The trail and error of life

Chapter 29

Amyra's POV

"Amyra!" Hannah cheered and hugged me as she entered my home. "Hmm..something smells good" Kevin sniffed around and I smiled. "Where are the rest?" Kevin asked and I shrugged. "Just look at this..people who live farther have made it but not the ones who live on the same street. I'll go call Ayaan, he loves playing diva" Kevin informed hoping out of the apartment. "So how are you? We haven't talked since that conference call" Hannah said as she looked at me carefully. "I'm..I'm doing well. This is your first time coming here right? Why don't you look around while I set the table" I suggested and she gave me a warm smile before moving into the hall while I returned to kitchen. Hannah Kevin and Harsh didn't make a big deal out of it when Dhrithi broke the news to them and it's really relieving to have such understanding people around, people who I can call my close friends, me, who have been a loner growing up.I can't thank Dhrithi enough for bringing herself and these people into my life. 

"Oh! My tummy is rumbling. Oooo it smells wonderful" I heard someone yell and even if it wasn't for the voice, I could tel its Harsh from his choice of words. He's such a foodie. "Hey!" I greeted Harsh who was already lying on the couch as I placed the biryani on the dining table and he waved at me looking all tired. I made a few more trips to the kitchen and back. Tired of making multiple trips, I tried to carry the plates, salad , bottle of achar and a tumbler of cold water together, tried being the key word. I stumbled a few times, things slipping out of my hand on my way. "Oh..wait wait..here" I heard Kevin shout as he came to my rescue and I tried to untangle my hand and balancing the plates that were about to fall down but in turn I lost my balance and tripped. I was ready for the ground to kiss my backside when I felt someone grab me. It took me few seconds to realise I haven't fallen down and I opened my eyes that was involuntarily shut. My vision came in contact with Ayaan's startled looking face and I just kept blinking looking at his face from this position. Wait, What position? Oh yeah, I was still held by him. I gulped realising the awkwardness of the situation. I kept staring at his face wondering why he's not hoisting me back on my feet as being held by the waist with little control on my feet is preventing me from doing so myself. I was startled when we heard someone clearing their throat and apparently so was he as he looked away blinking a few times and then helped me straighten up. "You okay?" He asked not meeting my eyes. And I thought the moment before was awkward; why is he being awkward? "Yeah. Thanks. Thank you Kevin" I thanked Kevin as well when my eyes landed on the plates and other articles safe in his arms. I looked around to find Dhrithi and Hannah sharing looks. When did Dhrithi get here? "You came?" I asked knowing it was a senseless question but I wanted to change the silence as it was getting awkward. "Yeah.." She trailed thoughtfully a slight smirk on her face. "You guys settle down. I'll make a quick run and give these to aunty Zeenath" I informed as I grabbed the Mutton Biryani and Apple Pie I had packed for her.

"Oh no, I can't take another bite, there's no space" Hannah groaned when I placed the samosas along with Tea on the table as everyone sat on the couches. "Is it why your tummy is looking so bloated?" Dhrithi snorted as she passed the tea over to Avi while Hannah just looked over at Kevin. "I just ate biryani!" Avi exclaimed horrified. "Well who asked you to come so late and then gulp down a huge plate of it" Dhrithi retorted. "It was tasty and I was hungry" Avi argued. " Guys stop it! Yeah, for Avi it's fine but you ate lunch hours ago Hannah!" I shrugged. "Yeah, I just noticed.. Amyra is it you biryani or did Hannah really put on?" Dhrithi asked and I rolled my eyes. "People don't put on weight just by eating biryani once and even if they do, it will-" "Actually, guys..." Hannah trailed cutting me off and I could swear she was blushing. Wait! I quickly snapped my head over to Dhrithi who was already looking at me. A smile broke on my face. "Hannah..?" Dhrithi and I called her at the same time and she giggled, blushing even more. "Yay!!" Dhrithi cheered as she jumped at Hannah, hugging her. I too went towards her joining the hug feeling extremely happy. It took us few more moments to calm down. Once we backed away from the hug, we came face to face with dumb found Harsh, Ayaan and Avi while Kevin had a huge smile and a slight blush on his face, his eyes over Hannah. "Oh my! You Idiots! Hannah is pregnant! They are going to be parents!" Dhrithi announced and the three looked shocked but the next second they charged on Kevin, tackling him onto the ground. It was hard to tell if they were punching him or hugging him or even kissing him. Men congratulate in a weird way. We, women exchanged disgusted looks with our crunched face but got lost in our own world where our happiness and excitement for Hannah and Kevin knew no bounds.

"Its Ammi" Hannah states as she handed me my ringing phone from the coffee table while we were still settled in the living room. "Hello as-" "you need to get divorced" her stern voice cut me off. "What?" I asked, my jovial mood completely forgotten. "Beta, I believe you don't want to continue this marriage then why delay it? You should get a divorce" She repeated and I excused myself and walked towards the balcony knowing the seriousness of the conversation. "Ammi, what happened? Why all of a sudden?" I asked knowing she would not bring up this topic out of nowhere if something had not happened. She sighed heavily. "I had a talk with Sheena" She stated. "What? Did Mami Ji call you?" I asked. "No, I did" She answered. "Ammi, why would you call her? What did you say?" I asked disappointed. "What do you mean why?! I've already delayed it so much and you..Then what exactly was your plan Amyra? That you live like this forever? Forget all that. Answer this, seriously and honestly.. Do you want to live with him? and continue this marriage?" Ammi asked, her voice very serious. "What? No!" I almost yelled, horrified of the mere thought of living with him. "Then why delay this? Get it done and move on" She stated as a matter of fact as if it was just something casual but I know how scared and worried she is on the Inside. "Ammi, I understand your point but what I am trying to figure out is Why are you saying this now? You never mentioned this is in our past calls or when I was home but why today? What happened?" I asked, my voice a bit strained from all the emotions welling up. "Beta, you are really young, you have to move on...fine..I had this conversation with Sheena and I really don't want to take any chance with your life.. not anymore so I don't want us to have anything to do with that family" She explained. "Ammi, you are worrying me, what did she say?" I asked. "The conversation we had shouldn't bother you, its something I took care as a mother. I want you to focus on your decisions as a woman. I won't force you to charge a case on him, its your call. In fact that's something to take care of some other day but maybe I am forcing you to get that divorce because I know it's what will do you best" she explained, her voice calmer. "I understand Ammi. I guess there's no point running away from it. I'll think about it" I responded. "Amu..just know that I'm always here for you..no matter what. I know you have friends over but this couldn't just wait. Now think about it and call me when you are free" Ammi said. We said our Salams before ending the call.