Aarti's Proposal

Aarti brought a bowl of vegetable soup from the kitchen and gave it to her daughter-in-law Madhavi, who after drinking few spoons refused to drink further. Aarti coaxed Madhavi to drink more but she declined saying she was not feeling well. After telling Madhavi not to be anxious, Aarti went back to the kitchen. Madhavi tried to occupy herself by arranging the small artifacts lying on top of the cabinet. Seeing the marble statue of Buddha, her eyes got fixed on the peaceful facial expression of the statue. As usual, it reminded her of Rajiv's calm and smiling face. Rajiv and his wife Pooja were her neighbors. Rajiv was also a childhood friend of her husband Anil. Madhavi often visited Pooja's house and similarly Pooja along with her children frequented Madhavi's house. Over time, Madhavi and Pooja had become close friends. Madhavi was always very strongly attracted towards Rajiv's magnetic personality. However, she had never imagined that fate would one day, make Rajiv the father of the child that she was carrying in her womb.

Her pelvic region tightened and a severe ache traveled Madhavi's lower back. Today Madhavi's pregnancy was nine months and nine days old. Since morning, she was beginning to experience mild and somewhat irregular abdominal contractions. Aarti phoned the obstetrician. The doctor told Aarti that it was the start of the labor phase and there was nothing to worry. Then the doctor talked to Madhavi and advised her to do some simple chores in the house, drink plenty of water, and eat small snacks. She also told Madhavi to call her anytime of the day or night, whenever Madhavi thought the amniotic sac had ruptured.

Although the doctor offered assurance, comfort and support, yet Madhavi was feeling uneasy. She went to her bedroom and lay on her bed. Aarti came and sat on a chair beside the bed. She noticed a tear trickle down Madhavi's cheek. She got up from her chair and sat on the edge of the bed beside Madhavi. Taking Madhavi's hand in her own Aarti tenderly said, "Do not cry. It may affect the child." With eyes brimming with tears Madhavi asked, "What if Anil comes to know?" Aarti replied, "He does not know till now, why should he know afterwards? And if he comes to know then God will show the way." Placing one hand on her belly and another on the bed, Madhavi turned a little sideways to face Aarti. The tears overflowed from her eyes and fell on the pillow. With the pallu of her sari, Aarti wiped the corners of Madhavi's eyes and said, "Have faith in God. Everything will be fine." The telephone lying on a small table beside the bed started to ring.

Aarti answered the phone. It was Anil and he was enquiring about Madhavi's health. Madhavi felt the contractions were becoming stronger and closer. She let out a painful groan. Anil overheard the groaning sound over the phone and asked his mother if everything was under control. Aarti replied that there was nothing serious and if anything does happen, she would inform him immediately. Thereafter, Aarti gave the phone to Madhavi who said that she was not sure but perhaps today she may have to go to the hospital. Anil with extreme concern replied that he was immediately leaving office and would reach home within half an hour. Keeping the phone down Madhavi started to sob and said, "Anil has to know now. Afterwards it will be too late." Aarti remained silent for quite sometime. Thereafter as if arriving at some mental conclusion she said, "Do as your heart guides you." So saying Aarti kissed Madhavi's forehead and went to the kitchen.

Madhavi wanted to sleep but the surge of numerous emotions was so strong that sleep eluded her. The joy of becoming pregnant and the desire of giving birth to a son had somehow suppressed her guilt of adultery, for all these months of her pregnancy. But now, when motherhood was so near, she suddenly found herself overcome with a profound sense of guilt, treachery and betrayal. She simply could not keep Anil in the dark anymore. Madhavi thought Anil would forgive her and accept the child because he also was so desperate for a child. She remembered how years ago, the doctor had said that it was difficult for Anil to conceive a child. Anil had experimented with so many remedies. For a month, he had drunk milk mixed with a pinch of holy ash given by a holy man. They had consulted various astrologers and Anil had worn numerous astrological gemstones on almost all of his fingers. Even relatives had come forward to give their different opinions. Some suggested the employment of specific sexual positions, some recommended consumption of meat and alcohol, and some advised meditation. Anil also tried many types of herbal aphrodisiacs and a variety of medicines. Yet, no method, neither any suggestion nor any medicine, had worked.

Six years had passed since their marriage and still they both were childless. Anil started to consider the possibility of adopting a child, but Madhavi said that she would not be able to confer maternal love to any child excepting her own. As time rolled by, Anil became very restless and lost his temper every now and then. He had started to smoke and drink heavily. His business also suffered and their economic condition worsened. Then one day, Aarti came up with a proposal. Aarti suggested to Madhavi, "It would be wonderful if you and Rajiv sleep together for one night. Rajiv is tall, handsome, and athletic. Moreover, he is educated, has an artistic taste and is wealthy. You are also pretty, educated, and cultured. If you both have a child, then the child would definitely carry superior genes. In all probability, you would have a son as Rajiv already has three sons. If you have a son then the family lineage can continue." With such logic, Aarti tried to impress upon Madhavi the benefits of her physically uniting with Rajiv. However, Madhavi was shocked at her mother-in-law's proposal and sternly said that it was simply not possible.

Nevertheless, it so happened now that every time Madhavi met Rajiv, she tried to mentally judge him as her lover. How would he embrace her, how would he kiss her, how would he perform in bed and numerous other amorous thoughts surfaced in Madhavi's mind. The more she evaluated and imagined Rajiv as a passionate and caring man, the more she found Anil as an angry and indifferent person. As her liking for Rajiv increased, her dislike for Anil also increased proportionately. She became careless of her appearance and behavior whenever she was with Anil; whereas, she tried to present her best when she was with Rajiv. With feminine astuteness, Pooja noticed that Madhavi devoured Rajiv with her looks and was becoming friendlier to him. This realization made Pooja conclude that Madhavi was developing a crush on Rajiv. Since then, whenever they met, Pooja ensured that no opportunity arose so that Madhavi and Rajiv may find themselves alone.

Anil was trying to expand his business and thus had to frequently travel to different cities. Once, while Anil was away in another city, Madhavi was in her fertile period. During this time, Aarti called Rajiv to her home and cried her heart out saying, "Rajiv, I have called you because I treat Anil and you with the same love and affection. I have not given birth to you, but you are like my own son. I am in trouble and I need your help. As you know, I have no grandson and thus I fear that my family lineage would end. Unfortunately, Anil is unable to produce a child. It is my request that you spend a night with Madhavi and give me a grandson. I shall forever remain indebted to you for your generosity in achieving this noble cause." With joined palms and eyes full of tears, Aarti with humility and sincerity thus implored to Rajiv. Holding Aarti's joined palms with both his hands, Rajiv sensitively replied, "I can understand and feel your sorrow. But what if a girl is born?" Aarti replied, "I have seen you grow up before my eyes. I know instinctively that you can produce a son. Yet, if God gifts a girl, so be it. At least, I will have the satisfaction that I tried to continue the family lineage." Rajiv asked, "What will Anil say?" Aarti replied, "He need not know." Rajiv took a moment for consideration and said, "I cannot betray Pooja. I need her permission. I will talk to her and let you know." So saying, he took his leave assuring Aarti that he will try his best to convince Pooja.

In the afternoon, Rajiv told Pooja about Aarti's proposal. Pooja flared up with anger and said, "All along I knew Madhavi was trying to seduce you. How can Aarti think of such a bizarre proposal? Are you a commodity that can be borrowed, used and returned with thanks? Is she trying to establish adultery as legitimate and acceptable? What is this nonsense? Socialized adultery? Has Aarti gone mad?" Rajiv tried to pacify Pooja by saying that it was to be performed only once so that Aarti's family lineage may continue. This was a noble purpose and thus was ethically correct. Even in the Mahabharata, Satyavati had requested Ved Vyasa to perform a similar task. Hearing this justification, Pooja lost all control and began to shout at the top of her voice, "All you males are beasts. The only thing you need is just an excuse to gratify your lustful longings. And why should you bother about Aarti's family lineage? You are not her son or her relative. You are just a neighbor. This proposal is completely absurd! Does Madhavi know about this? Is she willing?" Rajiv answered that he did not know whether Madhavi knew or whether she was willing or not, but since Aarti had put forward the proposal, perhaps she was also prepared. Pooja retorted, "I will kill Madhavi. Look at her audacity. First, she tries to seduce you and now, she tries to steal you. That home-breaking wretch! I shall make her life a living hell!" Rajiv stopped arguing as Pooja was becoming hysterical and in an attempt to calm her, he began to caress her. After sometime, they passionately made love. Their passions arose for different reasons. Rajiv wanted to pacify Pooja and Pooja wanted to reassert her sole right over Rajiv. Thereafter they both spent the afternoon silently lying on the bed. It was almost evening, when Pooja broke the silence and said to Rajiv, "If a son is not born, then Aarti's family lineage will not continue and only your lust will be satisfied. I shall divorce you then on grounds of adultery. However, if a son is born, then I shall consider it as putra daan (donating a son) and continue to live with you."

That night, Rajiv and Madhavi stayed together in Aarti's room and tried to conceive a child while Aarti remained awake the whole night praying in the living room. Pooja in her own bedroom finally managed to fall asleep after taking two sleeping pills.

Madhavi's thoughts were broken with the ringing of the doorbell and she came back to the present. Anil had come home. She tried to get up and again felt a sharp, painful contraction. Anil came and sat beside her on the bed. He scanned her with his eyes as if trying to visually evaluate her condition. Madhavi sat up and looking deeply into his eyes she said, "Before this child is born, I want to tell you..." Anil sensed the nervous urgency in her voice and remained silent, waiting for Madhavi to complete the sentence. Madhavi could not complete her sentence and began to cry. Anil remained silent looking at her. After few minutes, between intermittent breaths, she continued, "I...I want to...tell you..." At that moment, Anil lightly placed his hand over Madhavi's mouth preventing her from speaking further. With a fearful and surprised expression, she looked at Anil who continued gazing at her steadily and quietly said, "I know." With both her hands, Madhavi clutched Anil's hand that was over her mouth and began to cry loudly and vehemently. Like a glacier of ice after detaching itself from the mountain peak breaks into pieces while falling down the slope, Madhavi broke down in uncontrollable howls and inexhaustible tears. Anil embraced her and whispered, "I forgive you." The excruciating months of pain and tension, coupled with the agonizing heavy burden of guilt, all together purged simultaneously in that one instant of cathartic release. Madhavi's body throbbed in relief and gratitude. Then she told Anil to take her to the hospital as her amniotic sac had ruptured.

The labor doula wiped the sweat off Madhavi's face while the obstetrician said, "Madhavi you are doing great. Again when you feel the urge, just push a bit harder." Madhavi's pushing position used gravity to her advantage and her practice of Kegel exercises helped to relax her pelvic floor and anal area. But the contractions were killing her and they never seemed to end. Each contraction lasted about a minute during which Madhavi experienced such severe pain that she wanted to die that very instant. Again, after a rest of about four minutes, it reappeared with a strong pressure on her rectum and a powerful natural urge to push. Taking short and deep breaths, Madhavi pushed harder and harder. About an hour later, Madhavi felt a stinging, burning sensation and the baby's head eventually crowned. The doula told Madhavi not to push anymore, and as Madhavi was feeling quite numb, she stopped pushing naturally. Madhavi's tired eyelids dropped in exhaustion and after few moments when she lifted them again, she saw the doctor holding a vernix coated baby with puffy eyes, cone-shaped head and enlarged genitals. It was a boy. The only thought that came to Madhavi's mind was, "THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!" Few minutes later, she again felt small contractions. The doctor gently pulled the umbilical cord and the placenta was delivered while Madhavi started to shake and shiver. The doula informed her that it was a common reaction of the placenta coming out and was nothing serious. For about another few hours Madhavi was monitored to ensure that the uterus contracted smoothly and excessive bleeding did not occur.

Later, the obstetrician told Aarti that the scores of the APGAR tests were good and the baby was normal and healthy. Since Madhavi was recovering fast, she could be discharged after two more days of rest. Aarti's happiness knew no limits. She named her grandson as Niruktaja. She generously distributed expensive sweets to the entire neighborhood, instructed Anil to give one month's bonus to all his employees and distributed clothes and food to the poor at the temple.

~The End~

NOTE: 'Aarti's Proposal' is a creative fictional short story and bears no resemblance to any person(s) living or dead.

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