Petrichor to his Heart

2.21

Pallavi kept playing with the glass straw meanwhile smiling at her sister-in-law who first lectured her for not taking care of her health then switched to health instructor mode and for now, she was back to her favorite topic of how her brother was not giving his undivided attention to her.

"I mean what kind of a life is it... this is your first baby, at least he should have been here, he just came back from Nepal or whatever." Keerti's nostrils flared and Pallavi had a hard time hiding her smile.

"by the way, I can see how you keep defending him, and what about Amma, did you guys tell her..."

Now, this was awkward for Pallavi first the tension that seeped through between her and Raghav at Amma's place last evening and second, she did not want to discuss it with anyone...Raghav would not want this incident to be discussed with Keerti so she would have to be cautious with Keerti about how much can be revealed. She had to now keep secrets with Keerti, perks of marriage.

"Yeah, after the hospital Raghav and I went to Amma's place yesterday, and yeah...after hearing about it she was happy." Pallavi sat straight and took a sip from the glass itself in a meek attempt to not meet Keerti's eyes.

"of course, Amma would have been happy, I wish I was there too...

"Even I felt so but Amma is planning a small ceremony with just the family...

"so that was the reason for the male kurtas and a saree for me today." referring to the bags sitting around her feet Keerti narrowed her eyes.

"Yes, Bua and Phuphaji of the baby should look their finest in his or her's first ceremony." Pallavi teased Keerti.

"Ahaan...wow Pallavi I am finally going to be Bua, do you know for so many years we have lived so unlikely of a family that this notion of finally living like a family seems like a dream to me." Keerti's usual no-nonsense eyes blurred with tears all of a sudden.

"Keerti..."Pallavi put away the glass and reached out for her hands.

"I am fine...but Thank you Pallavi after you and now Ritesh in my life I feel tough times do end, I just hope someday Amma mends her relationship with Raghav." brushing away the tears with the back of her palm Keerti took her fork.

The mention of Amma and Raghav jolted a nerve inside Pallavi but she hid her inner self and nodded at Keert, hoping her words to become the reality someday.

"I believe this baby would be our magician...Keerti's words were cut off by the waiter's arrival who placed their orders in front of them.

"How are Ritesh and your in-laws?" Pallavi now needed to shift the talks because she didn't know how long would she be able to hide the events that took place last night.

"They are good," Keerti answered and smiled turning her gaze to the food.

"the smile says you are hiding something Keerti...what is it?" Pallavi knew Keerti was happy now, after everything that she went through she deserved peace of her mind.

"Naah, nothing. It is just..." Keerti looked up and kept both her elbows on the table under her face as if to reveal something big.

"Back then I thought I was bored of the peaceful life Amma and I were living, I wanted some fun actually I wanted some kind of chaos and Sunny brought that into my life...

"Keerti...

"I am fine Pallavi, it is all in good shape, and his name doesn't cringe me at all...honestly, it all came to me because I wished for it."

Pallavi didn't know how to react to this, this was the side of Keeerti that she kept hidden from the world just like her brother Raghav showed only that much that was needed to survive.