"I'll whisper quietly, I'll give you nothing but truth

I'll hold you tightly, I'll give you nothing but truth

If you're not inside me, I'll put my future in you"

- Ed Sheeran (Small Bump)


Chapter 9


July 15, 1 pm

"All right Shaina, on the scale of one to ten, what is your pain level?" Doctor Lendwell asked his patient.

"Six, it's definitely a six," Shaina said as she was sitting up in bed.

"I'm going to do a pelvic exam as well as another ultrasound. We want to make sure that the fetus is still intact." The doctor told her as he received just a nod from his patient.

The nurse helped Shaina scoot down in the hospital bed and then helped her get her feet up on the stirrups. Shaina laid flat on the bed. It was just her, Shaka, the doctor and two nurses in the room. Madhuri had stepped out of the room; she didn't want his grandson's wife to feel like she was on display for all to see. Shaka took Shaina's hand in his as a sign of support, to let her know that he was there for her. Shaina shut her eyes as she felt the doctor begin doing the pelvic examination. She groaned a couple of times because of the pain and turned her head toward where Shaka stood. After the exam, the nurse helped Shaina move back up on the bed and got her ready for the ultrasound. Shaina didn't want to turn to look at the screen, she was too afraid to find out that her body had betrayed her. The room was quiet for a moment until a familiar sound came through the speaker of the machine. Shaka encouraged Shaina to turn and look at the monitor. There it was in black, gray and white, a ten-week old fetus moving around. The images were soon added to her chart and the doctor finished the examination.

"Your cervix is still intact and the baby seems to be moving around, which makes it great news. We still want to keep you here for another day or two Shaina. We are hoping that by then the bleeding will fully stop, there seem to be signs of it becoming less, which it's always a good sign." Doctor Lendwell addressed his patient, trying to turn this negative situation into a more positive one. "I know that you still have nausea, but I still need for you to eat. We are going to wait a bit on the pain medication, but if it starts to get worse again, and then we will go ahead and give you something. Any question?"

"Can I… Is there… Am I still at risk?" Shaina was having a hard time speaking. She felt very vulnerable at that moment and scared, as this was all new to her.

"Yes, there is still a risk. Try to relax, rest as much as you can. It's perfectly fine if you sleep most of the day." The doctor gave her a small smile. "We will check up on you again later on in the evening."

The doctor soon left after finishing with his patient and one of the nurses had stayed behind. She helped Shaina get settled in bed and even had encouraged her to look at the menu so that she would order something to eat. The nurse soon left after that leaving the couple by themselves. Shaina sniffed and wiped her cheeks from the few tears that had run down. It was clear that there was a chance that she might lose the child she was carrying. Since the moment the nurse at her gynecologist office had confirmed her pregnancy there had been no more denying the fact that her life had changed completely. There would always be someone that she would be responsible for and yet here she was about to lose it. Shaina hadn't even met the child face to face, but they were attached to one another. The child needed her since the moment it had been conceived and yet she still had a hard time acknowledging its presence from time to time. The child was always there to remind her of its existence by sending her running to the bathroom and now there was a chance it wouldn't do that anymore.

Shaka noticed how Shaina hadn't said a single word since the doctor and nurses had left. She was now fiddling with her wedding ring and looking down at it. He could assure himself that he was feeling exactly how she was feeling at the moment. Shaka didn't think of it much and seeing that they were alone, he took a seat on the edge of the bed and hugged his wife. Shaka soon felt Shaina embrace him as well; bringing herself as close to him as she could. He knew she needed it, he could see it, even if at the moment she was tearing up and trying to hold it together as best as she could. Shaina needed to feel that she had someone that was there for her and in a way, he needed it as well. Even with many couples going through what they were going through at that moment. No one could feel the way they did because it was they who were going through it together. It was their child's life on the line and no other two people could feel what they were feeling at that moment.


June 16th 9:30 am

It had been a long morning for Shaina and Shaka that day. The nurse had gone in at six in the morning to take out some blood and check up on her. Although Shaina was still spotting, it had been nothing compared to the previous morning. Shana had never been squeamish when it came to seeing blood, but that day had been her first. The sight of her blood going inside the small tube had been enough to turn her stomach. As soon as the nurse had finished taking out blood, Shaina had asked for the emesis basin. Shaka had been by her side since the moment the nurse had started checking Shaina. After that awful episode, Shaina had decided to get cleaned up and made her way to the bathroom with the help of the nurse and Shaka. A nurse aid had come in and had been the one to take over for the nurse. The nurse's aid had been the one to keep an eye on Shaina while she was in the shower.

When Shaina's breakfast had arrived, Shaka had taken the opportunity to clean up. He had taken the bag that Geist had brought in the previous day and checked once more what was in there. The woman had packed extra clothes for him and only one change of clothes for his wife. Shaka hadn't taken long in the shower and getting dressed. He hadn't taken more than twenty minutes and had come out just in time to see Shaina push her tray table to the side. Once Shaka had placed the bag back where it had been, he had approached to check and see how much Shaina had eaten. It hadn't been much, it was less than what she normally would have taken and that worried him a bit. It wasn't even ten minutes that he had returned to the room when Shaina had pressed the call button and had made her way into the bathroom since she didn't find the emesis basin. By the time the nurse had gone into the room Shaina was already kneeling down on the bathroom floor emptying her stomach.

So after a long morning, Shaina now sat up in the hospital bed while Shaka ate the breakfast that his grandmother had brought him. She turned the volume of the television up enough to hear what the people on the morning show were saying. She wasn't really interested in what was happening in the show, but it was the best thing she could find on television. Madhuri had moved the chair from where it was so that she could watch what was on as well. Both women took turns changing the channel until they both agreed on leaving it on the Food Network. They began to watch one of the chefs prepare some sort of Caribbean themed dish. Madhuri soon took out a Ziploc bag filled with some dried fruit and offered some to Shaina. Shaina took a couple pieces of fruit out and gave the small bag back. Shaina ate the dry fruit slowly, as some of the fruit was tart and other too sweet. Her nausea made an appearance the moment she tasted the first piece of dry fruit. She was thankful she had only taken a couple of pieces.

Shaka finished his breakfast while the two women were watching a show. He placed the container back into the tote where Dadi had brought it in. Shaka grabbed his laptop and began to do some work while glancing up to see his wife every once in a while. He decided to do his call backs once Shaina would sleep ass the television would be off and the room would be silent. Shaka answered several of the emails he had received and even took a look at his appointment schedule and all the appointments that had been rescheduled. He emailed his sister and Phoebe regarding his schedule and the changes he would make.

A light knock was heard and Shaina quickly lowered the volume of the television. Shaka closed his laptop and Madhuri moved the chair back to where it was before. Krishna greeted them and made his way over to hospital bed. The nurse moved the ultrasound machine closer to the bed so that the doctor would have it at hand. The other nurse stood by, ready when needed.

"I went over your blood work and everything seems to be where we would like it to be. I'll be doing a pelvic examination and an ultrasound, and we will go from there." Krishna said as he made his way to the end of the bed. "What is your pain level this morning?"

"I would say a three, maybe four," Shaina said as she looked from the doctor to the poster and back again to the doctor. The nurse made her way to the side of the bed and began to help Shaina position herself at the end of the bed.

"That's what we want to hear. All right, now let's start with the pelvic examination." Krishna said as he sat on the plush stool and helped Shaina place her feet on the stirrups.

Madhuri moved to the other side of the room to give Shaina some much-needed privacy. She noticed how her grandson held his wife's hand while the doctor did the examination. The grimace on Shaina's face was enough to know that she was still in pain as the doctor pressed down on her pelvic area. Once Krishna finished the pelvic examination, he removed the dirty gloves while one of the nurses helped Shaina get repositioned in bed. The nurse finished setting Shaina up for the ultrasound, Krishna stepped in and began. Krishna moved the transducer over Shaina's pelvic area and began looking for the fetus. In a matter of seconds, the image of the fetus came up on the screen as well as the heartbeat. Madhuri stepped a little closer to the bed to take a peek at the screen. Shaka noticed that Dadi was trying to see the screen and encouraged her to get closer.

"The baby has a strong heart which is something we like to see. It is definitely moving around this morning, very good sign." Krishna said as he gained a small smile from his patient. He turned to look at Shaka and at Madhuri. The older woman looked ecstatic at seeing the image of her great grandchild on the screen. Krishna did some measuring of the fetus for the chart and printed out some pictures so his patient could share them with the family.

Madhuri hugged her grandson and pulled him down to give him a kiss on the cheek. She had felt so honored to have been given the opportunity of seeing the ultrasound image of her great-grandchild. Shaina was cleaned up and sitting up in bed by the time Madhuri had finished hugging her grandson. Krishna gave the pictures to Shaina and then grabbed her chart and added the copy of the images to it.

"Everything seems to be going as it should and as soon as I sign the discharge papers you will be free to go home," Krishna said not only to Shaina but to the nurses as well. Shaina was already eyeing him as if she knew what would come next. "I am putting you on bed rest for one week as a precaution because there is still some light spotting. Hopefully, it won't last more than a few days. In the meantime, there are several things that will be off limits until your next follow-up appointment."

"What exactly will be off limits?" Shaina asked having an idea already as to what the doctor might say. She had done some research last night before falling asleep.

"The restrictions are simple but they are for you and your baby's well-being. So that means no sex, no flights, no lifting anything heavier than ten pounds, no work and try to keep your stress level to a minimum."

"I can't miss work; I can't afford to lose my job," Shaina said as she looked at the doctor and then at Shaka.

"It would only be for a week, and you are still at risk of having a miscarriage." Krishna reasoned with his friend's wife. He saw the look on her face the moment that he mentioned the word miscarriage. That alone would slow her down a bit. "You can still walk around the house but not for a long period of time; exercise is also off limits for the time being. I recommend you make an appointment with your gynecologist for a follow-up."

"My gynecologist, but I thought…" Shaina was confused for a moment as she had been seeing him along with her gynecologist. She decided right there and then to switch doctors since she had seen the man that was standing in front of her more than her actual doctor. "I will actually be changing doctors now if it's okay with you, I would like for you to be my doctor."

"If that is what you wish then make your follow-up appointment with me. The office staff will help with retrieving your medical record." Krishna was stunned, to say the least. He doubted that Shaka had something to do with her decision for him to be her doctor. Nonetheless, he respected her choice and looked forward to taking care of his friend's wife. "It was a pleasure finally meeting you Mrs. Mahajan and I look forward to having you as my patient."

Once Krishna and the nurses left the room everything was quiet once more. Shaina looked at the door and then looked down at the pictures she had placed in her lap. The idea of there still being a chance she could lose the child she was carrying made her feel uneasy. The thought that she couldn't go back to work felt even worse. Shaina stared at the picture she held in her hands and couldn't help but think that the child was fighting to stick around. Others thoughts came to mind as she looked at the picture, but she decided to stop herself before they went any further.

Shaina looked up and noticed that Shaka and Madhuri were looking at her as if waiting for something. She smiled at both of them and shrugged her shoulders as if nothing was wrong. Shaka took the liberty giving her a kiss on the side of her head and whispering that everything would be all right. Shaina nodded in understanding and smiled once more. Madhuri took the opportunity and approached the other side of the bed. Although they hadn't spoken much in the time that Shaina had been in the hospital, Madhuri began to care for the woman. Madhuri couldn't contain herself as she saw the pictures on Shaina's lap and decided to hug her. There were no words for Madhuri to express how grateful she was for being allowed to see her great-grandchild. Madhuri began to coo and say things in Hindi that Shaina had no clue as to what the woman was saying. Shaina just smiled politely at the older woman and returned the hug.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom," Shaina said once Madhuri was done hugging her. She noticed the look on Shaka's face the moment she tried to get out of bed. Shaina shook her head and told him she was fine and made her way to the bathroom.

Shaka kept his eye on the bathroom waiting to see if she didn't need anything. The thought of relaxing crossed his mind at that moment. He did need to relax and rest for a moment at least. The thought that Shaina could lose their child weighed heavy on him. He didn't know if Shaina would be strong enough to handle the loss or if he was, for that matter. Shaka sat on the reclining chair and continued to look at the bathroom door. He started thinking of things that needed to be resolved regarding work and other things that pertain to Shaina being at home for an entire week. There was one problem he saw, the days she would be home by herself. He needed to make arrangements for someone to look after her for the entire time he would be at work. Krishna had said that she needed rest, and Shaka was going to make sure that she would get it.


June 17th, 10 am

The timer on top of the convection oven beeped loudly, as it alerted the bakers that whatever they placed inside was done. Marin rushed to take out the sheet pans filled with wedding cookies. The large order was for tomorrow and she needed to finish them before the day was over. Asterion grabbed every single sheet that Marin gave him and placed them on the nearest table. Six sheets were now at the table cooling while the two bakers added the next six trays inside the oven. Once both bakers had everything in, each took a tray and placed them in one of the pan racks. They still have several trays to go and it was already ten in the morning. Another timer on top of another oven beeped and Marin went over to take out the next six trays. Marin was in shocked at the fact that there was only one sheet pan inside the oven, with what looked to be a grilled cheese sandwich in the middle of the sheet pan.

"What is this?" She asked Asterion, showing him the pan with the oozing grilled cheese sandwich.

"Where did you get that from?" Asterion asked as he took it from her and placed it on the table.

"Didn't you just see me? I took it out from the oven; it was the only thing in there." Marin pointed towards the oven that she was talking about.

"That can't be," Asterion said as he went up to the oven and opened both doors only to reveal an empty oven. "Marin, I placed six sheet pans full of cookies in this oven. Where are they?"

"You're asking me? I was the one that handed you most of the sheets." Marin looked around to see if the cookies had been placed somewhere else.

Asterion went straight to the fridge and counted all the sheet pans they had left. The numbe3r of trays that were left was correct to what they had written down in one of the papers. It wasn't until he walked back to the prep station that he noticed several trays that one of the washers was scraping food off. Asterion looked at each and every one of them only to find that they were filled with gooey dough. He called Marin over and showed her what he had found.

"Where did you get these?" Asterion asked once Marin had checked all the sheet pans.

"Someone had placed them next to the ovens, one on top of the other." The guy that was washing the pans explained. "It was a mess so I brought them here so I could have them ready to be used."

"Did you see who placed them on the side of the oven?" Marin asked as she looked at the guy.

"No, like I said, they were just left there. One of them was even on the floor." The guy pointed out where he had found them. "Hey, I'm just doing my job."

"We aren't blaming you; we just thought that maybe you knew," Marin said as she smoothed things over with the poor guy that stood there looking at her.

"Thanks," Asterion said as he and Marin turned and went back to the prep tables.

"It was her, I know it," Marin said as she slammed the sheet pan with the grilled cheese.

"Are you sure?" Asterion asked already knowing the answer.

"There is no one stupid enough here to mess with the ovens, especially to make themselves a stupid grilled cheese sandwich." As Marin finished, a young woman walked in and noticed the sheet pan sitting on the table.

"Is it ready? I swear I lost track of time and had totally forgotten about it." Hannah, one of the shop girls, and the vain of Marin's existence said.

"This is yours?" Marin asked in a tone that Asterion had heard once or twice and knew that it wasn't good when she used it.

"Yes…" Hannah answered in her usually bubbly self. She reached over to get it, but Marin took the sandwich in her hand and dumped it in the nearest trash. Hannah's smile fell and was shocked that the woman in front of her had done such a thing to her sandwich.

"Don't you ever touch the oven; you shouldn't even be in here." Marin was upset, in the years that she worked in that shop; no one had done what this girl did.

"It was just a sandwich. It didn't take any time or space from what you were all doing." Hannah crossed her arms over her chest and sighed with indignation.

"You took out the sheet pans filled with cookies, cookies that we have to bake for an order that is due for tomorrow." Marin pointed out. The more this would go on, the more Marin knew that she would never get through to the girl that stood in front of her.

"I was going to put them back in once my sandwich was done. Besides you just said it yourself, the order is meant to be picked up tomorrow. You have plenty of time to make another batch." Hannah at this point was getting fed up with Marin's attitude. In her opinion, Marin was making a big deal out of something so insignificant.

The guy that was washing the sheet pans had heard all the commotion and had taken it upon himself to get the owner. Anika had made her way into the kitchen as soon as her employee had told her what was going on. When she had made it there, she saw that Marin had a dirty sheet pan in one hand. Hannah's bubbly expression had been replaced with an expression that Anika had never seen in the young woman's face. Anika wasn't sure if she had gotten there on time or not, all that she knew was that she had to put a stop to it.

"What's going on here?" The older woman asked.

"Hannah here decided to make herself a sandwich by using an oven that was being used at the time," Marin explained with a tone in her voice that showed the level of her anger.

"I don't see the problem with that." Anika wasn't the type of woman that enjoyed confrontation. Upon hearing the tone in the other woman's voice, she knew that what had just come out of her mouth would cause more problems than anything else.

"Anika, she took out six sheets of cookies that we're baking at the time like if it was nothing. Now she says that it shouldn't matter because we can easily make another batch." Marin tried to calm herself as best as possible. She placed the sheet pan on the prep table and took the nearest dish towel and cleaned her hands. She needed to buy a little bit of time so that she could calm down. "Hannah or any of the shop employees are not supposed to touch the ovens, let alone be back here."

"Well, in that you are completely right. No one but the baker and the washers are supposed to be back here." Anika was at a crossroad here. Hannah had become a major problem to the shop and with the employees; she just didn't know exactly how to resolve such a thing without firing the poor girl. "I think the best thing I could do is if Hannah learns to bake and begins to help back here. It's the only way I see that she will learn to respect the work the bakers do."

"What?" This time Asterion raised his voice along with Marin.

"That will be fine with me," Hannah said carelessly not really caring what Anika had decided upon.

"You're kidding me right?" Marin said as she really couldn't believe what her boss had just said.

"Hannah will be learning with the two bakers that come in the afternoon. So I suggest you go home Hannah and get ready to come back later on in the afternoon." Anika knew that this would end up costing her problems with the rest of the employees, but she really didn't like firing people.

Hannah smiled triumphantly that she hadn't been fired and had even ended up getting promoted. Although she had no real interest in baking, she knew that with the bump in position, a bump in her pay would also follow. The girl left, leaving the rest of the group behind. As Hannah left Marin looked at her boss and just shook her head not believing what the woman had done.

"You think promoting her would be the best thing for her? Why can't you just get rid of her?" Marin asked Anika as she left the dish towel on the table. This hadn't gone like it was expected and Marin was sure to let her boss now. Her patience was growing thin and she just hoped that she would make her point come clear. "There are two girls that work the front that would actually be interested in a position like the one you just gave the person that everyone wants gone."

"What's done is done; I'll deal with the rest as it comes. All I ask is that you finish making the cookies that are needed. Please Marin, no more arguing, all right?" Anika pleaded as she rubbed her temples with her fingers. All the arguing had given her a great headache and she really didn't feel like dealing with anything for the rest of the morning.

Marin and Asterion just looked at the woman leaving the kitchen and then at one another. It was obvious that this new change would end up gaining them a whole set of new problems. Asterion just shook his head and made his way to gather the ingredients for a new batch of cookies. Marin, on the other hand, grabbed the dirty sheet pan and made her way to where the washer was. As she finished placing the pan in the sink, she made her way to wash her hands on one of the smaller sinks. It was going to be a long day and all she needed, in the end, was a few drinks. She took out her phone and texted a person that would be able to go out with her for drinks, seeing as the person that she would usually call to have drinks with was pregnant. She needed a couple of stiff drinks and a good shag to remove all stress the morning had brought.


June 18th 5 pm

Geist walked around the garden and she checked in on the people that were finishing setting the chairs. If there was one type of wedding that she didn't like doing much, it was the outside weddings. All weddings were beautiful, even outside weddings, but outside weddings always doubled the chances of things going extremely wrong, extremely fast. The number one thing that Geist couldn't control in an outside wedding was the weather. To make things worse they lived in a place where it rained, a lot. Geist tried not to think about it too much as she looked up at the sky and prayed for good weather. After a few deep breaths, Geist decided to concentrate on her usual routine. She checked on the minister who had already arrived and was busy talking to a family member of the groom. She checked on the musicians, who were busy preparing their instruments. She checked on the flowers that were placed outside where the couple would say their vows and inside where the party would take place. She checked to see if the dog that the bride and groom had decided to be their ring bearer was still in his doggie cage. Once she made sure the dog was still there, she went back inside and checked that everything was coming together for the big moment.

Geist entered the bride's dressing room and noticed that the woman was almost done getting ready. The bride was having a hard time getting her zipper unstuck and the bride's mother stopped trying to help. Geist quickly got to work and helped get the zipper unstuck without harming the dress. Once Geist was done, the mother of the bride took over once again. Geist didn't mind at all; she let them know that she would be around if they needed her. She exited the room and walked towards the groom's dressing room. She knocked on the door before entering only to find the groom's grandfather taking a nap on the sofa. As for the groom and groomsmen, they were busy having a couple of beers before the wedding. Geist counted all the groomsmen and noticed that one was still missing. She slowly walked out of the room and used her walkie-talkie to locate the missing groomsman.

"He is entertaining the flower girl, while the little girl's mother gets into her bridesmaid's dress." Geist's assistant's voice came in through her earpiece.

"Is he wearing his suit?" Geist said as she walked around the venue to check that no one was inside where the reception would take place.

"Yes, he is." The girl answered clearly as she too was anxious about getting the wedding started.

"Alright, you go let the rest of the groomsmen and groom that we are starting in five." Geist let her assistant know before directing herself to one of the workers. "Are the guest all seated."

"Almost…" another voice came through her earpiece.

"Let's get the band to begin to play and make sure that all guests are sitting," Geist ordered while she made her way to the bride's dressing room. "Is the groom party on their way?"

"They are on their way as we speak." the assistant said as she had personally followed the group where they needed to go.

"All right ladies let's make this wedding happen," Geist said as she reached the bridal dressing room and signal the bridal party that it was time.

The wedding ceremony had gone without a hitch. Geist and her crew had kept on top of any little mishap that could occur. The dog of the couple had been well trained to go down the aisle all the way to where the best man stood. The flower girl had stolen part of the show when she went up to the dog and began to pet him in the middle of the ceremony. Now the wedding party had finished taking a picture and had joined the rest of the party. Geist walked around the event hall while supervising. She always made sure that the food would go out on time and that every guest had their glass filled. She stopped at the furthest part of the event hall and just looked at the party taking place. Geist loved weddings, ever since she was a little girl, she had loved them. She loved how the bride and groom always looked happy; she hadn't encountered a couple that looked otherwise. There was something special on how the brides looked on their wedding day. It was that same impression that she had when she was a little girl. She couldn't help but smile at the memories that came to mind. Geist soon was brought out of her thoughts as she felt someone standing next to her. She felt a little embarrassed that she hadn't seen who had approached her. Quickly she composed herself as the person next to her cleared their throat to get her attention.

"Out of all the weddings that are taking place in this city tonight, you happen to be in the one I am part of. What are the odds of that?" The person said with amusement in his voice.

"Maybe it's a sign you should buy a lottery ticket," Geist said with a smile on her face. She had been surprised herself as she had turned to look at the man that had brought her out of her thoughts.

"Maybe I should." The man said as he smiled at her. "I knew I would see you again, it was just a matter of time before we would bump into one another."

"Are you here to save the groom or the bride?" Geist couldn't stop smiling at the odds of bumping into this man once again. She couldn't help but take a quick glance at how he looked in a suit and tie. The man looked really nice in a suit, just as nice as he looked in his uniform.

"I'm pretty sure neither one of them will need saving tonight." Aldebaran was still surprised that he had bumped into the woman. He couldn't stop looking at her or at the way she looked in the dress she was wearing. She definitely had his approval in how good she looked. The musicians began to play a lovely ballad and Aldebaran took the opportunity to ask. "Would you care to dance?"

"I would love to dance, sadly I can't, I'm working at the moment." Geist wished she could, but it would be the most unprofessional thing to do. She looked at the man by her side and couldn't help but feel bad.

"How about we go out for dinner sometime?" Aldebaran asked as he wasn't going to give up so easily.

"I would love too." Geist smile fell as she heard her assistant's coming in through the earpiece she was wearing. She looked at Aldebaran once more and took out a card from her pocket. "I have to get back to work. Call me."

Aldebaran smiled at Geist as she walked off to wherever she was needed. He looked at her business card and couldn't stop smiling. The next time he would see her, it would be for dinner. It surely was something he would look forward to.


June 18th 8 pm

Junet turned to look towards the entertainment room where Kiki was watching a movie on the television. She had ditched the idea of staying in Mu's apartment to babysit and told him she was heading over to see Shaina. Mu didn't seem to have a problem with that and had given his approval. There was something about waiting for him from getting back from his fantastic date that Junet just didn't want to be a part of. From the corner of her eye, Junet saw how her grandmother shook her head in disapproval. Junet turned her full attention towards her grandmother and addressed what she knew she was dying to tell her.

"I made a mistake, I know that?" Junet said sincerely. "You don't have to say anything."

"I'm not…" Madhuri crossed her arms and just stared at her granddaughter.

"I thought I could handle this, but it's obvious that I can't." Junet looked towards the entertainment room and saw that Kiki had found his spot next to Shaina and had cuddled into her. She couldn't help but smile at the scene. "He likes her, doesn't he?"

"He does, I think it's because she is expecting. Mu told me about the first time he met her, he hugged her right away." Madhuri smiled as she looked at the scene and pulled out her phone. She took a picture of the two and quickly sent it to her grandson. "Can you imagine the day when we get to see Shaina with her baby like that?"

"I can honestly say I am looking forwards to seeing Shaina as a mother. I'm also looking forward to seeing my brother being a dad." Junet said as she looked at her Dadi. It was still weird to think that Shaina and Shaka were married, but she liked the fact that there was a baby on the way. "I think I'm going to stay away from Mu's dating life from now on."

"I think that's one of the smartest things you have said since you got here." Madhuri wished that she could help Junet forget about the crush she had. She didn't want another repeat of what had happened many years ago. Nothing broke her heart more than to see Junet broken-hearted. "Would you like some tea?"

"I would love some tea," Junet answered as she saw her Dadi get up. She took a quick glance over to where Kiki and Shaina were and noticed that they had both found their spot on the sofa. Both were lying down on the sofa, asleep, as the television now served as background noise. Junet smiled to herself and took out her phone. Without making too much noise she went up close to where Shaina and Kiki were sleeping and took a couple of pictures. She placed the phone back into her pocket as she made her way to the kitchen. "Well... those two are asleep."

"Doesn't' surprise me at all. Shaina has been sleeping most of the day, and Kiki, I think that he is just tired." Madhuri said as she was taking out two cups from one of the top cabinets. "Your brother also took a nap earlier today. Your mother had to go wake the newlyweds up, so they would come down and eat."

"Speaking of Shaka, where is he?" Junet asked in Hindi.

"He's been meditating for three hours now. He made sure Aishwarya or I would stay with Shaina while he went to mediate, he didn't want Shaina to be left by herself." Madhuri answered in Hindi. She always enjoyed when Junet spoke her native language. "Don't get me wrong, it's sweet that he worries, but it's going to drive the poor girl crazy."

"I wouldn't doubt it; Shaina is not very big on being fussed over." Junet laughed at her Dadi's concern over her best friend. Junet could only hope that when that happened, her brother would be able to handle it. "All we need to do is stand clear, Mount Vesuvius could erupt at any moment. My advice to you Dadi, if you are present at that time, is to run for cover."

"Junet!" Madhuri warned with a smile on her face. She wasn't aware of how strong Shaina's temperament could be, but she assumed it would be as normal as any woman. Madhuri couldn't discard the fact that her grandson had quite a temperament as well. "Let's hope that when Mount Vesuvius erupts, Barren Island doesn't erupt as well."

Junet couldn't stop laughing at what her grandmother had said. She loved the fact that her grandmother didn't mind her humor, and why would she; both women shared the same type of humor. Junet couldn't help but think that once her Dadi would get to know Shaina a bit more, she would end up liking her even more.

"Hear, hear!" Junet answered as she lifted her cup of tea, which her grandmother had just finished pouring hot water into. "Speaking of Barren Island..."

"Shaka!" Madhuri said as she turned to look at her grandson, who was just entering the kitchen. "How did your meditation go?"

"It went well…" Shaka answered as he approached the refrigerator. He grabbed one of the water bottles and closed the door right after. Something told him that the women had been talking about him or something that had to do with him. It had become obvious as he had heard the tone of Dadi's voice as he had entered the room. Shaka quickly glanced at what he could see of the living room and couldn't see where Shaina was. "Where's..."

"Shaina? She is in the entertainment room with Kiki." Junet answered before her brother could even finish asking. She took a moment to take out her phone and looked for the picture that she had just taken. After only a few seconds of finding it, she tapped on the picture and passed the phone to her brother. "They both fell asleep a little bit ago. Don't they look adorable?"

Shaka looked down at the phone he had in his hand and saw the picture on the screen. Kiki held Shaina's arm close to him as if she were protecting him. Shaka gave the phone back to his sister and grabbed his water bottle before heading out of the kitchen. Junet and Madhuri had been waiting for Shaka to say something, anything, in regards to the picture, but it never came.

"Where are you heading dear?" Madhuri asked, not knowing where his grandson was going.

"I was thinking of swimming a couple of laps around the pool before calling it a day," Shaka said as he was almost out of the kitchen.

"I was thinking of heading out for the evening soon, but I'll stay the night if you need me to." Madhuri offered knowing well what his grandson would say.

"That will be great, Josephina made sure to put clean sheets on the guest bed." Shaka turned to look at his grandmother. He was thankful for knowing that he could count on his family with whatever was needed. "Dadi, I don't want to be any inconvenience to you. I could always postpone swimming for tomorrow morning. I keep asking you to keep an eye on Shaina when clearly she is mine to care for."

"I'll always be here, for you and for Shaina." Madhuri was a little surprised at hearing her grandson's admission. She loved her grandson very much and there was nothing she wouldn't do for him. "Go take your swim, I'll look after her."

"Thank you." Shaka returned to where his Dadi was standing and gave her a kiss on the side of her head. Without another word, he turned on his heel and exited the kitchen.

"Aww… What a lovely scene and here I am capturing it all on my phone." Junet laughed as she held her phone. She continued to record as she knew her Dadi would simply turn and give her a disapproving look. It only took a second or two for her grandmother do just that. Junet continued to laugh, which only resulted in her grandmother trying to act mad and failing miserably.

Both women continued their conversation over tea. Shaka could hear them as he crossed the living room and headed for the patio doors. His meditation session had been better than expected; the complete loss of time was something that he was used to already. He still wanted to work out his body just as he had his mind; a few laps around the pool would do wonders for his body. As he was about to open the door to the patio he stopped himself and turned to where the entertainment room was. He could see the light of the television from where he stood. Without much thought, he began to make his way to said room. There, on the long sofa, laid his wife and his best friend's eight-year-old son. Both were sound asleep without a care in the world. It wasn't every day that he would see his wife in that position. She looked like any mother would and that alone brought a smile to his face. There was no doubt that once their baby would arrive, the role of being a mother would suit her well. He thought if it would suit her to be a wife as well, but that would also make him think if he was suited for the role of being father and husband. Shaka dismissed the thoughts for the time being and just appreciated the moment he was given by seeing his wife in that position. He stood there watching her for a moment, oblivious to the fact that the other two women in the house had been watching from afar.


June 19th 1 pm

Shaina posed once again standing beside the wall next to the chimney in the living room. Junet had insisted that she should begin taking pictures of her baby bump. Geist had been excited with the idea and had even gone upstairs with Junet to pick out the clothes Shaina should wear. The girls had picked out a blue and white striped dress that would show off her curves perfectly. Once the girls had joined the other two women in the living room, Junet ushered Shaina to the nearest bathroom so that she would change into the dress.

"Okay, one more picture Shaina and we are almost done," Junet told her friend as she took the last picture. "There… all done."

"How did they come out?" Marin asked from her spot on the sofa.

"She looks good," Geist said as she and Junet looked at the phone. "Oh, my gosh Shaina! You have a small bump."

"No, I don't," Shaina said extending her hand out so that the girls could let her see the picture.

Junet gave her the phone and showed the picture to her friend. Shaina was soon joined by Marin, who stood close to her to see the picture. Shaina shook her head as she didn't see anything close that resembled a bump on her midsection. Marin's smile grew as she noticed it and drew her closer for a hug.

"Why are you shaking your head?" Geist said as she saw her sister shaking her head.

"I don't see what the three of you are talking about," Shaina said as she handed the phone back to her friend.

"I can't believe you can't see it," Geist said as she sat on the sofa.

"It's right there." Marin pointed out.

"I think you three are seeing something that really isn't there." Shaina walked up to the accent chair and grabbed the clothes she had taken off and begun heading to the staircase. "I'm going to go change again."

Junet began editing the picture and even added how far along her friend was and also what size the baby was. She had googled it earlier to make sure she had been would add it to the picture. Shaina had turned eleven weeks that day and it seemed everyone was excited except for Shaina. Junet finished looking at the picture and sent it to the group text she had created that included the girls, her Dadi, and her mother. Junet sent a separate one to her brother as a way for him to keep a memory of his wife's pregnancy.

"There, I sent the picture." Junet hadn't even finished telling them when the cell phones began to chime.

"She looks really good," Marin said as she had looked at the picture on her phone. "I think Shaina just doesn't want to see the change her body is making."

"I know, right?" Geist looked at the image and sent the image to other family members. "You are able to see the bump."

"It's there all right. Her abdomen is no longer flat as it used to be." Marin said as she put her phone back on the coffee table. She saw Junet leave her phone on the side table and making her way to the front door. "Where are you off to?"

"Dadi just texted me that she is back and needs help bringing in what she bought," Junet said as she made her way to the door.

Marin and Geist stood up and made their way to the front door. As the girls reached the front door Madhuri was coming in with nothing in her hands. Junet and Shaka followed her as they carried nice reusable bags. Geist held the door opened, while Marin grabbed one of the bags that Junet was carrying. All four headed down to the kitchen and as soon as they set the bags on the counter top, Madhuri began unpacking everything. Shaina arrived in time to see Madhuri finish unpacking all that she had brought with her. The woman had brought vegetables, condiments and serving dishes.

"Shaina, sweetheart, there you are? I was beginning to wonder where you were since I didn't see you when I came in." Madhuri said as she saw her standing at the kitchen entrance. She went up to Shaina and hugged her with care as she hadn't seen her that morning before she had left. "You look so beautiful today, still a little bit on the thin side, but beautiful nonetheless. Shaka, don't just stand there come greet your lovely wife."

Madhuri waited for her grandson to greet his wife like it should be. The woman smiled brightly, she knew that it was pushing the situation. Her only comfort for the moment was that at least she was pushing her grandson in the right direction. Shaka didn't like being put on the spot, something that he knew his grandmother was well aware of. In front of the group of women, Shaka made his way towards where Shaina stood and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. Shaina involuntarily flinched with the closeness, but she had even surprised herself more as she leaned into the kiss. Shaka leaned into her ear and whispered something in her ear, to which Shaina just looked at him and nodded in response to what he had whispered. The group of women that stood there looked at the couple interacting. It wasn't as odd for most of the women to see them interact as Geist and Marin had already seen it a few times, that is except for Junet. It was something completely strange to see her brother and her best friend together, and interacting in a way that wasn't normal to see. She couldn't help but think that they looked good together. Junet smiled to herself, it was obvious that they were a little uncomfortable with the situation.

"All right kids, I have to start making food," Madhuri said with a satisfied looking smile on her lips. She waited until the group made their way out the kitchen. "Shaina, do you mind helping me out, it will be just a bit, I promise."

"Uh… Sure." Shaina looked at the group that was making their way out of the kitchen. She didn't mind helping the woman up, she did find it a bit odd that it had been her she had asked and not Junet or Shaka for that matter.

Shaka and Junet turned to look at their grandmother and then at Shaina. The siblings knew how their grandmother was, but Shaina had no clue as to the extent their grandmother could go. Shaka gave his grandmother a look that could only be described as a warning for her to behave. Madhuri had just rolled her eyes and shooed both grandchildren out the kitchen with a simple wave of her hand. The truth was that she wanted to get to know the woman that was temporarily tied to her grandson and she really hadn't had a chance to be with her one on one. Wholeheartedly she hoped that somehow the couple would make it in the end and forget the idea of going their separate ways after the year was over. Madhuri looked at the young woman and couldn't help but smile. Shaina was so different from the other woman his grandson had been with previously. Madhuri really enjoyed that fact in particular.

"Why don't you start helping me with washing and cutting some of these vegetables?" Madhuri handed Shaina a couple of carrots.

"Okay," Shaina said without thinking much of it. It wasn't something that she hadn't done before. "Is there any way you would like me to cut them?"

"Just a rough chop will do," Madhuri said as she took out knives, a peeler and cutting boards. She glanced at the woman across from her and to see how well she was doing. The young woman didn't look as lost as she had assumed. "So tell me, dear, how have you been feeling today? When I left this morning I didn't get a chance to see you and last night you went straight to bed after Kiki left."

"I'm doing well so far, just some light cramping, that's all," Shaina said as she was almost done peeling all the carrots. "It's nothing compared to what I felt several days ago."

"Well, just make sure you get rest and don't try to do nothing you aren't supposed to do. I know it might be the hardest thing to do, but it is for the best." Madhuri said as she finished chopping some celery. "Have you started looking at any baby furniture?"

"Umm…. No, not really. To be fair, I haven't put much thought into doing so since the move and everything else that has happened. Shaka's mother had mentioned that she would like to give us the baby furniture as a belated wedding present." Shaina began to chop carrots and kept her eyes on the task at hand. The last thing she would want would be to cut her fingers.

"You will still have to tell her what you two would like. We can always arrange an outing for us Mahajan women to go shopping." Madhuri grabbed some of the tomatoes and began dicing them. She didn't want to take too long in preparing dinner, but at the same time, she wanted to take some time in getting to know the woman standing across from her. "Have you picked out any names yet?"

"Umm... No." Shaina had just finished chopping the carrots and Madhuri had already added other vegetables for her to shop. "I haven't thought much about that either."

"There is no time like the present dear. Before you know it, your due date will be just around the corner. I'll make sure to buy you one of those baby name books." Madhuri said as she grabbed a mixing bowl from one of the cabinets. She dismissed the disapproving thoughts towards the young woman that stood in front of her. Madhuri reminded herself that this couple needed time to adjust to the idea of having a child. The scare they had several days ago had served as a reminder of that. Madhuri was also more than happy to remind them as well. "I imagine your father is excited that you're having a child. Is it his first grandchild?"

"No, actually this will be his second grandchild. Manigoldo, my older brother, has a little girl." Shaina said as she finished chopping what Madhuri had given her. "She'll be four in August. My father is excited about this grandchild… in his own way."

"Have you and Shaka talked about having any more children after this baby?" Madhuri asked as she took what Shaina had chopped. She turned her back on Shaina as she set aside everything that would be needed for the dish she would be preparing. "I know this is too soon and you both are getting used to the idea of having a baby, but I can assure you, after this baby, you both will want more than just one."

"I… we…" Shaina didn't know what to say. She wasn't sure if the woman knew what the situation they were in and didn't want to say anything in case she didn't know.

"I already have two great grandkids and with yours, it will be the third. I would love it if you would end up giving me more great grandkids. I won't be here forever, you know?" Madhuri said as she took out the chicken from the refrigerator and began prepping it. She knew she was pushing this subject a little too much and making Shaina uncomfortable, but she was going to be as clear on what they were all hoping for. "Aishwarya is also very excited. You should have seen us both when Shaka first showed us the ultrasound picture. I wouldn't put it past your mother in-law if she asks you if you're planning to have more babies."

"Umm…" Shaina was speechless. This conversation had taken a turn that she never thought it would lead to. The way Shaka's grandmother was talking to her made her feel a bit uncomfortable. Shaina wasn't fully used to the fact that she was attached to this woman's grandson or related to the Mahajan family. Shaina really didn't know how to answer without making herself as the bad guy or show any type of disrespect to the Mahajan family.

"How is everything going?" Shaka asked as he walked into the kitchen and headed straight for the refrigerator. Both women turned to look at the man. Dadi smiled at him, while Shaina had this relieved look on her face. "Did I interrupt anything?"

"You're not interrupting at all, sweetheart. I was just here asking Shaina if you two had looked up any baby names." Madhuri said once she finished washing her hands. She looked at the couple and smiled to herself, as she dried her hands. She had seen the look of relief that Shaina had given her grandson; it had made her smile even more. "Have you thought of any names in particular?"

"No, not really, I think that would be when we find out what we are having," Shaka said as he took out the sparkling water from the fridge and two glasses from the top cabinet. He poured a glass for himself and the other for Shaina. He looked over where his grandmother stood and noticed that she still had her glass full. "It could be something we could look at once we know for certain."

"It would be exciting if you did a gender reveal party like the ones you see all those couples do. I tell you, some of those couples are so creative." Madhuri said as she had seen how Shaina had almost choked on the water she had been drinking. Her grandson had turned to look at his wife right away with a concerned look on his face. For a split-second, Madhuri had thought of trying not to overwhelm the poor woman, but she decided against it. There was really no harm in what she was doing and if she had to admit, she was enjoying herself. "You just have to make sure that the person you choose knows how to keep it under wraps. Plus, we can make games and we would all have a great time before the big reveal. What do you think Shaina?"

"I…" Shaina didn't know what to answer at all. The woman was talking a mile a minute and was getting ahead of them. Shaina hadn't even thought about finding out what her child might be or even if she wanted to know. She looked at Shaka right away so that he could take over this conversation, as she wasn't willing to be or sound rude towards his grandmother.

"Dadi, you are getting ahead of yourself," Shaka said with a smile on his face. He knew how his grandmother was and that everything she was saying was something so normal for anyone that was looking forward to a new addition to the family. Sadly, that wasn't their situation and Shaina was looking a little overwhelmed with how his grandmother was being. He now understood the look of relief she had given him early. "Shaina just turned eleven weeks; we'll get back to this subject when she reaches that gestational age."

"We'll wait until the time comes then; you just don't know how excited I am that you are making me a great-grandmother, again," Madhuri said as she began placing everything in a pot. Shaina and Shaka had approached the woman and began to help her. "So how many more great-grandbabies are you going to give me young man?"

"Dadi..." Shaka said as if he was warning the older woman. He noticed that Shaina had already moved back and was taking a seat on one of the stools.

"Don't Dadi me, young man, I asked you a simple question. How many great grandbabies are planning to give me?" Madhuri had a smile on her lips as she spoke to her grandson.

"You are putting me on the spot here, Dadi," Shaka said with a playful smile on his lips.

"That's the whole point, my dear boy." Madhuri went up to her grandson and tapped him on the cheek. Her grandson was almost a carbon copy of his father; it made her wonder if Shaka's child would come out looking more like him or more like Shaina. Madhuri glanced at Shaina and then looked at her grandson. She smiled at her grandson once more and continued with the subject at hand. "I won't be here forever you know, and I would like to see them all before I go."

"Dadi, I think this will be the only great grandson your beloved grandson will give you," Shaka said with sincerity in his voice. He placed his hand over his grandmother's arm and gave it a light squeeze. He didn't like disappointing her, but it seemed like he was going to end up doing so.

"I just told this young lady that once you have this one, you both will want more. Now you're telling me that this is the only one." Madhuri finished saying as she looked at that woman in question, who was just looking at the two interact with one another. Madhuri gave her a devious little smile and winked at her, she turned to look at her grandson and gave a pout, as if she were about to cry. "I guess you don't love your Dadi that much, do you?"

"Dadi, don't start, you know very well I love you," Shaka said with a playful smile on his lips. He enjoyed joking around with his grandmother.

"Not enough to give me one or two more great grandbabies aside from the one you're having." Madhuri played her part well, it had been some time now since they had last joked around. It was a nice change from everything that happened. From all the four grandchildren she had, Shaka was her oldest and the one she had bonded with the most.

"You also have three other grandchildren that you can ask. Why don't you ask them? Junet is in the living room, I'll even go with you so you can ask her." Shaka laughed at the look his grandmother was giving him. He placed his hands on both sides of her face and gave her a kiss on his grandmother's forehead. He loved the woman very much and wished that he would truly give her at least one more great-grandchild, but knew that it most likely wouldn't happen. "Let's put a pin on it, agreed?"

"Very well only because it's you, Shaka. Fair warning to you both, Believe me when I say that I will revisit this subject again; that goes for the both of you." Madhuri laughed at her attempt to sound serious. She turned to check on the pot and added a couple of spices before closing the lid.

Shaina smiled at the interaction between Madhuri and Shaka. It was a new side to Shaka that she had never seen before. He even had blushed at being put on the spot. Shaina was sure that Shaka was Madhuri's favorite grandson, she was sure that Madhuri would never admit such a thing. Shaina enjoyed seeing what was going on in front of her and the interaction between the two. She enjoyed seeing a side of Shaka that she was positive she wouldn't see that much down the line. All she would do at that moment was simple, sit back and enjoyed it as much as she could.