With Love, from India (eBook)

XI

Arjun Sumeet Yash Rajeesh, I

Both Marie and Sumeet were being prepared on the inner for this initiation of parenthood. They instinctively knew how to raise a spiritually advanced soul; they had raised five children together in their past life. Sumeet’s parents were invaluable resources as well. Marie loved them! They visited a few times during the summer and celebrated Marie’s birthday on June 21, the summer solstice. She has a Gemini Sun, Sumeet is a Pisces, an odd combination astrologically, yet the astrologer saw that their rising signs were compatible, and Marie sat on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer, very compatible to Sumeet’s sun and rising sign. Sumeet’s mother had arranged for the astrologer to prepare their charts just in case they might get engaged. News of their relationship and the baby had reached India and Sumeet’s relatives.

The months flew by, August, September, and October. Marie took all her vacation and sick days off in November to prepare for the birth. Sumeet scheduled all surgeries for October and December, keeping November clear except for follow up appointments which could be easily rescheduled in case Marie delivered early. He spent every night with Marie in November. They prayed, meditated, did couples yoga even dancing together. All he knew was that he was in love and so happy, for once in his life, genuinely happy. November 21, 9:06 am Marie went into labor and delivered at 11:07 am at Saint Mary’s hospital with Sumeet at her side.

As for Marie, it was her first time (in this life) for motherhood, and she felt very blessed. She was in love with Sumeet and now her son. He was perfect in every way, a shock of black hair and dark skin like his father. Marie slept for several hours after seeing the baby and breast feeding him. That evening Sumeet’s parents arrived at the hospital with an older auntie, Radha. They brought gifts for the baby, flowers for Marie, a kiss from Grandma Priya. Marie handed the baby over to Sumeet to hold. Sumeet handed the baby over to Grandpa Yash, then Grandma Priya and Auntie Radha.

Auntie Radha said, “I know this one”—she stopped—then very wide eyed she looked at Marie and in broken English she said, “you and Sumeet, past life, yes, yes-and this son, here again!” she exclaimed aloud. Auntie was clairvoyant, she could see into the past and future. Many Hindus have “the sight” as Sumeet’s mother tried to explain it to Marie. Marie herself was clairaudient hearing and speaking to her spirit guides and angels. Auntie saw their past life and explained it in Hindi to Sumeet and his parents. They nodded and excitedly chattered together, Sumeet interpreting everything for Marie. The secret was out, now everyone knew.

Marie took a moment to whisper into Sumeet’s ear. “Arjun Sumeet Yash Rajeesh,” announced Marie. Arjun means Shining Star, Sumeet, his father’s name which means Friend, Yash, Power, and Abundance, for Sumeet’s father and grandfather, and Rajeesh meant Ruler of Kings, Emperor. This was the Hindu name of their son as Marie heard it announced by her angel in her inner ear. “Here is our son,” Marie looked at Sumeet as he picked Arjun up and kissed him with a tear in his eyes, repeating his name, “Arjun Sumeet Yash Rajeesh, my son, Thanks to God.” He leaned over and kissed Marie on top of her head. Sumeet’s parents and auntie did not want to overstay their welcome, they knew Marie was exhausted. They kissed her and the baby goodnight and hugged Sumeet, a few more words spoken in Hindi, and they left.

The next feeding was due for Arjun as the nurse came in to check on them. Sumeet stayed, waited for the meal service for Marie and ordered for himself. They enjoyed family time together. Sumeet would spend the night with Marie and Arjun in her hospital room at Sumeet’s insistence. They were in the family suite at the hospital, so there was a bed for him to spend the night. Sumeet turned on the news as Marie fell asleep.

They were discharged the next morning. Nurses were arranged to assist Marie at her home and at Sumeet’s house. The family arrived at Marie’s home, Sumeet taking the baby as Marie got to her feet out of the car. They had a bassinette for Arjun ready and waiting. Marie collapsed on the sofa. Sumeet went to make coffee and tea; Marie directed him to the coffee cake in the freezer to heat up for them. Marie breast fed Arjun. He had Sumeet’s hair and face and her eyes. “A beautiful, healthy boy,” praised Marie. Hours passed with Mom and Dad watching him. The nurse arrived, Sumeet escorted Marie to her bedroom as the nurse took Arjun up to the nursery next to Marie. Sumeet laid down next to her and they both slept until the nurse woke Marie for Arjun’s a.m. feeding. Sumeet stayed til mid-morning then left for the office.

Sumeet was overjoyed and could not stop smiling. Everything seemed in place, mother, and baby healthy. Sumeet face-timed with Marie and Arjun at noon, and he returned in the evening to be with them, bringing a pizza, one vegetarian, and one with all the fixings for Marie! She was ravenous and ate well. “All I need is ice cream!” Sumeet laughed, “Really?” Marie responded, “Well, you know, cravings.” “Ok, tomorrow on my way home, ice cream or frozen yogurt?” He knew she was lactose intolerant. “Vanilla frozen yogurt and Chinese,” she laughed in answer to his question. Sumeet entered it all on his phone, “Got it!”

The first days and nights they spent with Arjun and stayed together. Occasionally, Sumeet had an overnight at his house due to an early surgery or a late-night emergency. Marie was healing quickly. They played with Arjun, watched movies, went on walks, napped and Marie was starting her garden putting Arjun in the sun and fresh air daily. She knew that the sun would heal jaundice and Vitamin D was especially important for them.

Sumeet would make healthy green smoothies for Marie which he enjoyed as well. They meditated and prayed together daily and of course Arjun was always the center of attention. The nurses were a Godsend, giving Marie time to sleep and recover.

Arjun was one month old December 21 at Christmas time. The relatives were all invited to Sumeet’s house for December 25th through New Year’s Day celebrations as well as Arjun’s one month birthday! That meant Sumeet’s parents, Auntie Radha, and Sumeet’s brother Rohan and his wife Sita and their three children would celebrate together at Sumeet’s new house. A real houseful! Now Marie understood why Sumeet bought such a huge home.

Marie moved into his house with Arjun for the month or two. They were in the master suite with the nursery next door. The other bedrooms and the guest house were for the family with plenty of space and bathrooms. The pool had been sealed off and the gated fence locked for safety as Marie insisted.

Sumeet hired decorators for his house, inside and out, with Christmas décor, lights and Christmas trees, the whole shebang. The house was lit up in white lights also in celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights in India. Marie was occupied with the baby, and she enjoyed ordering gifts and food deliveries on the internet in between feedings and naps. The nurses were invaluable allowing Marie and Sumeet to sleep. Sumeet told Marie to hire a couple of housekeepers and grounds men to take care of cleaning, snow removal and anything else she may need while the relatives were here. Marie and Sumeet enjoyed cooking quick meals together and ordering delivery. Marie researched recipes for all of Arjun’s and Sumeet’s food, organic and vegetarian. She knew that eventually she would become a vegetarian as well.

Christmas was a joyous affair. Grandma and Grandpa Rajeesh were constantly doting on Arjun. Auntie Radha was busy cooking Indian meals that Sumeet ravenously consumed. Marie stuck with Italian meatballs and pasta, fish, chicken and veges cooking side by side with Auntie. The chatter in the kitchen was in Hindi most of the time. Marie could hardly get a word in edgewise. Sumeet would beg everyone, “English, English please!” and they would laugh and try to speak in English ending up in Hindi again.

Sumeet was in bliss. He had a family of his own now, a wish his parents had for him since he first married Eve. Sadly, they knew it was never going to happen. Now, with Marie, she completed him with a son of his own. The days after Christmas were still celebratory with the family as New Year’s approached. Sumeet had a few surgeries and calls during the day. Marie got many breaks with the family caring for Arjun. Sumeet’s mother and Auntie took over the cooking, cleaning, and babysitting.

Sumeet planned a special New Year’s Eve dinner alone with Marie. Auntie and Grandparents were happy to babysit. Marie got all dressed up. She lost some of her baby weight thanks to nursing, doing Pilates, and cycling every day. Slipping into a beautiful baby blue silk sheath, Marie did her hair and makeup and put on 4inch heels, very sexy. She looked and felt great. Sumeet wore his black suit, white shirt, red tie, very handsome.

The couple bid goodnight to the family. They drove off to their favorite restaurant and enjoyed the break from the family. Sumeet ordered champagne. Marie enjoyed this special attention. Sumeet said this was the best Christmas ever. He had not shared a holiday like this with his parents for a long time. “Arjun is a blessing,” said Marie. “You are a blessing to me,” said Sumeet. They ordered and ate a lovely dinner. They ordered a flourless chocolate cake to share. As they were about to finish it off, Sumeet summoned the waiter. Sumeet stood...