Episode 21...

The tension in the air grew with every passing second as Malini's face contorted in pain, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Hussain sat beside her, gripping her hand as tightly as he could without hurting her. Everyone stood around, worry etched deep into their expressions. Abi, sensing the urgency of the situation, immediately snapped into her professional mode.

'Vijay' she called, her voice steady despite the rising panic in the air. 'Car la irundhu ennoda steth ah odane eduthutu vaanga'

Vijay didn't need further instruction. His eyes widened with understanding, and he bolted towards their car parked a few meters away. Shreya, Ajay, Naren, and Keerthana exchanged nervous glances. Zaara, sensing the anxiety around her, clung tightly to Keerthana, her tiny fingers gripping her mother's sleeve.

Hussain knelt beside Malini, his eyes wide with worry. 'r u ok chotti, konjam poruthuko da' His voice trembled as he tried to sound reassuring, but Malini's pained groans made it clear that the situation was escalating fast.

Within moments, Vijay returned, panting slightly from his sprint, but clutching the stethoscope tightly in his hand. Abi snatched it from him with a quick nod of thanks, crouching beside Malini and placing it gently on her belly. She listened intently, her eyes narrowing as she concentrated on the rhythmic beats of the fetal heart rate.

After a moment, Abi stood up, a hint of urgency in her eyes but her voice calm and authoritative. 'Avangaluku labour pain dhan vandhuruchu' she said, her voice cutting through the tension. 'namba odane hospital ku ponnum'

Panic rippled through the group like a sudden storm. Ajay, usually calm and composed, started pacing, his hands flying to his head as he muttered, 'Labour? But we're not prepared! adhum indha theriyadha oorla epdi..'

Abi stepped forward, placing a hand on Ajay's shoulder. Her eyes were steady, her voice firm. 'Ajay konjam kelu, I know this situation, and Malini and the baby are in safe hands. But we have to move, and we have to move now. Trust me.'

Hussain helped Malini to her feet, supporting her as her contractions hit harder. She winced and leaned into him, her face pale but determined.

Abi quickly organized them. 'Vijay and I will drive with Hussain, Malini, and Shreya to the hospital. The rest of you follow in a cab Keerthana konjam papa va mattum kootikiringala. Let's move!' Her voice left no room for argument, and everyone sprang into action.

---

The drive to the hospital was tense. Malini's breathing was labored, and every few minutes, she gripped Hussain's hand tighter as another contraction wracked her body. Hussain kept whispering soft reassurances in her ear, though his voice cracked with every word. Shreya sat in the front seat, turning back frequently to check on Malini, worry lining her face.

Abi was calm, her doctor's instinct fully engaged as she monitored Malini's condition closely. Her hands were steady as she checked Malini's pulse and made sure her contractions were progressing normally. Vijay, ever the composed husband, drove with quiet efficiency, though the stiffness in his posture gave away his own concern.

In the cab following them, Ajay sat rigid in his seat, staring out the window as the city blurred past. His mind was racing. His sister, Malini, was about to give birth. The thought overwhelmed him, filling him with a mixture of excitement and deep fear. Naren sat beside him with Nila in his lap, equally worried, while Keerthana tried to keep Zaara calm.

Zaara, oblivious to the seriousness of the situation, kept asking questions in her tiny voice. 'Athai enga ponga? (Athai enga poranaga) Her innocent curiosity brought a brief, soft smile to Keerthana's face.

---

At the hospital, they were met by a team of medical staff, all prepared and briefed thanks to Vijay's call. Malini was swiftly wheeled into a private room, her face twisted in pain, but her eyes focused on Hussain beside her. Abi followed closely, her demeanor professional but full of compassion.

Ajay arrived moments later with the others, his heart pounding as he ran into the hospital. His eyes darted around, searching for any sign of his sister. When he saw her being wheeled through the doors, the sight nearly brought him to his knees. Malini was so strong, so brave, but seeing her in this vulnerable state made Ajay's heart ache with worry.

Abi, now dressed in her doctor's scrubs, reappeared, looking as poised and calm as ever. 'Idhu engaloda hospital dhan' she explained to everyone, sensing their surprise. 'Malini and the baby are in the best possible care.'

Hussain, his hands trembling slightly, looked at her with wide, pleading eyes.

Abi placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a warm, reassuring smile. 'Both of them are doing just fine, Anna. Trust me. Everything is going to be okay.'

Abi's words brought a wave of relief, but the tension still hovered.

Malini's labored breaths filled the room, her face contorted in pain as she gripped Hussain's hand tightly. Her contractions were getting closer together, and the reality of the moment hit everyone hard. Hussain stayed by her side, his hand trembling but steady as he whispered soft reassurances into her ear.

Shreya stood at the foot of the bed, her hands clasped nervously in front of her, but her voice was calm as she spoke. 'Onnum illa anni. Just a little more, and you'll be holding your baby in no time.' Her words were filled with warmth and encouragement, hoping to give Malini strength in the moments that counted the most.

Keerthana, holding Zaara in her arms, stepped forward with a comforting smile. 'Malu ka bayapudadhinga, naanga irukom ok' Her voice was tender, filled with admiration for the strength Malini was showing.

Zaara, sensing the seriousness of the situation but not fully understanding, waved her little hand and piped up in her cute, high-pitched voice. 'Athai, you'll be okay! Papa vara podhuu' Her innocent excitement lightened the heavy air for a brief moment, bringing soft smiles to the room.

Varun, usually the strong, couldn't hold back his emotions as he took a deep breath. 'Malu naanga ellarum irukom kk va. Namba ellarum edhukaga wait pannom oh adhu konjam nerathula nadaka pogudhu adhunala sandhoshama iru' His voice cracked with emotion, but his words carried the weight of family love.

But as everyone around her spoke words of encouragement, there was one person missing-Ajay. He stood just outside the room, unable to bring himself to face his sister in her most vulnerable moment. He leaned against the wall, his head bowed, tears silently streaming down his face. He didn't want Malini to see him like this, not when she needed strength, not when she needed him to be strong for her.

Inside the room, Malini, her breath coming in sharp gasps, looked around at her family. Though she appreciated their support, her eyes scanned the room, searching for the one face that was missing. Her lips trembled as she whispered, 'Ajay enga?'

Shreya, always attuned to the emotions around her, noticed the absence of Ajay and immediately slipped out of the room. She found him standing just outside, his face in his hands, trying to compose himself.

'Ajay' Shreya's voice was soft but firm as she approached him. 'unga akka ku ungala pakanuma'

Ajay shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. 'Aiyo vendam ma naney already aludhutu iruken, if she sees me she'll feel more demotivated' His voice cracked, betraying the deep love and concern he felt for his sister.

Shreya placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. 'Ajay, avangaluku amma illandra kora ipo varanuma, she needs you Ajay, konjam arudhala pesuninga na she'lll feel happy la'

Ajay hesitated for a moment, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He knew Shreya was right. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before nodding slowly.

---

Ajay walked back into the room, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes were red and swollen, but he didn't care anymore. This was for Malini. His sister. His heart.

Malini's tired eyes lit up when she saw him enter. 'Deii' she whispered, her voice strained but filled with love. 'nee varamata nu nenachen'

Ajay knelt down beside her, taking her hand in his. His voice was soft but steady as he spoke. 'adhellam onnum ila di'

Malini smiled weakly, her grip tightening on his hand as she winced through another contraction. Ajay leaned closer, his voice filled with tenderness. 'Edhukum bayapudadha naa iruken ok va, ennaiye ivlo nalla pathukuta apo un papa kaga nee evlo strong ah irukanum sollu, I'm very proud of you, na en marumagalukaga velila wait pannitu irupen ok va.'

'Apo naanu'Malini asked 'unnaku illamaya sollu' he said

A tear rolled down Malini's cheek, but it wasn't from pain-it was from the love she felt at that moment. 'Thank you da'

Ajay leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. 'I love you, ka. You've got this kk?'

Malini nodded, her heart swelling with the strength and love she felt from her brother. For a moment, the pain subsided, replaced by the overwhelming connection they shared. Ajay stayed with her for a few more moments, holding her hand, his presence calming her in ways no one else could.

Malini's smile lingered as Ajay left the room, feeling a bit lighter, knowing her brother was by her side. Shreya, standing near the door, gave Ajay a proud, reassuring smile. 'Paarunga, she feels complete now'

Ajay nodded, his heart full, knowing that whatever happened next, they were in this together as a family.

Abi appeared again, this time ready to start the procedure. 'time agudhu' she said gently, looking at Hussain. 'Anna neenga mattum vaanga, she needs you'

Hussain nodded, his face pale but determined. He followed Abi back into the room, not wanting to leave Malini's side.

The atmosphere in the labor ward was thick with tension and anticipation. Malini lay on the hospital bed, beads of sweat covering her forehead as she gripped Hussain's hand tightly. Abi stood at the foot of the bed, her face calm but focused, as she gave gentle, yet firm instructions to the nurses around her.

'Akka, you're doing amazing' Abi said encouragingly, her tone warm but professional. 'Avlodhan mudinjudhu, you'll meet ur baby soon'

Malini's breaths came in short, strained gasps, her body exhausted from hours of labor. But Hussain's steady grip and his whispered words of reassurance gave her strength. 'cmon chotti unnala mudiyum'

The contractions hit harder, and Malini cried out, her face twisted in pain. Abi's calm voice cut through the chaos, 'Alright, Akka. One final push. When you're ready. You've got this.'

With all the strength left in her, Malini gave one last push, her body trembling with the effort. A sharp, sudden cry filled the room, and for a moment, everything stood still.

Abi gently lifted the newborn baby, small and fragile, but wailing with life. holding the baby up for Malini and Hussain to see.

Tears filled Hussain's eyes as he looked at the tiny bundle in Abi's arms. 'You did it' he whispered to Malini, his voice choked with emotion. Malini, though exhausted, smiled through her tears, her heart swelling with love as she looked at their bundle of joy.

Abi carefully wrapped the baby in a soft towel, her movements practiced and gentle. "Both baby and mother are doing great," she assured them

The room was filled with a sense of overwhelming joy and relief as the cries of the newborn mingled with the happy tears of new parents.

---

Outside the delivery room, the waiting was agonizing. Ajay paced back and forth, his hands trembling as he kept glancing at the door. Shreya sat nearby, offering him quiet reassurance, while Naren, Keerthana, and Zaara tried to stay calm. Zaara, sensing the tension, held her mother's hand tightly, looking around with wide, curious eyes.

As Ajay paced nervously outside the labor ward, his hands fidgeting, eyes darting toward the door, Vijay approached him, his demeanor calm and steady. He could sense the storm of emotions Ajay was struggling with. Vijay, though usually reserved, knew this was a moment where Ajay needed reassurance.

'Ajay' Vijay said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. 'I know it's overwhelming. Ana enna nambunga, Malini is in good hands. Abi's an experienced doctor. She knows what she's doing.'

Ajay sighed, his chest tight with worry. 'its just.... enga family oda first baby and Akka vera adhunladhan'

Vijay smiled faintly, understanding the weight of Ajay's anxiety. 'Abi oda delivery apo naanum ipdi dhan irundhen, solla ponum na engaluku innum mosam. Yen na, Malini ku atleast avangala suthi ivlo peru irukom. She has you, Shreya, Hussain-she's surrounded by love and support. When Abi was in labour , na mattum dhan irundhen. Avanga appa amma alayo illa en patti thatha alayo vara mudiyala because avaluku unexpected ah pain vandhuruchu- adhum enga rendu perukum idhu romba pudhusu vera'

Ajay paused, absorbing Vijay's words. He hadn't thought of it that way before. The isolation Vijay must have felt during such a critical time.

'epdi nga manage paninga?' Ajay said softly.

'Yeah, we managed' Vijay nodded, his voice carrying both strength and empathy. 'You'll manage too. We always do, somehow. And you're not alone in this. Malini's stronger than you think. She'll come out of this smiling, holding her baby.'

Ajay's nerves calmed a little as he looked at Vijay with gratitude. He realized that despite everything, his sister was surrounded by people who loved her-and she had the best doctor in there.

Suddenly, from inside the room, they heard Malini's voice, followed by a high-pitched baby's cry. The sound cut through the tension like a knife, and everyone froze, their hearts leaping in their chests.

Abi emerged from the room moments later, her face glowing with a radiant smile. In her arms, she held a tiny, swaddled baby, wrapped in a soft towel. Behind her, Hussain followed, his eyes filled with joyful tears.

'It's a boy' Abi announced, her voice brimming with pride. 'Both Malini and the baby are perfectly healthy.'

The room erupted with joy. Zaara clapped her little hands in excitement, while Keerthana and Varun embraced. Ajay felt his knees go weak as he slumped into a chair, tears streaming down his face. The overwhelming relief washed over him, and for a moment, he couldn't speak.

'Yaaru kolandhaiya first vanguringa, anna neenga vanguringala?' Abi asked Hussain 'illa ma ava valaikappu munnadiye sollita ava thambi dhan kolandhaiya first uh vanganum nu'

Abi smiled at Ajay, holding out the tiny baby toward him.

Ajay stared at the baby in awe, his hands trembling as he carefully took the newborn into his arms. The baby's tiny fingers curled slightly as he looked up at Ajay with wide, innocent eyes. The weight of the moment hit Ajay like a wave. He felt tears fill his eyes again, and he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the baby's forehead.

'Azhaga irukann' Ajay whispered, his voice choked with emotion. 'Ennoda champ!'

The room was filled with quiet smiles, laughter, and tears of joy as everyone gathered around to marvel at the little miracle. Malini had done it. The baby boy had arrived safely, and their family had grown in the most beautiful way possible.

For that moment, all the worries and fears melted away, replaced by the warmth of love and the joy of new beginnings.

To be continued.....

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~Abi