Aakash and Meenakshi were relaxing in front of the television, a scene of domestic peace that had become more frequent since she quit from school a week ago. Now eight months pregnant, Meenakshi had found the daily commute and the long hours standing in front of a classroom physically draining. Her legs had begun to swell significantly and after Aakash’s gentle but firm insistence that she prioritize her health, she had resigned.
However, Meenakshi hadn’t stopped teaching entirely. She continued her private tuitions and expanded her online classes. Her reputation preceded her, friends from her WhatsApp groups had rallied together, insisting she teach their children online. She was now more famous as an online educator than she had ever been in the classroom. At work, Aakash’s colleagues teased him relentlessly, joking that he should start an official fan club for his wife.
“Let’s plan the baby shower, Meena. We need to fix a date to book a party hall and the caterers. Do you have a specific day in mind?” Aakash asked softly, his hands gently massaged her aching calf muscles.
“I really have no idea, Aakash. Do you think we should discuss this with our parents? Usually, the elders handle these things, so I’m not sure what needs to be done” she whispered
Aakash took a deep breath and his expression seemed to be thoughtful. “We know our lives best. Let’s decide on the details first, then invite them.”
At that exact moment, the doorbell rang. Meenakshi moved to change out of her house gown but Aakash gestured for her to stay comfortable. When he opened the door, he was surprised to find Meenakshi’s parents, Madhavan and Radha, standing there with warm smiles.
“How are you, Meenakshi?” they asked affectionately, handing her a basket of fresh fruit.
“What a surprise” Aakash exclaimed, quickly preparing juice for his in-laws.
“Actually, we have something important to discuss. We need to plan the baby shower. We were thinking it should be done within the next two weeks, as the timing becomes unpredictable after that.” Radha said with a smile.
The couple exchanged a knowing look. “We were just talking about that. If we only have two weeks, let’s fix a date right now.” Aakash said.
“Next Friday is an auspicious day. We should invite our close relatives. Would you like to have the ceremony here or at your father’s house?” Radha asked looking at the couple.
“Why would it happen at my father’s home? I’m going to book a party hall. I want this day to be incredibly special for Meena. I’ll take care of all the arrangements and let you know the venue by tomorrow.” Aakash replied firmly.
Madhavan smiled, clearly impressed by his son-in-law’s dedication and patted him on the shoulder.
“Take care, Meenakshi. We shall see you both soon,” he said as they took their leave.
As soon as the door closed, Aakash opened his laptop to search for nearby venues.
“Meena, go take a nap. I will head out and check the availability of the halls for Friday.”. he urged, helping her to the bed and set fresh water and fruit on the nightstand.
He returned two hours later, carrying a box of sweets, to find Meenakshi setting up for her evening online session.
“It’s all set,” Aakash announced, feeding her a piece of the sweet.
“I’ve booked the hall and the in-house caterer. We need to finalize the menu and confirm it by tonight, so we shall do that right after your class. I’m going to log in for my session now, too.” he said and quickly got ready for his class.
After their classes, Aakash began preparing dinner while Meenakshi sat nearby, meticulously noting down the tasks remaining for the ceremony.
“Let’s buy a new saree for you. I really wanted to gift you something in gold as well, but I’m sorry… I can’t right now. I promise I will buy you something very soon.” Aakash said, looking up from the stove.
Before he could continue, Meenakshi gently placed her palm over his mouth to silence him.
“You don’t have to buy anything, Aakash. You are already doing so much for me. I have so many sarees in my wardrobe so we really don’t need anything new.” she said softly.
Aakash gently moved her hand and pulled her into a side hug. “Let’s buy a saree,” he insisted. Seeing the determination in his eyes and his desire to make every moment special she couldn’t deny him.
The following day, Aakash booked a car and they spent the afternoon shopping for a new saree and matching bangles. Once they returned home, he carefully tucked their purchases away in the cupboard for safekeeping.
“Meena, I’m going to go inform Appa and Amma. While I’m out, make a list of everyone we should invite. We shall finalize it once I’m back. Please don’t walk around too much and call me immediately if you feel uncomfortable ” Aakash said and head to his parents home.
When Aakash arrived at his childhood home and knocked, Balaram, who had been napping, practically stumbled in his haste to reach the door.
“Aakash, Why would you knock on the door? This is your home. Come in “, he asked, pulling his son inside.
He then called out for his wife, “Padma, come out. Aakash is here “
Padma and Lavanya walked out together. Padma grew emotional at the sight of her son, while Lavanya quietly brought him a glass of water. Aakash was surprised since it was the first time she had ever served him.
“How are you, Aakash? Why don’t you visit us more often? You only seem to come here to give us money. Please, come by once in a while and bring Meenakshi too.” Padma said with tears brimming in her eyes.
Aakash gave a simple, non-committal nod. “Next Friday is Meenakshi’s baby shower. I’m here to invite you all. I’ll message you the details of the venue and the timing.” he said.
Balaram beamed with pride, but Padma and Lavanya exchanged a quick look before turning back to Aakash.
“You booked a party hall? We could have held it here at home. Why spend so much money when we have plenty of space on the terrace and in the backyard?” Padma asked.
Aakash met her gaze steadily. “We had a very simple wedding at the temple and I haven’t been able to do much for her since. I want this to be a truly special occasion. After all, this is to bless her and our baby, so I don’t mind spending money for my wife.”
Balaram smiled, genuinely happy for the couple’s growth.
“I’ll leave now. I have a lot of work to take care of and Meenakshi is home alone “, Aakash said, checking the time and with that, he took his leave.
Meanwhile, Meenakshi, felt a sudden craving for street food and ordered some chaat. She was resting in front of the TV when the doorbell chimed.
“Looks like my food is here,” she thought, making her way to the door. She opened it, only to stand frozen in shock. Standing on the doorstep, dressed in a delivery boy’s uniform and holding a package, was Rajesh.
“Rajesh?” she mumbled and her voice was barely a breath.
Rajesh was equally stunned. “Anni…(sister in law )” he whispered, the word trailed off as the air seemed to leave his lungs. Meenakshi’s mind raced, unable to process the sight of her brother-in-law in this role.
“I’m sorry. Please, forgive me,” Rajesh said hurriedly and his voice was thick with emotion.
“I asked Appa for your address so many times but he refused to let me anywhere near you or Bro. I… I just wanted to meet him and seek his forgiveness. Please tell him I’m sorry. I’m trying to change and very soon, I will bring Sharmi back. Please, take care.” he said.
He pressed the package into her hands and turned away, disappearing before she could find her voice. Meenakshi closed the door and the hot chaat was now long forgotten. She sat on the sofa, lost in thought over his words and the visible change in him. When Aakash returned later, he immediately frowned at her distant expression.
“Meena, what happened? Is everything okay? Why haven’t you touched your food?” he asked, sitting beside her. He reflexively checked her temperature, touching her forehead and neck before holding her hand.
Meenakshi recounted the entire encounter. She expected a outburst or a look of shock, but Aakash simply stood up and began unbuttoning his shirt. For a fleeting second, Meenakshi’s thoughts wandered, her eyes traced the lines of his physique. Aakash caught her staring and a smirk played on his lips as he playfully winked at her.
Meenakshi shook her head to clear her thoughts as he sat back down, draping an arm around her shoulder.
“I don’t care if he’s changed or not. His life is his business, not mine. Now, stop worrying about others and let’s get the guest list sorted.” Aakash said firmly, looking at the notepad.
“Let’s invite Sharmi and her family,” Meenakshi suggested. Aakash nodded in agreement.
The following evening, Aakash visited Sharmi’s home. She was now heavily pregnant and her family welcomed him warmly. He handed over the sweets and fruits he had brought and extended the invitation for the baby shower. Looking at their somber expressions, he could tell they were thinking about how Rajesh and his parents should have been the ones planning a baby shower for Sharmi. However, he kept his silence, it wasn’t his place to intervene in Rajesh’s life.
The week passed in a blur of activity. On the day of the ceremony, Aakash packed everything Meenakshi needed and they drove to the party hall. Their friends, Hema and Vishnu, were already there managing everything. Seeing them arrive, Hema quickly escorted Meenakshi to the dressing room. Aakash had hired a professional beautician, who began skillfully draping Meenakshi in her new saree.
As guests began to pour in, Aakash welcomed them with a bright smile. He looked sharp in a maroon shirt and a traditional silk dhoti, perfectly coordinated with Meenakshi’s attire.
Soon, Meenakshi’s parents and her sister, Keerthy, arrived with gifts. Radha and Keerthy set to work, elegantly arranging the trays in front of the ornate single sofa reserved for Meenakshi. Radha slipped into the dressing room to check on her daughter and saw Hema and the beautician putting the finishing touches on her look. Keerthy rushed forward and hugged her sister tightly and Meenakshi leaned in to kiss her forehead tenderly.
Balaram arrived with Padma and Lavanya, their eyes scanned the elegantly decorated party hall with a mix of awe and scrutiny. Aakash greeted them warmly and immediately instructed a catering assistant to serve them welcome drinks, ensuring they were comfortable.
He then slipped into the dressing room and found Meenakshi ready. She looked radiant in the maroon silk saree, her hair styled into a neat bun adorned with a thick string of fragrant jasmine flowers. Dressed in her traditional jewelry, she looked breathtaking. Ignoring everyone else in the room, Aakash walked straight to her, cupped her face in his hands and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. In that moment, Meenakshi felt truly beautiful with Aakash by her side, nothing else in the world mattered.
Aakash gently led Meenakshi out of the room and helped her onto the ornate couch. Lavanya and Padma watched from a distance, struck by the unmistakable glow of happiness radiating from the couple.
Suddenly, Aakash pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and revealed a ring. Meenakshi’s heart skipped a beat, while she was worried about the expense, she didn’t want to dampen his spirits when he was looking at her with such adoration. She silently extended her hand and Aakash slid the ring onto her finger. Lavanya stood in the corner, shocked by Aakash’s lavish spending, silently observing as the rituals began.
Radha stepped forward first and smeared sandalwood paste on Meenakshi’s cheeks and slid traditional bangles onto her wrists. One by one, the women followed suit. When it was Padma’s turn, she performed the ritual, but she was visibly stunned when Balaram stepped forward to present Meenakshi with a pair of gold earrings, a gift he had purchased without her knowledge.
Once the women had finished, Aakash knelt before his wife and personally placed a set of bangles on her hands. The deep love between them was so evident that their friends began hooting and cheering. Sharmi and her parents arrived shortly after to offer their gifts, but they left quickly, ignoring Padma and Lavanya’s pleas to stay.
When lunch was served, Padma, Lavanya and even Radha were taken aback by the scale of the feast. Aakash had arranged a grand spread with an impressive variety of dishes. Throughout the meal, Aakash was a whirlwind of energy, attending to every guest, yet his eyes never strayed from Meenakshi for long. They constantly shared secret smiles and small, loving gestures.
Aakash settled Meenakshi at the table and sat right beside her.
“Mr. Vishnu, you aren’t being very helpful! Serve the food quickly,” Aakash teased his best friend. Balaram’s family watched in silent amazement, they had never seen this side of Aakash before. He then picked up a sweet and gently fed it to Meenakshi.
Later, while Aakash was busy settling the final bills, the women gathered in the dressing room with Meenakshi.
“Meenakshi, let’s go to your house and pack your things. I’ve already cleaned your room,” Radha announced.
Meenakshi looked at her, bewildered. “Why should I pack my things?” she asked confused.
The room went silent, everyone except Hema looked at her with expectation.
“What kind of question is that? It is the ritual that a girl goes to her parents home for childbirth after the baby shower. You will stay with them until the baby is three months old.” Padma chimed in.
The thought of being separated from Aakash terrified Meenakshi and her eyes welled with tears.
” I can’t leave him. I need to talk to Aakash”, she thought desperately. She turned to find him, only to freeze. Aakash was already standing in the doorway.
She rushed toward him, but he was faster and caught her and pulled her into his arms.
“Aakash…” she whispered in a breaking voice and he didn’t need her to explain.
“Who said Meena would be going with you?” Aakash asked, his voice cold as he looked at his mother-in-law. Hearing the tension, Balaram, Madhavan and Vishnu hurried into the room.
“Aakash, this is a ritual followed for generations. It is our duty to take care of our daughter during her delivery and for the first few months of the baby’s life.” Radha explained, looking to her husband for support
“Aakash, it’s their responsibility. You don’t have to do everything yourself.” Padma added.
Aakash turned a sharp glare toward his mother.
“It is a parent’s duty to love their children regardless of what they do or how they look. It is their duty to love all their children equally. I don’t recall any of that happening for me or my wife, so do not talk to me about rituals and responsibilities now. I am more than capable of taking care of my wife and our baby. I don’t need anyone else worrying about us. We are enough for each other. You were invited for a baby shower and nothing more.” he said gritting his teeth.
The room fell into a stunned silence as his voice thundered. Aakash reached out and gently wiped the tears from Meenakshi’s face.
“Stop crying, did you really think I would ever send you away? You are all I have and I’m not letting you go anywhere.” he said softly, pulling her into a protective embrace.
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