Aakash returned from the office and froze on seeing Sharmi standing in front of him with a glass of water. He instinctively glanced behind, wondering if she was offering it to someone else in the family but she simply extended it to him with a small smile.
” Its for you Aakash mama, have water. You must be tired ” she said.
” No, it’s okay. I’m not thirsty,” he said and walked past her to his room. He told Meenakshi about it and she simply nodded, lost in thought.
Aakash planned to buy dinner for them but Meenakshi insisted on cooking at home. After dinner, the couple lay cuddling when Meenakshi suddenly pinched his chest.
“Ouch! What happened?” Aakash asked, rubbing the spot and Meenakshi looked at him with a pout.
“I want ice cream and something spicy and tangy,” she said, leaning back against the wall.
Aakash’s eyes lit up hearing her words. ” So the cravings have started? Wait, I’ll go get them,” he said, quickly grabbing his shirt and headed out.
Meenakshi smiled, watching him leave. A few minutes later, she walked into the kitchen to fill a water bottle and froze at the sight before her. Sharmi was standing there, opening containers one by one, searching for something.
The moment she saw Meenakshi, she lowered her head and turned to leave. Meenakshi felt a pang of sympathy and gently held her hand.
“What happened, Sharmi? Are you hungry?” she asked softly but Sharmi shook her head.
” I just… felt like eating something spicy… maybe even Maggi. It’s okay, I’ll just go sleep,” she said in a low voice feeling clearly embarrassed.
Just then, Aakash returned and walked into the kitchen, noticing the lights still on. He raised his brows at Meenakshi, silently questioning her. Meenakshi gestured toward the bags in his hand.
Understanding immediately, Aakash handed one bag to her and walked back to the room with the rest. Meenakshi plated the samosas along with the chutneys and offered them to Sharmi with a gentle smile.
Sharmi hesitated for a moment before accepting them. She ate quietly, savoring every bite, even licking the sweet and mint chutney off her fingers.
Meenakshi returned to the room and Aakash immediately handed her the ice cream.
“I was worried you would be late. It might have melted. Eat it quickly,” he said, taking a cone for himself.
He held her hand and stole a spoonful from her cup. Meenakshi glared at him playfully before grabbing his hand and taking a big bite from his cone. Ice cream dripped from her lips and Aakash smirked, completely ignoring the cone in his hand. He casually handed it over to her and leaned in, capturing her lips in a playful kiss.
Meenakshi quickly pressed the cone against his cheek.
“Ah”, Aakash gasped, pulling back and before he could react, she turned his face and slowly licked the ice cream off his cheek.
Aakash chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment.
“I wouldn’t mind having ice cream every day if this is how we eat it. But we should also think about your health so let’s keep it to once a week. Though… we can share other snacks like this anytime, right?”, he said with a grin.
“Shut up, Accountant sir. You are disturbing me,” Meenakshi muttered, continuing to enjoy her ice cream.
The following Sunday, Aakash and Meenakshi visited Hema’s house to share their good news. Hema immediately hugged Meenakshi and pulled her to sit beside her.
“You are such a horrible friend. I had to send you so many messages just to get you for a coffee and now you finally show up at my house,” Vishnu complained dramatically and Aakash chuckled seeing him being dramatic.
” There is something you need to know. I’m sure you will forgive me after hearing this,” he said, glancing at Meenakshi.
Meenakshi cleared her throat, gently took Hema’s hand and placed it on her abdomen. Hema froze for a second and then her eyes widened. Tears filled them instantly as she pulled Meenakshi into a tight hug.
For a few moments, the two friends stayed wrapped in each other’s embrace. Vishnu hugged Aakash and congratulated him before clearing his throat loudly. Hema immediately jumped onto Vishnu, almost squealing.
“Vishnu, Meenu is pregnant. I’m going to be an aunt. Oh my God… oh my God… we are going to have a little cutie to pamper in a few months ” she exclaimed excitedly.
Vishnu laughed and kissed her cheeks as she continued to ramble. Aakash and Meenakshi exchanged a look and cleared their throats in unison to gain their attention. Hema quickly pushed Vishnu away and turned back to Meenakshi.
“Did you see the doctor? How many months now? Are you feeling tired? Do you crave sweet, sour, and spicy all at once? Do you feel like killing someone? If yes, we have Vishnu for that ” she blurted out nonstop.
Meenakshi burst into laughter and covered her mouth with her hand. Vishnu served juice to both couples and pulled Aakash along to the balcony, leaving the two friends inside.
“Actually… we had a bet,” Vishnu said casually and Aakash raised his brows clearly confused.
“We bet that Meenakshi would be the first to get pregnant and I won.” Vishnu said and Aakash nearly choked on his juice and stared at him in shock.
“What? ” Aakash asked bewildered and Vishnu grinned proudly.
“My instincts never fail. Now tell me… how’s life? You are going to be a father soon. Are you ready?” Vishnu asked sipping the juice.
“Life is great… except for my family. I’m extremely worried about Meenakshi and our baby. I wanted to ask you something. Have you ever felt guilty or even slightly bad for leaving your family?” Aakash said quietly and Vishnu smiled at him.
“Why would I feel guilty? It’s not like I abandoned them. I still care for my family just like I care for Hema. I contribute a part of my salary, I’m there whenever they need me and we celebrate festivals together. We attend important functions too. I just created a space for myself and Hema. Everyone is happy in their own space.” Vishnu replied calmly.
Aakash nodded thoughtfully hearing his words.
“Have you ever felt things would have been different if you had stayed with your parents?” Aakash asked again and Vishnu let out a small laugh.
“I have thought about it and honestly, it scared me. So I stopped going down that path,” he admitted and paused taking a long breathe.
“You know Hema. She is a bundle of energy. Imagine locking her in a house full of people, constantly watching her, imposing rules on her. She wouldn’t have fallen in love with me. We would have ended up as just another couple living under pressure and not love.” Vishnu said looking at the man who seemed to be carrying a lot over his shoulder and in his mind.
Aakash looked down and his voice was heavy as he spoke. “When I think about the future… it scares me,” he said and his jaw tightened.
” I don’t want my child to grow up watching his mother being hurt every day. I don’t want my child to be treated like an outsider in his own home. I don’t want my wife or child to be body-shamed or insulted constantly. And I don’t want my child to grow up thinking I m a coward… someone who let others walk all over us.” Aakash said and pressed his palm against his chest, trying to steady himself.
Talking it out brought him some relief. Vishnu didn’t interrupt. He simply nodded, knowing Aakash would never let his family suffer and he is already in the process of making things right for him and Meenakshi, especially for their baby.
Inside the guest room, Hema was cutting apples while Meenakshi spoke about her recent cravings.
“How is your mother-in-law treating you now?” Hema asked.
Meenakshi sighed softly.”Some things never change and she is one of them. But you know what? Aakash is always ready to fight for me. I try to stop him but he never holds back. He taunts her, mocks her and reacts to everything she does. He is openly challenging her… and I’m scared one day it will turn into a war.” she said and Hema looked at her seriously.
“Don’t stop him when he stands up for you. It’s not just about you anymore. You are pregnant. Will you be okay if they treat your baby the same way they treat you?” she said firmly.
Meenakshi went silent and her eyes widened hearing Hema’s words.
“They need to learn their place, Meenu. They survive on Aakash’s earnings, yet they treat you like you are dependent on them. Let them realize the truth.” Hema continued and placed the sliced apples aside.
“If you give money to charity, strangers will bless you. But your family? They will never be grateful. So stop being submissive. Stand up for yourself and teach your child that strength, even before he or she is born.” Hema said and Meenakshi slowly nodded.
By evening, Aakash and Meenakshi returned home to find her parents and sister waiting. Balaram was speaking with them while the others were nowhere to be seen. Keerthy ran forward and hugged her sister tightly.
“How is my little sister?” Meenakshi asked, smiling as she caressed her hair.
“I’m so happy, akka. I can’t wait to hold the baby,” Keerthy said, kissing her cheek. Meenakshi sat beside her father.
“How are you, Meenakshi? What did the doctor say?” Radha asked, circling her hand around Meenakshi’s head to ward off evil.
“Take care of your health and eat well. Will you be able to manage school?” she continued and Madhavan shot her a look.
“Pregnancy is not a disease. Women work until they feel the need to rest. Let Meenakshi decide for herself.” he said firmly and Meenakshi smiled faintly.
She glanced at the closed bedroom doors before walking into the kitchen to prepare coffee. Just then, Sharmi entered and stood beside her.
“I’m sorry Meena akka, I don’t know how to make coffee. Otherwise, I would have done it,” she said softly.
Meenakshi simply smiled and continued with her work. She walked out with the coffee and saw Padma coming out of her room.
“My knees were aching, so I rested after taking painkillers, How are you ? ” Padma said, sitting beside her husband.
After having coffee, Meenakshi and Aakash walked out to see her parents off. Once they returned, Meenakshi stepped inside while Aakash followed slowly, glancing at his mobile.
Suddenly, Meenakshi felt something crawl over her. She shrieked in fear and lost her balance. She was about to fall but Aakash caught her just in time. She trembled uncontrollably.
Aakash quickly made her sit on the sofa and handed her a glass of water.
” Meena… relax, I’m here. I got you ” he said softly and watched her sip the water.
Once she calmed down, they looked around to see what had frightened her. A cat stood near the doorway of Lavanya’s room.
Meenakshi, who had always been terrified of cats, immediately moved closer to Aakash and her hands were still shaking. Aishwarya casually picked up the cat and began petting it.
“Why did you bring a cat here?” Aakash thundered and rose to his feet.
Everyone startled from the anger in his voice and Aishwarya almost dropped the cat from her hand but managed to hold it in time.
“Did you forget, Aakash? I love cats,” she replied and hat was enough for Meenakshi.
” This is not your house to do whatever you want. You were allowed to stay here for a week and it’s already been a month. You should have left the moment Aakash made it clear you weren’t welcome.” Meenakshi snapped and her voice shook with anger as she stepped towards Aishwarya.
“I have been patient but did you really think I’m a fool not to understand your intentions?” Meenakshi thundered and slapped her.
Everyone was shocked and shut their mouth with a gasp. Aakash felt too proud and watched silently, surprised. It was rare to see Meenakshi like this so he let her handle.
“Meenakshi, How dare you slap and speak to Aishwarya like that? She is like a daughter to me and she will stay here ” Padma shouted.
“Aunty, stop defending her,” Meenakshi fired back and her voice sent shivers to Padma and Aishwarya.
” Do you even know her real face? It was my mistake letting her stay. I should have asked her to leave on the very first day.” Meenakshi said and her eyes burned with anger.
” It’s actually good Prathaap left you. Leave right now unless you want everyone to know what you have done.” Meenakshi said further and Aishwarya stood frozen in shock.
“Aunty… it’s okay. I’ll leave. I shouldn’t have stayed here,” she said quietly and walked into the room to pack and Padma broke down.
“You are a cruel woman. How can you throw someone out like this?” Padma cried and Meenakshi was about to fire back at her but Aakash stepped forward and held Meenakshi’s hand.
“She has every right to decide. In this house, everyone matters to you except me and my wife.” , his said in a firm voice.
” Meenakshi is pregnant. What if something had happened to her just now? She lost her balance and thank God I was there to catch her. How can I let my wife stay here when she isn’t even safe?” Aakash screamed scaring everyone.
Balaram, who had been silently observing everything, finally spoke.
“Meenakshi… what did Aishwarya do? I’m sure this is something serious. Tell me.” he asked but Meenakshi shook her head.
“Nothing, Mama. It’s in the past. Let’s not discuss it now. I just don’t want her around us.” Meenakshi said trying to be calm and just then Aishwarya walked out with her luggage to leave.
Meenakshi pointed at the cat and Without a word, Aishwarya picked it up and left. After all the drama Meenakshi and Aakash retired to their room. Aakash hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.
“Are you okay, baby? You did really well today. Now lie down and rest,” he said gently.
Meenakshi lay on the bed feeling exhausted. Aakash sat beside her and placed his palm softly over her abdomen.
Meenakshi smiled and opened her arms for him. Aakash glanced at her saree and shook his head playfully.
She rolled her eyes and removed the pallu. Aakash immediately leaned into her, resting his head against her chest, finally feeling at peace.
“This is my home, Meena… no… this is heaven,” he murmured softly.
She smiled, running her fingers through his hair. Wrapped in each other’s warmth, they slowly drifted into a peaceful sleep.
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A/N:
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