𝐎𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫 [Completed]

41. Bonus chapters

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The Padikkal residence was buzzing with excitement, the air filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of delicious sweets. Prarthana’s baby shower was in full swing, with family and friends gathered to celebrate the soon-to-arrive little one. The vibrant decorations, traditional rituals, and warm familial love made the day feel even more special for Prarthana, who was now five months pregnant.

Prarthana sat in the center of the room, dressed in a soft peach saree adorned with delicate embroidery, her glow more radiant than ever. Her mother, Dev’s mother, and her aunt helped her with the baby shower rituals, blessing her and the baby. As the women sang traditional songs, Dev watched from a distance, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. His heart swelled with love as he saw Prarthana being surrounded by so much warmth and care. He felt incredibly grateful for the life they had built together, and for the tiny life growing inside her.

Rahul had come in especially for the baby shower, Athiya and Vaani by his side. After the ceremony was complete, and everyone was settling down for some refreshments, Rahul approached Prarthana with a smile.

"Prarthu, is your luggage ready?" Rahul asked, his tone playful yet affectionate.

Prarthana nodded, her hand resting gently on her bump. "Yes, bhaiya. Everything’s packed," she replied with a soft smile, though a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes. She knew that as part of the custom, she would be staying at her maternal home for a few months before the baby arrived.

As she made her way towards the room with Dev following her silently like a lost puppy, gathering her things for the stay at her parent’s house, she felt Dev’s presence behind her. His footsteps were quiet, but she could sense the weight of his reluctance.

“Jaana zaruri hai?” Dev asked softly, his voice laced with an edge of frustration as he leaned against the doorframe, watching her carefully fold the last few items into her suitcase.

Prarthana looked up at him, her eyes softening. “It’s tradition, Dev. And it’s not like I’m moving to another city,” she teased lightly, hoping to ease the tension in his voice. She smiled, trying to reassure him.

Dev sighed, still not entirely convinced. “I know… but I’ll miss you,” he said, his voice quieter now. His hand rested gently on her bump. “And I’ll miss you too, little one,” he added, addressing the baby. “Papa will miss you both so much.”

Prarthana’s heart melted at his words. She placed her hand over his, squeezing it gently. “We’ll miss you too,” she whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss on his cheek. “But it’s just for a little while, and you can visit whenever you want.”

Dev nodded reluctantly, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "I’ll hold you to that," he murmured, planting a tender kiss on her forehead. Even though he knew it was part of the tradition, part of him wasn’t ready to let her go, even for a few weeks.

✨

A week passed, and though Prarthana was enjoying the time spent at her parents' house, Dev felt a growing ache in his chest. The house felt empty without her, the evenings lonelier, and every kick of the baby he missed out on felt like a moment lost. He couldn’t take it anymore.

Without thinking twice, Dev drove to Lokesh mension. When he arrived, the family welcomed him with open arms, but they knew exactly why he had come. He missed his wife, plain and simple.

After spending some time with Rajeshwari and Lokesh, they all had dinner together. Where Prarthana's mother made sure to fill Prarthana's plate with nutrients food.