Two more Chapters to go….
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Two months passed and Aakash had finally quit his job and received a warm and heartfelt farewell from his colleagues. Some of his close friends even visited their home to meet Meenakshi and the baby, promising that their bond would remain strong despite the change.
Aakash had applied for the CA Intermediate course and together, he and Meenakshi were now fully focused on building their coaching center. After searching, Aakash found a small place near their apartment which was modest but affordable. They furnished it with the essentials and transformed it into a neat classroom setup.
Pamphlets announcing the opening were distributed and they also promoted it on social media. Their friends helped by sharing the posts widely among their circles, slowly building interest.
By then, Mithran was almost six months old, a playful, mischievous baby who constantly demanded his parents attention. They had started him on semi-solid foods and formula, as Meenakshi planned to dedicate more hours to teaching. They carefully arranged their schedules so that one of them would always be at home with him.
Mithran had begun rolling onto his stomach, grabbed anything within reach and put everything into his mouth. He babbled endlessly, laughed loudly and cried even louder when hungry.
“Such a drama king… just like his father,” Meenakshi would tease and Aakash would grin, enjoying every bit of the lively chaos. Life felt fuller and happier with Meenakshi and Mithran by his side.
Sarala continued to be a pillar of support and Mithran had grown deeply attached to her. On the day of the opening ceremony, Aakash fed Mithran with a bottle while Meenakshi hurriedly draped her saree. Sarala packed a small bag with essentials and bottle for the Mithran. Aakash booked an auto for Meenakshi and Sarala, while he followed them on his bike.
Reaching the center first, Aakash carried Mithran in his arms. Hema, Vishnu and the staff had already arrived, along with a few students and their parents. Meenakshi smiled brightly as she saw the place beautifully decorated.
Aakash had invited both his father and father-in-law, though he couldn’t hide his irritation on seeing his mother and mother-in-law as well. They offered their wishes, but only Meenakshi responded warmly. Aakash acknowledged his father and father-in-law with a smile and handed Mithran to his father.
Padma tried to take the baby, but Balaram gently refused, aware of Aakash’s feelings. Mithran tugged at Balaram’s glasses, making him chuckle as he kissed his grandson.
“I’ve dreamed of this day. I just want to stay healthy long enough to run behind you. I’ll take you to the park and we shall play together.” Balaram said softly and Mithran responded with cheerful sounds, as if answering him.
Aakash smiled at the sight and called Meenakshi to begin the ceremony. Handing her the scissors, he watched as she cut the ribbon. Everyone stepped inside and Meenakshi lit the ceremonial lamp before the deity’s photo. Aakash then unveiled the board, revealing the name,” Aakash Coaching Centre”
Meenakshi beamed and winked at him. She had insisted on naming it after him, even going so far as to skip meals until he agreed. Her reasoning had been simple that his name symbolized limitless potential, something that would inspire their students. Eventually, Aakash had given in.
Vishnu distributed sweets to the guests and staff, while Meenakshi began registering the names of students who had come for admissions. As the guests gradually left, Meenakshi, Aakash and Hema sat down with the staff to plan schedules for both offline and online classes.
Meanwhile, Mithran grew cranky. Sarala took him from Balaram, sat in a quiet corner and fed him with a bottle. Once done, Aakash took him in his arms, resting him on his shoulder and paced gently until the baby drifted off to sleep, while Meenakshi continued handling the responsibilities of their new beginning.
Padma and Radha quietly wiped their tears. Their grandson was right in front of them, yet they couldn’t hold him. Both longed to shower him with love, but the weight of their past mistakes kept them at a distance. Aakash, unaware of their silent pain or perhaps choosing not to acknowledge it, sat down and gently unbuttoned a few buttons of Mithran’s shirt and wiped his face carefully.
“Just one more hour and we shall go home,” he murmured softly, more to himself than anyone else. He then handed Mithran over to Sarala, who cared for the child with the affection of a grandmother. Aakash even offered her juice, while Padma and Radha watched quietly, realizing how someone else now held a place they once took for granted.
Once everything was wrapped up, Vishnu dropped Meenakshi and Sarala home. Aakash arrived shortly after and saw Mithran fast asleep while Meenakshi had changed into a comfortable gown. Walking up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her nape.
“Are you happy?” he whispered.
Meenakshi hummed softly and turned to face him within his embrace. “Your classes starts next week. We would be busy… but we will also be happy,” she said, gently touching his cheek.
Aakash guided her toward the mirror and looked at her reflection with concern. “Meena… you have lost so much weight. I’m worried. Let’s consult a doctor. What if something’s wrong? We haven’t checked properly, but I can see the difference, your waist, your arms… even your clothes are loose now. We have gone from XXXL to XL,” he said, his voice filled with unease.
Meenakshi looked at herself and smiled faintly. “Aren’t you happy? I look better now… I’m not overweight anymore.”
Aakash shook his head immediately. “Meena, I never had a problem with how you looked. I never even thought of you as ‘fat.’ I’ve always loved you just the way you are. This isn’t about appearance, it’s about your health. I just want to make sure you are okay. Please… let’s not ignore something that could become serious later.”
His eyes grew moist and Meenakshi understood the depth of his worry. Without arguing further, she nodded in agreement.
Aakash didn’t waste a moment and booked an appointment for the very next day. Sarala stayed back to take care of Mithran while Aakash accompanied Meenakshi to the hospital. She sat beside him, her fingers intertwined with his, while he kept glancing at her every few seconds, as if reassuring himself that she was fine.
“Stop looking at me like that. I’m okay,” she whispered softly.
“I’ll believe that only when the doctor says it,” he replied and his tone was firm but laced with concern.
When their turn came, they walked into the consultation room together. The doctor listened patiently as Aakash explained everything about her sudden weight loss, the stress she had gone through, the pregnancy and the changes after childbirth.
The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Let’s run a few basic tests, just to be sure.”
Aakash agreed immediately and within a short time, Meenakshi completed all the required tests. The wait for the results felt endless. Aakash paced restlessly outside, while Meenakshi sat calmly, watching him with a faint smile.
Finally, they were called back in. The doctor reviewed the reports and looked at them.
“Everything is completely normal,” she said gently.
Aakash froze for a moment. “Are you sure, doctor?” he asked, tightening his grip on Meenakshi’s hand.
The doctor smiled wider. ” Yes. Her weight loss is absolutely natural. Sometimes, when the body carries stress for years, it also holds on to weight. When that stress reduces, the body starts letting go. People usually believe in the myth that food alone adds to the obesity but stress plays a major role. A person lose their sleep, their metabolism affects and lot more factors add to being obese “
Meenakshi glanced at Aakash while the doctor continued.
“In your wife’s case, several factors have helped. The childbirth, breastfeeding, lifestyle changes and most importantly, reduced stress. Her body is simply adjusting and becoming healthier.” doctor said.
“So… there is nothing to worry about?” Aakash asked, his voice finally easing.
“Nothing at all. In fact, she is doing well. Just make sure she eats properly, stays hydrated and doesn’t skip meals. This is healthy weight loss, not something to be afraid of.” the doctor reassured.
Aakash let out a deep breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. He looked at Meenakshi, his eyes still slightly moist but now filled with relief. They thanked the doctor and walked out of the room.
“See, I told you.” Meenakshi said softly, nudging him.
He didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he held her hand tighter and pressed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
“Still… I got scared,” he admitted.
As they walked out of the hospital, the tension that had been weighing on them melted away. Aakash wrapped his arm around her shoulders protectively.
“Healthy or not… just don’t change too much,” he murmured.
She leaned into him with a soft laugh. “I’ll only change for the better, accountant sir.”
And this time, Aakash smiled without a trace of worry, knowing she truly was alright but he couldn’t forgive the two woman who were the actual reason behind the misery of Meenakshi all these years.
” So, its our mother who are the real reason behind your stress and the way you put weight. They are the reason you suffered all these years. I won’t forgive them forever ” he said starting the bike.
” You just needed another reason to keep them away. Tell me, aren’t you happy that I look better now ” Meenakshi hugging his waist.
” You have always been the best to me Meena. I never thought or wanted you to lose weight. In fact I was enjoying your chubbiness. I don’t want bones so don’t lose more weight ” he said driving home.
” Its all your fault ” Meenakshi said and Aakash stopped the bike and looked at her.
” Ofcourse you are at fault. You made me happy, I don’t live in stress anymore. You never gave me a reason to worry over anything. Now that I m truly happy, my hormones are under control and I m being normal, healthy and losing weight ” she said and pinched his hip.
Aakash shook his head with a smile and they reached home. Sarala and Mithran were sleeping in the hall and without disturbing them the couple entered the room to refresh. Meenakshi removed her salwar and stood before the mirror. A smile occured on her lips seeing the change in her.
“Wish every chubby woman could find an Aakash in her life,” she whispered softly.
Before she could turn, Aakash caught her by the nape and placed a trail of kisses along her neck.
“It’s been months… I’ve been starving for you. Do you have any plans to take care of your husband?” he murmured near her ear.
Meenakshi smiled, trying to hide it. “When did I ever stop you? You were the one who wanted to wait all these months, so don’t blame me,” she said, walking past him to pick up a towel.
“Be ready for tonight,” he said playfully spanking her.
“That is, if Mithu sleeps early. And remember, we will be back to whispering. No sounds, no drama,” she teased.
Aakash pulled her gently by her braid with a grin on his face. “If you have forgotten, we have a guest room… and even a sofa in the hall. Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he said, brushing a playful bite against her cheek.
They freshened up and gently woke Sarala, since the lunch she had prepared remained untouched.
Later that night, once Mithran had fallen into a deep sleep, they quietly left the door slightly ajar and slipped into the guest room. Aakash lifted Meenakshi into his arms and twirled her lightly, his excitement evident after months of distance.
What followed was not rushed, but filled with longing that had built over time. His touch was gentle yet intense, making her melt into him, while his kisses sent a familiar warmth through her. There was a quiet understanding between them, one that didn’t need words.
Aakash paused for a moment, making sure everything was right, his care evident in even the smallest actions. Meenakshi looked at him with a soft smile, touched by his thoughtfulness.
Their closeness that night was filled with emotion, love, comfort and the reassurance of belonging. It wasn’t just about desire, but about reconnecting after months of distance, finding each other again in the quiet of the night.
Afterward, they lay in each other’s arms for a while, sharing a peaceful silence before getting freshening up and returned to their room, careful not to disturb their sleeping son.
Their hearts felt lighter and fuller than before.
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