Journey

Is it a three already?

Life was going smoothly for Avni an Neil for the past two months. But it was the busiest for Avni, handling the case of Vidyut and the others as well. And Neil too had a handful keeping him occupied. Despite this, they made sure they gave enough time for each other. Either by lunching outside or travel to the cultural cities on weekend. It sure was an arranged marriage, but now it seems like it was arranged in heaven.

Avni tossed and turned in sleep, slowly opening her eyes. Today she does not have any mood to go for work. She was feeling uneasy..she can't say. Her abdomen feels cramped. Avni draped the blanket over her head. "Being a lazy bum? Haha get up already! You are gonna be late." Neil pulled the sheets down. "Don't want to call in today." Avni made a face, but Neil pretended that he almost off balanced with her statement. "You..? Don't want to... go to work?" He gasped! Avni got barking mad and threw a pillow at him. "Ouch!" Neil Exclaimed. Avni threw the sheets and got out of bed. She hurried to the bathroom but grabbed on the chair nearby to support herself as she felt dizzy. "Are you okay?" Neil hurried to her side. Avni explained how she felt. She was really worried. "It's okay, you should stay home today." Neil helped her to bed. "Perhaps sleep in for a while." Avni agreed. Neil gave a quick pack on her forehead and left, promising to come home early.

It was almost noon, when Avni woke up. She wasn't feeling any better. I should consult a doctor before this gets worse and.... it hit her! Avni jumped out of bed and ran to the closet. She grabbed something from a bag and hurried to the bathroom. After a while she was resting one hand on her stomach and the other hand held it... "Avni?" Neil's voice didn't bring her back on earth. "What are you doing.." Neil walked into the bathroom and then his eyes caught on it! His heart raced. Neil slowly lifted his hand and took the kit from Avni. Avni sighed holding on the bathroom cabinet for support. She slowly turned her face to have a look at Neil. Just then their eyes met, Avni saw tears rolling down his cheeks. Next thing she knew, she was being squeezed in his arms. "Thank you!.." He whispered to her ears. "Thank you so much!" He kissed on the side of her face and took her face into his hands. "I can't tell you how happy I am.." Avni felt as if her heart was over pouring, With happiness. She hugged him tightly! Soon they will be a family. Something she always dreamt of. And on which she've once gave up all the hopes too, when she fought against cancer. She moved slightly out of his embrace. "Let's call Mama?" "No!" Neil Exclaimed. "I mean.. we shall take some time to sink this in, you know.. I'm in a shock still. Lets do a check up first and then surprise them?" He suggested. Avni nodded in agreement, and hugged Neil again.

They stayed in room all day, trying to indulge the new feeling. Discussing about it, they were ever so excited. It was late in the evening when they were finally on their way home, with the reports. Avni wanted to share the news with her Mother first, to which Neil did not object. "It's triple celebration then!!" Exclaimed Mr. Mehta on video chat. "What do you mean?" Avni was confused. "Aileen is expecting a twin tooo! And will be due around the same time of the year!" He was drooling with happiness. "Please Neil, bring her to us soon! I cant wait now" said Dayawanti. "Bring the baby or Avni?" Neil winked, receiving a slap from Avni. Everyone laughed at the joke.

Khannas were ready at the dining table when the couple arrived. "What did the doctor say?" Shweta asked. She was pacing on the doorstep ever since they lift. "He asked to make the room a little spacious, you know a bit, like so that an additional person can also accommodate easily. And get some more pillows, a bit tiny ones. Make Avni ready for some busy days and nights, like make her ready for stressful days. Avoid being a lazy bum on holidays from now on.." Neil replied sarcastically, while Avni was giving him death glares. Shweta was confused than ever! Bebe was silent however, processing what he just said and brainstorming. "What are you saying Neil.." Prakash inquired. "Hold on!" Bebe Exclaimed. "Do you mean to say..we all have to get ready for someone? Are we..'' Shweta was really bothered now. "What are you all saying? Enlighten me!" "—oh ho! You'll always remain the same, wont you? Avni is expecting!" Prakash said and hurried to Avni's side. Bebe hugged her tightly, followed by Shweta who took a while to understand. Their joy was immense. Avni was squeezed into hugs and kisses. She was really happy too. "Now Everyone will forget about me? Oye, I'm the father!" Neil's words cracked up everyone.
"I'm exhausted.." complained Avni once they reached to the room. "So? You can still do stuff on your own. There's no change visible, although you are pregnant." Neil pretended that he was serious, while he actually was pulling her leg. "What do you mean?! We are not gonna share the work from now on?" Avni asked. "Of course. Wait till you are inflated like a balloon and searching for your feet, then I might be of some help. Or else.." he shrugged his shoulder, making Avni grow red. "Fine! Don't help. Even I can manage without you." Avni took her clothes, and headed to the bathroom. Neil grabbed her hand. "That's my T-shirt." He said. "So? I cant wear them?" Avni asked, taking it from the hanger. Neil chuckled and laughed. He then brought her close to him. "I should really stop teasing you eh?" He nuzzled on her cheeks and nose. Avni held her breath. "Avni I'll be right here with you, in this whole journey, I promise. You and this miracle is the best thing that has happened in my entire existence!" He said, rubbing the skin on her stomach. Avni ran her fingers through his hair, while Neil knelt down, kissing on her navel. He later helped her freshen up and dress for bed. It was one of Avni's favorite trend recently to wear his tshirts and Neil had no objections. He brought her closer and hugged her from behind, spooning her into his arms. I'll hold her like this for the rest of my life. Avni felt his trail of kisses on her skin for so long. But she was too tired to respond.