Two Yearning Hearts

14

After ending the phone call, Pallavi happily joined her family members in the hall and exclaimed, "I have good news, everyone! I just spoke to Parvati bhabhi. Her report came back positive. She's going to have a baby!" 

The expressions on almost everyone's faces turned to a mix of surprise and disappointment. 

Gaurav sighed, expressing his disappointment, and said, "our fears have come true."

“Now the whole world will spit on us. Why don't you do something, maa?!” Chhaya exclaimed.

Vinita felt annoyed and responded, "what is it that you want me to do? I've already said that I cannot throw her out of my house, as she is my son’s widow, but I have decided that her child will not carry our family name.”

Pallavi was at a loss for words. She felt deeply disappointed with her family, especially her husband, who remained silent throughout the entire discussion. 

When Kamal walked into the room, Pallavi followed him. She asked, "Kamal, why didn't you say anything back there?" 

Kamal glanced at their son, who was happily lying in bed, before turning to Pallavi and expressing his concern, "why did you leave Saahil alone here?" 

Pallavi defended herself, saying, "I was only gone for a few minutes, Kamal. And let's not change the subject!" She continued, "are you also unhappy about Parvati bhabhi’s decision like everyone else?" She glared at him, surprised to find him unsupportive of Parvati.

Kamal appeared sad and shared his feelings, “I don't have anything against Parvati bhabhi. It just makes me feel sad that she wants to have a child with someone else, without considering our beloved Milind bhaiya’s feelings."

Pallavi noticed Kamal's concern and sat beside him on the bed with a warm smile. She gently explained, “I’m sure it must have been incredibly difficult for bhabhi. We all know how much she deeply loved Milind bhaiya. But, she is also a human with her own emotions. I believe she must have been feeling very lonely, and having a child could bring her some solace.”

Kamal pondered over Pallavi's words. 

“And what's with another man’s child?! Don't speak like an uneducated person, Kamal," Pallavi said. “She underwent an insemination procedure, even if bhabhi decides to start a new chapter in her life with a partner, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that." 

Kamal couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. "I understand that there's nothing wrong with it, but our bond with her will come to an end."

“Our whole family has been so caught up in our own lives that we haven't even thought about bhabhi's happiness. We're all a bit selfish, including you and me. But let's change that and be genuinely happy for bhabhi, who has actually thought about her own happiness for the first time,” Pallavi tried to make him understand the situation. 

Letting go of any negative feelings or doubts he had about Parvati's decision. Kamal said, "Pallavi, you’re right. I'll quickly go and get some sweets before bhabhi arrives, so we can celebrate with her!"

Kamal giggled at his childlike enthusiasm and said, “Kamal, there’s no need to rush! Bhabhi informed me that she's actually going to visit Narayani aunty's house before coming here."

In the meantime, Narayani lovingly embraced Parvati upon learning about her daughter's pregnancy. The news brought her overwhelming joy, and tears of happiness welled up in her eyes. Releasing the hug, Narayani gently cupped Parvati's face with her hands and sweetly said, "congratulations, dear.” 

“Thanks, maa,” Parvati replied with a warm smile.

On the other hand, Suyash had gone to the mall with Shikhar and Nikhil. After having a great time skating, they headed to the food section. Suyash patiently waited in line to order food, while the kids eagerly waited for him at the table. His heart warmed as he caught sight of his cheerful kids. Just then he picked up his mobile phone as it rang. It was Rishika calling him.