PATHS OF HEART

11

The morning after the Haldi ceremony was serene, with the early sunlight filtering through the curtains of Anupama and Anuj's bedroom. The house, which had been filled with joy and laughter the day before, now rested in a peaceful silence, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds outside.

Anupama slowly awoke, feeling an unusual heaviness in her body. She turned to see Anuj still sleeping beside her, his breathing steady and calm. Normally, she would have savored this quiet moment, but today something felt different. She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced her to lie back down, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as a surge of nausea hit her.

"Maybe it's just the excitement from yesterday," Anupama thought, but a growing unease settled in her stomach. She lay still for a few minutes, hoping the discomfort would pass, but it only intensified.

Anuj stirred beside her, sensing her distress. He opened his eyes and immediately noticed the paleness of her face. "Anu, are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice as he sat up beside her.

Anupama shook her head slightly, her eyes closed as she tried to manage the overwhelming nausea. "I don't feel well, Anuj," she murmured. "I'm dizzy and nauseous... maybe it's just from all the festivities yesterday."

Anuj's worry deepened. He placed his hand on her forehead, checking for a fever, but there was none. "You don't seem to have a temperature," he said, trying to sound reassuring. "But you should rest today. If you don't feel better soon, we'll call a doctor."

Anupama nodded, grateful for his support. She leaned back into the pillows, closing her eyes again as Anuj hurried to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.

"Thank you," Anupama said weakly when Anuj returned, helping her take small sips. She tried to smile, but the persistent nausea made it difficult to focus on anything else.

As the morning wore on, Anupama's condition didn't improve. She found herself rushing to the bathroom twice to vomit, each time with Anuj by her side, holding her hair back and rubbing her back soothingly.

"That's it," Anuj said firmly after the second bout of vomiting. "We're not waiting any longer. I'm taking you to see a doctor."

Anupama didn't protest. She felt too weak and dizzy to argue, and deep down, she knew he was right. Something wasn't right, and it was better to get it checked out immediately.

Anuj quickly informed Anupama's parents, Madhav and Sushma, and his own parents, Rajesh and Meera, about Anupama's condition. All of them were immediately concerned. Meera suggested they visit Dr. Mrs. Sarabhai, a trusted family gynecologist who had helped her during her pregnancy with Anuj. It seemed like the best option, given Anupama's symptoms.

"We'll take care of everything here," Madhav assured them as they prepared to leave. "You just focus on getting Anu to the doctor."

Anuj helped Anupama into the car, ensuring she was comfortable in the front seat. Meera and Sushma, who were going to accompany them to the clinic, settled in the back.

The drive to Dr. Sarabhai's clinic was quiet. Anuj kept glancing over at Anupama, his worry deepening with every passing minute. She looked pale and weak, her eyes closed as she rested her head against the seat. He reached over and gently squeezed her hand, trying to offer her some comfort.

"We're almost there," Anuj said softly, trying to reassure her. "You're going to be okay, Anu."

Anupama nodded slightly, appreciating his presence. The nausea still churned in her stomach, but the warmth of Anuj's hand in hers gave her some solace.

When they arrived at the clinic, they were greeted by the kind and familiar face of Dr. Sarabhai. She was a woman in her late fifties, with a calming presence and a wealth of experience. Meera had always trusted her, and she had been the family doctor for years.