‘What is it?’ I asked, breathless.

Raghu followed me but right now, I wasn’t thinking about him. I was worried for Ma and this stupid baby too.

‘Come here?’ she said and patted the sofa beside her. I sat down reluctantly.

‘Do we need to go to the hospital?’ I whispered. Were adults prone to grinning like maniacs at this time?

‘Hospital? No no,’ Papa assured me.

‘Then?’

‘Here,’ Ma said, taking my hand and placing it lightly on the top of her rounded belly.

My eyes went wide when I realized what was happening. The part of me that went ‘ewww’ wanted to take my hand off immediately but then there was a light flutter, like a butterfly spreading its wings and taking flight. My mouth dropped open and Ma grinned at me.

‘Is that . . .’

There was movement inside once more, a sort of squirming that made me realize the immensity of what Ma was dealing with. She nodded; her eyes shiny with tears.

‘Is this the first time you’re feeling it?’ I asked in a whisper. I wished I was alone with Ma to share this special moment. That was silly. She was happy and she wanted to share it with her loved ones.

‘Isn’t it thrilling?’ Aunty V interjected, even as Ma nodded.

I looked away and found Raghu looking at me, a smile on his face. I smiled back at him. Papa’s look of embarrassment was tempered with pride. I couldn’t stop grinning either.

‘Can I feel it too?’ Raghu asked.

Ma nodded and he came forward, kneeling on the ground before her and placed his palm on her stomach. He looked disappointed.

‘Nothing,’ he said.

‘Arrey, you impatient fellow, wait,’ Aunty V chided him.

He pouted, and then his eyes lit up. ‘Oh my god! I felt it!’ he gasped as he took his hand away from Ma’s stomach.

His elation was contagious. We all laughed.

Just then, the gates creaked open and my eyes widened.

‘Who’s coming home at this time?’ I asked as the doorbell rang.

‘Oh! That must be the Swiggy guy,’ Ma said happily.

‘Huh?’

‘I ordered Death by Chocolate from Corner House to celebrate,’ she said.

I wasn’t angry or annoyed at the mention of ice cream because at this moment, I was just ridiculously pleased with life.

‘I hope you ordered enough for everyone,’ I told Ma and she looked at me, surprised. I hadn’t eaten ice cream in years.

‘I did. You want some?’ she asked.

I nodded. This moment called for a celebration. I would atone later.

18