WARNINGS: none :0

WORD COUNT: 1110

OCTOBER 2023

Amara sat in the cozy armchair in the hospital, absentmindedly rubbing her swollen belly. The muted hum of the air conditioning filled the room as she ended the call with Chunseo, her best friend. A smile lingered on her lips as Chunseo's bubbly laughter echoed in her memory. They had just talked about some more baby names and her upcoming due date, but now, Amara's focus shifted back to Shubman.

Her eyes softened as they landed on him. He was sprawled out on the bed, his usually sharp features now subdued in sleep. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of a bedside lamp, casting warm shadows across the walls. Shubman looked peaceful, but pale, his body still recovering from the dengue that had hit him hard over the past week. Amara couldn't help but worry about him even though she knew he was in good hands with the team doctors.

"Look at you," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You fight bowlers on the pitch like a warrior, but this fever has knocked you out."

Her words weren't meant for him to hear, but she found herself talking to him anyway. It was comforting, almost therapeutic.

Amara heaved herself up from the chair with a little groan, her seven-month baby bump making every movement a calculated effort. She walked to the bedside and perched on the edge, brushing a stray lock of hair away from his forehead. His skin felt cooler now compared to earlier, which was a relief.

"You scared me, you know that?" she said quietly, her fingers lingering in his hair. "First the fever, then missing the matches. It's not like you at all. But I guess even you need to take a break sometimes."

Shubman stirred slightly, his brow furrowing as if he'd heard her. Amara froze, not wanting to wake him. But after a moment, his face relaxed again, and his breathing remained even. She let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding and smiled.

Her phone buzzed beside her, breaking the serene moment. She quickly grabbed it, glancing at the screen. It was a text from Chunseo: Don't forget to rest too, mama! Baby needs you at 100% 😉

Amara chuckled softly, replying with a quick: I will, promise. Love you!

Just as she set the phone down, Shubman groaned, his voice raspy as he murmured, "Amara...?"

She turned back to him, startled but pleased to see his eyes fluttering open. They were slightly glassy, a sign of his lingering weakness, but they still held that familiar warmth she adored.

"Hey," she said gently, leaning closer. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"

"Like I got hit by a bouncer," he croaked, attempting a small smile. His voice was hoarse, and he winced slightly as he shifted on the bed.

Amara grabbed the glass of water from the nightstand and helped him sit up just enough to take a sip. "Well, you've been through the wringer. Dengue isn't exactly a walk in the park, you know."

He nodded weakly, setting the glass down with her help. "What time is it?"

"Late. You've been sleeping for hours," she replied, sitting back down beside him. "The doctors said rest is the best thing for you right now. No cricket, no stress—just rest."

Shubman let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his messy hair. "I hate missing matches. Especially during the World Cup. And now Ishan's standing in for me..."

"And doing a great job," Amara interrupted, her tone firm but kind. "The team is holding up just fine without you. They all just want you to get better."

"I know, but—"

"No buts," she cut him off, placing a hand on his arm. "You're no good to anyone, especially yourself, if you don't recover properly. The matches will still be there, Shubman. Right now, I need you to focus on getting better—for us." She placed her other hand on her belly, emphasizing her point.

Shubman's gaze softened as he looked at her, then down at her bump. "I know you're right. I just... I hate feeling useless."

"You're not useless," she said immediately. "You're the most important person in my life, Shubman. You're going to be the most amazing dad. That's what matters. Cricket can wait."

Her words seemed to sink in, and he gave her a faint smile. "How did I get so lucky with you?"

"You've got good taste," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

He chuckled weakly, the sound more like a breathy exhale, but it was enough to make her grin. She leaned in and kissed his forehead, lingering for a moment. His skin felt warmer now, but in a healthy way.

"Chunseo called," she said, changing the subject. "She's already planning baby gifts. I told her to wait until we know if we're having a boy or a girl, but she said she's too excited to care."

Shubman's smile grew. "I can't wait to meet this little one," he said, reaching out to place his hand over hers on her belly. "I'm sorry I haven't been as present these past few days. Being sick... it's made me feel like I'm letting you down."

"Stop it," Amara said firmly, her eyes locking with his. "You've been sick, Shubman. That's not your fault. And you haven't let me down. You're here, and that's all I need."

He nodded, though she could see the lingering doubt in his eyes. Wanting to cheer him up, she added, "Besides, do you really think I'd let you off the hook that easily? Once you're better, you're on diaper duty for the first month."

Shubman laughed softly, the sound making her heart swell. "Deal," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Shubman's hand resting protectively over her bump. Amara watched him closely, her worry gradually easing as she saw the faint color returning to his cheeks.

"Get some rest," she said eventually, smoothing the blanket over him. "Doctor's orders—and mine."

"What about you?" he asked, his voice thick with exhaustion but still laced with concern. "You need rest too, Amara."

"I'll sleep soon," she promised, brushing his hair back again. "But right now, you're my priority."

Shubman didn't argue this time. Instead, he closed his eyes, his hand still resting on her belly as he drifted off again. Amara stayed by his side, watching him breathe, feeling a sense of calm settle over her.

For the first time in days, she felt like everything was going to be okay.

HEYHEYHEY GUYS 7TH CHAP (THALA FOR A REASON)

i cant bear seeing shub in dengue:((

im also sorry for the horrible writing :(

but anyways how was the chap?

what do you think will happen in the next one? (nov 19 is too early 😔)

see you later (mirrorball will be updated next with a lenghty chapter probably!)