Chapter 2
Himansh worked at odd hours but seemed
to feel miserable about it. He'd go to work before she awoke and return
post midnight sometimes. He also started ignoring her little efforts
and was disinterested in her idea of learning something new. Many
impromptu out of town trips were happening but she din't pay attention
to any of these until she got the best news of her life.
Kirti had taken a home test which confirmed her doubt. She always wanted to have a child and had expressed her desire to Himansh.
“Wake up, baby”
“What is it, sweety? ” his voice was drowsy
“Look at this!"
“Okay, you can try that some other time”
“Please get up, you have to see this.” she shook him.
Himansh found her beaming with a strip like thing with two red lines. He rubbed his eyes “ What is? Is that? Sweety? Are you?”
“We are pregnant!” she announced aloud and put her arms around him. He did not reciprocate and she believed he was just as thrilled.
“Please go to a good doctor” he said a few minutes later.
“Go? Won't you come along?”
“Would I let you go alone? I have something important at office. So---”
“Okay, no problem. I will need you with me later” she winked.
“I want to know how many weeks it's been and the chart out a daily routine. I will ask her all about exercise, diet, do's and dont's. Will she prescribe me any medicines as yet?” she turned to find him standing by the white window looking outside.
“Baby… I'll be fine. You can come with me the next time and ---”
“Get the pills” he said before letting her finish.
“I will get all the medicines she prescribes, don't worry"
“Termination pills” he said in stern tone.
She was almost about to laugh out loud before she saw the look on his face. There was no humour.
“I want you to go to her and get the termination pills. I don't want this” his voice was cold now.
She froze as he looked away and walked outside.
Kirti sat on the edge of her bed alone wondering what could've been the reason. He had loved her, cared for her, and had never expressed his disagreement when she spoke about starting a family. There had to be an explanation.
She wanted answers but an invisible wall replaced their usual cheerful chatter. The house that echoed with their laughs was now a quiet cave.
A week later when he came home, he found the living room dimly lit. The fragrance of lavender scented candles and soft instrumental music substituted the creepy silence. The dining table was beautifully set, laid out with his favorite palak panner, veg biryani and gajar ka halwa. He walked towards the bedroom to find her wearing the pink floral saree he had gifted her.
“Movie night after dinner?” She asked.
He did not reply.
“I can't take it anymore.You know I always wanted this. Din't you, baby?” she took his hand into hers.
“No” he said
“Tell me what's on your mind. What's bothering you, baby?”
“I just don't want it. Don't you understand?” his voice raised, his eyes turning red.
She tried to come close to him when he pushed her.
Thud!
She was on her stomach, a moment later holding it tight, feeling an excruciating pain.
He walked out of the house without a word. In a few hours, a pool of red liquid soaked her bed.
They never spoke about what had happened. Not because she didn't deserve justification but because she was petrified. She couldn't forget his seething eyes and dreaded unleashing that rage again.
To Be Continued...
CHS
No comments:
Post a Comment