Duty of Love

Chapter 53

Meera's POV

" Mom.... Dad" I was surprised to find them here especially as we planned to meet them tomorrow.  In addition  to that, they were not alone. They were accompanied  by not only Anaant and Sapna but Aparna and Rishi too.

" Bhabhi..." Aparna called me tentatively

" How are you, Aparna? Welcome Rishi" 

Once inside the house, Aparna broke down in tears and hugged me tightly. 

" Sorry , Bhabhi... Anaant Bhai told me everything.  I was very bad to you... Sorry ... I know it is not enough but thats all I have" saying this Aparna began to sob inconsolably

I was at a loss of words.  I didn't know how to console her.

" Here, have this glass of water. "

In between sobs, she took a sip of water

" Aparna, I am not angry at you but yes I won't deny that I was hurt a lot. But now we all are trying to leave the past and move forward. Let's do that. "

" I knew somewhere in my heart that you are not what was portrayed to us but...."

" Aparna, you don't have to feel guilty.. When our elders themselves were not able to sort out then how can you? You were the youngest. You followed what your elders did. I don't blame you"

" Anaant Bhai  was right. You are really the best especially for Adi Bhai. "

We both smiled and hugged it out.

" Every one forgot me." Rishi complained at that moment

" How can anyone forget the only son-in-law? You will always be the VIP. " I said while Rishi raised his collar proudly at Aparna.

" Dont fly too high. You remember  how MY Mom forgot the said VIP" Aparna said showing attitude to Mom

" What! You still haven't let that go. I told you it was an accident"

Sensing that situation may get out of hand, I intervened

" What brings you all here? I mean we were coming  tomorrow so..."

" We have some pretty important  news to share" Anaant said with excitement

" Where is Bhai and kids? " he further  inquired

" They are on the way... they stopped at the mall for some items for the kid's school tomorrow "

" Dadu... Dadi...." Devu's scream broke the quietness of the atmosphere

" When did you all come? Is it anything  urgent? Aparna , Rishi you both are here too? " Deva started shooting  questions as soon as he entered

" First you freshen up then we will talk and there is absolutely nothing serious . Can't we come to see our children ?" Mom replied to Deva

Deva calmed down and he and both kids went upstairs to clean up while I went to get tea and snacks.

After a while, the whole family were sitting in the backyard and the kids were playing with the toys Anaant and Aparna bought .

" So what was the important  news that you wanted to share" I asked Anaant

Hearing my question, Deva turned to Anaant with raised eyebrows

I saw Payal blush while Mom and Dad were smiling brightly at them

Taking Payal's hand in his , Anaant said,
" We are pregnant"

There was a stunned silence , then all hell broke out loose

"Congratulations.... I am so happy for you both " Deva's eyes welled up as he said those words