Destined (RagSan FF)

Chapter 10

Today is end of one era.....Life unpredictable & precious. Too important yet we hardly look at it........ Let's begin again.

As Adarsh guided his wife, Pari, toward their room after the lively sangeet, the joyful echoes of laughter and music faded behind them. The excitement of the night lingered in the air, but he couldn’t shake off the concern etched on his face.

“Are you feeling okay, love?” he asked, glancing at her as she leaned against him for support.

“I’m fine, just a little tired,” Pari replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, and he felt a pang of worry for her well-being.

As they entered their room, Adarsh’s mind drifted back to the earlier commotion. He recalled how Swara had accidentally pushed Pari during a moment of fun on the dance floor. It hadn’t seemed like a big deal at the time, but Sanskar’s reaction had been alarming.

Adarsh paused, trying to understand his brother's sudden to much Overprotectiveness. He had always known Sanskar to be fiercely loyal, especially toward family. Yet, tonight, it felt
excessive.

“Why did he overreact like that?” he wondered aloud, shaking his head.

As he helped her up the stairs, he couldn't shake off the memory of earlier when Sanskar had rushed to catch Pari just before she slipped. The fear in his brother’s eyes had been palpable, a stark contrast to the usual carefree demeanor Sanskar displayed.

Settling Pari onto the bed, he tucked her in gently. “Whatever it is, I hope he knows we’re all here to support each other,” he thought, glancing back at the festivities that continued beyond their door.

“Tonight was special,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. “Even with all the drama.”

Pari smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling with affection. “Yes, it was. I’m glad we’re together.”

As Adarsh sat beside Pari, suddenly he noticed the glimmer of excitement in her eyes, and he couldn't help but feel the anticipation in the air.

“Adarsh,” she said, her voice filled with warmth, “I wanted to give you a special gift tonight.”

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A gift? What is it?”

With a gentle smile, Pari reached under the pillow and produced a beautifully wrapped box. The wrapping paper shimmered softly under the warm light of the room. She placed it in his hands, her expression glowing with eagerness.

“Go on, open it!” she encouraged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Adarsh felt a rush of excitement as he began to unwrap the gift. The sound of the crinkling paper filled the room, and with each tear, his anticipation grew. Finally, he lifted the lid to reveal a soft, delicate pair of baby shoes nestled inside.

His heart skipped a beat as he processed what he was seeing. They were tiny, perfectly crafted shoes, the kind that seemed to embody innocence and the promise of new beginnings. Adarsh's breath caught in his throat as realization washed over him.

“Pari… are these…?” he stammered, looking up at her in disbelief.

“Yes,” she confirmed, her voice thick with emotion. “They’re our baby’s first shoes. I wanted you to have them as a symbol of our journey together, of the new life we’re about to create.”

Adarsh’s mind raced, the implications of her gift settling in like a beautiful truth. “A baby?” he whispered, the excitement bubbling up inside him. “We’re going to be parents?”