of Sanyogita's saree, his tiny fists clutching the fabric tightly.

Prithvi approached them, extending his arms to take Rahul, but the little boy turned away, his face buried in Sanyogita's shoulder. Prithvi tried to pinch his soft cheek, but Rahul burst into tears again. As soon as Prithvi withdrew his hand, the crying ceased.

Perplexed, Prithvi decided to leave for the changing room. As he leaned in to peck Sanyogita's cheek, Rahul shot him an angry glance, his eyes rounding in disapproval. Prithvi retreated, leaving Sanyogita to wonder at the sudden change in Rahul's behavior.

Prithvi threw up his hands, exasperated, and exclaimed, "Wah re bacha... wah... biwi meri... lekin mujhe hai paas Aane nahi de Raha hai!" (Oh, this kid... oh, my wife... but he won't let me near him!) Sanyogita intervened, "Aab bas bhi Karo, bacha hai..." (Enough, Prithvi, he's just a child...)

Prithvi's face fell, his eyes clouding with hurt. "Acha... if we have a girl and I give her my entire attention, you'll say the same thing to me, won't you?" Sanyogita's response was calm, "I'll say nothing to you, Mr. Malhotra. To me, both girls and boys are the same."

Prithvi's anger flared, "Then why did you say you want a boy?"

Sanyogita clarified, "I said I want a baby as cute as Rahul... every kid is cute... but I didn't say I don't want a girl."

Prithvi shook his head, incredulous, his eyes flashing with frustration.

Rahul, sensing the tension, wailed louder. Sanyogita glared at Prithvi,

"Prithvi!!" Sanyogita shout

“ aaj aha a janta hoon… .”Before storming off to the closet room.Prithvi gave Rahul a hopeless look, as if pleading for understanding. Sanyogita had no choice but to change her clothes in the bedroom.

Prithvi noticed this and positioned himself before Rahul, blocking Sanyogita's path, his eyes fixed on his wife.

Sanyogita couldn't help but giggle at Prithvi's antics, his jealousy towards Rahul amusing her. She continued to change her clothes, Rahul watching her with wide eyes, refusing to let go of her saree.

Prithvi's face darkened, his eyes narrowing at Rahul's possessiveness. "JAAN, can't you see he's being too clingy?" he asked, his voice laced with irritation.

Sanyogita smiled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Oh, Prithvi, you're being too dramatic. He's just attached to me, that's all."

Prithvi huffed, crossing his arms. "Attached? He's practically glued to you!"

Sanyogita chuckled, her laughter filling the room. "Well, someone's feeling left out, I see."

Prithvi's expression turned sulky, his eyes pouting. "I am not feeling left out. I just don't understand why he won't let me near him."

Sanyogita's smile softened, her voice gentle. "Give him time, Prithvi. He'll warm up to you eventually."

But Prithvi's gaze remained fixed on Rahul, his eyes burning with a mix of jealousy and frustration. Sanyogita's laughter continued to echo in the room, her amusement at Prithvi's expense only adding to the tension.

Prithvi's gaze lingered on Rahul, his expression unreadable. Sanyogita, now dressed in a fresh saree, tried to coax Rahul into leaving her side. But the little boy refused to budge, his tiny hands clinging to her saree.

Sanyogita laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Prithvi, it seems like I have a permanent shadow now."

Prithvi's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I suppose I'll have to get used to being replaced."

Sanyogita's smile faltered, her eyes softening. "You're not being replaced, Prithvi. There's enough love to go around."

Prithvi's gaze met hers, his eyes searching. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the tension between them palpable.

Rahul, sensing the emotional undercurrents, began to whimper. Sanyogita instinctively comforted him, her hands stroking his soft hair.

Prithvi's eyes dropped, his shoulders sagging in defeat. He turned to leave, but not before casting a glance at Sanyogita and Rahul, his expression a mix of longing and resignation.

As he walked away, Sanyogita's laughter faded, replaced by a sense of unease. She knew Prithvi's feelings were hurt, and she needed to find a way to reassure him. But for now, she was stuck with a clingy Rahul, who refused to let her out of his sight.

Sanyogita tried to distract Rahul with toys and games, but he refused to let go of her saree. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Prithvi's jealousy was not just about Rahul, but also about her attention.

As the evening wore on, Prithvi's absence became more pronounced. Sanyogita tried to engage him in conversation, but he remained distant, his responses monosyllabic.

Rahul, sensing the tension, began to fuss. Sanyogita tried to soothe him, but he refused to calm down. Just as she was about to lose her patience, Prithvi appeared, his eyes fixed on Rahul.

"Let me try," he said, his voice soft.

Sanyogita hesitated, but Prithvi's gentle tone put her at ease. She handed Rahul over to Prithvi, who cradled him in his arms.

To her surprise, Rahul quieted down, his eyes fixed on Prithvi's face. Prithvi began to hum a soft tune, his voice vibrating with emotion.

Sanyogita watched, mesmerized, as Prithvi and Rahul connected. For the first time, she saw Prithvi as a father figure, his love and patience radiating like a warm embrace.

As the night drew to a close, Sanyogita realized that Prithvi's jealousy was not just about Rahul, but also about her love. He wanted to be the center of her attention, to be the one she turned to for comfort.

And in that moment, Sanyogita knew she had to find a way to balance her love for both Prithvi and Rahul, to create a harmony that would soothe everyone's hearts.

***********

Meera returned to the kitchen, eager to assist the ladies with serving the food. As the last of the guests departed, she was asked to take charge of the desserts. Alone in the kitchen, she sensed a presence behind her. Turning around, she came face-to-face with Ariyan.

"What are you doing here?" Meera asked, her hand instinctively rising to her chest, as if to calm her racing heart.

Ariyan flashed his charming smile. "I came to see my doctor, hoping she'd spare a minute for her patient." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Meera rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Stop being ridiculous." She turned back to the table, her fingers moving deftly as she arranged the desserts on a plate.

Ariyan's gaze lingered on her, his presence filling the kitchen with a warm, comforting energy. Meera's awareness of him grew, her senses heightened as she worked.

Ariyan sidled up to Meera, his hips against the table, his face inches from hers. "Need help?" he asked, his voice low and playful.

Meera's gaze flicked up, her eyes locking onto his. "No thanks, I can manage," she replied, her tone light, but her cheeks betraying a hint of warmth.

Ariyan's eyes sparkled with mischief as he clasped his hands behind his back, his left ankle resting on his right. "Tell me, Doctor Shaiba, what's one thing you can't do by yourself?" He leaned in, his voice taking on a teasing tone.

Meera's eyebrows arched, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Nothing?" she ventured, her voice tinged with skepticism.

Ariyan chuckled, his breath whispering against her ear. "I know," he whispered, his mouth inches from her skin.

" Ariyan, your head is full of garbage “

"I thought it was full of Dr. Meera... Dr. Meera... and Dr. Meera... but you called yourself garbage instead."

Meera's fake anger was betrayed by her grin as she adjusted her hair, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ariyan, stop flirting," she scolded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Your head is full of garbage, Ariyan," Meera teased, her eyes flashing with playful annoyance.

Ariyan's grin deepened, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I thought it was filled with Dr. Meera... Dr. Meera... and Dr. Meera..." He paused, his gaze locked onto hers. "But you called yourself garbage instead."

Meera's lips curled into a smile, her fake anger dissolving. She adjusted her hair, her fingers brushing against her ear, as she shot him a sidelong glance. "Ariyan, stop flirting," she whispered, her voice husky with amusement.

Ariyan's eyes crinkled at the corners, his face inches from hers. "Can't help it, Doctor," he murmured, his breath dancing across her skin. "You make it impossible."

"Ariyan... Stop flirting," Meera said, her grin belied by her fake anger as she adjusted her hair and playfully scolded him.

"Let me see what you've got on these plates."

"Dessert, o. Aunty asked me to handle this specifically," Meera replied.

Ariyan raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing. "Don't know why people need dessert after food… I mean, it's not like I'm addicted to sweets or anything."

Meera's grin turned sly. "Why? You don't like it? Or is it because you're already sweet enough?"

Ariyan laughter was husky. "I like it if the serving person is adorable. But you're not, so..."

“ stop flirting" she chortled , rolled her eyes to hide her blush

Ariyan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he hugged her back, his lips brushing against her cheek in a gentle kiss. "I don't need dessert, I have my sweetest poison with me."

Meera's eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper. "Poison? And who might that be?"

"Because your poison made me so intoxicated, I couldn't be alive to look at others," Ariyan whispered, his voice husky with teasing.

Meera's eyes fluttered closed, her cheeks flushing, as Ariyan's face descended, his lips inches from hers.

Just as their lips were about to touch, a startled hiccup echoed through the kitchen. Meera and Ariyan sprang apart, their faces inches apart.

Anushka stood in the doorway, her right hand covering her eyes. "Main kuch nahi dekha!" (I didn't see anything!)

Ariyan's face contorted in a failed attempt to stifle his laughter. "Main bhi kuch nahi dekha!" (Me neither!) he chimed in, his voice laced with teasing innocence.

But Ariyan's mirth was short-lived. His eyes widened as he considered his little sister's mischievous nature and his own reputation as "Super Aryan." He beat a hasty retreat, exiting the kitchen with the speed of a runaway train.

Meera's face burned with shyness, her eyes cast downward. Her heart was still racing from the almost-kiss, she couldn't help but smile at Ariyan's abrupt departure.

… ..

The dining table erupted into laughter as everyone delighted in Ariyan and Meera's predicament. Shambhavi, Ariyan's grandmother, couldn't resist joining in, playfully teasing her grandson.

Prithvi, however, remained subdued, his gaze fixed on his wife, Sanyogita, as she laughed with Radhika's son , Rahul. Maya, seated beside them, couldn't tear her eyes away from the adorable child. Her heart swelled with longing.

Sanyogita, noticing Maya's enchantment, teased, "Maya, why don't you ask Arjun? He'll surely have a solution for your wishes!"

Maya's cheeks flushed as she retorted, "Aap bhi na, Madam! Kuch bhi bol deti hai!" (You too, Madam! You say anything!)

Radhika chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth, aligning with Sanyogita's playful jab.

Arjun, sensing the time, glanced at his watch. "We should leave, Maya. Your sister will be arriving tomorrow morning for the New Year's visit."

Maya reluctantly stood, her eyes lingering on Rahul. "Yes, we should go."

As they prepared to depart, the warmth of the evening lingered, infused with laughter and affection.

Sanyogita and Radhika slept in the same room, Anuska, and even joined them.

Prithvi was helpless, he gave extra attention to little Ariyan who was confused about who he chose, between his Aunty and his Best friend.

When he said he wanted to sleep with both Prithvi's eyes grew like LED bulbs.

But soon his jaw dropped when Sanyogita said she wanted to see Rahul sleeping the whole night. It had been so long since she met him and Radhika agreed as she too wanted to talk some much with her bestie.

Prithvi was more angry with Siddharth why did he not keep his kid away from Sanyogita?

In the Night Ariyan asked Prithvi to tell him a story. Prithvi told him about his love story, changing the name to a rich spoiled brat and a golden fairy.

Here Ariyan was offended by the snooring of Siddharth. He couldn't sleep properly.

…. … …

Maya and Arjun returned home and were busy arranging the bed after dinner.

She cuddles in Arjun's arms.

"Before I was so worried about Sanyogita Madam as she was going to catch her sister's Culprit and I was more surprised that the person was her husband's old close friend. "Maya put her head on Arjun's shoulder, and she said " But the good news is she is soon going to be a mother. I was so happy to see your Boss and his wife happy this much.They have gone through a lot . Indeed they deserve this .I loved when their family members came to meet Madam “

" Yes, sweetheart, I agree with you. "

" Did you know? " She sounded curious making circles on his chest

" What? "He was confused

" We should think about our family planning too. '' Little Rahul's chubby cheeks flushed before Maya’s eyes

Arjun looked at her with a naughty smile

" As you wish darling .. when I interrupt you .. so let's start "

Maya blushed and hugged him by his neck " I want a baby boy" she whispered in a slow shy voice

Arjun frowned a little" No at first we have a baby girl "

" No, we have a baby boy "

" No baby girl "

" Boy" she raised her voice

" No, I said it will be a baby girl ... I want a girl and girl and girl " he shouted back while writing something virtual in the Air as if he was making a documentary.

Maya shouted more and she hit him with her fist " No no. No... we will have a baby boy and that's final"

Arjun pouted at her turning himself on the bed before he said " Okay fine now nothing will come "

Maya looked at him dumbfounded.

********