Two Yearning Hearts

13

Today was a big day for Parvati. It had been over two weeks since the insemination procedure, and now was the time for the test that would determine if she was pregnant. Parvati's emotions were a mix of excitement and nervousness. 

To calm herself down, she took a deep breath and decided to enjoy her breakfast in the comfort of her room. Later, as she headed towards the kitchen to put away her plate, she noticed Shilpa already there, and Vinita joined them. Parvati couldn't help but notice that her mother-in-law seemed to be avoiding looking at her as usual. "Shilpa, could you please make me a cup of tea? I'm not feeling well today; my head is aching," Vinita said before walking away.

Shilpa was about to begin preparing tea when she suddenly heard her daughter calling out to her for help. Sonu needed to find her sketch set for school today. Just then, Parvati stepped in and kindly offered to help her, saying, "bhabhi, I will make tea.”

Shilpa nodded with a thankful smile and headed out. Parvati went to prepare the tea, but when she approached her mother-in-law's room, she hesitated to enter. Vinita had been avoiding her and stopped talking to her ever since Parvati shared her decision with her. Vinita didn't even want to look at her anymore. It wasn't just Vinita; the rest of her family also acted as if she didn't exist, except for Pallavi, who continued to be friendly as always, and Shilpa, who, although not as talkative as before, at least didn't treat her rudely like the others. Parvati had been suppressing her sadness and pretending to be happy all this time. The only thing keeping her going was the hope of a lovely future with her child.

Parvati gently knocked on the door, and an annoyed expression appeared on Vinita's face as she entered the room. Seeing her disapproval, Parvati spoke kindly, "maa ji, Shilpa bhabhi was busy taking care of Sonu, so I thought I could make some tea for you instead." 

Vinita responded coldly, "you can take the tea back.” She then lay on the bed, covering herself with the duvet up to her chest and closing her eyes. 

Parvati couldn't help but feel sad, yet she remained composed and spoke softly, "I understand that you're upset with me, but please don't hurt yourself further because of me." Placing the tea cup on the bedside table, she said before leaving the room, "please try to have some tea, you might feel better."

In the hall, Parvati ran into Pallavi, who appeared extremely thrilled. “Bhabhi, isn't today the day of your pregnancy test?" Pallavi eagerly questioned. Parvati smilingly nodded her head in yes. "When is your appointment? I'd love to go with you!" Pallavi said cheerfully.

"In the evening," Parvati informed her. Parvati was worried because Suyash had already told her that he would accompany her to the hospital for the test, and she didn't want Pallavi or any of her family members to find out. "But Pallavi, you should be with Saahil. He's only two months old, so small and needs his mother all the time. Don't worry about me, I can go alone."

Pallavi felt her sister-in-law was right that she should be with her son and her son needed her constant attention. So, Pallavi agreed, albeit sadly, and said, "okay, bhabhi. But please call me as soon as you receive the report."

Parvati felt secretly relieved that Pallavi listened to her. She smiled and said as she was getting late for the office, "I will definitely call you. I should go now, otherwise Gaurav bhaiya's calls will keep coming.”

Pallavi nodded her head in agreement. 

___________________________________

At Sahni's residence, Kajal entered her children's room holding a tray with two glasses of milk. With a cheerful tone, said, "hey, it's milk time!" However, her boys were not paying attention to her. Shikhar was engrossed in drawing at his writing desk, while Nikhil remained absorbed in his picture book on the bed. Despite their grumpy expressions, Kajal couldn't help but smile at her adorable little ones. The reason for their sullenness was that she had been avoiding their request to meet their father, by making various excuses. Kajal called out to Shikhar, "my baby, come and have your milk." To her surprise, Shikhar yelled as he stood up from his chair, "I don't want milk, I want to see papa."