Chapter 25 - Navel World

It was nearly a month since Madhu and Sundar left. It was not the same for Ritu. Out of the 3 flats in her floor, both Sonali’ and Madhu’s flats were empty. Once Mahesh left for work, she would feel very lonely. Mahesh would periodically cheer her up by taking her outside or playing with her navel during night.

He even tried to play with marbles on her navel like Sundar. While she was sleeping, he put a marble between her boobs which will travel between them, escape from under her blouse and then settle in her navel.

But it was all for that moment. Still the loneliness and sadness did not vanish from her. Also, the fact of losing her hypnotism power also affected her. She would not eat properly. Sometimes, she would rolling in bed at night not able to sleep. This was continuing for long. Similarly, Sundar too was feeling different at his hometown. His mom never shows her navel and does not allow him to play with it either since their in-laws are staying with them. School too was boring. He did not make any new friends yet. Most of all, he missed seeing/hunting navels. There were no big shopping malls/restaurants/colleges where he can see navels. Most women were dressed modestly covering their navels. But everything was about to change.

One day, while Mahesh and Ritu were in the shopping mall, Ritu felt dizzy and fainted. Mahesh took her to the nearby clinic. He feared she became exhausted due to the summer heat or her improper eating habits lately. But the doctor took some tests and later confirmed the happy news that Ritu is pregnant. Mahesh could not believe the news and looked at Ritu who was already in tears. After nearly 3 years, they have been blessed. Both were so happy. Mahesh conveyed the news to his parents and in-laws. At the same time, a new English teacher arrived for Sundar’s class. She was just what Sundar needed. A beautiful woman with a lovely navel exposed in her saree.

He gazed at her navel everyday, who didn’t even bother to cover her navel. Every time, she faced the board, her navel would drive Sundar crazy. He felt he was back in navel heaven again.

Back in the city, it was cheerfulness around Mahesh and Ritu, who were poured with wishes from friends and relatives. Their in-laws were on the way to stay with them, to take care of Ritu in this critical time. Ritu was in the kitchen. Mahesh came, moved her saree and started rubbing her navel.

Ritu moaned and said,”Ohhhhh!!! Mahi stop it. You must not do these things”. Mahesh said in a childish tone, ”Oh is it? I am not playing with you. I am playing with my baby. If you don’t want that, I won’t do it”. She smiled and took his hand and kept it on her belly.

He then lifted and took her to bed. He laid her down and rubbed her belly mildly. Ritu smiled. Mahesh told,”I am so happy right now.I just can’t wait for 10 months to see our baby”. Ritu replied, ”Patience my dear Mahi. The baby is eagerly waiting to see you too. I can feel that inside”. Mahesh told, ”I know. But I am have an advantage now”. Ritu asked, ”What?”. Mahesh in a funny tone said, ”Now I can kiss your navel in front of our parents and relatives, in the name of kissing the baby like this”. He gave a tight kiss on her belly.