Surbhi rang the doorbell of her friend's house. It had been a long time since the two went shopping and she was really looking forward to the spa. Lately her morning sickness was getting worse and she desperately needed a break.

"Surbhi you are blocking the doorway. We need to go right? Where are you lost?" asked her friend Saumya.

Her attention immediately shifted towards Saumya. Seeing her donning a jeans and tank top her mouth hung open. Meanwhile Saumya's phone beeped so she took out her phone.

Her nose was still in her phone when Surbhi said, "Saumya are you insane? You are going shopping with your future mather in-law."

"What? Sorry actually I was checking my messages to see if there was an emergency."

"Phew. Surbhi control your tongue. It slips a lot," Surbhi kicked her brain mentally.

With a look of frustration and anger to hide her sheepishness she said, "Are you insane? Why are you wearing this. You should wear something which screams shopping."

Before Saumya could even react she was dragged to her room.

After looking for a dress for a good fifteen minutes Surbhi spoke up, " It is a fashion emergency. Your wardrobe needs a makeover."

Rolling her eyes Saumya said, "Oh God you never had a problem with my attire before. Why do you have to be so dramatic?"

"That was because back then your sense of fashion was great. The same can't be said now. Wear this," she said handing Saumya a lavender coloured knee-length frock.

"Are you mad?"

Until a few years ago Saumya would have screamed on getting offered to wear a frock. However everything changes with time and so had this.

"What are you staring at? You have no option. Wear it duh," she said matter-of-factly.

After getting ready the two women headed out the door.

"Saumya where are the rest? I mean Pia's not there. Aunty and her daughter aren't here either."

"Actually Pia will stay with Akshit today at his place. Aunty and Sanyukta Di will join us at the mall. Actually Di lives in Lodhi Road Area so they will come from there."

Nodding the two girls sat in the car and sped away. Speeding through the lush green streets the girls were enjoying the fresh air.

The car came to a halt in front of Select City Walk Mall, Saket. Getting out of the car the girls started walking.

"Wow its been such a long time since we went shopping."

Rolling her eyes Saumya said, "You do remember we went shopping two weeks ago."

In a duh tone she replied, "That's a long time. Moreover it's been so long since we came to Select City Walk."

"If you will have a bit of mercy on this bestie I would go to Crossword. I am running short on books."

"Saumya correct me if I am wrong but your study room has as many as a thousand books still you are running short. I must agree though it's been a long time since I read Agatha Christie's works."

"It's decided that we will go to crossword then okay."

Nodding in affirmation Surbhi started walking towards the Shopper's Stop.

"Hey girl wait. We have to go to Blue Moon Spa first. Aunty and Di must be waiting."

"We have to go to spa first?"

"Yup."

The two girls reached the second floor to be greeted by the familiar sight of Aunty and Di.

Sanyukta Di had grown so fat. She was flaunting her baby bump wearing a tank top. Her back was faced towards them as she chatted with a man. A small boy was standing beside her.

Walking upto her Di Saumya tapped her shoulder. Turning around she broke into a smile and immediately hugged Saumya.

"Di I am suffocating."

"Oh Gosh you drama queen. I cannot hug you tightly you know why. But I see you're still the same my drama queen."

"Di I am not a drama queen."

"But you're definitely acting like one."

Everyone was staring at the two women bickering sweetly.

"Mummy who is this Aunty?" the little boy asked Di.

"She is your Mausi Ashmit. She is my sister."

Saumya turned to look at the boy who was hiding behind his mom. Di's words had made her heart swell. Her words meant more to her than any eloquent words ever will.

"Hello Ashmit. I am Saumya," she said kneeling down and extending her hand.

The boy looked up at his mom. Seeing her nod he extended his hand too.

"Hello Saumya Mausi. I am Ashmit Sharma. I study in class 1st B St. Mary's School," he recited like a parrot in his sweet voice.

Saumya had instantly taken a liking to the boy with his chubby cheeks and sweet gestures.

"Do you like chocolate?"

"Yes Mausi," the boy replied nodding vigorously with a huge smile.

Saumya took out a box from her bag with handmade chocolates.

"These are for you."

"Thank you," he whispered happily.

Saumya whispered in his ear, "These are only for you. Don't share with anyone else okay."

The boy nodded and Saumya stood up.

"Saumya do you know he eats a chocolate everyday. At this rate he will have plaque in no time. You are spoiling him."

"OH Di I am a doctor remember. I make chocolates at home. Don't worry the sweetness is in check."

"Achha Saumya meet Harsh. Harsh this is Saumya."

"Yeah yeah I have heard a lot about her," he said with a grin.

"Hi Jiju."

"Hi Saumya. I won't call you Saali though," he said with a knowing smirk.

With knitted brows she asked, "Why Jiju?"

With a sincere look he said, "Because I am your brother."

His words touched her heart. She wasn't one to cry in public ever since she was a kid. However right now the pregnant women around her were shedding tears.

"Oh God You two stop crying. I am telling you pregnancy is even worse than periods," he commented.

Everyone laughed at it and said their goodbyes.

"So Saumya found anyone yet?" Di asked nudging her.

Rolling her eyes she said, "Di you know I was never interested."

"Still you should get hitched. Should I find you someone?"

The old Saumya would have blushed at the very thought however this Saumya did not.

"Di..."

"Okay girls enough teasing. Let's go the spa is waiting," Aunty said and started walking.

Saumya followed her like a lost puppy saying, "Aunty please. Please. I don't..."

"Saumya you are getting a head to toe spa and that's final."

Saumya knew that there was no backing away now. Crestfallen she walked in the Spa.

After 5 long hours the torture was over.

"Oh the spa is so relaxing," Surbhi commented after getting out of the spa.

"Yeah its so soothing," Di agreed.

"So how was the experience Saumya?" Aunty asked.

"It was good." Saumya lied.

"Great then we can come often."

Saumya resisted the urge to face palm.

"Let's go shopping."

"What?! Its already 5 in the evening Surbhi. I can't even imagine how much Pia must be troubling Akshit."

"Saumya is right Surbhi. Ashmit must be waiting for me. He is definitely a mommy's boy. He would be wrecking havoc with Harsh."

"Okay then we can shop some other time," she said in a defeated tone.

"Bye Surbhi. Bye my Sumo. It was nice meeting you both," Di said as she hugged them.

"Bye beta," Aunty bid farewell.

Once they were gone Surbhi said, "Hey why did Pia stay with Akshit? She always comes with you to the mall."

"Dunno myself."

"Okay let's go I am so tired."

Shaking her head at her friend's statement Saumya started walking towards the gate.

________________________

Hey Everyone!

I hope you liked the chapter. Please let me know your views in the comments and don't forget to vote. The next update will be on Sunday or Monday. Sorry guys but I have a lot on my plate currently.

By the way what do you think about Pia's absence? Do you think she will be having fun with Akshit? What do you think about the new characters? Let me know in the comments.

The nominations for the Readers Choice Awards are finally over. I am so happy that so many of you nominated my book. Even if it does make it to the voting stage still I will be ever grateful to you all.

Hope you are safe.

Love,

Mia