Second Chance Love

Falling, Falling....

A ray of sunlight drifted through the gap of the curtains and Abhimanyu threw the blanket over his head. He knew that it was way past his usual wake up time but today was Sunday and he was glad that he could finally catch up on a few extra winks. Last week was pretty busy. He had arrived pretty late almost all days of the week, but each time would be welcomed by a smiling Akshara, who would be studying or completing her projects. As he ate, they would talk about their day and about other general things, before retiring to their room, to sleep on separate beds. Abhimanyu realized that after a long time, he was looking forward to something else other than spending time with his kids and his work. 

In fact, his day started and ended with Akshara. He would usually wake up to see Akshara on the balcony of their bedroom doing her yoga. The rays of the sun falling on her, while she closed her eyes in meditation, made her look nothing less than angelic, and Abhimanyu would catch a few moments admiring her before he went to wake up the kids. When they returned from their morning time at the park, Akshara would be already in the kitchen, preparing the kids' tiffins and a cup of tea for Abhimanyu. 

Once the school run was done, Abhimanyu, Akshara, and Avni would have their breakfast before Abhimanyu left for work. Yesterday, after a long time, he had returned from work at 7 in the evening, only to find that Akshara and the kids had still not returned. It was Saturday and they had a packed day. Their day had started with visiting Akshara's parents house, followed by some time with the kids' at the orphanage, and a visit to the gift shop to get gifts for Abhir and Roohi's classmate whose birthday they had to attend the next day.

When they returned at 8 in the evening, the kids were high on excitement and energy, while Akshara looked like she would collapse any second. Abhimanyu was observing Akshara closely and did not miss when she winced in pain as she sat on the couch. Before he could ask what was wrong, Avni did, "Akshu, what happened?"

"Nothing, Ma. Actually my periods started in the evening and my stomach is cramping a bit."

"Then what was the need for going to the gift shop. You should have come home directly."

"The kids were so excited, I couldn't say no."

This was one bone of contention for Abhimanyu. Akshara always put the kids above all her needs, even when it was killing her.

"Really, Akshara. How many times have I told you not to do it?"

Akshara smiled sheepishly. "It is ok Abhimanyu. It is not too painful. Anyway, I will rest now and tomorrow also. The kids will be away almost half the day tomorrow."

Abhimanyu shook his head in exasperation. He will have to find another way to change her ways.

To make sure Akshara got her rest, he got everyone to have dinner quickly. But the kids had different plans. As it was Saturday, Abhir and Roohi slept in their bedroom. It was the only day in the week that Abhimanyu and Akshara slept on the same bed. Right now, Abhimanyu was trying his best to make them sleep but to no avail. He could see that Akshara's eyes were drooping but the kids' constant chatter was preventing her from sleeping. The kids were really wired up as the next day they were going to KidZania, for their friend's birthday party.

As this indoor theme park was in a different part of the city, Abhimanyu never got the chance to take the kids there. So, now the kids couldn't stop talking about what they would do once they reach there. After 30 minutes of constant discussion, Abhimanyu had to take out every parent's favorite astra to make their kids do what they wanted. "Abhir, Roo, if you are not asleep in the next five minutes, I am going to call Aryan's father and tell him that you are not coming for the party."

"Noooo, Baba, you can't do that."

"Yes, I can. But if you don't want me to do that, please be quiet and sleep. See, your Mumma is so tired."