The Second Bloom • 18+

26. HE IS HERE. WITH NANDANI? (Malini's POV)

I knew he was going to come. I knew. After that letter, it's impossible for him not to come to my village for Holi.

Maa ji walked inside the home along with my mother. I immediately walked to her, and touched her feet. She stopped me mid way,

“Arey, kya kar rahi ho, jhuko mat jyada.”

I smiled, “Aane ke liye dhanyawaad, Maa-ji.”

She cupped my cheeks, “Kaisi ho?”

I replied, “Acche hai, Maa-ji.”

“Kaki !”

My eyes snapped back towards the voice.

God. I recognise that voice. I very well r—

Nandani walked in with a huge smile on her face, towards me,

“Malini!”

I looked at my mother-in-law. She smiled, “Nandani ko bhi saath laaye hai hum. Wahan akele thodi chhor aate.”

I smiled, “Achaa.”

Nandani walked towards me and hugged me gently. I hugged her back. We broke apart and she spoke,

“Tum humare gaon mein nahin ruk payi Holi pe, toh hami tumhare gaon aa gaye. Kaha tha na humne, Holi saath manayenge.”

I chuckled, “Ji, bohot accha kiya, Nandani ji.”

If she is here genuinely, I've no problem, since I know she is just a friend to my husband. Just a friend.

I looked around for my husband, but his face wasn't visible anywhere near me.

Nandani spoke teasingly, “Hmm hmm, Varun ko dhundh rahin ho! Bahar hi khada hain, tumhare babu-ji se baat kar raha.”

I gave her a nod, “Accha. Aaiye na, andar.”

She smiled and we walked inside.

Nandani and Maa-ji sat inside in the aangan along with my mother and sisters who were talking. After waiting for some twenty-five minutes, I resigned to my room to sit atleast, because outside, all the chairs were reserved by guests and my parents.

I leaned down against the headboard and closed my eyes.

It’s almost the fifth month of my pregnancy, and I can feel my body changing in ways I never imagined. My belly has grown rounder, and it’s now impossible to hide the life growing inside me. When I place my hand over my stomach, I sometimes feel a fluttering sensation, like tiny butterflies trapped within me. The feeling is surreal—both comforting and overwhelming.

The weight of the baby is making my movements slower, and I can no longer bend down as easily as before. I find myself needing to sit and rest more often, and sometimes the ache in my back becomes unbearable.

My legs swell by the end of the day, and I rub them gently with oil, hoping for some relief. My blouses are getting tighter too. I’ve had to put away my favorite sarees, replacing them with other ones which has loose blouse.

Sleep has become a battle. Some nights I toss and turn, unable to find a position that feels comfortable. Other nights, I’m startled awake by dreams that feel far too real. I find myself worrying about the baby—wondering if it’s healthy, if I’m doing everything right.

But the hardest part is the emotions. One moment I’m elated, imagining what it will be like to hold my child in my arms, and the next, I’m gripped with fear, wondering how I will manage everything. I feel vulnerable and fragile.

I don't know but I'm su—

The door creaked open and my eyes too.

My gazes met with my husband and my lips curved into an instant wide smile.