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Chapter 7

Natasha was about 6.5 months pregnant at this time, and Dhawal was driving her crazy with his overprotectiveness.  Actually, the whole family was driving her nuts.  Natasha wanted a little space, and finally, she was able to sneak away for a couple of days.    Natasha had asked Pranali to keep an eye on Kiara.  She was going to visit Chiku for a couple of days while Dhawal was in the office.  It was a perfect plan.  Natasha was planning to spend the weekend at a hotel, relaxing and not worrying about anything and away from the family's overprotectiveness.

Natasha checked in and got herself settled in her suite.  She ordered room service and was waiting for them to deliver her dinner.  The knock on the door shook her out of her daydream.  As she opened the door, she was surprised and annoyed.  At the door was her husband, who looked a little angry.   Dhawal walked in, bringing in the tray of food, and closed the door.

"Dhawal? What are you doing here?" asked a dazed Natasha

"I should be asking you that question!  What are you doing here?  Why did you lie to Pranali Bhabi?  What were you thinking?" yelled Dhawal

"I'm sorry, Dhawal.  I just wanted some space." Natasha had started to cry.  "I can't do anything without anyone lecturing me on being careful.  I can't take care of our daughter.  I am not allowed to do anything.   I just wanted to be normal, do something carefree for once.  I knew I couldn't leave, so I did the next best thing.  I thought I would stay at a hotel.  Away from the family.  I just needed a small break."

"Sshh.  Stop crying.  It's ok.  I'm sorry.  We are just worried about you.  You were alone when you were pregnant with Kiara, and there were a lot of issues that contributed to your bedrest.  You were on bedrest for most of your pregnancy.  We were overcompensating for not being around before.  The happiest time in our lives and we were separated, we were trying to deal with Shalini, you were alone, you lost your pillars of strength.  I am sorry.  I know you are frustrated, but please, I promise to try better.  We will try not to overwhelm you."  Dhawal said as he picked her and walked to the sofa.  "How about we both compromise.  I will give you space, and you can stop disappearing on me." 

"I didn't disappear on you.  I am right here. How did you find me?" said Natasha, sniffling.

"You didn't tell anyone that you were coming here.  Yes, you got Pranali Bhabi to take care of Kiara.  You told her that you were spending time with Chikku.  Which made me wonder.  You have kept a distance from Ma and Hetal Bhabi, and I understand, which is why we have never pushed you to forgive them or have a proper relationship with them.  Yes, you have a relationship with them, but it isn't what it used to be.  You used to tease and joke around with Bhabi, and now you treat her like an elder sister in law, with boundaries.  With Ma, there were boundaries that Ma had set in place, and now, the boundaries have been set by you.    You have polite and haven't disrespected them, which is a credit to Daama.  So when I was told that you had gone to Pandya Niwas to spend them with Chikku, it also  raised bells in my head as you, as you won't go to Chikku's alone  You always have Kiara there with you as a buffer.  They come over to visit, and you are polite with them.  But again, there are boundaries with them.  So why would you go over to visit them alone.  Luckily, Bhavin was driving by and saw  you entering the hotel.  He let me know and I came here." said Dhawal

"You thought I was cheating on you?" cried Natasha

"No.  I did not.  Remember what happened when I thought you did.  I lost  you for months. You broke our relationship.  The look in your eyes when I accused you of cheating, you were devastated.  You slapped me and left me.  It took me forever to gain your forgiveness.  I had promised myself that I would not do anything to break that trust.  Then the issue with Shalini Dave happened, and yes, you were away from me.  But to keep you safe, I will do anything.  I trust you.  Remember, our promises, trust, and love go together.  We can't have one without the other." said Dhawal