THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS

5

Standing up, Rishi walked out slamming the door shut. David was brooding over the whole incident. Aarav kept quiet and prayed to himself. He prayed that the reports were fine. Both of them dreaded the fact, if something happened, Isha never talk to them. In fact, the three of them would never be together anymore, all depended on the baby.

Rubbing his head and looking at David 'Well, she did not forget about it. Stop beating yourself for it. Everything's going to be fine' said Aarav.

Rishi came back. Both of them looked at him to give them an answer. Rishi started moved to the cabinet next to the television. He opened it and took a file out. The pink file held the details of the baby. He looked through the papers and closed the file quickly.

'I am heading out to the hospital. Stay here until I come back. Don't try to kill her, please' he requested.

'I apologize for the trouble' said David perplexed.

Watching Rishi walk out without saying a word made them realize that things might be complicated. As the door slammed shut, the wait seemed exasperating.

'Aarav, I am scared' said Bhaiya slowly.

'Dude, we have been through worse. It will be fine' said Aarav optimistically.

Walking close to the bedroom, Bhaiya opened the door. Aarav went and removed the damp cloth to check her temperature by placing his hand on the forehead. Yes, it was very hot. Each of them sat down on the bedside waiting for her to open her eyes. She breathed rapidly. Her face looked tired from the dark circles under her eyes.

'I am so sorry, Isha' David whispered softly.

'Shut up, Bhaiya. I am sleeping' she said with her one eye closed.

'Unbelievable! How long did you know we were here?' he asked.

Sitting up on the bed, she said 'I heard your voice in the living room after Rishi left.'

'We told him the story of Commercial Street' Aarav admitted.

'Oh god, Rishi is going to butcher me. I told him it was mountain bike accident. I guess it was my fault. I got scared when the bike grazed me. I might have...' she closed her eyes and sank back to the pillow.

'Where is he?' she asked.

'In the hospital, to check the reports about the baby' muttered Aarav.

'What happened to the baby?' she said.

'We do not know. He did not say anything.' David said.

'Well, I spotted arugula this time' she said cheerfully to lighten the mood.

'Really, you....' David stopped and looked sideways.

Smiling Aarav said, 'Baby Arugula'

'That sounds so weird. I am not naming my baby that. What do you think Bhaiya?' she said.

'It sounds nice. Since you are a weirdo, it will suit the baby' said David sarcastically.

She took a cushion from his side and smacked him. Suddenly, a blob emerged from her stomach from one side.

Oh my god, what is that? Did the baby become a ball?' David said and placed his hand in his mouth. Aarav looked at her shocked. Isha giggled for a few seconds in excitement.

'No, that is the baby stretching. OW! He is kicking now. You are worse than a football player' she exclaimed looking at her stomach.

'Yuck, this definitely reminds of the stupid DVD movie we saw in Bangalore!' David said.

'Aliens: Covenant' said the three together and laughed aloud.

Rishi was relieved to know the baby was all right. He felt that he was responsible for the whole incident. Despite her stubbornness of a child sometimes, Rishi loved her more than anyone else did. The reports were normal, but the surprise freaked him out. In fact, he wanted to see her face, when she sees it.

Reaching home, he heard laughter inside the house. He opened the door and the house became quiet. He did not say a word and moved to sit in the wooden chair.

'Rishi, we know the baby is all right. The baby kicked and stretched a couple of times. David and Aarav were leaving' Isha said.

'Yeah, we have a party to plan. Would you like to join us, Rishi?' David asked and nudged Aarav to help him convince Rishi.

'No, I do not like parties. I like to stay here with Isha' Rishi said.

David and Aarav nodded at each other. Taking their things, they left her home quickly. Rishi looked at Isha and handed her the reports. Sitting on the sofa, he switched on the television to watch football. Isha took the reports and sat next to him.

Looking at Rishi, 'I am sorry, I lied to you. If I did not do that, you would never let me see them again. I love you, Rishi.' she apologized.

Rishi muted the television. He sat next to her to hold her in his arms and told her to look at the reports. She opened the file and started reading it. The baby was healthy and growing well until she read the last couple of lines. She stared at in disbelief.

'How the hell did we miss this?' she chuckled in delight.

Rishi smiled and unmuted the television. They watched the game together. They could not believe how lucky they were.