Weight of Motherhood

Dreaded step

"Soumya, Only a month is remaining till my expected date but the baby still hasn't kicked" Sumitra 's scared voice coming from the other end of the call.

"Don't worry, Shyam tried to console he but couldn't give his own anxiety. "What did the doctor say about it?"

"They said the baby is healthy but couldn't explain the lack of moments in my belly. I could feel him move but the movement is so slow that they feel undetectable sometimes. I am coming back next week, I want my husband and my sister with me".

"Didi, even I want to be near you but that bitch Kavita still hasn't returned back, and her pervert keeps following me wherever we go"

"Don't worry, we will find a way to get rid of that bitch and her lecherous husband".

Shyam's anxiety lingered even after he hung up the phone. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest.

He needed to talk to someone, and Govardhan was the first person who came to mind. He found him in the garden, sipping tea and gazing out at the flowers.

"Govardhan, Didi's baby still hasn't kicked," Shyam said, his voice laced with worry. "The doctor says the baby is healthy, but...I don't know, it's just not feeling right."

Govardhan's expression turned concerned. "When is she coming back? We need to make sure she's taken care of."

"She's coming back next week," Shyam replied. "She wants you and Kaki to be with her."

Just then, Kavita appeared at Govardhan's side, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Darling, have you given any more thought to this evening's party with our foreign clients? It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase our business."

Govardhan nodded, distracted. "Yes, yes, I've made all the arrangements."

Kavita's gaze shifted to Shyam, her eyes glinting with malice. "And, of course, Shyam will be joining us, won't you, dear? As Govardhan's wife, you must make an appearance."

Shyam's heart sank. He knew what Kavita was trying to do - force him into a situation that would humiliate him in front of strangers. He hesitated, unsure of how to respond, as Govardhan looked on, oblivious to the tension between them.

Govardhan's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Shyam, I'd be delighted if you could accompany me to the party! This is a huge project, and your presence would be a great asset."

Kavita's smile grew wider, her voice dripping with condescension. "Excellent! And, darling, do make sure you wear a western dress. We can't have you showing up looking like some rustic bhabhiji in a saree. This is a high society, after all."

Shyam's mind raced with confusion. Why was Kavita so adamant about him attending the party? What did she hope to achieve?

But he couldn't refuse Govardhan's request, not when he seemed so genuinely pleased. "I'll go with Govardhan ji," Shyam said finally, trying to sound confident.

Kavita's eyes sparkled with triumph, but Shyam couldn't fathom why. What was she planning? And why did he feel like a pawn in her game?

As evening fell, Shyam got ready in a stunning Long One Piece Dress with an off-shoulder design. It was his first time wearing something so revealing, and he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

He added some light makeup to enhance his features and tied his hair to flow naturally downwards. Stepping into 6-inch heels, the highest he had ever worn, he felt a surge of confidence.

When he gazed into the mirror, he couldn't believe his own reflection. He looked like a model straight out of a billboard, and for the first time since his wedding night, he felt his heart race with excitement.

As he walked out of his room, balancing his heels and trying not to trip, he saw Govardhan dressed in a dashing tuxedo.

He couldn't help but admire the man's chiseled features and debonair charm, even in his 40s. Govardhan's eyes lit up with appreciation, but he stopped himself from complimenting Shyam to avoid any awkwardness.

"Let's go, Govardhan ji," Shyam said, trying to sound confident.

Govardhan replied, "Wait, Kavita and Dhirendra ji are also coming."

As they approached, Shyam turned around and saw his nanand, Kavita. He was taken aback by her ethereal beauty, which seemed to rival his own.

Despite her stone-hearted nature, she looked stunning in her 30s, and Shyam felt a pang of jealousy, wanting to outdo her in terms of beauty.
But as he gazed deeper, he saw something else - a calculating glint in her eye, a hint of manipulation in her smile. Shyam's instincts prickled with unease.

"Shyam, darling, you look...breathtaking," Kavita said, her voice dripping with insincerity.
"I'm so glad you took my advice on the dress."

Shyam forced a smile, unsure how to respond.

Govardhan intervened, clearing his throat. "Yes, well, shall we? We don't want to be late."

As they made their way to the car, Shyam couldn't help but steal glances at Kavita.

She seemed to be hiding something, and he was determined to find out what.