Seetha Kalyanam Vaibohame

Pregnancy hormones

Time was flying by and so did two months. Seetha's stomach was growing too and the baby was getting a lot more active, especially at night. Seetha's trimester was a little uncomfortable, to say the least. For some reason, the baby loved to rest on her bladder especially when Seetha was beginning to doze off. Arun felt bad for her but couldn't do much to help.

Arun was developing a bond with the unborn baby as well. The baby recognized his touch. Every time Arun would say good bye before getting to work, he would kiss his wife and kissed the stomach too only to get a kick from the baby. It amused him. Although Seetha was very active, the third trimester had restricted some of her movements. She was also starting to get a little anxious about the impending labor pain and delivery.

On night, as the couple were lying beside each other, Seetha caressed Arun's face gently. His hand was on her stomach but he looked up at her, kissed her lips and smiled. He then asked softly, "Ennachu?" (What happened)She nodded and smiled. Then she sighed and said, "Konjam bayama irukku." (I am scared) He moved his hand from her stomach to her back and held her closer saying. The he cupped her cheeks and said, "Bayapadadhe maa. Ellam nalla padiya irukkum. Kozhandha porakadhukulla naan vandhuduven. Un kooda iruppen." (Don't be afraid. Everything will be fine. I will be there before the baby arrives. I will be with you) She nodded and placed her hand over his and gently took his hand to her bare waist.

He knew exactly what that meant. He understood that she wanted him to fondle her. He gently started by kissing her forehead. She closed her eyes and as his lips moved to her eyelids and then her lips to which she responded hungrily. Seetha was not the shy girl anymore, not with him and not when they were intimate. Her pregnancy hormones not only gave her weird food cravings but had also made her body more sensitive to his touch. Also, for some reason, knowing that she was going to be away from him for the next few months, made her want him more.

Yes, they had to leave to Coimbatore the following day. Parvathi, along with her older daughter in law, was already there, making arrangements for the seemandham (baby shower ritual). After the function, Seetha would be off to Palakkad along with her family. She will not be returning to Madras for 6 months. Arun will visit her but everything was going to change. She knew that all too well. Once the baby arrives, Arun will not be just hers. She will be sharing him with a tiny human being. Although she knew this was a ridiculous thought, she couldn't help it and wanted him for herself, for now, at least for tonight.

The next morning Seetha and Arun waited on the ambassador car that they had hired to go to the station. Seetha quickly went to say good bye to Saroja and get her blessings. Saroja did a quick dhrishti and wished her the best, "Nalla padiya suga prasavam aagattum." (May you have an easy delivery)

The train journey, was a little uncomfortable this time. She kept getting cramps on her leg. Arun sat beside her and placed her feet on his thighs, gently pressing it, "Nee thoongu maa. Naan amikki vidaren" (you sleep. I will press your feet) he said. At first, she was reluctant but when he insisted, he agreed and it did help her sleep.

The Seemandham had everyone from both sides of the family. There was a lot of hustle and bustle. People talking, laughing and children running around. After the rituals the banana leaf was laid out for the sadhya and everything from chips and pappadam to the Ada pradhaman and pal payasam were served. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed except Seetha.

Seetha was feeling extremely emotional. She was not someone who cried easily, especially in public but she felt sad. A girl who had grown up in a joint family for 20 years of her life, was now feeling sad to go along with them. She was feeling sad to leave that one man which whom she had spent a year. What was this emotion, she was asking herself. She kept reminding herself that it must be the pregnancy. She wouldn't feel this way once the baby arrives. Yet, just before she had to leave with her parents, she went to the upstairs room mumbling an excuse. Arun followed her.

He noticed Seetha unpacking and repacking her bags. He stepped into the room and shut the door behind him saying, "Seethu, ennachu maa? Yen oru madhiri irukke? Seriya saapda kooda illai. Enna paaru maa." (What happened? Why do you look upset? You did not even eat properly. Look at me) The moment she looked up, she was unable to hold back and tears started to flow. She started to whimper. He quickly knelt beside her and hugged her tightly, "Shhhh....konja naal thaane maa. Aparam nee unga aathukku thaane maa porey. Ange elaarum Unna thanga thattula vachu paathupaa." (Just a few days. Plus you are going to your house. People will take such good care of you.) He then slightly chuckled saying, "Ange unnoda pillaiyar kitta evvalo application poda vendi irukkum. Ange poi enna nenachu kooda paarka maate theriyuma."(You will be with your pillaiyar to whom you will have to send so many new applications. You will not even think of me once you get there)

Seetha hugged him tightly and said, "appidi ellam solladhengo. Ennakku ungala vittutu poga vendaam. Namma madras liye prasavam paathukalaam. Illaina neengalum leave pottu enkooda vaango." (Don't say that. I don't want to leave you. Let take care of my delivery in Madras. Or else you take time off and stay with me here) Arun smiled and cupped her face. With his thumb he wiped her tears. He then touched her forehead with his, saying, "Asadu idhukku poi ippidi kozhandhai madiri azhuvaala? Nee ippidi azhuga moonji yaa aathukku ponena enaala oorula eppidi nimmadhiya irukka mudiyum sollu? Azhaga Siri maa, please." (Don't cry like a baby. If you cry like that how will I be able to stay peacefully back home? Smile sweetly) She sniffled but looked into his eyes and smiled. Their lips met and she closed her eyes wanting the moment to freeze.

When they parted, she asked him, "Ungalukku ponn kozhandhai venuma illai pullaiya?" He smiled saying, "Neenga rendu perum aarogyama irukkanum." (Do you want a baby girl or baby boy)  (I just want you both to be healthy) He then kissed her stomach and smiled when he got a kick in return. He spoke to his unborn child saying, "Amma ku romba kashtam kudukaadhe. Appa seekirama varen, unna thookardhukku. Appo nee ennoda nenjulla odhachukko seriya." (Don't trouble your mother too much. I will be back soon to pick you up. Then you can kick me on my chest) He kissed once again.

It was time to bid goodbye. Seetha got into the car with her parents. Her eyes remained locked with Arun until they disappeared.

Brinda Subramanian