Episode 23...

The evening was filled with laughter and light conversation as everyone gathered around Malini and the newborn. Amidst the chatter, Vijay's phone buzzed. It was a call from Abi

'ellarum epo varinga? sapudra nera aiyuduchu' Abi said with a gentle tone, though it was clear she was eager for everyone to arrive.

Ajay checked the time and chuckled. 'Time ponathey therila. Let's get going before Vijay starves!' he joked.

Shreya and Keerthana, though, weren't about to leave without making sure Hussain and Malini were settled. They stood by the bedside, offering advice like seasoned pros.

'Hussain na, remember to keep her hydrated,' Keerthana instructed, her voice filled with motherly authority.

'Anni, edha irundhalum call panunga kk va' Shreya added, ensuring her sister-in-law was taken care of.

Hussain smiled at them, grateful for their concern. 'endha kavalaiyum vendam, nanga pathukurom' he assured them, though his eyes never left Malini's peaceful face.

With final goodbyes and promises to return soon, everyone made their way to Vijay's car. The drive to his and Abi's home was filled with excitement, but nothing could have prepared them for what awaited.

As they approached the neighborhood, everyone's eyes widened. The colony was unlike anything they had seen back in India. Neatly lined houses, each unique and beautiful in their own right, formed a picturesque street. But it was Vijay and Abi's home that stood out the most-a charming, modern house with lush greenery and a welcoming ambiance.

'Wow,' Keerthana whispered in awe. 'This is stunning.'

Even Surya, who rarely voiced admiration, was impressed. 'Indha edam romba calm ah irukku'

As the car rolled to a stop, Abi emerged from the front door, smiling warmly. 'Vaanga, ellarum ulla vaanga' she greeted, gesturing for them to come inside.

Vijay led the way, giving everyone a grand tour of the house. Each room seemed more impressive than the last, and the family marveled at the thoughtful touches that made the house a home.

'Ellame nalla iruku nga' Naren said, taking in the sleek modern kitchen. 'The facilities here are so different from what we're used to.'

Ajay, standing beside him, nodded in agreement.

The tour ended in the spacious living room, where everyone settled down, feeling right at home. Zaara, always curious, tugged at Abi's hand.

'Athai, Nila enga?' Zaara asked in her innocent voice.

Abi's heart swelled hearing Zaara call her "athai." She crouched down to the little girl's level, her eyes softening. 'Nila thoongura thangam, konjam nerathula endhurichiruva'

The others noticed Zaara's question, and smiles spread across the room. It was a moment of quiet bonding that made Abi feel even more connected to the family.

As the conversation flowed, Shreya and Keerthana got up and joined Abi in the kitchen, offering to help with dinner preparations. Abi, surprised but grateful, welcomed their company.

The kitchen was filled with the sounds of clinking dishes and quiet gossip as the three women worked together. Their conversation shifted from recipes to life experiences, with Abi sharing stories of Switzerland and Shreya and Keerthana talking about home in India. Little did they know that this moment of shared laughter and camaraderie was the beginning of a deep friendship.

Meanwhile, in the living room, the men-Vijay, Ajay, Naren, and Surya-were engrossed in a news report. But it wasn't long before the comforting aroma of dinner pulled their attention away.

'Sapaadu ready!' Keerthana called, as they set the table.

Everyone took their seats, eager to taste Abi's cooking. Just as Vijay was about to take his first bite, a soft cry echoed from upstairs. Nila had woken up.

'idho vandhudren' Vijay said quickly, pushing back his chair.

But before he could stand, Shreya stopped him with a smile. 'Anna neenga sapudunga, na poi papa va paakuren'

Abi smiled knowingly from across the table. 'Vidu da avare pogatum, avanga appa ponadhan madam aluga matanga, na pona kuda kathuva'

Shreya chuckled but nodded, stepping back as Vijay made his way upstairs. A few moments later, he returned with Nila cradled in his arms. Her tiny face, still sleepy, brightened the room, and Zaara immediately perked up.

'Nila!' Zaara called out excitedly, waving her hands toward the baby.

Everyone smiled at the sight of the two little girls, their innocent excitement contagious. Ajay, on the other hand, found himself drifting into a daydream. He imagined a future where he held his own daughter in his arms, a sweet baby girl who looked just like Shreya. The thought warmed his heart, filling him with a quiet sense of joy and anticipation.

Abi took her seat at the table, finally ready to join the others for dinner. As they dug into the meal, it became clear that Abi's culinary skills were extraordinary. Naren was the first to comment, his eyes wide in appreciation.

'Super ah irruku ma'

Shreya nodded in agreement. 'Aiyo, semmaiya irruku'

Even Surya, who rarely praised anyone's cooking but his own, was impressed. 'Romba naal kalichu oru nalla veetu sapadu sapudren'

Abi's cheeks flushed with pride, and Vijay, sitting beside her, gave her a proud smile. It was moments like these that made all the hard work feel worth it.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere became more relaxed, and the conversation naturally shifted to deeper, more personal topics. With Malini and Hussain still at the hospital, the rest of the group found themselves reflecting on life, family, and the new beginnings that lay ahead. The soft hum of the night outside seemed to mirror the gentle tone of their discussions, and everyone appeared content, basking in the warmth of shared stories and laughter.

It was Shreya who first brought up the topic of family. She looked around the table and smiled softly, the joy of having everyone together evident in her eyes. "You know," she began, her voice carrying a trace of nostalgia, "family really is everything. Watching Malini become a mother today just brought it all back. The ups, the downs, the sleepless nights... but it's all worth it in the end."

Ajay, who was sitting beside her, nodded in agreement, his gaze softening as he listened. 'I never realized how much joy a baby could bring until today. Seeing Malini with her son... I don't know, it just makes you think about everything differently.'

Abi, who had been quietly sipping her tea, smiled at the conversation. She looked at Vijay, who gave her a small, supportive nod, encouraging her to join in. Abi set her cup down and leaned forward slightly, her hands resting on the edge of the table. 'Parenthood is definitely life-changing,' she said, her tone thoughtful. 'Nila enga vazhkai la vandhapo, it wasn't just about raising a child-it was about growing as people. The challenges, the unpredictability... it forces you to become more patient, more understanding.'

Shreya turned to Abi with interest. 'That's true, Abi. As doctors, we're used to being in control, knowing what to expect. But when it comes to raising a child, nothing prepares you for the moments that test you.'

Abi chuckled softly. 'Exactly. It's like being a doctor and a mother are two completely different worlds. In the hospital, you have protocols, routines. But at home... well, no manual can prepare you for the unpredictability of a baby's needs.'

The table erupted in light laughter, the shared understanding bringing a sense of camaraderie. Even Zaara, with her innocent curiosity, looked between the adults, sensing the joy in the room.

The conversation flowed effortlessly from one topic to another, with Abi and Shreya exchanging stories from their medical careers, each adding to the growing connection between them. They shared humorous moments from the hospital, the odd situations they had encountered, and the unforgettable patients that left lasting impressions.

Their shared experiences as doctors created a bond between them that hadn't existed before. Though they came from different places and faced different challenges, their dedication to their profession was a common thread that wove them closer together.

While the women bonded over their shared profession, the men also found themselves engaging in deeper conversation. Naren, who rarely spoke of personal matters, opened up about his hopes for the future. Surya, always the wise elder, offered advice and insight, drawing from his own experiences as a father.

As the night wore on, the warmth in the room only grew, and everyone felt a deeper sense of connection. It was a rare moment of stillness, of peace, where life's challenges seemed distant and all that mattered was the love and support they shared as a family.

The house, filled with laughter and the scent of home-cooked food, felt like a sanctuary-a place where family came together, not just by blood, but by the love they shared.

Abi and Vijay exchanged a look of contentment as they watched their family gathered around the table, their hearts full. It was in these quiet moments, surrounded by those they cared about, that they realized how truly blessed they were.

Later, after dinner was finished and the dishes were cleared, everyone began to disperse to their respective rooms for the night. The house, which had been filled with chatter and laughter, slowly quieted down, leaving behind a sense of peace and contentment.

Vijay finally entered the bedroom after wrapping up an official call that had dragged on longer than expected. The day had been incredibly long and emotionally exhausting for both him and Abi. He stood for a moment at the doorway, taking in the soft, dim glow of the room. There, sitting in the middle of the bed, was Abi, gently rocking Nila in her arms. The baby was almost asleep, her tiny fists clenched against her mother's chest.

Abi looked up and met Vijay's eyes, placing a finger to her lips, shushing him gently. He smiled softly and nodded, understanding immediately. His heart swelled as he saw the peaceful sight of Abi and Nila together. It was one of those moments that made everything worth it-the long days, the struggles, the challenges of parenthood.

He quietly walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Abi continued to rock their daughter, humming a soft lullaby. Moments later, Nila's little eyelids fluttered closed, and she drifted off to sleep.

'Happaada oru valiya thoongita' Abi whispered, her voice filled with both exhaustion and contentment. She sat down beside Vijay with Nila in her lap, her body relaxing against his.

Vijay wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 'You did amazing today, Abi. Na Nila pathi mattum solala, but with everything. The hospital, your family, dinner... all of it.'

Abi smiled as she leaned into his chest, resting her head there for a moment. 'It was a long day, but... Nalla irundhudhu la? To have everyone together, to see Malini's baby born safe and healthy... And then Nila... Avala paarungalen' She gestured to her lap where their daughter was sleeping peacefully, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. 'She's everything to me. To us.'

Vijay nodded, his gaze soft as he watched Nila. 'She really is. I still remember the day she was born. It felt like my whole world shifted. And inaiki.... Malini oda kozhandhaiya paakumbodhu, it brought it all back. The fear, the excitement, the love.' He paused, his voice lowering with emotion. But I'm so glad we're doing this together. I couldn't have asked for a better partner, Abi.'

Abi looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. 'Enkoodaye ninuninga ninnutu irukinga. Even when I was scared or unsure, you were there, always so steady, so sure. I feel so lucky, Vijay... for everything. For you, for Nila, for this family we've built together.'

Vijay's heart swelled with love as he reached up and gently wiped a stray tear from her cheek. 'You've been incredible, naa edhir pathadha vida. And seeing you with Nila, how much love you give her... it makes me love you even more.'

They sat in silence for a few moments, just basking in each other's presence, feeling the calm settle over them after such a long, eventful day. Abi reached over and laced her fingers through his, their hands resting between them. 'I love you, Vijay,' she whispered, her voice soft but filled with so much meaning.

'I love you too, Abi,' Vijay replied, leaning down to kiss her gently on the lips.

After a few more moments of quiet, making sure their baby was fully asleep before she carefully stood up and laid her down in the crib beside their bed. Making sure she was snug and comfortable. Once their daughter was safely asleep again, they crawled into bed themselves, the weight of the day finally catching up with them.

Abi rested her head on Vijay's shoulder, and they both felt a sense of peace and fulfillment wash over them as they drifted into a peaceful sleep, their hearts full of love.

---

Meanwhile, in a nearby room, Ajay and Shreya lay in bed, the dim light of the bedside lamp casting soft shadows on the walls. They had been talking quietly, reflecting on the day's events. Shreya lay beside Ajay, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

'Inaiki nadandhadhu ellam ennala innum kooda process pana mudiyala' Shreya said quietly. 'Malini anni oda papa la irundhu Abi pathadhu varaikum.. It was a lot to take in.'

Ajay nodded, his hand absently stroking her hair. 'Nee soldradhu enaku puriyudhu. I'm still processing it too. Akka amma anadhula irundhu... and then realizing all that Abi has been through. Abi ivlo kashta paturupa nu na ninaikala.'

Shreya looked up at him, her eyes soft with emotion. 'Enaku kekave romba kashtama irundhudhu. What she went through with you and her parents... it must have been so hard for her to trust again.'

Ajay sighed, thinking about everything Abi had confided in them. 'Ama. ana Vijay avaluku kidachadhula enaku romba happy. Romba nallavara irukaru, and he clearly loves her and Nila with everything he has.'

Shreya smiled, a teasing glint in her eyes. 'And Nila, she's such a cutie. Nila va neenga yen apdi pathutu irundhinga. Don't tell me you're already imagining us with a baby of our own.'

Ajay chuckled, a little embarrassed, but couldn't deny it. 'Maybe, amaa' he admitted with a grin. 'It's hard not to, after today. Seeing you with Zaara and Nila... I couldn't help but imagine it.'

Shreya playfully nudged him. 'Thambi adhuku lam innum time irukku nyabagam vachiko'

Ajay smiled and pulled her closer, feeling incredibly lucky to have her by his side. 'Theriyum. But when the time comes... I know we'll be ready.'

Shreya looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with affection. 'I think you'll make an amazing dad, Ajay.'

'And you'll be an amazing mom,' Ajay replied, his voice full of sincerity.

They lay in each other's arms for a while longer, the events of the day finally catching up with them. As the soft hum of the night surrounded them, they both felt a deep sense of contentment and peace. They drifted off into a peaceful sleep, their hearts full of gratitude and love, knowing that the future, whatever it held, would be faced together.

Too be continued....

Hope you guys liked this chapter

Dw guys Ajay-Shreya followers ku oru periya surprise waitinggg

Do shower ur love and vote the chapter and don't forget to share ur opinions in the comments...

Stay Tuned!
~Abi