" Make Your Absence Felt Rather Than Your Presence.
Missing Someone is Natural, It just means that Your Heart Craves For That Person While Your Brain Says The Either Way."
_____________________________
AHANA'S POV
4 Long Tiring Weeks and I haven't seen Ansh properly. He is very busy nowadays. And I miss him. I won't deny that. I can't lie. I feel so bored all alone stuck in the house. I think he has even lost some weight now.
Tomorrow it's our 1st anniversary. It's really amazing how fast the time flies. I am also now almost 4 months pregnant. My baby is growing inside. So is my belly. Jaai vists more often and he is the only one who accompanies me to my appointments with doctors. Ansh rarely knows what's happening. Ma came with us once. I really don't know what is going on in Ansh's mind. His odd ignorant behaviour somedays while his caring side makes me wonder.
I don't even have much office work to do since Ansh does all of it. He doesn't let Jen send me any of the pending files. Sitting idle is pathetic. It's been months since I went out to chill. Jaai visits me home and we go for a stroll nearby sometimes. I have completed a hell lot of novels and I have even watched a lot of movies. Dad and grandad keep me entertained, but still there is something missing... Or maybe there is someone been missed....
I have started getting a lot of craving nowadays. But then I try to subdue them since I can't cook well and I don't to trouble others unnecessarily.
I thought my 1st Anniversary would be special, I wanted it to be special. And I even thought of planning a surprise dinner for our anniversary but then all those bitter memories came flooded back, ruined by Ansh.
And anyways I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow, I dropped the plan. Mrs. Bhatt said that she needs to perform some tests to check for any heredity disease followed by a detailed sonography.
It's already 10 pm and Ansh hasn't returned from the office. I have been waiting for him since long. Initially he used to be back before 9 but now it's getting prolonged. He was definitely busy.
I was tired not doing anything so I laid on the bed closing my eyes. I thought at least I ll wish Ansh. I wanted to be the first one and I wanted him to be my first one.
I woke up promptly with my cell ringing. I checked around but my room was as deserted as it was earlier.
" Hey!! J..."
" Happy very 1st Marriage Anniversary Hana......"
" You didn't come for the wedding but you have all the time to wish me at perfect 12." I said looking at the clock.
" Yeah!! It's sad I couldn't attend your suicide mission but anyways guess who's with me..." He said excited.
" Who???? "
I was excited now.
" Happy Wedding Anniversary Ahana.... " I heard two voices together.
" Piya... Mir....!!! Is this a conference call??" I said surprised.
" Of course..... " They said together. I had a bright smile on my face. It felt good to hear from them.
" Come on.. Put the phone on speaker. I want to wish Ansh too." Piya said.
" Piya... He ain't home till now. Actually there is a lot of work load. And I am also not going to the office. So, he has to manage it on his own. "
" But...." Jaai was about to say something.
" Jaai.... It's okay.... " I said cutting him out.
Just then Dad and grandad entered.
" Ahana.... Happy anniversary... Bless you..."
I turned around, putting the phone on the speaker.
" Party Party..... " All of sudden everyone started shouting. Even Dad and grandad were laughing.
" Guys.... Shut up... And Piya.... What's our little champ doing? You ll wake him up." I said.
" Champ is playing now and wants a party." Mir said.
" Hmmm... I am not sure if... " I was confused about how are we gonna go for it. Ansh and I haven't spoken anything since a long time.
" We are having a party guys..."
" Grandad!" I was surprised. He suddenly spoke.
" Movie and dinner..... " Dad completed him.
I was looking at him flabbergasted.
" I know Ahana has an appointment but we can surely enjoy after it. We didn't have any get-together since long. Right Jaai? " Dad said taking my cell.
" Yes... Uncle..... "
What was happening....
But Seriously, I felt lucky that day. Ansh was missing out so many sweet moments. He had such a lovely family and he wasn't aware about it.
Every one said goodbyes. Grandad and Dad were really cool. Cooler than my Dad too. I really liked them. I don't think I would have managed alone with Ansh this long without their support.
" Dad..... But Ansh.... " It was barely audible. I wasn't sure what his reaction would be. He wasn't even home till now.
" I ll invite him as well as the Sehgal's. Let's see then. You know Ansh very well now. He is a spoilt sport. I can't promise anything Ahana though I made you promise something. But I promise one thing that you won't feel anything missing from our side. We shall do everything that makes you feel good. " He said putting his hand on my head.
I smiled weakly now. He left saying goodnight. It was 1 and was sleepy. But before going to bed I texted Ansh wishing him the same since he wasn't picking up his phone. Ma, Dad and grandpa too send me their wishes.
***
Morning felt fresh and refreshing. It was February and the butterflies and birds were at their best. Spring season brings a different freshness in one's life.
I was a bit disappointed to see the empty space beside me as usual. I don't think Ansh came home last night. I checked my phone but there wasn't any revert from his side. More disappointment. But I am used to it now.
I called Jen.
" Yes, mam.... Morning. Happy Anniversary."
" Thanks Jen..... Is Ansh in the office?" I asked spontaneously.
" Yeah!! He was here last night, till early morning. But when I came in the morning sir said he will take a day off today as he has some important work to attend."
" Oh! Thanks. Tell me if you need any help today. "
I hung up. I was a bit happy that maybe Ansh was planning a day out with me and must be on his way home. Some hopes.
I had the appointment in the afternoon. Jaai came to pick me up before time. He is never late. When I went downstairs he was already sitting with Dad.
" Hi..... "
" Hey!" I replied.
" Ansh is not home?" He queried.
I looked at Dad. He was as blank as I was.
" J... Why do you have so much to enquire? Are you coming with me or should I go alone?"
I said walking outside the house.
" Hey!! I am coming..... Bye uncle. See you at the mall. " He came behind me running.
We had planned to watch a movie and Dad had booked the tickets. I wasn't aware if Ansh was a part of it or not.
But frankly I didn't care now. Why should I when he didn't give a damn to our relationship. I also didn't give a damn now. Let it be. I was waiting for him since 2 days and still there is no answer from his side. Irresponsible and Arrghhh.... I don't even have adjectives now.
" Hana... Get in..." Jaai shouted.
" Yeah!!"
***
We had a great time with everyone. Everyone was present except for Ansh. His cell was switched off and no one knew his whereabouts. And surprisingly I don't know why no one pestered me with questions. It was peculiar though. Coz, Ansh was absent in our Anniversary Celebration. I don't know what excuse did Dad make to everyone since Jaai and I were late when everybody was already at the mall and having a gala time.
I was given a tons of gifts from all. Ma also didn't ask me once about Ansh and that was making me more upset. Why doesn't anyone care? Have they really assumed that there isn't anything happening between us.
" Ahana... C'mon.. Tell me. Cheese or Salted?" Piya called me asking for the flavors of popcorns.
Mir was with Kyle in his hand along with the others. Kyle was indeed an adorable child and Mir was a very good Father after all. I always imagine what would Ansh do. Never mind.... He never bothers and I don't have any expectations form him.
" Salted Piya..." I replied taking the coke.
I couldn't even concentrate on the movie too as my mind was still off guard.
After the movie, We had dinner and Jaai was with me now. He was dropping me home while Dad and grandad stayed back with my Dad and grandpa. They met after a long time and wanted to chit chat. Piya and Mir too left coz little champ needed enough sleep.
Taking about the reports, Mrs. Bhatt said that they take a little time. I was lost in my train of thoughts.
" We arrived Hana...." Jaai said bringing me back to present.
But Where was Ansh???? That was a million dollar question now.
" Hmmm....." I hummed.
" So......"
" What???" I gave him a surprised look.
" So... What are you thinkibg? Is everything fine between you two Ahana?" He asked calmly.
Jaai never calls me with my full name. He rarely did. When he is a serious mood he calls me like this. And this time I would see the seriousness in his eyes.
" Hmmm...." Same reaction again.
" Hana.... Because me? '' He queried as I got down from the car.
" Answer me.... Please..." He said stopping me and holding me from my shoulders.
All of sudden I gripped him tightly in a hug and tears started flowing through my eyes. I couldn't stop them. I really can't hold them anymore. He rubbed my back softly.
Was there really so much pain deep down in my heart that tears found way out? But why??
I don't even like Ansh then why am I feeling so bad.
" Hana.... Hana.... It's good to cry sometimes. It let's your pain out and makes you feel good. But remember one thing." He said and I looked at him.
He wiped my tears and continued.
"You mustn't keep secrets from Ansh. You mustn't do anything that makes you feel low in front of him. Whatever he thinks of me doesn't concern me right now.... Do you get that? He must see the real Ahana. He ll surely fall for you then. "
" Hmm... I don't know how you manage all this J.... But I don't think Ansh will have a single feeling for me. "
" Hana.... Trust me. He has a lot of it. You won't agree and I won't force you. Take all the time you need. Clear your misunderstanding and live happily. That's all I want. Tell him whatever he wants to know. I don't mind. I don't want him to think wrongly about you. I hope you understand what I mean now. "
" J..... Thanks..... " I nodded.
" Always, Lady.... " He said kissing my forehead.
I was about to turn away when I tripped off a stone. But luckily Jaai held my hand and my waist.
" Hana.... God!! Careful... "His hand was still on my a bit swollen belly.
" Yeah! Thanks. That was close. "
He suddenly bend down on his knees.
" Jaai.... What... "
" Hey!! Buddy.... I am your Uncle. Do recognise me. Hmm... You can call me Mamu. What say Hana? "
I gave a huge smile. It's been a while I didn't speak to my baby. Mrs. Bhatt says that I should speak to it coz the baby will recognise the mother's voice. I rested my hands on Jaai's shoulders for support.
" It's Perfect.... Just Perfect. Hey! Baby. This is your Mamu. Say Hello to him...."
Jaai laughed.
" So, Sweetheart, You have to take care of your Momma now, till the time your father learns to. He will learn soon hopefully. I know you will little one. Right?"
He said looking at me.
" J!!! He Cares... " I laughed hitting him on his shoulder.
" I know I know... I was joking. Hana... Take care. C'om now. Go fetch a good sleep. Bye.... " He said standing up.
But before he left I hugged him once again. I needed it. He hugged me back and kissed me on my forehead and left.
I moved my hand on my stomach.
My Life.....
I felt happy that I had Jaai after all. I couldn't have survived if he wasn't there for me. But I know there was a lot of things missing in his life too and I wish I could complete that. But alas I can't.
I crossed the door and entered our Mansion. I saw the most astonishing thing. Ansh's car. That wasn't expected.
He was home. How is that possible. I opened the door with the spare key. It was dark all around. But I saw some dim light coming in from our room. I neared towards the dimly lit area. As I entered I was surprised, bewildered and all the other adjectives that describe a surprised state of mind.
Ansh was standing with his back towards me in the balcony. His hands were rested on the railings. There were candles lit everywhere, their fragrance blooming in the entire room. Oh! God.... What was happening??
Then my surprised eyes fell on the beautiful setting in the balcony. A table for two was decorated with wine and flowers. We had a huge balcony and tonight it looked mesmerising. I never believed that something like this is possible.
Like seriously, Ansh did all this. It was beyond my imagination.
" Hey!!....." It was barely a whisper but I know Ansh heard it. He turned around.
I didn't even blink for once. He was in his best like always. A charmer.
A blue tux with light pink shirt. Whoever thinks that pink is a girl's color is surely mistaken.
Coz... My husband carried it elegantly. He looked charming and equally handsome. But I couldn't see happiness in his eyes. There was something dark in them which I intend not to see.
" Oh!! Ahana..... Welcome Home. I thought you aren't coming back tonight." He said in his husky manly voice.
The tone of his speech wasn't at all appealing. I just wish he didn't see Jaai and me together or else he ll form misconceptions again.
God!! Please.. I prayed.
" You came home early? Then why didn't you pick up the calls. You could have joined us." I said normally trying to calm his already growing temper.
" Hmm... Actually I didn't want to interfere between you guys."
" Huh!!! You Guys???" I asked confused. Why was he going around the bush? I am now sure he saw us.
" Why acting? You and your friend." I noticed that typical Ansh's baritone.
" Ansh!!! Everyone was there.... We weren't alone. The only person who was missing was YOU . " I was losing my patience now. I was fed up.
" Oh!! So, why did you come back with HIM? Where is Dad and grandad? " He said now coming close to me.
" They stayed back. And I don't understand why should I explain you all this. You didn't even wish me. You didn't reply to any of my calls. And you were standing here and watching us like a spy. " I said with equal anger.
" Of course.... I will. You are my wife. Have you forgotten the ring. And then you are hugging a stranger in front of my eyes. And all the more, he is kissing you twice. Twice Ahana.... Why?? Can't you see that I have done so much for YOU . "
I looked around. It was really beautiful but Ansh made things already difficult. He always ruined it.
" He is not a stranger Ansh for God's sake. He is my childhood buddy. Just like Mir and Piya are yours. You get that straight first in your STUPID JEALOUS mind of yours. I ll hug him whenever I want. And I didn't have a dream that my arrogant husband has planned such a romantic thing."
" Arrogant.. Stupid Jealous.. Yeah!!! Whatever... And Of course That I am. But I am not Jealous... Why should I be. And By the way, You were so busy with him the entire day. Ahana, tell me why do you always ruin it? "
He was making me more mad now.
" I am ruining it. Oh!! It's you and only you always...... Who ruins it. "
" Yes, It has to be me. Coz, I am not the one hanging around with my girlfriends on my first anniversary. Crying and hugging them and getting kisses. Am I?" He said making me more furious.
" Ansh...... Do you have a Copy Right to aways think wrong? "
We were standing very close by.
So, he had seen everything. Why didn't I notice him earlier. And I wish if he heard everything also. Perhaps Coz I thought he wasn't home.
" I believe what I see and you have always made me think so. I really think neither that ring in your finger matters to you nor..... "
He stopped abruptly in midway. What was it that he wanted to say?
" Nor.... What Ansh? Why stop? Complete it... Anyways everything is ruined already. I want to hear all of that. " I shouted a bit loud now. There were tears in the brim of my eyes.
" Hmmm.... Ahana... You can really do one thing. " He said after a bit of silence. He didn't complete his sentence.
" If you both really like each other and can't live without each other, then why don't you go away with him.
Trust me. I won't mind. And I promise you no one will tell you a single thing. I can manage everything...... And about my baby. A joint custody is what I want. Or else if you don't want the baby I will file for a full custody."
My Baby... How can he think that I don't want my Baby.... And I am ready to part with it.... Never..
It's My Baby... Only Mine..
I looked straight in his eyes. The tears were blurring my vision. Hoping that he didn't mean any of what he said just now.
" I mean it..... " He cleared my doubts.
" Ansh.... It's really heights now.... "
_____________________________
HEY!! GUYS....
Tell me what you think about this Chapter...
An Early Update ..... 😉 😉 Enjoy...
EmeraldAfrin.... Thanks for Helping me With the Cover...
Next Update 🔜
Till Then
Don't Forget to
VOTE
COMMENT
&
SHARE
Thanks for Ur Love...
Luv... ❤️
Vruksha.