Cover Me In Sunshine🌅

8. Promises

Ram and Priya entered KM only to find Tarun pacing around with a worried face. They went towards him and looked at them.
Ram(with a smile): Tarun relax. Priya and the baby both are okay.
Tarun(sighing in relief): Oh Thank God you are alright.
Ram(handing him the prescription and the diet chart): Tarun these are the medicines. Please order kardo. And this is Priya's diet chart.
Tarun(scrutinizing the diet chart): Okay. Everything is written clearly. Don't worry I'll take care of Bhabhi and the baby both.
Tarun gave Ram a huge smile.
Ram: I know Tarun tum ho isiliye meri tension kam hai.
Priya: Thank you Tarun. Pata nahi tumhare bina main kya karungi. I'm also becoming like Mr. Kapoor.
Tarun gave her a huge smile.
Tarun: According to this, Bhabhi should eat fruit salad and milk. Main medicines ki list Pawan ko de deta hoon. Aur aapke liye woh lekar jata hoon.
Priya whined again.
Priya: Phir se! Dhat! I don't like the smell of milk. Nahi peena mujhe!
She started walking towards the stairs.
Ram gave Tarun a sad look who reciprocated the same.
Ram ran towards Priya and carefully walked her upstairs.

Both got freshened up and sat on the bed. Priya rested her head on Ram's shoulder who kissed her hair.
Ram: Are you okay?
Priya nodded.
Priya: After visiting the doctor I feel a little less stressed.
Ram: Yeah she was nice. Explained everything patiently. Umm...what do you think about the therapy?
Priya: I think we should go. What are you thinking about it?
Ram: Same. I think we should go.
Priya: Hmm...
Tarun knocked on the door. Ram opened the door.
He placed two bowls of fruit salads, one glass of badam milk and one glass of chocolate milkshake.
Ram made a face.
Ram: Tarun yaar mujhe yeh fruit salad nahi khana.
Priya frowned at Ram.
Tarun: Sir Bhabhi ko toh khana padega na. Aur aap bhi toh papa banne wale hain. You should also eat healthy food and aap yaha Bhabhi ke paas baith ke samosa, kachori khayenge toh unhe bura lagega.
Ram sighed. Priya started giggling merrily.
Ram: Yeah you're right Tarun.
Tarun: Bhabhi try the badam milk. I think it'll smell good to you.
Priya sniffed the badam milk. It smelled like cardamom and Saffron. Priya took a sip.
Priya(with a smile): Yeah it's good Thank you Tarun.
Tarun gave both of them a smile and left. Ram locked the room and sat beside Priya who started eating the fruits.
Priya(chuckling): Inn 8 months mein Tarun aapko bhi healthy kar dega.
Ram chuckled then caressed Priya's tummy once.
Ram: Yeah 8 months. I can't wait for my little angel.
Priya smiled at him.
Ram: Priya can I ask you something? Don't get stressed. It's not like you have to answer.
Priya nodded.
Ram: Why did you cry of the doctor's clinic? Something specific? Did something made you feel bad?
Priya thought looking at her hands then sighed deeply.
Priya(tears forming in her eyes): Ummm....you asked if I can go to work...
Ram: Ha toh?
Priya: How can I go there? After the jail and all...I'm sorry I let you down.
Priya's tears started falling from her eyes.
Ram took the bowl from her hand and kept it aside then hugged her softly.
Ram(caressing her back): Hey hey...don't worry. I handled the media. Kisiko kuch pata nahi hamare alawa. Of course you can go to work! And you didn't do anything Priya. You're innocent. Ha but for some days take rest. Then you can go to work. I know how much you love your job that's why I asked the doctor. It's okay. It's okay. Don't cry.
Priya broke the hug.
Priya: Sach mein? Then institute ko kya pata hai?
Ram: They know about Shivi. That's why you took a break. Isse zyada kuch pata nahi hai. I took care of everything.
Priya(nodding): Thank you.
Ram gave her a small smile. He pulled out a tissue from his pocket and wiped her tears away then handed her the fruit bowl.
Ram: Eat. Everything is fine. You just take rest. Yeh unnecessary stress mat lo.
Priya nodded and started eating.

Priya was eating that's when Ram noticed the light red bruises on her right hand still visible. He caressed the wound while Priya was looking at him blankly.
Ram: This doesn't hurt anymore na Priya?
Priya(firmly): No it doesn't. Anyways it's not like you really care.
Ram was taken aback by her reaction.
Ram: Priya? What are you saying? You think I don't care about you!
Priya(looking at him blankly): That day....in the bakery you came to meet me...you didn't even ask how was I feeling? If I'm still unwell or not...you knew that I had food poisoning, I fainted in your arms. You didn't ask me if the kidnappers tortured me or harrassed me, if I was okay or not, if I was hurt anywhere else or not. The one and only thing you cared about was why the hell did I not tell you where I told Krish. You sent me to Sood house because you were angry with me! You just asked me why did I not tell you as it was dangerous and that's it! MS tried to strangle me. You didn't ask me if I was okay! You straight up asked me to choose between you and Meera Sood.
Mr. Kapoor whenever you are angry with me you just withdraw yourself from me and it scares me! Your insecurities, your jealousy gets the better of you and it scares me! I don't know what to think to be honest.
Ram was looking at her shocked, teary-eyed.
Ram(broken voice): Priya....I...did not....I'm...sorry. I didn't...know...I made you...feel like that. I'm sorry Priya. I'm sorry.
He started crying heavily. Priya felt extremely sad because she hurt him again. She went near him and hugged him tightly, he hugged her back. He was saying Sorry continuously.
Priya(caressing his back): It's okay it's okay. I'm sorry. I didn't wanna hurt you. I'm sorry.
Ram broke the hug.
Ram(looking at his hands): Why are you sorry? I was insensitive towards you, your health where you almost gave your life for me! You got kidnapped! You hid that because you wanted me to get closure! And I shouted at you in front of my friend and that Krish! I'm sorry Priya. I shouldn't have sent you to Sood House. I'm sorry. I was indifferent towards you. Nandini Kapoor was manipulating me about property and all, I was scared for you, Dad's case and in all this I neglected you. Maine jaan bujhke nahi kiya Priya. I know my actions hurt you. I'm sorry. You were unwell that day and I didn't even ask you how you were. I'm sorry Priya. I'm so so sorry. I failed you Priya. I couldn't be a good husband to you nor I was a good father to our baby.
Priya(holding his hand): I failed you too. I was not a good wife to you. I promised that I'll never leave you yet I took the blame on myself not thinking about you. I'm sorry Mr. Kapoor. I should've been there with you, be your support system but I didn't. I also made mistakes. I shouldn't have told you all this. I'm sorry. I didn't tell you about MS's conspiracy against you. I'm sorry for that. I should've told you. It was dangerous for you.
Ram: How would I know how you feel if you don't tell me? I'm sorry Priya. You are right my brain stop working when I feel insecure.
Priya: Look at me. Mr. Kapoor look at me!
Ram looked into her eyes. His eyes were red due to crying.
Priya(cupping his face with both her hands): There's nothing for you to feel insecure about. I love you and I'll always love you till my last breath. I'm sorry for leaving you like that. I should've thought about your past experiences before doing that but I just had no time to think. I wanted to protect Ishaan and I did it without giving a second thought. I'm sorry. It's not completely your fault. It's from both the sides. I promise I'll not repeat this. I'm not gonna leave you or our child. You both are my world.
Ram hugged her softly, still sniffling on her shoulder.
Ram: I'm sorry for how I made you feel Priya. I promise I'll never repeat this. I'll go to therapy and I'll learn how to control my anger. I'm sorry for everything. Can you forgive me?
Priya: I already forgave you. Long ago. I can't stay angry with you for long. Can you forgive me?
Ram: Hmmm...I forgive you. I know you wanted to protect Ishaan that's why you did it. That's your nature. You can't let your loved ones suffer. But don't do that again Priya please. Not for me or for anyone else! You are important! It's not your duty to protect everyone!
Priya: Says the person who would do anything to protect his family...
Ram: I'll do anything to protect you and our child but I can't see you suffer Priya. I love you and I do care about you. I know I fail to show my concern or my anger takes over my concern but trust me I do care about you and our child. I do.
Priya: I know I know. I shouldn't have said all these things. You are already hurt and I hurt you more.
Ram: No you did the right thing. You are getting stressed out thinking all these. You should tell you how you feel otherwise how would I know? I'll try my best Priya. I promise.
Priya: I promise I'll be a better version of myself for you both.
Ram broke the hug and kissed her forehead.
Ram(sadness in his voice): I'm just making you cry only.
Priya: There are things between us that needs to be solved and we have to talk about them. And we'll cry because of it. We handed our life decisions to people who betrayed us. You are not making me cry. The situation is like that.
Ram: Are you still angry with me for sending you to Sood house that night?
Priya(narrowing her eyes): Of course I'm. (Mimicking him) Mujhe baat nahi karni hai tumse Priya. Vikrant tu free hai Priya ko ghar chodkar aa. Huhh!
Ram chuckled slightly then again made a straight face.
Ram: Firstly, I don't talk like that. Secondly, you could've fought with me maine kaha aur tum chali gayi.
Priya(looking at him in disbelief): Mr. Kapoor aap chahte kya hain? Mujhe kaha jaane ko phir yeh keh rahe hain tum kyun nahi rooki! This! This is what I was talking about! Aapko nahin pata aap chahte kya hai aur mujhe bhi nahi pata.
Ram(pouting sadly): I'm sorry. Achha yeh batao those kidnappers. Did they torture you? Aur nikli kaise tum?
Priya(rolling her eyes): Nahin batana mujhe.
Ram: How did you get hurt?
Priya: Woh...when I was cutting that rope with the metal nail of the box I was tied to.
Ram's anger started rising. He took his phone and dialed Adi's phone number.
Adi: Ha Ram bol. Priya thik hai na?
Ram(in a low but firm voice): Yeah Priya is okay don't worry. Listen to me very carefully, those bastards who kidnapped Priya I want them in jail anyhow. Call the jailer and tell him to get the names from MS and Varun right now! Marke ho, ulta latkake ho I don't care. I want them inside the jail. Do something please.
Adi: Ha I understood. Yes they should be in jail. Don't worry they'll be taken care of.
Ram: Tu thik hai na? And Brinda? I'm still angry with her but she left crying.
Adi: Umm...she's upset with herself Ram. Don't worry we're fine. You all take care.
Ram: Hmmm...thik hai. Bye.
Adi: Bye.
He cut the call and looked at Priya who was looking at him open mouthed.
Ram: I'm sorry. I think I scared you.
Priya averted her eyes from him and started drinking her badam milk. Ram sighed deeply.
Priya: I'm fine. There's no point of asking those questions now.
Ram: I'm sorry.
Priya(looking at him): I'm sorry too.
He gave her a small smile and started eating his fruit salad.
Some minutes later,
Priya: Tarun ne aake agar dekha na that we both haven't finished this yet hume daant padegi for sure.
Ram giggled softly.
Ram: Yeah he's becoming strict for you.
Priya chuckled lightly.
Ram: Do you wanna go for a walk in the terrace with me?
Priya nodded with a smile.
Priya: Okay.
They finished their snacks quickly. Ram forwarded his hand to Priya who gladly held his hand. They went upstairs to the terrace.

The weather was nice. The air felt very fresh. They started walking holding each other's hands. The moon was out, glowing beautifully.
Ram(with a small smile): The last time we came here, we were 2. Now we're 3.
Priya(smiling): Yesss. Just realized that.
Ram: Priya I wish sab normal hota.
Priya looked at him sadly.
Priya: I wish our families had a beautiful bond. We all could've been happy together.
Ram kissed her forehead and caressed her shoulder.
Ram: Well. We've no option than to accept that we're a little family now. A big change.
Priya: Hmmm....a big change. Loss, happiness, betrayal, contentment, disappointment, togetherness sab ek saath. That's why we don't know what to exactly feel right now.
Ram: Yeah. It's overwhelming.
Priya stood by the railing and was looking at the sky. A faint smile came on her face. She pointed to the sky.
Priya: Look there! That's our Shivi. That bright one.
Ram looked at that and a sad smile came on his face.
Ram(teary-eyed): Yeah. It's our Shivi.
Priya kissed Ram's forehead and hugged him tightly.
Priya(teary-eyed): Shivi we miss you. I wish you were here with us today. You would've been over the moon with our pregnancy news. I hope jahan bhi ho khush ho. We love you.
Ram(tears rolling down his eyes): Shivi we miss you bachha. We love you. Stay happy wherever you are. You left us too soon. Too soon.
Priya caressed Ram's back while he tucked her hair strands behind her ear. They stood there hugging each other silently for sometime. They went downstairs to their room.

It was 9:45pm when Tarun came with dinner in their room. Priya sat up and went to the coffee table. There was rice, roti, daal, bhindi sabji, soybean curry, salad.
Tarun: Bhabhi raat ko light hi khana hoga na please don't make faces.
Priya: I know but...
Ram: Priya this you can eat yaar...achha hi toh hai!
Priya rolled her eyes at both of them.
Priya: Fine I'll eat. Tarun tum sab bhi dinner karlo.
Tarun nodded and left.
Ram held the spoon in front of Priya mouth. She smiled and ate.
Ram: Is it okay?
Priya(with a smile): Now it is.
Ram smiled at her. Priya also made him eat. Both fed each other dinner smiling.

After dinner, Ram made Priya lie down on bed comfortably, covered her with the duvet properly. She hugged him softly keeping her head close to his heart. This made him smile blissfully. He kissed her hair. After sometime, she looked into his eyes which reflected deep love for her. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek. He was looking at her lip a little apprehensively. She noticed it then caressing his cheeks softly, she captured his lips in a gentle kiss. After sometime they broke the kiss and touched their foreheads together. He caressed her head.
Ram: Umm....Priya I think we should wait for somedays before we try doctor's advice as you are a little weak. Haina?
Priya(blushing hard): Yeah.
Ram: Okay.
He kissed her lips again softly. Then placed a kiss on her tummy, caressing her.
Ram: Goodnight little one.
Priya smiled and held his on her tummy.
Ram(kissing her forehead): Goodnight Priya.
Priya(kissing his cheek): Goodnight.
Priya snuggled into his arms and after feeling comfortable in his touch she went into deep sleep after a couple of minutes. Ram's eyes also dropped caressing her hair and he also fell asleep.

Hope you all liked the chapter!