Chapter 47

Sometimes love is more about sacrifices…..

Because you want your love to be happy!!!!

“Please Joshan needs you” I begged Sandra

 “He needs you” Sandra insisted.

 “No I am married. I am only his bestfriend and we were caught in the moment”

 “He loves you Pearly. He loves you” Sandra was now loud and angry.

 “Listen to me Sandra. See it is just that we met after a long time. We had missed each other so it was just a mistake. I apologize. I will go out of your lives and never ever turn back. Don’t leave him alone.” I tried to convince Sandra that last night was nothing but a catch of the moment, though we did not do anything that we shouldn’t have.

 “Best friends. She laughed hysterically to it. “Cant you see the way he looks at you?”

 I was stunned listening to the words coming from her mouth

 “Out of all these months I have longed him to see me like this full of love. You cannot see the smile he wears with even a look of yours. It is priceless. He would never smile like this for me. Never in this birth.” Sandra said longingly.

 “Sandra I know him well. I am his best friend. You are his fiancé. He never had a steady affair before but you, with you he’s carried a serious committed relationship for 7 months and for a player like Joshan 7 months is a pretty long time to accept a relationship to a level of engagement.” I tried to explain and convince her. At this time when I am leaving for Florida and Joshan knows how my life is. He'd be broken inside. He needs Sandra more than ever.

 She chuckled again. “Pearly he was committed to me only because he promised you and if I am not wrong he proposed engagement because you were avoiding him. He felt you did not trust him any longer and with that engagement he expected to win back that trust. See what your love is making him do.”

 Joshan the player is in love with his SOULMATE.” Sandra stated in a most serious tone.

 “SOULMATE” I muttered as I saw Joshan entering her house. His face still weary and wretched. He’s equally startled and all because of me.

 But as his eyes meet mine I see a sparkle rush through his face. He is still torn inside. It kills me to know that I am the reason behind it. Now that I admitted my love to him, he truly believes he is my soulmate after mentioned by Sandra. And as Joshan nears me I have the same feeling inside me and the belief inside me widens as a smile appears to his face leading me to smile too unconditionally ‘He is my Soulmate and I love him’

 “Pearly “ he hugs me kissing on my cheek as if a child has been given Christmas gift after convincing him there’s no Santa and a Smiling Santa stands right in front of him with a gift in his hand.

 He loves me with intense purity with his mind and soul and how so much ever I wished time and distance would fade that love away , it has only grown to a million times within him and me too.

 “You are my soulmate and I never gonna leave you. I love you” he kissed me, nibbling down my neck with small trails of kisses tearing my heart.

 “My soulmate” and tears flowing my eyes blurring my vision.

 I felt like throwing up. I rushed to the nearest bathroom, threw myself feeling numb and weak and BLACKOUT

I woke up to see a concerned, relieved and a smiling Joshan sitting besides me brushing my palms softly and lovingly. Sandra was talking to a lady with a stethoscope in soft tones.

“Congratulations Pearly you gonna be a mother.” Sandra said beaming with a smile.

 “And I am gonna be a father to the baby.” Joshan added more joyously than ever.

 Before I could take in what was happening around the doctor came to me,

 “Pearly you are too weak and if I am not mistaken you are stressed and dieting too. Sorry to say but this is not good for your baby. You have to be careful from now on. You have a life inside you. Eat healthy and do not exert yourself at all.” the doctor said and gave some prescription to Sandra.

 “I am so happy Pearly. Things will get back to normal. We'll be together. I'll marry you and be a father to your child, our baby.” he kissed me on my temples affectionately.

 “Hang on Joshan please. You are taking this too far.” I said a bit coldly.

 “What does that mean? I love you. You love me and we are soulmates. Your marriage was nothing but a mistake and its time to rectify it.” he said trying to explain the whole thing as if it was very simple.

 “Joshan I am pregnant and its Dexter's baby.” I said now sitting on the big comfy bed of Sandra's room where I was nested because of my sudden unconsciousness. “Do you understand the baby's father is Dexter? Is this a joke to you?” I yelled now.

 “Pearly calm down. Please don't take stress, it not good both for you and your baby. The doctor instructed.” Joshan said putting my hair strands behind my ears and trying to cuddle me.

 I pushed him away from me. “I might have staggered for a moment Joshan but the virtual reality is I am married to Dexter and this is Mine and Dexter's baby. What you are saying is not possible.”

 “But he deserves neither you nor the baby Pearly. Don't you remember or the pain from your bruises has vanished?” Joshan asked angrily now.

 “Joshan please think from the baby's perspective. What would you choose your father or some random person who is a good human being as your father?” I tried to convince him.

 “What if he hurts the baby too like how he's been hurting you?” Joshan asked worriedly.

 “He won't. See you haven't seen the baby, neither is it yours still you love him. You are actually ready to give your name to the baby and are worried about its safety. So will Dexter and who knows this baby will be a miracle and bring heart change to his father too. May be I'll get back the same Dexter he was before our marriage.” I stated.

 “Miracle?” Joshan asked shocked.

 “Yes this baby is going to be a miracle in my life. I trust this baby.” I said moving my hand around my stomach, trying to feel the baby.

 Joshan kissed me on my forehead ”You are very stubborn I know.”

 “Thanks for understanding Joshan” I pressed my forehead on his.

 “Can I have one favour from you?” Joshan asked.

 “Anything I can do for you I'll be more than happy.” I said honestly.

 “I know. Can I take my god child and my best friend on a date? Just one day with you two. I promise I'll never ask for more. I will live my whole life in that single day.” he asked.

 “Only on one condition.” I agreed.

 “No terms and conditions involved. I cannot give you what you want. I cannot marry Sandra. Please.” he begged hugging me hiding his face on my shoulders.

 I knew Dexter would not approve of this date. He would also get annoyed to a wild extent but this boy whom I love so dearly, I cannot simply deny him. I agreed ready to bear the consequences if ever Dexter comes to know about this date. I love him so much that I had to agree. He already is in so much pain because of me. Anything little I could do for him I'll be more than happy

''''''''''''''

Tomorrow is my practical exam, my last day in Texas and after that I was leaving for Florida as organised by Dexter. I really hope that once he comes to know about the little life inside me which we both are the creators of, he will change. He will be back to his normal self like he was before our marriage, loving, caring and understanding one.

I am already in love with the little thing inside me and unknowingly my hands reach my stomach where I try to feel my baby. I am surprised how great it feels to be a mother. It’s incomparable to any of the pleasantries in the world. This little thing is so special. I can go through anything for this baby in this world. I can even bear ten times the harshness Dexter's given me only for this baby of mine. I hope Dexter also feels the same for the baby. He is the father after all.

Today is my date with Joshan. My first date with my love. It would have been different if I wasn't married or if I wasn't pregnant. I would have been in seventh heaven then. But with the joy this baby news has brought me I am fine. I do feel good that I am doing this for Joshan.

One wish, one last wish that I can fulfil. After that I'll make sure that we two won't come face to face with each other. Time will heal Joshan's pain and one day he will get a girl who will make him fall for him.

 I am dressed to perfection. I am dressed for the baby as Joshan told that he wanted to go with his god child so I dressed in my white frilly top and beige trousers. The pain was minimised with the good news of the baby. So I could wear anything that made me and my baby feel special. I did with the make up too. I was feeling good.

“You are looking very pretty” my mother cooed.

 “Thanks mom” I went to hug her. I hadn't told hem about the baby yet. I wanted to share the news with Dexter first. “Feeling good?” I asked.

 “It’s your magic Pearly. Once you were back, she drastically improved with her health.” my father said hugging me kissing my temples.

 “So now you have to take care of her. I am leaving tomorrow.” I told them.

 “Too excited to meet Dexter.” my mom teased.

 “I am.” I said I honestly was. Something was telling me inside that once he gets to know about the baby he's going to rejoice leaps and bounds.

 “Going somewhere?' my dad asked pointing to my handbag.

 “Yeah. Joshan is taking me somewhere.” I told casually.

 I hugged both mom and dad and left as Joshan was waiting outside blowing horns of his Audi.

We were silent all the while, not having the right pick of the words to be spoken. He wanted to spend a day with me and he was trying to live it fully, even absorbing the silence. I was smiling heartily. After a long time did I feel so happy.

 “You looking so happy. I am happy for you and your baby.” Joshan said , his eyes on the road and his hand reaching my flat belly trying to feel the baby.

 “Joshan I cannot explain how it feels like being a would be mother. I feel happy and then I feel scared for the baby, its health and well being.” I said being old Pearly talking to her best friend.

 “Your baby will be fine. Don't stress. It’s not good for your health.” he spoke concerned.

 “Where are we going?” I asked him.

 “Somewhere you will feel freedom where breeze would kiss your skin and nature will come handy with your happiness.” He said trying to maintain the surprise.

 “I thought you don't read love stories?” I mocked because of his poetic use of words.

 “The one you gifted me. I read and re read it again and again. I read all other books of the author too.” he said giving a pained look. The love was so evident. What a fool I had been taking a hasty decision. But now I do not regret. That decision had given me the best gift of my life.

 The car stopped to an open landscape with huge trees all around.

 “Oh my gosh!!! It is a beach.” I gasped running to the open sandy place which was surrounded with water. I really loved the feel of the place after being locked in Dexter's mansion. I really felt free her. The breeze actually kissed my skin and the nature was one with happiness as waves came with loads of joy and went back with a promise of better future.

 “Thank you Joshan. Nothing would have been better than this.” I said pleased.

 “There's an add on to this.” he held me with my hands and took me a little farther ahead where he had organised a small fantasy land with drapes and flowers built specially for the date. The small piece of beach side was covered with satins and frills forming into a gazebo. Closed but open on all sides. Beautiful white and burgundy flowers added to the beauty. On the centre was a small picnic table with fruits, cakes, snacks and juices. A perfect date with lot of thoughtful effort. This boy is going to make someone happy one day. I thought to myself.

 “It’s beautiful. It’s just perfect” I murmured.

 “For my god child and his mother.” he said politely as if he enjoyed seeing me that happy.

 “Thank you so much. Thank you. It will be a treasure in my memories till I die......” I honestly admitted.

 “Sssshh Pearly you cannot use those words. You have a life inside you.” he said worriedly.

 He took me to sit on the table but I pulled one of the drapes and lay it on the sand “Let's sit down.” I offered and he sat immediately. He wanted to fulfill every desire that he knew I had. He is indeed very loving and caring.

 Conversation in the date:

 Pearly:  nice idea Josh...

 Joshan: I am glad that you liked it.

 Pearly: want to say something.

 Joshan[ fiddling with the drape cloth] When did you know that you are in love.

 Pearly[Blushing] Dance competition. You said you love me and I fell for those words.

 Joshan: it was true.

 Pearly: Yeah now I know.

 Joshan: I am sorry.

 Pearly: Don't be.

 Joshan: why did you cut your hair? I always liked playing with them.

 Pearly: I know and that was why I loved them too.

 Joshan: Then?

 Pearly[changing her expression to fear] : Dd...ddd..e...xter.

 Joshan: Never mind I don't want to know.

 I have something else for you no, my god child if you don't mind. Can I touch him? He said putting his hands on my stomach.

 I simply nodded not able to contain the happiness I was getting after a long time.

 “This” he said as he showed me the necklace with a locket. It was a Cross locked embedded in real pearls of green.

 “For the safety and well being of my god child.” he said, 'can I?”

 I turned around to help him tie it to me around my neck.

 “THRRRRRRRRRRRRRR ThRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR” the noise from the beach broke the silence which was formed between the swish of the waves which felt like music. But this noise was harsh and I was lifted into arms which pulled me to his speed boat he had come.

 “Dexter....” I choked

 Next I could see pained face of Joshan holding the necklace in his hand which he had gripped from one end, the other end was flying with the wind.

 “Slaaaaaaaaaaaaaaash” Dexter gave me a tight slap on my cheeks. It was so fierce that I almost fell to the ground but his other hand that was holding me did not let me fall. I was swaying in the boat as I could see Joshan shrink bit by bit, the distance between us increased as Dexter rode the boat away from the shore.

 “So these exams were given in Texas?????