Threads of Destiny

Chapter 20: First One

"This is the guest room," Rudra said, pointing to the room. Maitree nodded as she entered.

Rudra leaned against the doorframe. "Go," Maitree said, sighing. Rudra just smiled at her.

Maitree playfully pushed him and said, "Go." Rudra whined and left.

Maitree took a shower and then sprawled out on the bed with her phone pressed to her ear. She said, "Yes, Sonakshi, his family is amazing," and then softly added, "just like he is."

The conversation continued, "Okay, I'll call you after I get back from the boutique."

Maitree heard a knock on the door and quickly got up from the bed. She opened the door to find Anjali standing there with a tray of coffee cups.

"Here you go," Anjali said, handing Maitree the coffee. She continued, "I hope you like the room, and did you need anything?"

Maitree smiled warmly and replied, "No, everything is perfect. Thank you." She took the tray from Anjali's hand and added, "You shouldn't be on your feet." She gestured for Anjali to come inside and have a seat.

Anjali waved off Maitree's concern, taking a seat and saying, "Everything is good; Varun just worries too much."

Maitree couldn't help but notice Anjali's swollen feet and commented, "No, your feet are really swollen."

Anjali chuckled, rolling her eyes. "You doctors worry too much," she teased.

Curious, Maitree asked, "How far along are you?"

"Eight months," Anjali replied, gently tapping her belly.

Maitree smiled and patted Anjali's belly. "And you want a boy?" she inquired.

Anjali nodded and then, after a thoughtful pause, she smiled and said, "But I think it's a girl."

Maitree listened attentively to Anjali's response. "You don't want a girl?" she asked with a curious smile.

Anjali replied quickly, "No, no," and chuckled. She continued, "Aradhya and I have such a huge age difference, so she is my first baby." Anjali's expression turned thoughtful as she added, "I have raised a baby girl, or rather, I'm still raising her. I just wanted to feel what it's like to have a boy."

Maitree nodded in understanding "that makes sense", and a mischievous smile crossed her face as she added, "You can start planning for your next one after delivery." She playfully winked at Anjali, making both of them laugh.

Anjali chuckled at Maitree's playful remark. "You never know," she said, joining in the laughter. "One step at a time for now, but I'll keep that in mind for the future."

Anjali said, "Khushi was right, you are special." Maitree looked intrigued, and Anjali continued with a surprised expression, "You don't know?"

Maitree raised her eyebrows in curiosity, prompting Anjali to explain further with a smile, "You are the first one."

Maitree, still puzzled, asked, "First one?"

Anjali nodded and clarified, "The first one he has brought home. Varun and I have met his girlfriends before, but you are the first one that Mumma and Aradhya are meeting." Anjali's smile reflected the significance of the moment, knowing that Maitree held a special place in Rudra's life as she was being introduced to his family.

"You should probably get ready," Anjali advised as she got up and left the room.

Maitree, left alone with her thoughts, repeated the words to herself, "First one." As seconds ticked by, a blush began to creep onto her cheeks, and her face broke into a wide smile. She walked over to the bed, covered her face with her hands in sheer delight, and then laid down. Slowly, she placed her arm down, still smiling, and whispered to herself, "First one," as if finally grasping the profound meaning behind those words. It was a moment that made her heart flutter with happiness.