(AN- 3k words prepare yourself!)

2 Months later..

Chitrasen was pacing while Vatsala got ready.. Today they were going to meet a sage who would tell them their chances of having a girl or boy..

Vrushali was combing Vatsala's hair and eyed at Chitrasen.. She smiled and held in a chuckle.. Vatsala looked at her...

Vatsala-" Mata, what happened?"
Vrushali-" Nothing putri.. Its just Putra Chitrasen wasn't so worried on his gurudakshina day as much as he is right now! Haha!"

Vatsala laughed too. Just than she felt the baby kick, as if responding to her.. A smile lighted her face.. She had noticed that the baby would either kick or move vigorously when she would talk about Chitrasen.. She still remembered, whenever Chitra was late from darbar, he would place his hand on her baby bump and the child would respond..

Sometimes Vatsala felt, even if the baby was still in her protection, it was more connected to its father.. Both the kids were more attached to Chitrasen.. Let's take the incident which took place on Pradyumna's birthday! Yes, the little angel on Indraprastha and Anga had turned one..

Prativindhya had no problem in celebrating his birthday at Anga, he had urged his parents to join them but hatred kept them away from celebrating their first grandchild's very first birthday.. The Upapandavas, except Satanik who decided to stay back to take care of his expecting husband, and their wives joined them..

Swara and Ciara were suprised by the decorations in Anga.. If karna loved his unrelated grandson so much? Imagine how much he loves Aahuk and how much he would love first granddaughter.. Vrushali had arranged Pradyumna's favorite dishes and cake.
( AN- if that existed! But let's just say yes it did !xD)

After they sang the happy birthday song, Pradyumna wanted to feed the cake to his parents.. Prativindhya bent down but surprisingly, Pradyu turned away and hopped to Chitra, feeding him first! Vatsala smiled at him but when she turned to Prativindhya, he had a cold and taken back expression..

His eyes were shut and his fists were so hard that you could see few scratches. It wasn't Pradyumna's fault, he had been spending alot of time with Chitra so he naturally went to him... When he returned to the table, he noticed the slight sadness in his biological father's eyes... He gave him a warm hug, and at that point Prathi melted...

He forgot everything and enjoyed the b'day party.. But after returning to Indraprastha, the Pandavas had a detailed talk about it.. For the first time Yudhisthir was worried.. He felt what if when Pradyumna grows and Chitrasen uses him against them? Draupadi tried her best to pacify all her husbands, by telling them that Chitrasen would never do that.. But they had their own doubts.

Vatsala heard Pradyumna screaming while Aahuk was running behind him..
The older boy stopped for a minute..

Aahuk-" Ca-can't you w-wait! Stop running !"
Vrushali-"Now do you understand how your mother must be feeling after running the entire day behind you?"
Aahuk-"Ah-h Da-dadi!"

Vrushali chuckled and picked him up, Pradyumna came back and urged Vrushali to pick him too.. She had no problem in picking two kids since she had so many kids experience.. Snigdha came to get the kids and saw Chitra..

Snigdha-" Anuj, you need to calm down. I know you will love the baby regardless the gender right mata!"
Chitrasen-" No bhabhi! It will be a girl!"
Vatsala-" What if it's a boy?"

She asked him leaning on a wall.. Snigdha went close to her, and wiped the extra blush on her face.. Vrushali looked at Chitrasen for the answer..

Chitrasen-" If it's a boy, than also I will love him..But... I know it will be a girl!"

He grinned before going.. Snigdha chuckled.. Chitrasen talked so much, about the things he would do with the unborn child, when she was born, it had started to affect Vrishasen too.. He also wished that Madhura had a daughter.. Maybe he could train his daughter in terms of warfare,if she had inculcated Madhura's traits..

Vatsala-" He is so dead set on having a daughter.. And I feel it might be one.. Anyways bhabhi is your headache any better now?"
Snigdha-" Yes, I had to stay till late night to check on Aahuk, hence I had head heaviness nothing serious!"
Vatsala-" Okay than! Still take rest, I will be back soon!"
Snigdha-" Yes!"

Snigdha couldn't tell her, that Vrishasen biased behaviour troubled her.. She wanted to talk to Vrishasen.. Not fight, but just talk.. She didn't understand how to bring up the topic, because everytime they would end up fighting and she would be the first one to make amends.. At the same time, she didn't want to create a big scene, she wanted Madhura's pregnancy to go smoothly..

Both the women hugged each other and went downstairs followed by Vrushali.. They noticed that Raakhi was making a rapid sketch of Madhura.. Karna had ordered his sons except Chitrasen to join him in darbar.. Raakhi got up to bring some black ink, she turned and didn't look up.. She bumped into someone and it was Shatrunjay.. He had a disgusted look, but since they were in public he didn't shout..

Infact, he was being comparatively gentle to Raakhi, after the Vaidya said that her asthmatic condition had slightly worsened.. He made sure she took the medication on time and tried to control his temper.. Chitrasen and Vatsala were about to leave when Pradyumna came running..

Pradyumna-" Malta! Talke me!"
Raakhi-" Aww my little one! Come here, didn't you want to use paints the other day?! I will help you, come on!"
Pradyumna-" Leally?"( really)
Raakhi-" Yes! Leally!"
Pradyumna-" Belst kaki!"( best)

Raakhi picked him up and gestured Vatsala that she didn't had to worry about him.. Once they got in the chariot, Chitrasen decided to become the charioteer.. After all that was his family occupation and he trusted no one while travelling with Vatsala.. She had noticed that he was smiling like a fool..

Vatsala-" Arya, you are smiling alot today? A minute ago you were all covered in sweat?"
Chitrasen-" Haha Vatsala, it's just I wanted to spend time with you! This sage meeting is just like a small excuse, to spend time with you!"
Vatsala( chuckles)-" Your daughter is kicking, maybe she is angry that you are using her as an excuse!"
Chitrasen-" Oh really? Tell her Pitashree is just spending time with her!"

Both of them talked alot, Chitrasen told her about the recent the politics in Aryavarta.. Vatsala told about the letter she received from Rudra.. He and his wife had welcomed their first child, or let's say children.. They were blessed with twins.. Vatsala wasn't allowed Long distance travel, so she promised to visit later! Chitra was pleased for his best friend..

They soon reached the place, it was a small temporary build cottage.. Many people were present there.. The people made place for him, he was about to refuse but when he looked at the hot sun he was worried that it might trouble Vatsala.. He thanked the people for their generosity and went in..

The sage checked their horoscopes, palms and asked Vatsala dozens of questions.. Chitra swore that he could have breakfast till both of them were done talking.. The sage was frantically turning pages of a thick book, Chitra was about to fall alseep when-

Sage-" Kumar Congratulations! There are 90% chances that you will have a girl! The first girl in the Anga family, the people will be more happy!"
Chitrasen-" Thank you so much for your time!"

Chitrasen was grinning the entire time. Once they broke the news to everyone in the palace, you could hear congratulations from every corner.. But someone seemed slightly unhappy.. Pradyumna lied on the ground, in defeated manner while Aahuk laughed.

Vatsala-" What happened Pradyu?"
Pradyumna( crying)-" Malta! Can you telll tlhe blaby to be a boy!"
Vatsala-" Why? Don't you want a baby sister?"
Aahuk-" No kaki! Actually we had a bet that the baby will be a boy or girl! I choose girl so he had to take boy! And now he lost, he is crying!"

Everyone laughed but Vatsala had a questioning look.. Pradyu stopped crying and starting beating Aahuk.. Chitra pulled him away, and talked to him.. Meanwhile, Aahuk suddenly felt very tired after all the running and laughing.. His breathing was uneven, and his face had a painful expression.. Snigdha picked him gestured Vrishasen to come with her.. But he refused... It angered her but she ignored it.. It wasn't the first time he did that..

Chitrasen brought Pradyu back, and made him sit beside Vatsala. She turned towards him and whispered..

Vatsala-" Putra.. Would you really like to have a baby sister?"
Pradyumna(hugs)-" Yelsh mata! I will lave her alot and I I will alwaysh plotect her!"

The rest of the day was exhausting.. The darbar was unexpectedly crowded and many scrolls from different kings had arrived.. Sushen decided pay a visit to Hastinapur, lakshman wanted to talk to him about something.. Karna had loads of paperwork and refused to leave his chamber.. Vrushali decided to join him, both of them didn't eat anything.. Snigdha tried to convince her mother -in-law to atleast have some snacks, but she politely declined.. Snigdha couldn't have dinner, since she felt insulting to eat without her inlaws..

And she had alot to prepare, tomorrow was Aahuk's monthly checkup.. The other couples retired to their chambers. Snigdha wanted to spend time with Vrishasen, she wanted to share her worry with him.. But.. When she knocked on the door.. Vrish seemed irritated.. Maybe she disturbed him..

Vrishasen-" What is IT?"
Snigdha-" Arya, Can we talk for a while its abou-"
Vrishasen-" Should I talk with you or take care of my wife? Even you know that Madhura isn't feeling well? Can't you let me spend time with her atleast in this period? What do you want?!"
Snigdha-" Nothing..."

He shut the door.. Snigdha stared at the door for while before leaving.. There were no tears left for her to shed.. Once she went in her chamber, she saw Aahuk waiting for her.. Oh atleast someone loved her.. She hugged him..

Next Day...

Karna was able to complete his work before he saw the sun rays... He completed his suryapooja and on Vrushali advice he got some sleep.. The Darbar was handled by Chitra and Shatrunjay along with their wives.. As for Vrishasen he was with his family... The vaidya had checked on Aahuk and doubled Aahuk's dose.. He told her that it might take him for his body to adjust with the new medication, he might feel weak and sleep most of the time..

But he will be alright.. Vrishasen was equally relieved.. The vaidya checked on Madhura.. Though his remarks weren't so positive.. He told them that there was slightly some chances of them losing the baby.. He listed few food items which Madhura was not supposed to eat... The Vaidya left, Snigdha was waiting at the end of the corridor to give him his payment..

Madhura was shaken because of the news.. Vrishasen noticed it.. Tears formed in her eyes.. He quickly wiped her cheeks and end of the eye..

Vrishasen-" Madhu... Please don't cry.. Everything will be alright.."
Madhura-" Alright? But how arya? Despite being so much trained.. Despite my body being so fit.. Yet I- I might miscarry our child.."
Vrishasen-" No body is perfect Madhura.. And I will do everything in my pow-"

Vrishasen was interrupted by Aahuk, he was pulling his shoulder.. The boy was with Snigdha, she tried her best to restrain him.. Because she knew that the other couple wanted time.. But unfortunately the speedy child broke her grip and ran.. She wanted to follow him but the vaidya was telling her some important points for Madhura, which she noted on a paper..

Back in the Chamber..

Aahuk-" Pitashree! Can we please play for a while!"

His bright face covered his tired eyes.. Vrishasen felt frustrated, irritated and done.. When Aahuk starting jumping and pulling him with more force.. He felt as if the young boy was testing his patience.. He tried to gesture him by his eyes to go out but Aahuk shook his head in disagreement.. Vrish noticed Madhura trying to control her tears..

Vrishasen-" AAHUK! GO OUT! NOW! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU FOR A WHILE! JUST GET OUT!"

Snigdha entered at a very wrong time.. Aahuk felt taken back.. Vrishasen had never shouted at him.. He took a step behind, tears formed in his eyes.. He didn't understand why did his father shout at him?

Vrishasen-" GET OUT NOW!Huh or do you want to seek my attention rather than your younger sibling have it? Just like your mother.. "

At this point Aahuk started crying.. Madhura whispered him to go to the younger one.. But Vrish refused to let go her hands..Aahuk ran to Snigdha he continued to cry.. This was the last straw..

Snigdha( whisper)-" Arya, why did you shout on him?"
Vrishasen-" He should understand! He isn't a kid anymore!"
Snigdha-" He barely turned 5! How do you expect him to understand everything?! It's just stupid! And what is WRONG with you arya? What sort of information are you feeding in his mind? Behaving just like me?"

Vrishasen turned at Madhura, who was still gesturing him to stop.. He simply, looked at her and made her sit on the bed, he eyed at Aahuk who was crying near the door..

Vrishasen-" Well Snigdha, don't act like you don't know anything.. Your constant jealous and hatred nature.. What if Aahuk has started to observe you, what if in the far future when both the kids are teenagers, and he starts behaving the same, (scoffs) a complete attention seeker.."
Snigdha-"Are you indirectly calling me an attention seeker? I was never seeking your attention arya! I wanted the same kind of love which you gave to Madhura!"

Vrishasen-" You wanted the same kind of love because you were jealous.."

Snigdha was shocked, how could Vrishasen term her love as jealousy?

Snigdha-" I-I Love you that's what made me act like that.."
Vrishasen-" But I NEVER Loved You to begin with! And now that this  topic is out let's talk!"

He scoffed and pulled Aahuk in, and shut the door.. Aahuk was shivering, he had never seen Vrishasen's anger.. He stood in front of Snigdha who was too stunned to speak..

Snigdha-" What..what do you mean by never loved me?"
Vrishasen(exhales deeply)-" What did you expect Snigdha? We didn't even know each other.. Tell me what made you garland me that day? Was it my looks?"
Snigdha-" Wha-t No-"
Vrishasen-" Than what was it?! Do you have an answer? No right! You simply choose me for my good looks! That's it! You never even bothered to ask me what I wanted! You never asked me what kind of women I wanted to marry! You simply made me yours!"

Snigdha-" I-I"
Vrishasen-" Don't shutter ANSWER ME!"
Snigdha-" When I first saw you.. It was an indescribable feeling.. Your aura, built and the way you walked like you owned the entire land.. I knew that very moment that I wanted to marry you.."
Vrishasen-" But did you ever ask me? Did you ask me if I felt the same way for you? No you didn't because you got what you wanted! And when I found someone you simply wanted to come in between.."

Snigdha-" Did you really never loved me? Not even little? Than what about Aahuk? Isn't he a symbol of our love?"
Vrishasen(chuckles)- " Oh dear Snigdha. When we got married, I had no option rather than accepting you.. I decided to give myself a year or so too fall in love with you.. But I couldn't.. I kept convincing myself that I love you.. But you had nothing which I wanted in my wife! You were shy and timid while I wanted someone who matched my level.. someone who was a warrior.."

"Infact I wanted to tell you about my real feelings long ago.. I wanted to tell you that I didn't want to live with you.. But you told me that we were having our first child.. that's one of the reason why I let our relationship continue.. In the past 8 years, not even once I was able to love you.. And You know YOU brought this upon yourself.."

Snigdha-" I.. I agree.. That we married because of me.. It was my fault.. But still now after coming so far, we can't keep thinking about the past.. I am your wife too..Even if you married Madhura, didn't I accept her later.. Didn't I treat her like my little sister? Wasn't I happy when it was announced that you both were expecting a child? I just want little bit of your love too.. Did I throw the entire blame on you when we lost our second child? No righ-"

Vrishasen-" I don't understand why did you enter MY life in the first place? I would've have been so happy.. It would've just been me, my Madhu and our child.. Why did you come.. why.."

Snigdha stared at his frustrated face..  Madhura was shocked.. She didn't understand if she should interrupt or not? Snigdha's eyes looked lifeless.. She didn't say anything, and turned to Aahuk who was sitting in the corner of the room.. He had stopped crying long ago, and simply stared at his parents..

She picked him up and left the room without uttering a word.. None of them talked the entire evening or at dinner table.. Aahuk was burning in fever, he only sticked to Snigdha and refused to go to Vrishasen..  When everyone were fast asleep, Snigdha's head was heavy..

The flashes of their conversation didn't leave her mind.. didn't want to live with you, why did you enter my life? Why did you come? Why? She got up with a jerk. The lights were out, and no one from the family was awake... She slowly picked up Aahuk, who was in a deep sleep and his fever was still worse..

She removed her jewels and royal saree and  dressed up in a normal attire.. She wanted to remove her mangalsutra but.. it was a sign of her marriage and removing it wouldn't be taken positively by the community..

She placed a kiss on Aahuk's forehead and wrapped him in the warm clothes before tiptoeing out of the palace.. She stopped near karna and Vrushali chamber... She felt bad, how would they feel if she would go? But.. She always thought alot about others.. But now she wanted to do something for herself and her son..

She turned back to take a final glimpse of Anga palace and left.......

[ What do you think about Snigdha's decision? Will Vrishasen realize how much difference her presence would make in the house? Will he miss Aahuk? Or will he not care? Stay tuned!]