Parivara: Story of a Family

25 : Unexpected

And so, each couple was once again happy, as they realized that burdens had to be shared between them, as this was a part of being in love. Even Payal was in better moods, and there was a reason why.

She had found the way at last. The way to be at the top and conquer all. It had come as gift when she thought all hope was lost, and it couldn't have made her happier.

She was skipping through the halls, her anklets and bangles chiming as she did so, a happy smile on her face, when a hand grabbed her and pulled her against a pillar.

"I don't think I've ever seen your face glow so bright as now," Abhay told her, holding her hands and returning her smile. "What is the occasion?"

"I have a surprise planned for you tonight," She told him, letting go of one of his hands to brush some of his hair back.

"Oh really?" Abhay asked, leaning in. "And what's that?"

"You'll just have to wait and see," she told him, kissing his jawline teasingly.

"If your surprise is a continuation of this, I already like it." He whispered into her ear, his breath warm and tingly. She giggled and let her teeth graze his neck a little, making Abhay groan. He tipped her chin up and grabbed her lips with his, kissing her deeply as punishment for her teasing. Payal couldn't catch her breath, but the feeling was exhilarating, and her hands wanted to reach down and pleasure Abhay. But just as she was sliding her way down, footsteps were heard down the hall.

They quickly broke apart, Payal remaining behind the pillar while Abhay straightened up and stepped out to see who it was. It turned out to be his counselor and guards.

"Yes?" He asked, in his serious kingly voice. Payal leaned against the pillar, catching her breath, though his voice was still doing things to her.

"Are you ready to be escorted to lunch, sire?" His counselor asked.

"I know where the lunch table is, kindly leave and I will get there when I am ready." Abhay commanded. The men all nodded and turned back the way they'd come.

Payal grabbed Abhay by his shirt collar and said, "I love it when you sound like an angry king."

"I know," Abhay said pulling her off a little. "But we actually should go to lunch. Your parents will wonder where we are."

Payal sighed and agreed, and Abhay stepped aside to let her pass. Payal walked ahead, swaying her hips a little extra because she knew he was watching. She heard Abhay chuckle behind her, and smiled a little.

They reached the lunch venue, a table set up in a shaded area by the garden, and Abhay hung back a little while Payal made her entrance. She greeted everyone and sat down, and only then did Abhay come in view, so no one knew they'd been together.

Moments later, Divya and Rakesh appeared. Together. Payal rolled her eyes at their stupidity. How did they expect to keep any secrets if they just flaunted it all? It's as if they were asking for her to say something.

So she did. "Oh, were you two together?" Everyone stopped their greetings and Divya turned to give Payal a nasty look. "I was just wondering, because I'd been looking for Rakesh, but it never crossed my mind I'd find him with you."

"And why were you looking for him?" Divya asked, turning the tables on Payal.

"There was some task I wanted him to do," Payal waved it off. "It's not important anymore. But I suppose next time I know to check for him wherever you are."

The silence at the table was awkward, the younger people pretending not to understand what Payal had said, and Papa and Maa actually seeming confused. Papa shook it off, and asked Abhay some question about business. As Abhay spoke, Payal smiled at the sound of his voice, but look around at the rest of the table. Divya was awkwardly wringing her hands instead of eating, and Rakesh was standing behind her by the other guards, looking down at the ground. Aditi and Vishu seemed to be in their own little world, but that was the usual.

"Divya, sweetheart," Maa said. "Eat something. You're looking pale."

"I don't feel too well," Divya responded, indeed looking pale as she rubbed her forehead. "I have a headache. I think I'll go rest in my room."

As Divya stood up, the color in her face faded more and she swayed a little on her feet. Before anyone could react, Divya began to fall to the ground. Rakesh jumped forward and caught her just before she hit the ground.

"Divya, Divya." He said, holding her face up though her head kept lolling back. Her eyes were unfocused and her face was completely white now. "Sir, I think she's fainted."

"Quick, take her to her room and lie her down." Papa said. Maa followed Rakesh out as he carried Divya, saying something about a sickness going around and hoping Divya hadn't caught it. Papa turned to Vishu and said, "Go get a doctor. As fast as you can!"

Vishu didn't waste a second. He was running before Papa even finished his sentence.

***

The doctor had been inside Divya's room for almost an hour. The family was sitting right outside the doors, waiting for news. Maa was crying, while everyone else sat quietly, worrying silently.

"I knew she hadn't been taking care of herself," Maa spoke between little sobs. "She'd been looking weaker. And there is a sickness going around the village, she must've caught it. She has all the symptoms, sudden fatigue, headaches. Oh, what will we do if she's so sick?"

"We don't know anything for certain yet," Papa told her calmly. "Do not expect the worse."

Finally, the doctor stepped out from the room, closing the door behind him. Everyone stood up quickly, and waited for him to speak.

"Well, she hasn't been eating right, and she had a bit of a fever." He began. "But it's not the sickness, as far as I can tell. She just needs to make sure to take care of herself properly, especially now that she is taking care of two. Mubarakan (congratulations), the princess is pregnant."