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Chapter 8 - Last Chapter

A month later, it was finally Natasha's baby shower.  She was excited.  When she was in Mumbai, she didn't have a proper baby shower as she was in the hospital.  But now, she was able to have one with her family around her.  She was happy.  Amba had grumbled a little bit when she realized that her sons were going to be present for the baby shower.  

"Men shouldn't be at a ladies' function."  stated Amba

"Ma, Natasha is my wife.  And it is our baby shower.  We just want family there and close friends.  That's all we want.  We just want to enjoy the day with our family before Natasha has to go on bedrest.  Please, Ma." said Dhawal

"But, Dhawal, baby showers are for ladies only." said Amba

"Ma, why are you arguing this point.  Baby showers are for family.  We are a family.  We finally have overcome so many obstacles.  Natasha and Kiara have reunited with Dhawal.   Yash and Esha have come back to our family.   We should be grateful for what we have.  We should be happy that for every happiness that we have together.  I don't care if previously it was a ladies' function only.  We are going to celebrate Dhawal and Natasha together."  stated Amrish, shocking everyone with his announcement, as they were sure that they were going get some clashing response from Amrish.   They were happy that Amrish was on their side and wanted to celebrate together.  Finally, Amba stopped nitpicking, and the organization for the function went ahead. 

Dhawal was enjoying this phase of Natasha. She was happy, which made him happy.   He remembered that he had gotten her ready for their wedding, and today, he would be getting her ready for their baby shower.

"Natasha, remember our wedding, the one where you were going to marry Shashank.  I helped you get ready then, too."  said Dhawal to Natasha as he was putting her earrings on.

"Yes, you did.  You had sold your watch and phone for me."  Natasha said, becoming teary-eyed.

"Ssshh.  No crying.  Just happiness today.  Today, we are celebrating our family.  So, no tears."  said Dhawal, smiling.   "Now, Pranali Bhabi has brought Kiara down, and now it's your turn.  I will bring you down.   So, hold on tight." Dhawal picked her up in his arms and took her to the function.  

Natasha was excited to see everyone.  Her brothers, Esha, her Makwana family, Dhawal's best friend Kathu, and even her friends from college made it.   The family had invited some extended family,  friends, and a few acquiantances. She looked at Dhawal and smiled tearfully.   "This is perfect.  Our family is here.  That's all I ever wanted."

After a wonderful evening with the family, Natasha was the happiest since she had gotten married.   She finally felt accepted by her inlaws.

Dhawal and Natasha were cuddling in the bed after the function, Kiara was sleeping in her room.

"Dhawal, do you know this is the first time, I really felt like I was part of this family.  Since our first wedding till now, I have always felt like an outsider.  But today, I felt finally part of this family."  cried Natasha.

"And I saw it.  You never complained.  You tried multiple times to win them over, and when you left, the void was felt.  Ma was stubbornly blaming you until the truth came out.    Even since you came back, Ma sometimes slipped back into her old ways, but these last few weeks, it seemed that she was starting to mellow out."

A week later, Natasha was on bedrest, but at home, as Natasha didn't want to be admitted into the hospital so soon.   The family was taking care of her every need, but Natasha was getting irritated as everyone was being too nice and accommodating.   Dhawal was  being too accommodating.  

"Why are you being like this?  YOU think I'm fat!  You won't let me leave this room!  You don't love me anymore!"  Natasha cried.  She was crying loud enough that Dolly, Pranali, and Hetal showed up at the door.