𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐭�...

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Vote -22 | comment 42
(Jaldi jaldi poora krdiya karoo yaaaaaaar😔)

A U T H O R   P O V

The next morning, by 7:00 AM, both were still tucked under the covers when Lavika's alarm began to ring softly.

She stirred first, blinking against the early light.

A small, sleepy smile curved her lips as her hand rested gently on her stomach.

She was growing a human inside her.

Just the thought sent a quiet rush of warmth through her chest.

Beside her, Ishaan shifted, one arm draping around her waist as he peeked at her with half-lidded eyes. "Good morning, mommy," he mumbled, his voice rough from sleep.

She giggled softly, placing a kiss on his forehead.

Last night, Ishaan had taken care of it all—he had booked an appointment at the hospital for today.

Their first official confirmation.

The first scan.

The first everything.

And though they tried to keep things normal this morning, there was a quiet thrill dancing between them.

Soon, they were out of bed and getting ready.

Ishaan threw on his effortlessly chic, casual look—a cream-colored ribbed half-zip sweater over a black crewneck tee, paired with grey trousers.

He looked sharp, like he hadn't even tried, and Lavika definitely noticed.

Lavika herself went bold and trendy—a statement brown oversized leather jacket layered over a soft cream cardigan, a black mini skirt hugging her frame, and chunky black knee-high boots grounding her steps.

Her hair was brushed into soft waves, lips tinted just enough to match her mood: calm on the outside, fluttering within.

While she got ready, Ishaan rushed to the kitchen and came back in record time with her coffee.

She took a sip, humming in appreciation.

"You should eat something too," he said, pulling on his watch.

"I will, at the hospital café with a colleague," she replied while adjusting her jacket. "I'm already late."

He didn't push.

Just nodded, eyes flicking to her stomach once before offering her a crooked smile.

By 8:20 AM, he dropped her at the hospital with a kiss on her temple and a soft "Text me when you're free."

On his way, Ishaan turned toward his office, already checking emails.

The appointment was fixed for 4:00 PM sharp.

They'd both decided to take an hour or two off for it.

No meetings, no calls—just them, a quiet corner in the hospital, and hopefully, the first sight of their baby.

L A V I K A   P O V

After Ishaan dropped me off, I walked into the hospital gates with a slight bounce in my steps.

I didn't know if it was the morning coffee or the tiny, thrilling secret growing inside me, but I felt... alive.

"Morning, Dr. Mehra!" the security guard at the entrance greeted with a salute.

"Morning sirr" I smiled back, clutching my bag a little tighter.

As I stepped into my department, the familiar scent of antiseptic and fresh files hit me.

My colleagues were already gathered near the nurses' station, sipping chai and flipping through morning schedules.

"Someone's glowing today," Riya teased, looking up from her clipboard.

I tried to act normal. "It's just good lighting, Riya. Don't flatter me."

"Right. Or maybe you're just in love and it's showing," she winked.

I rolled my eyes but didn't deny it.

She wouldn't know yet—and I wasn't ready to spill.

I slipped on my white coat, clipped on my ID badge, and tied my hair into a low bun.

Then I checked the board—two general rounds, one consult, and a pre-op discussion.

"Alright," I mumbled, flipping through my patient files. "Let's do this."

★

My first stop was the general ward.

I walked into the room and found Mr. Bakshi, a sweet old man recovering from his hernia surgery, already sitting upright with his glasses sliding down his nose.

"Good morning, Mr. Bakshi! How are we doing today?"

"Doctor sahiba," he smiled, "I'm better. Just bored of the khichdi they keep feeding me."

I chuckled. "That means you're healing. We'll shift you to semi-solid food soon, I promise."

As I checked his chart and vitals, the nurse beside me murmured, "Pulse is steady, BP 122/80."

"Perfect," I nodded, scribbling notes on his file. "Keep walking in intervals and we'll discuss discharge options by tomorrow."

He grinned. "God bless you, doctor."

★

Then came my favorite part—visiting the pediatric ward.

Tiny humans with oversized blankets and big curious eyes.

I bent near little Sara's bed—she was just six and had been admitted for pneumonia.

She looked up at me with puffy cheeks and a stuffed teddy tucked under her arm.

"How's my brave girl today?"

"Cold," she whispered, voice raspy.

I gently placed the stethoscope on her chest. "Well, you're sounding much better. Another day or two and you'll be bossing everyone at home again."

Her mother smiled from the side, eyes full of gratitude.

I ruffled Sara's hair gently and moved on to check other little ones, my heart warming with every giggle, cough, and sleepy yawn.

★

Finally, after back-to-back consults, I dragged myself to the café by 12:40.

Riya was already there, saving a table.

"Took you long enough!" she called out.

I dropped into the chair with a sigh. "Tell me why I chose this profession again?"

"Because you love chaos, crying babies, and adrenaline?"

I laughed, pulling my hair clip off and running a hand through my waves. "Apparently."

We ordered sandwiches and masala chai.

I took a bite and sighed, suddenly realizing I hadn't eaten since last night.

"So," Riya leaned in, "Are you and Mr. Drop-Dead Gorgeous still in the honeymoon phase?"

I blushed instantly. "Can you not call him that in public?"

"Oh come on. Everyone saw how he held your waist the other day near the parking lot. You're basically living in a rom-com."

I sipped my chai to hide the smile creeping on my lips. "Well... things are good."

"Mmhmm," she teased, narrowing her eyes. "That glow is not just 'things are good,' babe. That's serious 'I might be in love and carrying his baby' glow."

I nearly choked.

She gasped. "Wait—Lavika, don't tell me—"

"I'm not telling you anything," I muttered, eyes wide.

"You so are!" she whisper-yelled. "You are! Oh my god—are you??"

I glanced around, then leaned in. "Keep it down, drama queen. And yes, I think so. I mean, we're going for an appointment this evening to confirm."

She squealed so hard the uncle behind us looked up.

"Okay, okay! Sorry. But holy shit, Lavs. I'm so happy for you."

Her hand reached across the table to squeeze mine.

"Thanks," I whispered, looking down at my half-eaten sandwich. "I'm scared. But excited. Like really excited."

"Well," she said, lifting her cup. "To soft ultrasounds, swollen boobs, and you being the hottest pregnant woman alive."

I laughed until my stomach hurt.

★

I S H A A N  P O V

After dropping Lavs to the hospital, I drove straight towards A&S Enterprises.

But halfway there, I dialed Ivaan.

Just to check on things.

Or maybe just to pull his leg.

Ring.
Ring.
Ring.

"Asshole. Pick up."

He finally did.

"Bhai..." came his voice, low and breathy—
suspiciously moan-y.

My eyes narrowed, smirk already forming.

"Ivaan," I said, "it's not even 9 AM. Who the hell are you tangled up with this early? At least pretend to be decent, bro."

He huffed. "Pagal. Have some sense. That stuff happens at night. I'm at the gym, okay?"

I laughed, head falling back slightly.

"Right. I'm just saying—if I hear one more moan, I'll disown you."

"Shut up," he muttered, "and don't forget we have a call with the Delhi client today."

"Yeah yeah, just get your pumped-up ass to the office. Bye."

I cut the call.

And right on cue—

Eshaani calling.

I answered as I merged onto the next lane.

"Hi sir," she greeted, all chirpy professionalism.

"Morning, Eshaani. What's going on?"

"Sir, there's a new intern CA joining your department today. Thought I'd give you a heads-up."

I sighed lightly, rubbing my temple.

"Great. New intern, new mess. I'll be in by 11, okay? Just prep her orientation."

"Done, sir. See you soon."

Call ended.

I was supposed to turn right—towards the office.

Instead, my hands turned left.

Because my heart was pulling me somewhere else.

Somewhere quiet.

Somewhere old.

Somewhere that still felt like me.

★

After two damn years, I found myself standing on the faded court behind Kensington Park.

The concrete was cracked.

The hoop was still slightly bent.

But the vibe? Still perfect.

I tossed my car keys in the bag and pulled out my basketball from the backseat—
the same one Lavs had gifted me during our first London winter.

As soon as I stepped onto the court, something inside me unclenched.

I dribbled once.
The sound echoed through the open space.

Then again.
And again.

Took a shot—missed.

"Still rusty," I muttered under my breath, chasing the rebound.

Another shot—this time, it swished in.

A grin broke out across my face.

God, I missed this.

The rhythm. The breath.
The silence between bounces.

Just me, the ball, and the sound of sneakers scraping against old concrete.

I wasn't here to exercise.
I was here to breathe.

Today... felt different.

Because I wasn't just playing for myself anymore.

I placed a hand on my chest, right above where the heartbeat of another life was growing inside her.

My girl.

My Lavs.

"Thank you, God," I whispered, staring up at the cloudless sky, "for sending her to me. For choosing me to be the father of her baby."

I chuckled softly to myself.

"I'm going to be a dad."

The words still felt surreal on my tongue.

There were barely 2–3 other people on the court this early, all doing their own drills.

No one knew me. No one cared.

And that's what made this moment feel sacred.

After that basketball session—sweaty, light-hearted, and very much needed—I checked my watch.

10:30.

Shit.

I rushed to my apartment nearby, stripping my tee the moment I stepped in, hopping straight into a cold shower.

Needed to feel sharp. Awake.

Quickly changed into a clean, fitted navy suit. Sharp lapels. Crisp white shirt.

Slipped my Rolex on. Sprayed the signature Dior scent Lavika loved.

Let's go.

I sat in the car and drove straight to A&S Enterprise, my fingers tapping the wheel, playlist running soft background jazz.

★

I entered the floor of my department.
Sharp nods followed.

"Good morning, sir."

"Morning," I replied shortly, offering a small smile to a few familiar faces.

Glass doors. Cabin.

I walked in—and right behind me came Ivaan, sipping his protein shake like he owned the damn planet.

"Nice of you to show up," I muttered, throwing my keys on the desk.

He flopped into the leather chair like he belonged to it. "Someone's glowing. Pregnancy joy or your post-basketball endorphins?"

"Both."
I chuckled, loosening my watch.

A soft knock.

Eshaani stepped in, poised as always.

"Sir, Miss Paakhi has already arrived. She's waiting in the lounge. Shall I call her in?"

"Yeah. Send her."

★

Two minutes later, the glass door clicked again.

She entered, shoulders back, eyes sharped.

Clearing her throat, she said, "Good morning, sir."

I gave her a firm nod. "Paakhi. Welcome to A&S."

She stood tall, voice even. "Thank you, sir. I heard from Eshaani that I'll be assisting in the finance department. I'm excited to start."

Before I could say anything further, Ivaan, who was now leaning near the glass wall, spoke up—voice dipped in that same old taunt.

"Careful, Paakhi," he said slowly, with that annoyingly lazy grin. "We both don't play nice. Especially me—with you."

I snapped my head toward him.

"Ivaan," I warned, voice steely. "Get out or stay quiet. Be a little professional. She's new here—don't pressurize her."

He raised both hands in mock surrender, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Yaya. She's new. Little baby over here."

Then, under his breath, but loud enough, "Don't worry, Ishaan. I'll pet her—I mean, observe every fucking move she makes."

I shot him a glare that could split concrete.

She looked between us but didn't react much.

Just gave a stiff nod, said a professional, "Thank you, sir," and exited with her clipboard.

★

Once she was gone, I turned back to Ivaan.

"You're going to behave or should I call HR and tell them to install a babysitter for you?"

Ivaan just grinned.
"She brings out the devil in me. You know that."

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "We've got bigger things to focus on."

★

By 2PM, me and Ivaan sat at our usual table, trays in front of us—pasta, grilled sizzler, and green smoothies.

"Delhi deal's moving fast," Ivaan said, scrolling on his iPad. "Rana's company finally agreed to the equity clause."

"Good. Set up a meeting for next week. I want to fly out, but we'll wait until after Lavika's next scan."

He looked up. "FINALLY"

I nodded, sipping from my glass. "We have an appointment this evening. First proper scan."

He smirked. "Look at you. Becoming daddy material and shit."

I rolled my eyes. "Just shut up and finish your overpriced smoothie."

By 3:30PM, I grabbed my keys again, heart racing slightly.

★

A U T H O R   P O V

Ishaan's car screen lit up with a soft ringtone as he dialed her.

"Jaan," he said, voice warm and low as it connected. "Main nikal gaya hoon. See you outside the hospital in ten, hmm?"

On the other end, Lavika quickly glanced at the time on the wall and nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Okay love, just give me two minutes, I'll inform my senior. Meet you in a bit," she said, trying to keep her smile from bubbling over.

"Can't wait to see you, baby. Jaldi aana. Love you," Ishaan whispered before cutting the call.

Lavika, cheeks flushed, tucked her phone into her coat pocket and went over to Dr. Alisha, her senior.

"Ma'am, I've an appointment... I'll be back in two hours, promise."

Dr. Alisha gave her a knowing smile. "First pregnancy checkup?"

Lavika blinked, stunned. "Ma'am..."

"I'm a doctor, Lavika. You're glowing like someone who's carrying a universe inside her. Go. Take your time."

Lavika's heart melted.

She nodded gratefully, whispered a soft thank you, and rushed out.

★

Ishaan's matte black car was parked by the curb.

The moment she stepped out, her phone buzzed.

"I'm outside jaan. Come soon. Waiting🤍"

She spotted him already looking at her through the windshield.

The smile that broke on his face was enough to melt every bone in her body.

She slid into the passenger seat, his hand instantly reaching out to hold hers.

"There's my baby mama," he teased, eyes twinkling.

She laughed softly, "Shut up. This baby mama is still trying to believe it."

He leaned in to kiss her temple gently.
"We're doing this, Lavs. Together."

★

This wasn't the hospital where Lavika worked.

They'd chosen a quieter, cozier clinic tucked in a quiet West London street.

No name tags. No familiar faces. No paging systems or interns rushing around.

Just them.
And their baby.

"Mr. and Mrs. Agnihotri?" a nurse called from the reception with a polite smile.

Lavika froze.

Ishaan immediately smirked and leaned toward her, elbow brushing hers. "Mmm... has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Lavika gave him a look — the one that said don't push it — but her lips betrayed her with a smile. She rolled her eyes and muttered, "We're not even properly engaged, you menace."

"But we're expecting our baby," he whispered, low enough for only her to hear. "That's way more binding than any ring."

Her cheeks flushed.
She hated how he always won.

Hand in hand, they entered the consulting room — a pastel-blue sanctuary with a recliner, dim lights, and the faint sound of lullaby music in the background. It felt like a space made to soften nerves and turn overwhelming emotions into quiet joy.

A woman doctor in her mid-40s greeted them with the warmth of someone who'd seen thousands of such moments and still never got bored.

"Lavika," she smiled, flipping through the reports, "you're officially five weeks pregnant. Congratulations."

Time didn't stop, but her breath did.

Lavika glanced sideways at Ishaan.

He was already staring at her like he was seeing her for the first time.

He squeezed her hand — tight. Protective.

Almost like he'd just felt the gravity of what this meant.

Lavika's voice was a whisper, almost fragile, "It's real."

Ishaan exhaled slowly. "We're going to be parents..." The way he said it — proud, disbelieving, reverent — made Lavika blink away the tears already forming.

The doctor chuckled. "This stage is delicate. Your body is adjusting fast. So be ready for fatigue, mood swings, nausea... sore breasts, frequent urination—"

"She already went twice in the last hour," Ishaan quipped, eyes wide. "I thought it was nerves!"

Lavika smacked his arm, half-laughing through her flustered blush.

The doctor grinned. "And you — soon-to-be-dad — your job is to make her life as stress-free as possible. That includes midnight foot rubs, cravings at 3 a.m., and holding her hair back when she throws up."

"Done," Ishaan said instantly. "Signed up. Give me the full job description."

Lavika wiped her eyes, laughing softly. "You'll regret that when I ask for roadside chaat at 1AM."

"Absolutely not," the doctor interjected. "No roadside food. No papaya. No pineapple. Minimal caffeine. And I mean minimal."

Lavika gasped. "Wait—coffee?"

"Maximum one small cup a day. Or better, switch to warm milk or coconut water."

Lavika turned to Ishaan, eyes wide in betrayal. "She's taking away coffee."

He kissed her temple. "She's giving us a baby. I'll make you cocoa every morning instead. With marshmallows."

The doctor handed Lavika a sheet. "We'll start folic acid right away. And iron by next week. Eat small, frequent meals — avoid long gaps. Rest when you're tired. No excessive workouts. And absolutely zero stress."

"I'll tackle every email for her if I have to," Ishaan nodded solemnly.

"And you need to come in for an early ultrasound," the doctor added. "We won't hear the heartbeat just yet, but let's take a look."

The nurse prepped the bed and Lavika lay down, pulling up her wear slightly with trembling fingers.

Her body felt foreign. Sensitive. Sacred.

Ishaan pulled his chair closer and held her hand. "I'm right here, jaan. You're doing amazing."

"Cold gel," the nurse warned softly.

Lavika winced as the gel touched her belly, and Ishaan immediately pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

His other hand rested protectively on her thigh.

Then — flicker.

On the screen — a tiny, barely-there blob.
Not even shaped like anything real. But it was.

"That," the doctor said with a smile, "is your baby."

Lavika didn't know when the first tear fell.

She covered her mouth with her hand, her heart thudding wildly.

"It's so small," she whispered.

"But already ours," Ishaan said softly, lips brushing her hairline. "Already perfect."

The room was silent.

Emotion swelled like waves — crashing against the disbelief, drowning the chaos.

Their baby.

Their world in a pixelated blur.

"Do people name their fetus?" Ishaan suddenly asked. "Because I vote for Bean."

Lavika choked on a laugh through tears. "You're not serious."

"It's either Bean or Dot. Your choice."

The doctor chuckled. "I've heard weirder."

★

Back in the car, Lavika held the ultrasound printout in her hands like it was a treasure.

"I feel... real now," she whispered.

"You've always been real to me," Ishaan said softly. "But today... I saw a something without hearing it. And it still made mine race."

She smiled, tearfully. "We're really doing this, Ishaan."

"We already are," he said, placing a hand over her still-flat stomach. "Five weeks down... a lifetime to go."

And in that moment — parked outside a clinic, holding hands and a sonogram — everything felt right.

Lavika traced the tiny blur on the black-and-white print with trembling fingers, her heart wrapped in a strange, glowing calm.

Ishaan glanced sideways, eyes locked on her.

"We're really doing this," he whispered.

She nodded, cheeks flushed. "We already did."

They both laughed softly, nervous but giddy.

"I think we should tell them," she said, voice almost a whisper.

Ishaan tilted his head. "You sure?"

"No," she admitted. "But I want to."

He reached for his phone, and a few taps later, the screen showed four faces: her mom and dad on one side of the call, and Adya and Aditya

The call connected.

Her mother was the first to speak. "Lavika? Ishaan? Kya hua? Sab theek hai?"

Adya grinned. "You two look suspicious."

Aditya leaned forward, serious as ever. "Is this about work? Or—what's going on?"

Lavika took a breath. "There's something we wanted to share..."

Ishaan held her hand, grounding her.

She lifted the sonogram into the frame, her voice shaking but soft. "I'm pregnant."

Stunned silence.

Her mother blinked rapidly. "Kya?"

Her dad sat back slowly, a soft sigh leaving his lips.

Adya's mouth fell open before she broke into a shocked giggle. "Oh my god. Lavs! You're pregnant?!"

Ishaan nodded. "Five weeks. We just came from the doctor."

Adya squealed. "I'm going to be a buMa!"

Aditya, though, didn't move.
His arms crossed tightly.

"Wait," he said sharply. "You're not even married yet."

The words struck the air like a slap.

Lavika's smile faltered.

Her mother's face crumpled with emotion — not anger, but something softer. Wounded. Worried.

"Beta..." she said slowly, "You're carrying a child... and you're thousands of miles away. Yeh theek nahi hai. Apna khayal kaise rakhogi udhar? London koi jagah hai aise waqt pe rehne ki?"

Lavika swallowed hard. "Maa..."

Her mom interrupted, eyes glistening. "I'm not upset, Lavs. But I'm your mother. Mera dil kaise maanega ki tu akeli hai wahan, iss halat mein?"

Adya reached across the camera to hold her husband's arm. "maa adi, relax. Ishaan's with her. He'll take care of her."

Aditya's jaw ticked. "I just... It's a lot to take in."

Her mother wiped her eyes. "You both should come back. Jaldi. We'll arrange your wedding. It's time now"

Lavika bit her lip.

Her chest ached, but she understood.

This wasn't rejection — it was love laced with fear.

Disappointment wrapped in protectiveness.

Ishaan leaned in, voice firm yet respectful. "We understand, Aunty. Uncle. We didn't plan it this way, but we're in this together. And we'll come to India soon. We promise."

Her dad finally spoke — calm, steady, and quietly proud. "You've both made a big decision. Now stand by it, like adults. And come home. Let us stand by you too."

Lavika's eyes welled up.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," she said. "I just... I wanted to be sure first. I didn't want to tell you with a test kit. I wanted you to see our baby's first photo."

Her mom sniffled. "Tum toh maa banne wali ho... par mere liye tu abhi bhi meri chhoti si bachi hai."

Adya smiled through tears. "Okay, now that we've cried and scolded... can I just say—THIS IS SO EXCITING?! I want a baby niece or nephew who looks like Ishaan but acts like Lavika."

Everyone laughed — even Aditya cracked a reluctant smile.

Lavika and Ishaan leaned into each other as the call ended.

The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving a gentle glow behind — the kind that only follows after rain, or confessions, or family tears.

And in that moment — messy, emotional, imperfect — everything still felt right.

By 6 PM, Ishaan slowed the car near the hospital gate.

Lavika unclipped her seatbelt but lingered a moment, fingers still threaded with his.

"I'll come pick you up, okay?" he murmured, leaning in to tuck a loose strand behind her ear.

She nodded with a soft smile. "I'll be done by 8."

He kissed her forehead gently before she stepped out, his eyes following her in the rearview mirror until the hospital swallowed her white coat again.

And then he pulled out onto the road, headed straight to A&S.

★

The office wasn't as buzzing as morning hours, but the glow of late evening productivity filled the space.

Ishaan walked in, jacket slung on his forearm, Rolex catching the dim amber lights.

Eshaani greeted him with a quiet, "Good evening, sir," and handed over a file. "Delhi project call has been shifted to tomorrow morning. But Ivaan left this signed contract on your desk."

"Thanks," he said, flipping the file open mid-stride as he entered his glass cabin.

Inside, he leaned back in his chair for a moment, staring at the sonogram in the inner pocket of his coat.

A quiet smile curved on his lips.

Five weeks.

Their baby was five weeks old.

A miracle growing silently inside her, while the world kept moving.

★

Lavika had changed out of her white coat and was now checking discharge notes with one of the junior residents.

She was slower than usual — not out of fatigue, but caution.

"Ma'am, should I file this case under post-op?" a nurse asked politely.

"Yes, and please inform Dr. Sara for the follow-up tomorrow."

Lavika rubbed her temples discreetly.

Her sense of smell was sharper, and even the faint antiseptic in the hallway was beginning to make her stomach churn.

She sipped from her water bottle — no coffee, no tea — just what the doctor said.

"Ma'am, you're okay?" one of her co-residents asked.

Lavika smiled reassuringly. "Just a long day."

But her hand instinctively hovered over her belly for a second too long.

★

By 8:03PM , Ishaan's car was already waiting when Lavika stepped out.

This time, she walked slower, arms wrapped around her stomach — more protective now than even a day ago.

He stepped out from the driver's seat as soon as he saw her.

"Hop in, jaan. I've got something for dinner," he said, helping her in like she was made of glass.

Back in the car, she raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you got Thai curry again."

He chuckled, steering into the traffic. "Nope. Doctor-approved, wife-suitable food. I got quinoa salad, stir-fried veggies, and that lemon herb soup you once said tasted like spa water."

Lavika groaned. "God. We're becoming that couple."

Ishaan smirked. "Correction. We're becoming parents."

★

Back home, the lights were soft, the windows cracked open just enough to let in the city hum.

Lavika kicked off her shoes and curled up on the couch, while Ishaan unpacked the food.

"No coffee," he reminded gently, as she reached for the mugs.

"I was going to make green tea," she lied with a pout.

He looked at her knowingly. "Nice try, doctor."

They sat together on the floor, legs tangled, eating warm soup from ceramic bowls while their playlist played low in the background.

At one point, Ishaan reached out and pressed his palm gently against her belly.

It was still surreal — flat, quiet — but full of everything they were about to become.

"I don't want to miss anything," he said quietly. "Not a single moment."

Lavika blinked away the slight moisture from her lashes. "Then don't."

By 10:30 PM, dinner was done, dishes were left in the sink (Ishaan insisted he'd do them in the morning), and the living room had slowly quieted down

Lavika padded out of the bathroom, fresh-faced, in one of his oversized t-shirts — which now seemed to be her official nightwear.

Ishaan was already in bed, propped up against the headboard with a book in hand, but his gaze flicked up the moment he saw her.

His eyes raked over her slowly. "You're not even trying to not turn me on, are you?"

She smirked and climbed onto the bed. "It's your t-shirt, Ishaan. Maybe you should stop being into yourself."

He snorted. "Maybe I should stop letting you wear my things. But then again—"

His hand reached out, fingers lightly grazing her bare thigh as she settled on top of the covers. "—you look better in them than I ever did."

Lavika rolled her eyes but leaned in to steal a kiss.

It was meant to be quick — teasing — but the moment her lips touched his, something shifted.

His hand moved behind her neck, deepening it.

She tasted like mint and something warm and womanly, something uniquely her.

And it wrecked him.

Their mouths moved slow, unhurried, a different kind of hunger building — not desperate, not wild — but need layered with affection.

When she pulled back to breathe, her voice was a whisper against his lips.
"Ishaan... I'm five weeks pregnant."

He grinned, nose brushing hers. "I know. That's why I'm going slow."

His hands slid beneath the shirt, fingers mapping the curves of her back, stopping just short of her lower belly. "I'd never do anything to hurt you or..." —his palm flattened just above her navel— "our baby."

Lavika's breath hitched. "You think it's okay... if we..? actually i really want to do too"

"We asked the doctor. No complications. No restrictions. And we're not doing anything crazy." His voice dropped. "Just love. Lots of it."

She giggled as he gently pulled her under the covers.

The kisses this time were softer, his touch careful, reverent — as if rediscovering her.

He worshipped every inch like it was sacred.

No wild thrusts, no roughness — just lazy, slow grinding, moans swallowed between kisses, and hands that never left her skin.

At one point, she whispered his name — almost too quietly — but he heard it.

He always did.

"Ishaan..."

"Hmm?" he kissed the slope of her shoulder.

"I feel loved."

He pulled her closer. "You are. More than you'll ever understand."

★

They lay tangled in the sheets, her head tucked into the crook of his neck, his hand still protectively over her belly.

"Your meds?" he asked, sleep-laced but alert.

She made a noise of protest. "I don't wanna get up."

"I'll get it," he murmured and kissed her hair before slipping out of bed.

He returned with her prenatal vitamin and a glass of warm milk.

"You're doing too much," she mumbled, sitting up with sleepy eyes.

"Get used to it, Mrs. Agnihotri-in-the-making."

She smiled, took the pill, and sipped the milk.

Then handed him the glass with a sleepy pout.

"I'm scared sometimes."

He brushed his thumb over her cheek. "So am I. But we'll be fine, Lavs. You, me, and this tiny heartbeat."

And that night, under soft lights and cotton sheets, he wrapped her close — her back to his chest, his hand still resting on her stomach.

Their world had already changed.

But in that little cocoon of warmth, love, and whispered promises, it finally felt real.

★

The morning air inside the apartment was quiet—except for the low hum of traffic outside and the distant ticking of the kitchen clock.

But inside the bedroom, the calm was disrupted by a sharp turn in Lavika's stomach.

She blinked awake with a groan, clutching her belly and rolling toward the edge of the bed.

"Shit..." she whispered, palms flying to her mouth.

Ishaan, half-asleep beside her, jolted up. "Lavs?"

"I—need the washroom. Now."

He didn't wait for another word.

He was already out of bed, barefoot on the cold wooden floor, helping her stand.

"I've got you, jaan," he whispered, wrapping one arm around her waist, the other brushing her hair back. "Easy..."

She barely made it to the bathroom sink when the nausea took over.

Ishaan stayed behind her the entire time, crouched low, holding her hair gently with one hand and rubbing her back with the other.

She wiped her face afterward, the nausea fading but leaving her weak and pale.

"God, I hate this already," she muttered.

"You're growing a human in there. You're allowed to hate it and still be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he said softly.

"Shut up," she laughed, weakly pushing his chest.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, warm and grounding. "I'll get your morning snacks. No coffee, okay? I mean it. Doctor's orders."

She pouted dramatically. "I swear I saw you drink one yesterday."

"Yeah, well, I'm not carrying our child," he said smugly, already helping her back to bed.

By the time she tucked herself under the covers again, he returned with warm water, dry toast, soaked almonds, and half a boiled egg cut into bite-sized pieces.

"I even peeled the egg with my own hands. You better love me for life," he teased, holding the tray like it was a treasure.

"I already do," she said quietly, suddenly overwhelmed with warmth that had nothing to do with the blankets.

He sat beside her, feeding her small bites, wiping her lips between them, brushing a hand along her hair.

They stayed like that, wrapped in silence and something sacred.

Then, when the plate was mostly empty, Ishaan took a deep breath and laced his fingers with hers.

"Lavika..."

"Hmm?"

He turned toward her, eyes soft, voice low.

"I've been thinking... we should shift to India in two months. I've already spoken to legal about how we can structure work from there."

She blinked. "That soon?"

"I know we thought we had more time," he said, squeezing her hand, "but you're pregnant. And I don't want you stressing here alone, working endless shifts. We'll be with family. You'll have more support... and love. And..." He paused, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. "We'll get married before that. The way we always dreamed. I don't want to wait anymore, jaan."

Her eyes welled up.

She wasn't even fully hormonal yet, but this man made her tear up on command.

"You're serious?" she whispered.

"Dead serious," he smiled. "You, me, in India, married, starting our family. Properly. Happily. You'll rest, we'll plan the wedding, we'll set up the nursery, and the moment our baby kicks... our entire family will be around to feel it."

She couldn't speak.

Just launched herself into his arms, hiding her face in the crook of his neck.

"I love you," she whispered into his skin.

"I love you more," he murmured back, rubbing slow circles into her back. "I'll do everything to make this journey easier. Every morning nausea, every mood swing, every craving—I've got you. Always."

They stayed like that for minutes — tangled in love, half-under a blanket, with sunlight trickling through the curtains and their baby, only five weeks old, already becoming the center of their universe..

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