“I’m so happy! Finally, our D-day is coming up. I am so glad our parents have agreed to the wedding,” she chuckles, holding his hands in hers. “I told you, everything would eventually fall into place. They took time but they agreed. We’ll be married in three days,” he says softly. “I am so glad, Vineet. It’s a dream come true for me,” she says happily. “It’s going to be alright, Ruhana. It might be late, but our love has won, and we’ll be at our destination soon,” he says. She smiles and jumps into his arms, and he gently kisses her forehead. These two really love each other. The girl's name is Ruhana Oberoi, and she comes from a modern Punjabi family. She believes in and follows their traditions closely. She falls in love with Vineet Mehra, who is a Brahmin. Their backgrounds are quite different, and they knew that gettbrahmining together wouldn't be easy. Their families have different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Vineet's parents are very specific about whom he should marry. After a lot of convincing, they finally agreed to let him marry Ruhana. Ruhana comes from a different background, due to which her parents and Vineet’s parents took time to accept their relationship. They’re happy now; their penance has given them sweet fruit. Soon, they’ll become partners for life. *** Ruhana comes out of her trance as she smears her wedding picture. It seems like yesterday when they got married, and things have not changed a bit since then. Their love for each other has remained intact. Their belief in each other and the hold that they keep on each other is a beautiful attribute of a relationship. The passion is unwavering between them, be it for their career, family, or love. It’s been six years since their wedding, and they’re unable to conceive a child. Often, Ruhana is upset because of this reason, as people taunt them for not having a child even after 6 years. Though Vineet is very supportive, he has never forced her, and neither have his parents. Vineet’s mother, Mrinal, comforts Ruhana and says that a child is a god’s gift; he’ll bless you with it when the time’s right. Ruhana understands it, but people often break her confidence, saying that she doesn’t observe most of the traditions of her husband’s family and it’s her mistake. Being born and brought up in a pure Punjabi family, Ruhana is unknown to many rituals in Vineet’s family. She started observing Karvachauth ever since she got married to Vineet. She learned many things, but she’s still hesitant to observe fasts other than the one for her husband. She’s not seen her mother observing fasts; for her, she has only been going to the Gurudwara on special occasions and enjoying time with family. She’s not against any ritual, but she’s still adjusting to the aura of the house, and she’s in awe of the excitement and joy with which her mother-in-law observes fasts, even if it is to stay the whole day without water. Well, the things are the same, but observing and celebrating rituals are different. Ruhana is lost in her thoughts when Vineet taps her shoulder, and she smiles at him. He’s well aware of the sadness behind her smile. He kisses her head softly; it’s his daily ritual that he follows when he comes back home from work. He spots their wedding picture in her hands and smiles warmly at her. “You’re sitting with this picture again! What happened?” He asks her gently. “Absolutely nothing, Vineet. I was feeling a little low. And you know, either you or this picture calms me down. It makes me feel the aura of your presence around me,” she looks at her husband.  “Are you still thinking about what Shalini Aunty said to you last week?” he asks, knowing her state of mind. “What’s wrong with that, Vineet? I mean, there’s something wrong with us or our luck. Six years are not less,” she replies; her tone is sad, and it pinches her heart. “Nothing is wrong, Ruu. We’ll get it when the time is right,” he tries to cheer her up. “You and Ma always say this. So, tell me, when will the right time come?” She asks, looking at him with teary eyes. Vineet has no answer to this question. He doesn’t know when they will be bestowed with the blessing of a child. But he trusts his god and knows that they’ll embrace this beauty called parenthood soon. He says nothing but he embraces his wife in his arms. His presence is soothing to her soul, and so she stays in his embrace for a long time until they hear Mrinal calling for them. She’s calling them for tea, and Mrinal chooses to prepare tea in the evening when both her son and daughter-in-law come home from work.   Ruhana wipes her tears, clears her face, and asks Vineet to change and join them in the living room. Saying so, she responds to her mother-in-law, who again calls for her. Ruhana smiles at Mrinal, who’s able to read her expressions and understand her mental state. "Your girl has nothing else to think, Ma. She never listens to me anyway," Vineet enters the hall and takes his seat near his wife. "It’s your duty to make her feel better. Why are you complaining?" Mrinal gazes at her son. "Why do you scold me, Maa? What did I do?" he asks innocently, causing Ruhana to smile. "You made her cry. So, this weekend, you’re taking her out to our farmhouse in Alibaug. Both of you need time away from here," Mrinal says, looking at Ruhana and Vineet. "Maa, I don’t want to go," Ruhana denies the suggestion. "Why not?" Mrinal asks though she understands her emotions, yet she wants her to go away and spend some time with her husband. "Ma, it’s Diwali coming near. We’ll stay together at home," Ruhana suggests. "I know, honey. But you need a change," Mrinal suggests. "The festivals will bring peace and solace, Mumma. I will be fine," Ruhana assures her mother, understanding her affection. Mrinal wants to say something, but Ruhana looks at her and holds her hands in hers. There are many things that she wants to say, but she’s unable to express her feelings. "Mumma, you’ve taught me everything about our culture and traditions. So, I want to do things the same way you do. Let’s celebrate Diwali first, and then all of us will go on a vacation," Ruhana suggests, and Mrinal agrees. The three of them savour the tea, and Ruhana feels better after talking to her family. She knows things will eventually settle in her life. *** It’s festival season soon, and everyone in the family starts preparing for that. It’s a fine evening. Ruhana returns from the office and informs Mrinal that Vineet will be late as he has a meeting to attend. Ruhana freshens up and prepares coffee for herself and her mother-in-law. She finds Mrinal writing something in a small copy. “Mumma, what are you writing?” Ruhana asks her. “I am writing about the upcoming festivals and about the fasts. It’s another fast tomorrow that I’m going to observe for you and Vineet,” Mrinal replies, looking at her lovingly. “Ahoi… Ahoi Ashtami, right? But why? I mean, why’d you do it? I heard Sheetal Aunty telling you that I should do it. What is it about?” Ruhana asks her mother-in-law, who smiles. “You’re right, honey! It’s Ahoi Ashtami, the festival for children. And not only Vineet; you’re my child too. Though I didn’t give birth to you, I am your mom,” the lady replies. “I never heard my mom doing it. I am sorry, Ma; I am not doing anything that you do. Earlier, I used to believe that all of this was something that people showed off. But now I know that everything has its own significance,” Ruhana smiles at her mother. "Everything is beautiful and has significance. You might have something similar, but it still prevails. And you shouldn’t be sorry; as long as you are respecting everything, I am okay with it. And since all the 5 years, who’s reading out those stories when I’m observing the fasts and puja? You are, right? So, you’re following it already," Mrinal replies while sipping her tea. Ruhana smiles. The lady is right. She took time to adapt to the aura and environment of Vineet’s house. She’s in awe that every festival or every fast has an underlying story of significance. Being an ardent reader, she requested that Mrinal let her read the story and be a part of the worship process. The lady happily agreed. Also, Mrinal feels that it doesn’t matter if the person is doing the worship in a certain manner or if they’re fasting; even if they hold the feeling that God exists and they accept their existence, it’s fine. Ruhana is glad that her mother-in-law feels so, and she considers herself lucky. Meanwhile, the doorbell breaks her trance. Ruhana opens the door and finds Vineet and his father at the door. She steps aside, letting them enter the house. The father and son move to freshen up while Ruhana walks into the kitchen to prepare tea for the men and prep for dinner. Ruhana serves tea to Vineet and his father, Sanjeev, while she is involved in discussing something with Mrinal. Vineet looks at them. “What are you two up to? Planning something?” He raises his eyebrows at the ladies. “Yeah! I’m planning to take Ma and Papa to our Alibaug home. And you stay here; you have so much office work to do,” she says it teasingly, showing the amount of work with her hands. “Why should I be alone? You stay with me; Maa and Papa can go on their own,” he glares at her; she's telling the truth. “No! I want to go with them. You only tell me you have so many things to do,” she shrugs her shoulders. “Hey, that’s unfair! How could you do this to me?” He makes a sad face and looks at his mom, who is smiling. “What? You’re laughing? Are you going to leave me here, alone? All alone?” He asks, emphasizing the last word. He looks at the ladies, who laugh out loud, leaving him confused. He gazes at them innocently when Ruhana controls herself and pulls his cheeks. “You’re so cute, Vineet. And I was just teasing you. Can you think Maa will go anywhere without you?” She asks, still trying to control her laughter. “Ruhana was pulling your leg, Vineet. And tomorrow is Ahoi Ashtami, so we’re planning for that,” Mrinal smiles. “Oh! That means I've got to be home early tomorrow, is it?” Vineet asks. “Of course, son! This is all for you,” Mrinal pats his cheek. And that is when Ruhana asked her about the significance of this fast. She’s eager to know about it. Also, she heard some ladies telling her that she should keep this fast and that she might be blessed with a child. Mrinal agrees to tell her the story at night. They need to do the dinner preparation. Ruhana agrees and as she begins to walk out of the hall room, her phone rings. She’s surprised to find it from her doctor, Dr. Sameera. She attends the call and is stunned by what the caller has to say. Two days ago, she went for a normal checkup with her doctor friend, Sameera. She missed her monthly cycle and had been feeling tired and nauseous lately. However, she also wanted to know if she was able to conceive or not.   Dr. Sameera tells Ruhana to meet her in her clinic. It’s almost 8 p.m., but Ruhana gets scared at the doctor’s sudden demand. She asks if everything is okay, to which Sameera nods and asks them to visit her at her home. She checks her patients until 9 p.m. Ruhana agrees and informs her family about the same. Everyone gets worried, but Mrinal asks them to go and meet Sameera; the rest she will manage. Ruhana agrees and leaves with Vineet. Ruhana is ecstatic at the moment; she’s wondering if her reports are positive or if they’re still the same. She hopes to get good news. They reach Sameera’s house in twenty minutes, and they walk straight into the clinic. Sameera is already waiting for them and she greets them warmly with a smile. Ruhana is ecstatic and anticipates some positive words from the doctor’s side. Vineet looks at her and asks his first question. “Sameera, why did you call us at this hour? All good?” Vineet asks, he’s worried about his wife. “Relax, Vineet. Everything is fine. It’s just that I wanted to tell you something in person,” Sameera smiles. “So, what is the result? I hope for a positive result,” Ruhana looks at Sameera; she’s anticipating a positive response. “Ruhana, see for yourself,” Sameera passes a file towards her. Ruhana glances at Vineet, who encourages her to open the file. She’s worried, but she opens the file and is left happily surprised to read the papers. Happy tears filled her eyes. She looks at Vineet and passes the file to him. She is unable to believe what she just read on the file. She looks at her friend, who nods affirmatively. The reports were positive, clearly indicating that she was pregnant, bringing joy to her heart. She’s emotional, and her heart feels full. “Congratulations, Ruhana. You manifested it and it happened. Your worship and penance have brought some good results,” Sameera smiles softly. “I just can’t believe it, Sameera. This is something I’ve been craving for a long time. And now that it has happened, I am unable to express my feelings,” Ruhana says. Her eyes are teary, and her voice is heavy. “I told you it'd happen at the right time,” Vineet smiles softly. Ruhana just nods her head in affirmation. Sameera instructs Ruhana to take some precautions and also prescribes some medicine that includes a few vitamins to be included in her diet. Ruhana thanks Sameera for her assistance and walks out of the clinic. Vineet and Ruhana’s happiness knows no bounds. They’ve been manifesting for a child for a long time, and it is now fulfilled. The journey home is silent, for they don’t know how to react at the moment. Reaching home, Ruhana breaks the good news to her family. Mrinal and Sanjeev are overjoyed. “See, when the time is right, things happen. It happened for you too, Ruhana,” Mrinal says. "Yes, Ma, I know. But people used to taunt me and say things that I didn’t like. And so, I was stressed. But, you’re right, our faith is always answered,” she smiles at her mother-in-law. “Some things are meant for the right time, dear. Let’s embrace it with a smile and a warm heart,” Mrinal says and stuffs a sweet in her mouth. “And I have decided something, Ma,” Ruhana says, taking the lady by surprise. “And what is that? I hope you’re not doing it because people asked you or said things,” Vineet barges in between the ladies. “I am doing it for myself, Vineet. Seeing Mumma do it makes me believe that I can do it too,” Ruhana replies with a smile. She tells Mrinal that she wants to observe the fast of Ahoi Ashtami for her unborn child. She has already kept faith in the customs and traditions Vineet and his family follow. Now, she wants to do it for her own child. She requests that Mrinal tell her the significance of the same and help with it. Mrinal is touched, and she readily agrees with her daughter-in-law, only on the condition that she’ll take care of herself. Ruhana agrees, and the family of four sits down to have dinner, ending it with some ice cream, to celebrate the big news that has come their way. *** Ruhana enters the room after finishing her chores and finds Vineet sitting on the bed. There’s a smile playing on his lips, and she knows that his happiness knows no bounds. She sits beside him and keeps her hand on his shoulder. He turns towards her, taking her in his embrace. A chuckle escapes her lips, and he kisses her head, thanking her. “I should thank you, Vineet. You’ve always been by my side. People have taunted you too, but you’ve been raising my spirits,” she says this emotionally. “I’m here for the same, Ruu. I love you, and I know what’s best for you, for us. You believe me, right?” he asks. “I believe you, Vineet. And you’ve kept me positive. I broke down and I cried, but you didn’t have that privilege. Thank you for always being my strength,” she looks at him with teary eyes. “I will always be there, Ruhana. See, we’ve got the fruit of our love; you’re pregnant. We are expecting a baby, and I am super excited,” Vineet says excitedly. “The feelings are mutual. I lost my hope, Vineet, but now I am hopeful. I know things will get better now. Therefore, I have decided to observe the Ahoi-Ashtami fast for our child,” Ruhana says. “You will need to fast for long hours; you shouldn’t,” Vineet intervenes in the middle. “I will take care, Vineet. Mumma does it for us, I also want to do it for our baby. I want to embrace motherhood in every beautiful way possible,” Ruhana insists. Vineet has nothing to say to her, he agrees and lets her observe the fast, only on the condition that she will take good care of herself and the baby. She agrees and again leaps into his arms, for she finds solace therein. They stay like that for many moments before calling it a night. *** Ruhana wakes up early the next day. She takes a shower and gets ready. She finds Vineet asleep and makes her way out of her room where she finds Mrinal waiting for her. She feeds her with sweets and water. This is how the day begins. Ruhana insists on Mrinal telling her the significance of this beautiful festival. Ahoi Ashtami is a festival for a mother and children. A mom fasts for her kids, be it a girl or boy. A mother’s love is unbiased. This custom requires a fast where the mother has to fast the whole day without food and water. After the puja, the ladies can have water; and after worshipping the star, you break the fast. This ritual is something that only a mother can do. A mother loves her child without seeing them, so she can do anything for the child’s well-being. Ruhana is awestruck as Mrinal tells her that even the ladies who don’t have children can also fast, and they might be blessed with a child in the future. This is what she read in the mythological tale that she recites during the puja. “If I could follow it, why didn’t you tell me about it, Mumma?” She asks. “I didn’t want to coax you to follow all of this, my dear. Having a child is a gift that the almighty bestows upon you. And you should be thankful to God for all that he has given you. If you keep faith in God, you’d be happier,” Mrinal says. “It is a different feeling, Ma. I am fasting for a part of me. It’s just been a few hours, but doing it for someone is a blessing,” Ruhana says, sharing her feelings. “Ruhana, a mother always thinks of her kids. Right now, you’re holding a little life inside you, and so, these are all your motherly instincts. It’s bliss, actually,” Mrinal says, and Ruhana has her hand placed on her tummy, maybe, talking to her unborn child. She says nothing further but keeps her head on Mrinal’s shoulder. She’s experiencing a completely different feeling right now. She’s joyful about conceiving a child, and now she wants to protect her baby. That’s her motherly instinct. She comes out of her trance at Vineet’s voice, who beams at her. He’s telling her to sleep properly in the bedroom, but she denies it. Instead, she requests him that they visit the Gurudwara on this auspicious day. Well, she’s pregnant, and nothing is more auspicious than this news. Vineet readily agrees, and soon, they head towards the Gurudwara near their home. They worshipped and stayed in the pure premises of the Gurudwara for a while. The places of worship are always calming, be it a temple, Gurudwara, mosque, or church. Each place has a peaceful aura and sends calming vibes to the soul. Spending some time in the Gurudwara, Vineet drops Ruhana home, and he visits his office, for he has some important meetings to attend. A long day has just begun. *** Ruhana shares the good news with her parents, who congratulate and bless her. Also, they promise to meet her in the evening. She’s happy. Her heart feels full at the moment. Her manifestations have come true, and soon she will be holding her own part in her hands. She’s truly grateful to God for bestowing this beautiful blessing on her and Vineet. Sameera has already told her of the precautions that she has to take. Also, many feelings and thoughts are bubbling in her heart and mind. She’s feeling a certain affection towards her unborn child, and she’s ecstatic about the thought of holding the baby. All those motherly feelings have started to bubble beneath her, and she’s feeling blessed. Ruhana is in her room, looking at her glimpse in the mirror. There’s a beautiful glow on her face, and she’s glad about it. Meanwhile, Mrinal enters the room and smiles at her. She tells her that they can do the Puja after which they can have water and some drink, maybe tea or coffee. Ruhana agrees, and the duo settle for Puja. This is the first time Ruhana is observing a fast, so she follows her mother in performing the rituals and later on reading the story, leading to the finish of the puja. The story is about a lady who loses her kids due to the sin of killing a porcupine and its kids while digging the fields. She came to know that she could feed the porcupines in that same place on the date of Ashtami, every month. The lady followed the customs, and later, she was again blessed with children in the coming years. Ever since then, this festival of Ahoi Ashtami started. Ruhana is in awe that a woman can do anything to have a child. She’s no exception; she’s also fasting today for the well-being of her unborn child. She’s content, she wants to follow the customs properly, for it might have some dire consequences. Having conceived after a long time, Ruhana is very protective of her child. Finishing the puja, the ladies drank some water, and Ruhana prepared tea for the two. It’s almost evening; Ruhana’s parents arrive to congratulate their daughter and her family. Everyone is happy, and Ruhana is touched with all the gifts that her parents have got for her. Meanwhile, Vineet and his father also got home and got indulged in chatting with the family. Vineet and Ruhana opened the gifts and are astonished to find some toys and little baby onesies. The latter gets emotional, as some of the clothes are hers when she was a baby. Her mother used to say that she’ll save those clothes for her baby. Ruhana turns emotional, and there’s a gradual change in her feelings. She doesn’t know how to express her feelings, but she thanks her family for always believing in her and loving her with all their hearts. Now, there’s nothing more that she wants from the almighty. She looks at her husband, who is experiencing the same feelings as her. This is surely a new beginning for them as a family. *** Author’s Note: The story is based on the importance of Ahoi Ashtami. This festival is dedicated to mothers and their children. The mothers fast all day for the well-being of their children. In this fast, the moms fast without water and food. They break their fast after seeing the stars and doing their puja. My mom observes this fast and she drinks water after the puja and later in the night she observes the stars and breaks her fast.      Penmancy gets a small share of every purchase you make through these links, and every little helps us continue bringing you the reads you love!