AHEA Chapter 11: Moving On

This is the last chapter before the epilogue guys.

Chapter 11: Moving On

It had been 2 weeks since Anjili moved back into the Raizada Mansion. It had also been a day since Payal and Akash announced that they were expecting their first child. They had been very nervous about it and once it was announced everyone had turned to look at Anjili. To their surprise, she was completely supportive.

Today Anjili had decided to hold a family meeting. She was getting tired of hushed talks about the baby and no one was including her in any of this. She knew that everyone thought she was going to have a nervous breakdown but they were wrong.

She had the entire family gathered around before she started talking.

“First of all, I want to say congratulations again to Akash and Payal.”

They both said: “Thanks Di.”

“I also would like to request something. I want people to stop talking in hushed tones about the baby. Some people even go so far as to stop talking about the baby all together when I enter the room.”

“Actually Di, umm we just thought umm-” started Payal.

“I love that you guys are trying to be sensitive about this.” Cut in Anjili. “But I chose to get an abortion. I didn’t have a miscarriage. So can you please stop all this nonsense? I am just as excited to become an aunt as Payalji is excited to become a mother. I can’t wait to spoil the new Raizada.”

She looked back at her family and they were still shuffling about uncomfortably.

She sighed. “I promised to tell you guys why I got the abortion when you were ready. I think you guys are ready. Firstly, I knew I wouldn’t have been able to love that child. I knew who its father was and there would be a constant fear that it would turn out like him. Or if it was a boy then it would look like Shyam. I just couldn’t take that. And when it grew up and asked about it’s father, what would I tell it? No child wants to know that their father was a vile repulsive man who is capable of murder.”

“But Di-”

“Please let me finish. I wanted to have the baby and give it up for adoption but I knew you guys would never let me do that. It was part Raizada and you would force me to raise it and look after it and I wouldn’t be able to do that properly because I wouldn’t love it. If you guys did let me give it up for adoption, then you’d all feel guilty; you’d constantly check up on it to make sure it was ok. Eventually it would find out who it’s real family was and come asking questions. Questions that only have harsh answers. I know you think I’m selfish for doing something like this but I thought about it constantly before I made my decision and I don’t regret it. I’ve made peace with what I have done.”

Everyone was quiet. They were processing all the information that Anjili had given them. Finally Arnav spoke.

“I understand now Di and I respect your decision.”

Akash stepped forward and hugged Anjili. “Me too Di.”

One by one, the entire family hugged Anjili and showed their support. Eventually they dispersed.

“Now enough about me.” Said Anjili. “Let’s talk about what we are going to buy our new niece or nephew.”

The whole family began chatting about the things that they would need to buy for their newest member. They talked about baby proofing the house, what room to convert into a nursery and all sorts of things related to babies. They also had an unspoken mutual agreement never to bring up Shyam or Anjili’s abortion again. Because they were family and they loved and supported each other no matter how many obstacles the world threw at them.