Love lies

Chapter 42- Baby shower

The first flowers of the spring bloomed in the tree's as the warmth of the everlasting sun spread all over KGF. 

Reena was now 8 months pregnant and preparations for her baby shower were in full swing. 

The air buzzed with activity. Golden drapes being hung between mining rigs. Garlands of marigold and jasmine twirled down iron beams. 

The usual sounds of dynamite and drills were replaced by the rhythmic beats of nadaswaram and thavil.

Rocky, wearing a crisp white veshti and shirt, stood with his arms folded, surveying the scene like a general readying for battle.

"The banana leaves go on both sides of the path. And tell Farman to get more sandalwood paste. I don't want Reena to smell the mines today—only roses and turmeric. The smell of dust makes her nauseous" Rocky called out to the men decorating the place and they all nodded, carrying on.

These 8 months had flown by like a breeze. Reena became the apple of everyone's eye. Day by day as her baby grew, so did everyone's love for her. 

The thrill of it all seemed unreal. This baby wasn't just Rocky and Reena's but everyone in KGF's.  

A group of gold miners, now transformed into decorators, fumbled with Kolam patterns on the ground. One of them nervously showed Rocky a shaky attempt at a design.

"No worries. Here, let me try "Rocky chuckled, grabbing the powder and knelt down, drawing a flawless design in seconds. Everyone watched, stunned.

"Bhai..... you know Kolam also?" The boys asked, clearly shocked.

"I had 8 months to learn. And besides, when it's for her... I know everything." Rocky smiled, dusting his hands. 

Rocky looked up, taking in the scene of the once barren mine, now decorated like a temple. Well Reena was his goddess, any place she stepped foot would become his temple. 

"Tell Athai its ready. She can bring Reena" Rocky said and the boys nodded, getting in the jeep.

..............................

Reena, glowing and dressed in a green silk saree, sat in front of a mirror. Her mother and Fatima maa just finished pinning the last of jasmine flowers in her hair. 

A boy rushed pasted their room, briefly knocking. "Revathi ma, Rocky bhai said you can come now" He said and scurried off. 

Reena smiled, adjusting her necklace as she slowly stood up. "I wonder what magic Rocky did to transform the mines." Reena joked, rubbing her very visible baby bump over her saree. 

"He'd turn even a graveyard into something beautiful for you. You and our little bubba" Revathi said, kissing Reena's cheek and she giggled. 

"Well then, we better get going before we're too late" Fatima maa said and the two women helped Reena down and to the mines. 

Chacha approached Rocky, placing a tentative hand on his shoulder. "Alright Beta, you seem nervous?" Chacha asked concerned. 

Rocky gave him a small smile, nodding. "For all the blood I've spilled... this is the only legacy I want." Rocky murmured, his eyes fixed on the pathway were Reena would walk. 

People had began gathering, forming a large crowd around the centre where a largely decorated throne awaited her. 

When Reena finally arrived, Rocky couldn't help but smile like his whole world had lit up. Reena returned the smile, giving him a small wave until her eyes drifted towards all the decorations and her jaw dropped. The once empty land was now transformed in a whirlwind of colours and flowers.