Hearts in Balance: A Tale of Business and Medicine

14. A taboo and family

Hey everyone Let's start with today's chapter but before that, I've something to say.

I'm putting too much effort into this story but there is no response in votes, or comments please if you've any problem just let me know.

Happy 200 views!!

Recap,

Aastha got her periods, Anurag took her shopping, brought her pads, and sat for the long drive. Aastha's sudden question made Anurag halt the car with a jerk.

Aastha: Fire, what am I to you?

Anurag (shocked): Why do you ask this question suddenly?

Aastha (shrugs off): Bas aise hi (Just like that). Could you tell me what I am to you?

Anurag (smiles and cups her right cheek): A very good and close friend of mine whom I can never leave in this life, who is important to me more than myself.

Aastha (made a sad pout): So I'm just a friend of yours. You'll leave me when you'll get the love of your life.

Anurag (chuckles): What? You're thinking too much, I think it's your mood swings.

Aastha (mild tears): No, no you'll leave me like my parents, you'll leave me for sure.

Anurag was shocked to hear about her parents for the first time.

Anurag (gently held her soft palm in his hard ones): Aastha, I'm never going to leave you, never. 

Aastha (like a child): Promise?

Anurag (smiles): Pakka Promise.

Aastha's face holds a little smile upon hearing it.

Aastha: Can we head back to the house? My back is paining...

Anurag: Sure.

Both started their ride back to Chawan Niwas. They were on the outskirts of Nagpur so it would take a minimum of 1 hour to reach, Aastha sat with closed eyes her hand from her fist and slightly hitting her thighs to reduce pain. Anurag saw her discomfort but he knew that she wouldn't allow him to touch her leg so he decided he would massage her legs when she was sound asleep.

After an hour they reach. As soon as they enter the house they are welcomed by Bhawani, Sonali, Ashwini, Omkar, Ninad, Samrat, and Pakhi.

Aastha had a smile on her face while entering her house and Anurag was holding pad packets.

Ashwini: Aastha, bada you came early today?

Aastha: Aai I came home around 2-2:30 in the afternoon.

Sonali: Come have evening tea with us!!!

Aastha: Sure kaku but I want to talk something important with Pakhi Vahini.

Pakhi: Aastha you okay na?

Aastha: Yes vahini can we talk privately?

Pakhi: Sure

With the help of Samrat Pakhi stood up and both came towards the passage near Aastha's room followed by Aastha.

Aastha, feeling hesitant and nervous, approached Pakhi with lowered eyes.

Aastha: Vahini, I... I umm... I got my period today. So... are there any rules in the house about it? I mean, if there are, I can stay in the storeroom for the next five days... since I'm impure. I understand the societal norms.

Pakhi (little anger): First of all why are you nervous and stammering while talking about periods? Aastha you're a gynecologist I think you have studied this deeply, and Secondly, there are not any rubbish rules like this in this house.