XXVII

Time flew as Sunita found company in Shiela. She didn't feel alone or miserable any more, nor she missed the presence of a kid in her life so much. They used to go shopping together, go for evening walks. Even everybody at Sunita's school now knew Shiela.

One day, Shiela invited Sunita and Rakesh for dinner. Sunita kept on asking her what was the occasion, but she just laughed and said she would tell her at dinner itself. Sunita asked Rakesh what should they do, as going empty handed didn't look good but they were not aware of the occasion to buy any suitable gift. Rakesh suggested they could buy a bouquet, as it is apt for every occasion and also as just a thank-you-for-dinner gift.

Sunita and Rakesh reached Shiela's house for dinner. Tarun opened the main door and welcomed them inside the house. " Shiela you are glowing!" exclaimed Sunita, as she met her. Shiela just blushed in response. Tarun took rakesh to the drawing room and they sat and waited for the ladies. Sunita helped Shiela with glasses and snacks as they moved to the living room. Tarun and Rakesh were discussing politics.

As Tarun paused on Shiela's insistence for taking some snacks, Sunita popped up the big question, " now...now, what is the suspense? I mean what is the occasion...tell me now...." Shiela blushed again. : Come on guys, I'm loosing patience now!!!" Tarun smiled and said, "Okay, okay...Shiela??" Shiela smiled and rose from her seat and stood next to Varun and they said together.." we are pregnant!!" Sunita was stunned. She kept the smile on her face but her mind was blank inside.

Shiela came to her and they hugged. Shiela looked towards Sunita, happily and Sunita murmured the very obvious words, "I'm so happy for your dear" but neither her expressions changed nor her voice had any modulations. No body in the room noticed it except Rakesh. He knew Sunita was smiling only from on the outside. They had dinner, Sunita and Rakesh could barely eat and came back home.