Good news

Kirti and I have been friends for almost 5 years now. We are office besties. I am 36 and she is 33. The age difference does not create a generation gap. We stick to each other. We take our breaks together in the office. We share everything with each other - our secrets, achievements, insecurities everything. We are having a coffee break and I noticed that Kirti is lost in her thoughts.

"Hey Kirti. Have you coffee first and then think about the world," I said to lighten up the mood. I know her well enough to guess that something is bothering her. She said nothing and sipped her coffee.

"What's wrong Kirti? Is that crazy Suresh? Did he say something to you?", Suresh was our manager and he was crazy. But I know Kirti's mood had nothing to do with him. I sense it is some household problem. I don't want to guess, I want to hear from her.

Kirti gathered all the courage she could to speak. I leaned towards me and whispered, "I am pregnant".

"What!", I almost screamed with excitement. It was indeed such a great news. Kirti got married six months ago. She and her husband Lalit were well settled and financially strong. Lalit was sweet and caring. I was trilled for them. I had so many things to do. So many occasions to plan. I had already started planning a baby shower.

"Keep your voice down you lunatic," she said in a scolding tone. But I could still sense uneasiness in her voice. There was uncertainty, sadness, and worry in her voice.

"Kirti, I am happy for you. This is such a fantastic news," I kept my voice cheerful despite of what I was sensing. I said, "I am shaking. You are going to be a mom. I am going to be an aunty. That was not on 2026 cards". Kirti did not react. Kirti would have laughed so hard on all these statements. She did not even smile. Now I was getting worried.

"What's going on Kirti? Is there something bothering you. Please tell me," I almost pleaded. Kurti was looking out of the window, still lost in her thoughts.

"We found out two days ago. Ultrasound shows everything normal. It is not the baby I am worried about. It is something else," she closed her eyes, her voice was shaking. I knew she was going to cry.

I squeezed her hand for comfort. I gave her the time to gather her thoughts. She finally said, "Lalit is over the moon. I am worried about something else. Lalit's brother, Anil is going to get married in two months. There are a lot of arrangements to be done. My MIL had heart surgery a few days ago. My FIL has arthritis. Lalit and I have to make all the arrangements. But how will I be able to help when I would be 3 months pregnant? That is not all. My sister Raksha is set to study abroad in May. I will be in seventh month by then. Who would my parents focus on me or Raksha? When people around me need attention for their important life events, I will be hogging it all. I am feeling so guilty even thinking about it". Kirti was in tears. My carefree friend was thinking about the family. This is the new side of Kirti I was seeing.

"Is that it drama queen? For Anil's wedding, ask Lalit's cousins to help. I am sure they will be willing to help. For Raksha, leave everything to me. I will help her with documentation, packing, formalities, and everything. I have prepared all my cousins. You now relax and delegate. Just how Suresh does." I said with a confident tone.

Kirti laughed. Not for the formality but real laugh. The laugh that I knew. She was relaxed just by knowing that everything will be taken care of. "Thanks girl. You are the best. You are officially appointed on your duty". The sadness and tension were long gone now.

This incident makes me think that our worries and problems are only one conversation away. Communication is truly a key.