Unspoken Cravings

Sarika panics at his question but quickly composes herself and says, “Yes, I ate! Now you should sleep, or else you’ll get late in the morning, and Tanu’s teacher might scold her!” She said this deliberately to divert Adrijay’s attention from her eating habits, and it worked. Adrijay stopped thinking about whether she had eaten and said good night before quickly drifting off to sleep.

Once Sarika heard his deep breaths indicating he was asleep, she finally let her suppressed emotions flow, tears streaming down her face.

The next morning, the same routine unfolded. In the afternoon, while Adrijay was seated in his office, he received a call from his friend Mohit. Picking up the call with a smile, he said, “Hello, Mohit! How are you?”

Mohit responded excitedly, “How am I? Oh man, I’m doing great—really great! I’m going to be a father, buddy!”

Adrijay, sharing in his happiness, exclaimed, “Oh really? Congratulations, buddy!”

Mohit chuckled and said, “Thanks! But listen, this can wait. You, bhabhi (sister-in-law), and the kids are coming to my house for dinner tonight. Niharika has been telling me for days that she hasn’t met bhabhi or the kids in a while. And now, with this big news, dinner is a must at my place.”

Smiling, Adrijay replied, “Of course! We’ll definitely come. So, tell me, what else is going on?”

Mohit, still excited, said, “Man, I don’t know what to do with this happiness. I’ve never been this thrilled before. Did I tell you, Niharika is two months pregnant? And she’s had me dancing to her whims for the past two months! Midnight cravings, unexpected breakfast demands, and those mood swings—God save us from pregnant women’s mood swings, buddy! They’re lethal. Anyway, you’ve been through this twice. How did you handle bhabhi’s mood swings? How did you manage her cravings? Any tips?”

Hearing this, Adrijay fell silent as memories from the past resurfaced.

During Sarika’s first pregnancy, when she was three months along, Adrijay had taken her to the doctor. After the check-up, he asked Sarika to wait in the car while he went to the medical store to get her prescribed medicines.

Standing near the car, Sarika noticed a pani puri (spicy water-filled snack) stall a little distance away. She licked her lips, thinking, How tasty those must be! I wish I could have some… but what can I do? I can’t ask him, or he’ll scold me for wanting street food.

Just then, Adrijay returned and saw her standing outside the car. Sternly, he asked, “Why are you standing here?”

Startled, Sarika stammered, “I… I was just… looking at the pani puri stall.” Realizing she’d spoken too much, she quickly closed her mouth.

Looking at her oddly, Adrijay asked, “What’s there to see in that? Get in the car. I have to drop you home and head to the office.”

Sarika, suppressing her desire, took one last look at the pani puri stall before getting into the car. Adrijay sat in the driver’s seat, started the car, and drove home.

Recalling this, Adrijay murmured to himself, “So that day, Sarika was craving pani puri… and I didn’t even realize it.” He let out a sigh just as Mohit’s voice broke his thoughts. “Where did you go, Adrijay?”

Snapping out of his memories, Adrijay replied, “Oh, nowhere. What were you saying?”

Mohit repeated his earlier question, but Adrijay simply said, “Sarika didn’t have many cravings. Anyway, I have some work to do. I’ll talk to you in the evening. Bye.” With that, he disconnected the call and found himself thinking about Sarika again.

A while later, Adrijay called Sarika. After some time, she answered, sounding out of breath. “Hello… Yes, I was busy with some work,” she explained.

Frowning, Adrijay asked, “What work were you doing at 3 in the afternoon?”

Sarika replied, “I was washing the dishes, then went to the terrace to collect clothes, and now I’m preparing for the evening snacks so that it doesn’t take time later. Anyway, why did you call?”

Irritated, Adrijay said, “Why? Can’t I call you now?”

Sarika thought to herself, You never called before, so why raise hopes now? I’ve learned to live this life. I can’t bear to see those hopes shattered again. Out loud, she said, “It’s nothing like that. I was just asking.”

Letting out a deep breath, Adrijay said, “Hmm… Listen, get ready this evening, and get the kids ready too. We’re all going to Mohit’s house for dinner.”

Panicking, Sarika said, “You and the kids should go. What will I do there?”

Irritated, Adrijay snapped, “Unbelievable, Sarika. Mohit and Niharika have invited us so lovingly, and now you’re making excuses. Why don’t you want to go? Can you give me a reason?”

Sarika fell silent, thinking, The reason is your mother. If only I could say that.

Hearing no response, Adrijay sternly said, “Listen to me, Sarika. You’re coming with me and the kids tonight. Be ready. I’ll pick you all up from home after work, and there’s no backing out. I’m hanging up now.”

He disconnected the call, fuming. What’s Sarika’s problem? I admit I ignored her before, but now that I’m trying to make an effort, why is she pulling away? My mood was so good, and she ruined it. He began pacing the room.

On the other side, Sarika stared at her phone, tears streaming down her face. Wiping them away hastily, she whispered, Why can’t you understand me? I wish you had, even once. You always impose your will. Can’t you, for once, think about my feelings, my emotions? Just once. Saying this, she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

**************************************

Sorry for the short chapter! But I am stuck with my internship viva in college. So that's why I am not able to write a long chapter. I hope you will understand. Well if you like this chapter then don't forget to give your vote and feedback.😊