The Pages of Journey | Anidita

•<Page 11>•<Pregnant-III>•

Reread part 1 for better experience if possible. And don't forget to vote... Took me five hours to write.
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Those feet adorned with anklets today forgot their chimes. Her each step was heavy with those unspoken hushed words that didn't leave a sound but weighed a lot.

Empty hands, face downed like the withered sunflower, today her eyes have lost the shine of Knight's amour.

With his back facing her, Aniruddh couldn't even decipher her steps as she slowly walked inside the study without a word. It felt like silence before the storm. Slow and creepy. He kept his focus on arranging the important papers in the file, like nothing happened.

Without a word, she sat on the couch. Because she knew if this study was her Pati Babu's sanctuary, he was her sanctuary. Her heart knew that nothing in this world could make her at peace apart from her Pati Babu's mere presence.

Aniruddh let go of a ragged breath, giving a side eye her way, knowing well that approaching her wouldn't work. She wasn't a kid anymore who would rant about everything when asked. She was growing up and would tell him everything when she felt like it.

He trusts her.

But alas, he couldn't help his concern and ended up asking, “What are you thinking about, Bondita?” he closed the file, keeping it aside and fetching the bunch of blank papers.

“Pregnant.”

His head snapped in her direction.

“I'm glad… that you never forced me… for having a baby and getting me… pregnant,” she spoke in a breaking, barely audible voice.

He stared at her blankly, the hold on papers loosening in his hand.

Should he be happy that she was finally entrusting him with her words or worried about her hopes and desires for a baby? He felt a sting in his heart, an ache, a painful sensation.

He moved behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She flinched. Her hands fisted on her saree.

He pulled his hand back, looking at her hurt. He didn't mean to touch her while discussing such a sensitive topic, but her disheartened state compelled him to.

God forbid but did his touch scare her? He never wants that to happen, never in his worst dreams.

She glanced up at him vulnerably, a painful smile on her lips. "That you never touched me when all the men, like beasts, were feasting on their wives. You cared for me… when no other man would even give a second thought about his wife's well-being."

Aniruddh felt a lump in his throat, too heavy to leave him wordless, his eyes glistening. How come she knows about these things?

Bondita smiled, letting the cold tears flow.

Flashback:

Fourteen-year-old Chinmayee, radiant in a crimson saree, sat poised with a forced smile, her eyes dull with darkness.

The warm glow of diyas and the sweet fragrance of jasmine garlands enveloped her as she was surrounded by ladies and friends, all there for her and her unborn child. The soft hum of Bengali folk melodies and the murmur of well-wishes filled the air, creating a sense of joy. Sweets and gifts were all around her.

With sparkling eyes like a glowing sun, Bondita sat beside her, as requested by Aparna, Chinmayee's mother-in-law, as a Roy Chowdhury, she must bring good luck to the child.

Bondita giggled at the tiny clothes on the thaal for the upcoming baby. “Gosh, these are so small… almost cute. You're sure this is for the baby, or the dolls it will play with?” She asked with a glee.