I felt heavy. I looked heavy. I've been insulated with layers of fat. But that's not the point anymore. I am unable to even wear a saree all by myself! So, I had to switch to sweat pants and t-shirts.

I just want to pout and be pampered the whole freaking day. I am a self-motivated person, but these hormones are making me depend on my husband even for essentials.

Yeah, you got me right, I am at a very pregnant stage!

Raj ji keeps reminding that he still finds me sexy and cute but those are just words, I know! Our exams are also nearing, actually they're just a week away and suddenly I was filled with self-consciousness of what will others think of a very pregnant lady coming and writing an entrance exam for medicine?

I spoke my mind to my husband that late night, (yes, mine was on next Saturday and his on Sunday!) while he was solving yet another book of aptitude questions. I do feel jealous of those trains formulae because he's just paying more attention to them these days.

I know that's not true, but I am entitled to a bit of irrationality!

One of the many qualities that I admire in my husband is that hel is a great and a very attentive listener. He patiently absorbed every word I had to speak, which were merely products of nervousness and anxiety.

"Ushh-, Pavi, Come here-", he pulled me towards him.

I snuggled up to him.

Hey, aptitude book, see my husband loves me, huh!

God, my hormones!

He kissed my forehead and placed his arm on my tummy and said in a husky voice, "Listen to me, you look beautiful!".

Seriously, with me being this fa-

"Hey, come on, stop with your 'I am insulated with fat'-"

"How did you know?"

"Oh, you mumble in sleep, and why are you jealous of a non living book?", he teased me showing his million dollar smile.

I swatted his arm and pouted.

He laughed even more, like an uncontrollable laugh.

An epiphany hit him that it's not wise to laugh at his very pregnant wife and so, he cleared his throat and continued.

"I'd be a 100 times fat and call myself blessed if I'd be able to take our lucky charm to the exam hall, baby. You should be so proud of yourself for pulling this off.

I mean, pregnant or not, I cannot understand even one word in these topics-

Bio molecules?

Cytoplasm?

Genetics?

But look at you, acing them like it's making a cotton candy!

This has nothing to do with you being pregnant or in your words 'fat'.

You are just tensed about your exams. But my baby's gonna rock it. It's just an hour, and by the end of it, you'd be back, with me, in my arms, so that I can kiss you-"

And, not even wanting to finish those words, he pulled me to his perfect and appreciably soft lips and kissed me, bestowing love, confidence and the fact that I am the one for him, not his thick books!

I smiled and blushed and giggled like a teenager.

"I'm sorry I am being this irrational and immature-"

He smiled.

"You are entitled to a bit of all this, okay?"

I blew him a kiss and well, returned to my last minute revision material. He chuckled and also resumed to his studies.

⚡⚡⚡

Saturday came faster than ever. I woke up even before I could sleep and well, Raj ji had to also suffer a sleepless time.

As we both made it to the living hall, we saw Ma ji also wide awake.

"Bahu, do you want a cup of coffee?"

"Ma ji, I don't want to trouble you early-"

"Bahu, you are in this house for more than a year now! Do you still have to portray formalities with me?"

I smiled and blinked at her.

"Ma, one cup of coffee for me and Raj ji."

"Coming right up!

And after that both of you get ready. You have to reach the exam hall, but before that just pay a visit to the temple.

I want you to leave early, because, before the temple gets crowded and noisy, Raj, take Bahu and go.

My daughter is going to give her exam that would take her to her dreams. May all the Lords be with her."

I smiled as I felt myself tearing up.

Raj ji gently put an arm around me and consoled.

After a refreshing coffee, I started doing my very last minute of preparations while Rekha and Raj ji were packing my stationary and Ma ji, our lunch.

I had to recently stitch a couple of salwar kameez suits to wear outside and so, my husband had picked out a nice blue and green outfit for me.

I was ready. I felt confident. I felt warm. Well, this is it.

"Bhabhi, all the best!"

"Bahu, don't worry, you have prepared with your heart and soul. Everything's going to be fine."

"Ha Bahu, your Ma ji is right. Just give your best shot and come"

I stood there with a broad smile and a huge wave of positive emotions encapsulating me.

My family had come a long way to support me through my dreams, and me with being pregnant, they understood what I was going through. They have certainly done so much for me and it was all to make me what I dream of seeing myself. I felt overwhelmed.

I first went and hugged Ma ji and then, my lovely sister in law.

Babaji gave me a warm shake hand and reminded me to eat all the fruits he had chopped and packed.

I nodded.

If not for me, it's for my family that I have to give this best shot. I turned and looked at my husband.

"Let's leave?", he asked.

I nodded.

"All the best, Dr. Pavithra Rajeev.", he wispered, as we stepped out of the house to board our taxi.

❤️❤️❤️