Saturday 4 March 2016
10.00am

Almost three months had passed since Christmas Day and both Raman and Ishita were coming to terms with the stupendous and wonderful change that was imminent in their lives.

Their families were ecstatic of course.

*Flashback starts*

Raman and Ishita had waited until the day after the New Years Celebration, when both sets of parents, his siblings and Mihika were again gathered at the Bhalla Apartment, to break the news to everyone. They had waited until after dinner, after the children had gone to bed though, wanting to talk to Adi and Ruhi privately in the morning.

Raman had again been hovering over Ishita all through dinner, not letting her do anything, making her sit, and jumping up to intercept anytime anyone asked her for something.

Mummyji had been staring at him suspiciously, watching his antics, and by the time that the adults were seated with after dinner coffees and drinks, she could not restrain herself any longer.

"Oi Raman, yeh ho kya raha hai, humme bata" she finally burst out." Agar Ishita ko koi badi piroblem hai, toh humme bhi bata de. Warna kal se tu kaam ja raha hai, next week phir tu trip pe kahin chala jaayega, hum se phir koi galati ho gayi toh phir aa kar chilayega"
(Oi Raman, just what is going on, tell us. If Ishita has some big problem, you need to tell us. You go back to work tommorow, maybe next week you'll go away again on some trip, what if we make some mistake again because we don't know anything, you'll come back and yell at us again)

"Yes Jiju" Mihika had also piped up. "Akka is such a lucky girl, you're being so caring, but she's not so helpless as you're making her out to be. I mean, you're just crowding her. Baat kya hai jeeju? Akka, is everything okay"

Raman had just been bringing a glass of warm milk for Ishita and he handed this to her now, smiling sweetly at her, as she blushed. "Drink this" he said softly, as he sat down next to her, taking her free hand in his.

"Raman, you know I don't like...." she started to protest but her voice trailed off in the face of the look he gave her. She looked down and gulped the milk, as her parents and Mihika looked at her in shock.

"Akka, but you never drink milk" Mihika declared in amazement.

Ishita cleared her throat, putting down the glass and let her husband draw her closer to him. He smiled and looked at the assembled family.

"We have something to tell you all" he said gravely, entwining his fingers with those of his wife.

There was a pin drop silence as everyone looked expectantly at the couple.

"Kya bhai, tell us" Rinki urged.

"Bata rahe hai" ( We are telling, just wait) he looked at the expectant faces, then his loving gaze turned to his wife. "Bata do jaan" (you tell them love)

"Aap bata do" ( You say it) she whispered to him.

"Areh kya batana hai, koi toh batao" ( What is it? Can one of you just tell us) Romi cried out, exasperated at his bhai and bhabhi.

"Yahi ki tu phirse chachu banne wala hai gadhe" ( Just that you're going to be an uncle again, idiot) Raman blurted out.

The next moment, bedlam broke out as the ladies all jumped up, talking at once, making for Ishita.

"Careful, please be careful" Raman called out, but he was elbowed aside by Mrs Iyer, who got to her daughter first.

"Ishu kanna" tears of joy fell from Mrs Iyer eyes as she embraced her daughter lovingly. "Yeh kab hua? Mein kitne khush hoon kanna. Kyun nahi bataya humko?  Raman, kyun sab secret rakhta hai" (When did this happen. I'm so happy my child. Why didn't you tell us? Raman, why do you keep so many secrets) she turned on her son in law who was looking on anxiously at the vigorous hugs his mother in law was bestowing on his wife.

"Amma, careful please" he said now. "We just found out, kuch hi din hue."

Mrs Bhalla was next, embracing her daughter in law in tears of joy, even as Mrs Iyer still held on tight. "Mujhe pata tha" She said triumphantly. "Koi toh baat thi. Warna woh paraathe, woh sab kya tha, mujhe pata tha" (I knew there was something. Otherwise those parathas and all that. I just knew)

"Ma, careful" Raman warned again, his words falling on deaf ears as Mrs Bhalla managed to prise Ishita out of Mrs Iyer's arms, and tried to make her bahu do a little jig in celebration

"Tu Itna kyun dar raha hai puttar. Yeh baccha hai, koi beemari nahi" his mother retorted as Mihika, Simmi and Rinki also joined in the fray, taking turns at hugging Ishita. (Why are you so scared son? This is a baby, not a disease)

"No ma" Raman said firmly. "Ishita has to be extra careful, and I'm not going to take any chances, so please, everyone, you all have to make sure she doesn't do anything from now on. Aur koi isko stress nahi karega. Samjhe." (No one is allowed to stress her. Understand?)

And then he too had been caught up in the celebrations as his brother and sisters had engulfed him and ishita in a group hug, as both sets of parents had looked on in joy.

Aap ke aane se ghar mein kitni ronak hai
Aap ko dekhe kabhi apne ghar ko dekhe hum
Hum khush hue hum khush hue hum khush hue
Hum khush hue hum khush hue hum khush hue

*Flashback ends*

In the following days, both Amma and Mummyji had resorted to a competition to look after Ishita in either the Punjabi or madrasi way, but Raman had made it very clear that his wife would only take advice from her obstetrician, and that he did not want any unnecessary stress caused to her from their never ending warfare.

So mummyji and Amma had called a truce and even though they hovered around Ishita like watchful martinets, they were too mindful of Raman's warnings to allow their different ideas on pregnancy diets and behaviors to affect Ishita.

While the parents had been delighted, their children had been another story.

*Flashback starts*

Raman and Ishita had told the children privately at breakfast the next morning, before taking Adi to the airport for his trip to Barbados.

Ishita had watched anxiously as Raman had gently broken the news that they were going to get a new brother or sister soon.

Adi had outwardly professed his delight at the idea of the baby. "Congratulations Ishima, papa" he had said, hugging his parents. Ishita had noticed though that he had seemed anxious, and had appeared to withdraw into himself, although a smile was fixed on his face.

Ruhi was another kettle of fish. Unlike Adi, she had made no pretense of looking forward to the new arrival, and had thrown an immediate tantrum, asserting that she wouldn't share her toys or her parents with any baby.

"Mujhe nahin chahiye small baby" she shouted.
(I don't want a small baby)

"Kyun baby?" Raman asked gently, as he saw how near to tears his wife was. "You like to play with Shritija, don't you. Yeh baby ghar mein hoga. Aap jab chaho khel sakte ho"
(Why baby? You like to play with Shritija, don't you? This baby will be at home all the time. You can play with him whenever you like)

"Shritija Vandu periamma ke saath soti hai" she declared. "Shravu nahi. Mujhe mumma ke paas sona hai"
(Shritija sleeps with Vandu periamma now, not Shravu. I want to sleep with my mumma)

"Baby will sleep in the cot Ruhi" Raman said, relieved that the issue was so small. "You can still sleep with mumma when papa is away, hmm. But you're almost eight Ruhi, you're a big girl now, you can't..."

"Raman, Leave it" Ishita had interrupted, gathering her daughter in a close hug. "My Ruhi baby can still sleep with mumma for as long as she likes."

That matter settled, and Raman having managed to convince their little girl about the advantages of being a big sister, Ruhi had declared that she wanted to play with the baby and was now looking forward to her new sibling with impatience.

During Adi's week away in Barbados, Ishita had discussed his reaction to the baby news with Raman. She knew that he still felt unsure sometimes about his place in the family, and that visits to Shagun seemingly exacerbated his insecurities.

Raman and Ishita has agreed that they needed to make sure that Adi understood how much he was loved and they had put their plan into action on his return. They made sure they included him in their discussions, sought his opinions on family matters, made him feel needed and loved, not giving a chance for his insecurities to develop further.

Thankfully, Adi seemed to be getting over his fears and now genuinely appeared to be looking forward to his little siblings arrival.

*Flashback ends*

So now it was the first Saturday in March and Ruhi had woken up demanding to be taken out for ice-cream by her mumma and papa.

She had been told this wasn't possible until later, as papa was taking mumma to see her doctor. She had thrown a little pique at this news, but then had calmed down and was happily eating her breakfast with her Romi chachu when Ishita stopped at the dining table to bid her goodbye.

"Kya baby aaj aayega Ishima"  (Will the baby come today Ishima?) she demanded, as she clambered onto the dining table in order to look at her mother in the eyes.

" No beta abhi nahi". (No baby, not yet) Ishita gave her daughter a loving peck on her soft cheeks.

"Phir aap Doctor aunty ke pass kyun ja rahe ho?"
(Then why are you going to doctor aunty?)

"Just for a check up Ruhi."

Raman came up,behind and added to the kisses being bestowed on his daughter.

"I told you didn't I Ruhi? Now you be a good girl and don't bother your daadi, theek hai? Mumma aur mein jald wapas aajenge aur phir hum sab ice cream khane jayenge. Now let's go madrassan"
(I told you didn't I Ruhi? Now you be a good girl and don't bother your daadi, okay? Mumma and I will come back soon  and then we can all go and have ice cream. Now let's go madrassan)

"Raman ". Ishita said a few minutes later as he started the car. "Everything will be okay won't it?"

"Of course it will  Ishita "

He slammed the brakes, bringing the just revving car to a halt and turned his attention to her, clutching her hands in his. She could see barely disguised fear in his eyes as they searched her face.

"Why Ishita, have you been feeling unwell? Why haven't you told me...?"

"Raman, shhh, no".  Ishita interrupted, freeing her hands and cupping his face. "I'm fine, kuch nahi hua. (Nothing has happened) It's just the check up, I'm just nervous."

He quickly gathered her in a hug, before restarting the car.

"There is nothing to be nervous about Ishita. You will be just fine. Everything is okay."

******************************************
The same words were echoed by Dr Asha 2 hours later, as scans, tests and examination finished, she sat across from the Bhallas in her surgery.

"Everything looks fine Dr Ishita. Nothing to be concerned about. I will do a detailed review of the tests later, but overall, all looks well. Mr Bhalla is obviously looking after you well."

"Yes Doctor ". Ishita turned to smile at her husband. "He is."

"Still, given your history, we can't take any chances Ishita, you know that". Doctor Asha continued. "So continue to take things easy, no stress, no heavy physical work and Raman, I'm giving you the green light, but go easy on her, huh?"

Ishita grinned as her husband's face colored deeply.

Since Dr Asha had placed a halt on their romantic life, life had been somewhat of a trial for the romantic Mr Bhalla. While he was anxious to do whatever it took to make sure their baby was born healthy, Ishita knew just how difficult it was for her husband to stay away from her. It wasn't easy for her either, she had to admit, as the surging hormones of pregnancy were playing havoc with her need for him.

She clutched his hand tightly now as he gave an anxious laugh.

"I've been following your instructions Doc" he said wryly.  "But you shouldn't be telling me this, you should be telling my wife. She's the one who has designs on me. Izzat toh meri khatre mein hai". (I am the one in danger)

"Kuch bhi Raman" Now it was Ishita's turn to blush. (Whatever, Raman)

"Don't flatter yourself Mr. Bhalla" Dr Asha said with a laugh.  "That's most likely just the pregnancy hormones running wild. But still, the first trimester is the most dangerous and that's passed safely, so there's no reason for you to avoid intimacy altogether. But just go easy huh. No acrobatics."

"Easy is my middle name Doc." Raman drawled enjoying his wife's discomfort. "Acrobat toh meri biwi hai. Ab gayi meri izzat haat se." ( It's my wife who is the acrobat. Now my innocence will be completely destroyed)

*********************************************
"Kya Raman." Ishita pouted as they walked back to their car. "Aise kyun kaha aap ne Doctor ko? What must she think of me?" (What Raman? Why did you say all that to the doctor? What must she think of me?)

He only smirked as he opened the passenger door, and arranged the seat belt once she was seated. It wasn't until after he was himself seated and had turned on the ignition that he responded.

"Kyun madam, do you really think I don't know what's going on in your mind, hmm? I've known every single time that you've looked at me and sighed and oohed and aahed just what you really want from me."

"Kuch bhi." (Whatever) Ishita resorted to her usual cover up for the embarrassment her Raavan caused her all the time.

"Kuch bhi nahi, yeh" (Not whatever, this) he replied as his free hand landed on her stomach, gently caressing the soft roundness. "Yeh choti madrassan ke kaaran mein uski amma ko uski faviroute entertainment nahi de sakta. You really miss me, don't you madrassan?" (I can't give my little madrassan's amma her faviroute entertainment because of her. You really miss me, don't you madrassan)

"Kuch bhi." Ishita repeated, more softly, as she clutched his roaming hand.  "Aur yeh koi choti madrassan nahi hai, chota sa Raavan hai. Isliye mujhko itna tang karta hai. Bilkul apne papa ki tarha."
(Whatever. And this isn't a little madrassan. It's a little Raavan. That's why he bothers me so much. Just like his papa)

"Accha?" He questioned as he pulled up a short distance from the clinic, outside one of Delhi's most famous idli shops. "I'm convinced that choti madrassan hai. Isliye toh meri madam ko idli ki itni shaukh hai."
(Is that right? I'm convinced it's a little madrassan. That's why madam wants to eat so much idli)

"Why did you stop here Raman? " Ishita looked up in surprise as he pulled away his hand and started to pull off his seat belt. "I didn't say I wanted anything from here."

"Of course you didn't say anything Ishita." He was out of the car, and closing the door firmly, leant back in through the open window. "Abhi kuch kyun kahogi? Tumhe toh idli dosa wada sambar rasam paisam sirf midnight ko khana hota hai na? Aur woh bhi amma ki haath ki nahi, sirf dhabe wali, aur amma se chupa ke. But today I'm prepared. Since we are already in the neighborhood, I'm going to make you eat all this now so that raat ko mein chain se so sakta hoon. Ya phir doc ne toh green light de di hai, maybe raat ko kuch aur bhi kar sakte hai, huh?"
(Of course you didn't say anything Ishita. Why would you say anything now? You just want to eat idli dosa sambar rasam paisam at midnight, don't you? That too, not amma's cooking, but just from the roadside vendors, and that too, hiding from amma. But today I'm prepared. Since we are already in the neighborhood, I'm going to make you eat all this now so that I can sleep peacefully at night. Or else, since doc has given the green light, we can do something else at night)

Ishita laughed as he stalked away, intent on his mission. Her husband had been so tolerant of her midnight cravings for dhabba wala South Indian khana, driving umpteen miles on several nights each week to fulfill her untimely hunger pangs.

"You have to stop eating so much Ishita." she admonished herself as she looked critically at her softly rounded face in the rear view mirror. " Kitni moti ho rahi hoon aur yeh toh double chin bhi aa raha hai." (You're getting so fat, and you're even getting a double chin)

She was pulling her cheeks in, trying to trace the lines of the incipient double chin when she saw Raman hurrying back to the car, his hands empty save for his phone, and a worried look on his face.

"Kya hua?" She touched his sleeve tentatively as he belted himself into the car without a word, turning on the ignition.  "Idli khatam ho gaye sab kya?"
(What's the matter? Is all the idli finished?)

Her attempt at humor brought a slight smile to his lips as he expertly turned the car back in the direction they had come from. She could see however that his smile did not reach his eyes.

"Raman, why are you turning back, kya hua?"

He reached over and squeezed her hand, just as the car reached Dr Asha's clinic gate a few hundred meters down the road.

"Raman, why did we come back? "

His silence was beginning to unnerve her.

"Ishita, jaan" He turned around in his seat and took both her hands in his, his eyes raking anxiously over her face.
"Dr Asha called me, she said the radiologist saw something in the scan, and she needs to do another one. Ishita, no, no, it's okay, it will be okay."

He pulled her into his arms as tears filled in her eyes, spilling over as his words sunk in. "Raman, no, I can't lose my baby... please, no, why..."

"Shhh" he whispered, rubbing her back as he held her tightly.

"She didn't say anything is wrong, just that she wants another look. You have to be positive jaan, kuch nahi hoga hamare baache ko. Kuch bhi nahi." (Nothing will happen to our baby, Nothing at all)

"Noo Raman"

"I promise you, it will be okay. Aur tum toh meri Jhansi ki Rani ho na. You have to be strong Ishita. Come on, let's go, Dr Asha is waiting."

He wiped her tears and then helped her gently from the car, her hand clutched in his as they walked up to the clinic facade.

She turned anxious tear filled eyes to him, and he smiled back, his eyes reassuring and full of love, hiding his own fears.
"I promise you, everything will be fine. Yeh mera waada hai tumse." (And that's my promise to you)