Disclaimer: 18+ content, mentions of miscarriage.

.....

3 years later.

The city of Somnath was adorned with lights and colours, the open sky decorating the land below with its stars, for it was that time of the year, to celebrate the festival of Navratri.

This year, the Garba Night was arranged and sponsored by the Patels, owing to the enormous amount of money they had received. Men, women and kids of all ages admired the colourful streets of Somnath, who were dressed in the traditional lehengas and dhotis for the Durga Puja on the occasion of Navratri, the happiness radiating across town.

Raavi fixed the anklets Shiva had once bought for her, grabbing the dandiya sticks and rushing towards the open ground, just in time for the DJ night.

"Itna time lagata hai koi?" Shiva grumbled, and she placed a chaste kiss on his lips, oblivious to the crowd of old people that were gaping at her.

"Sorry. Mujhe laga aaj hi ke din wicket down ho gaya." Raavi pulled him towards the centre, referring to her monthly dates.

"But nahi hua! So I can enjoy!" She exclaimed, clicking the dandiya together, linking her arms with Shiva's, as the grabbed the centre stage for Garba Night.

"Mujhe Garba nahi aata, chipkali." Shiva held his pair of dandiya sticks, walking in circles to the music.

"Liar." Raavi chuckled, as Shiva smiled, the music picking up pace as they twirled and moved to the beats of the occasion, holding each other close and dancing to their heart's content.

It had been 6 years since they had been wedded, 4 years since Janhavi had entered their lives, 3 years since their tiny 0.5 puppy had entered their lives, who had also managed to enter the ground after Suman had forgotten to put him on his leash.

"Goldu!" Raavi called out, sitting down on the floor to catch hold of him, very obviously scaring away the crowd. He was nothing but lovable, always jumping in for kisses and cuddles, and was Janhavi's permanent rock and saviour, almost nipping at Shiva and Raavi for scolding Janhavi, who had broken the neighbour's window in a fit of annoyance for accidentally kicking Goldie.

The golden dog dashed its way towards Raavi, halting suddenly in front of her.

"What's wrong, baba?" Raavi scratched his head, as Goldie, after quite the deal with Janhavi to be called Goldu, sniffed Raavi and rested his head on her lap.

"Shiva, is he not feeling well?" Raavi looked up at Shiva, who sat down to pet Goldie, "Kuch dinon se aise hi behave kar raha hai."

"Doctor ke paas le jaaye isse?" Shiva scratched his back, as Goldie nudged Raavi's arms and belly.

"Le jaate hai. Aisa toh bilkul theek rehta hai. Are you not feeling okay, baby?" Raavi asked Goldie, who just nudged her belly.

"Kya isko baby, baby bolti rehti hai, Raavi? Kabhi khud ka baby bhi kar liya karo." Nirula Kaki quipped from behind, and Raavi rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Aa gayi ye phir mera dimaag khaane.

"Nirula Kaki!" Raavi exclaimed in a fake high-pitched voice, gritting her teeth as she forced a smile. "Kaisi hai aap?"

"Bas tumhare bacche ko dekhne ke liye taras rahi hu." The older woman said, which made even Shiva scoff. By some very far-off relation, she was related to Raavi and wouldn't get off their backs as the 'only child of her beloved brother.'

"Janhavi se mile hi ho na aap?" Raavi stood up and smiled, motioning Shiva to bring Goldie's leash, who didn't leave her side, growling at the woman in front of her.

"6 saal ho gaye hai shaadi ko, phir bhi baccha nahi ho raha? Aur Janhavi kaha tumhari beti hai, kya pata Shiva ne koi paap kiya ho aur-" Nirula taunted, and Raavi clenched her fists to prevent someone getting bruised on this occasion.

"Arre Shiva!" Raavi turned around and called out, as he jogged over to clasp the leash around Goldie's neck, and stood next to Raavi. "Humare kamre ki chaabi hai na tere paas?"

"Haa?" Shiva asked, looking between the women.

"Nirula Kaki ko dede." She turned towards her aunt, who looked equally confused. "Inhe samajh nahi aa raha, ki hume baccha kyu nahi ho raha. Toh hum jab bhi sex karenge, aap ghuske dekh lena kya galat kar rahe hai."

Shiva twisted his face in disgust, realising by Raavi's tone that this woman had ticked her off once again, while the woman in question look offended.

"Arre Kaki!" Raavi exclaimed, stepping closer, "Ek kaam karo, aap Kaka ko bhi le aana, kyunki aapko demonstration kiye bina fursat kaha milegi, hai na?"

"Kaisi badtameez ladki hai!" Nirula fumed, and Raavi gave a wide fake smile, crossing her arms across her chest. "Aise baatein karte hue sharam nahi aayi?"

"Aap sawaal aise puchogi, toh jawaab bhi aisa hi milega. Samjhi?" Raavi pointed her fingers at the older woman, who looked away in disgust.

"Aur ek baat." Raavi held her chin between her fingers and forced her to look back, "Janhavi HUMARI beti hai. Aapko pasand aaye na aaye, mujhe koi farak nahi padta. Aaindha usko gandha khoon bolne se pehle soch lena, warna aapne tukde tukde karke Goldie ko KHILA DUNGI!"

Nirula stared at Goldie, who whimpered and sat down to show he was very innocent and not as vicious as his mother described him. And then at Raavi, who was fuming with anger which reflected in her eyes, and scoffed before gathering her skirts and leaving, muttering 'aaj kal ke bacche' and praying to the Lords above.

"Baapre." Shiva looked at the disappearing woman, shocked. "Tune kya mast full and final muh bandh kara diya uss aurat ka, Chipkali!"

When Raavi didn't reply and Goldie began to bark continuously, Shiva turned back towards them.

To his horror, Raavi had fainted and was lying on the ground unconscious, as Goldie barked and licked her face, nudging Shiva's legs.

"Ae, Raavi!" Shiva sat down and pulled her onto his lap, tapping her cheeks. "Chipkali, aankhein khol! Kya behosh hoke padi hai?"

Goldie continuously barked, and Shiva reached out to pet him, calming him down, "It's okay, Goldu. Tu tension mat le, haa? Kuch nahi hua isse. Tu shaant ho jaa."

One of the people from the crowd handed over a bottle of water to Shiva, who sprinkled some droplets over her face, but she didn't budge.

"Chipkali, uth." He tapped her cheeks and shook her shoulders, but she didn't as much as move.

Shiva patted her head and carried her in his arms, rushing her to the nearest clinic and placing her on the stretcher while the doctor and staff took her in for a check up.

Quite a while later, the doctor emerged from the room and Shiva moved quickly towards him.

"Meri chipkali theek hai?" He pointed at the ward, trying to take a peek, noticing her hooked up to a bottle of saline. "Usko saline chadhaya hai, is she alright?"

"She's absolutely fine, Mr. Pandya. Pregnancy mein light-headed feel karna bohot common hai." The doctor replied, taking a look at his notes.

Shiva nodded absent-mindedly, before whipping his head up in shock. Had he heard the doctor right, or was his mind making up scenarios?

"Pregna-" Shiva's voice caught itself in his throat, looking between the ward and the doctor. "She's pregnant? My wife is pregnant?"

"Yes. Just about 2 months along. Congratulations!" The doctor smiled, and Shiva's heart sped up, barely registering the instructions the doctor was giving.

"Can I see her?"

"Yes, you may. Please drop by my office later so I can instruct you further."

Shiva nodded, rushing into the room where the nurse was now fixing the IV line on her hand.

Raavi looked up at Shiva, and shyed away, as if she was seeing him for the first time all over again. He sat down at the edge of the bed, entwining their fingers.

"Aise sharma rahi hai jaise uss movie mein woh Amrita Rao sharmati thi, Shahid Kapoor ko dekh ke."

"Shut up." Raavi pinched him, chuckling as he lifted her hand to kiss her fingertips.

"Tu pregnant hai." Shiva announced, kissing her forehead, cheeks, nose and lips, whispering the words again and again, each time, unable to believe it.

There was a tiny life growing inside her. A life that they had created, together!

"Haa. Haa. Haa, mere bhoothnath." Raavi chuckled, entwining their fingers. "Haa."

"Tujhe kaise NAHI pata chala?"

"Dimaag mein bhusa hai mere. Tu hi toh kehta hai." She joked, and Shiva knocked his forehead with hers.

"Thoda dimaag udhaar de raha hoon. Sambhal ke rakhna. Mere bacche ko kuch mat hone dena." He placed a warm hand against her belly, and the smile on Raavi's face faltered.

Shiva noticed the change in her expression, and he felt his happiness bubble up into confusion, "Tu khush nahi hai, chipkali?"

"Aisi baat nahi hai, Shiva." Raavi lowered her eyes, looking at their intertwined fingers, her voice coming up in a whisper after a long time.

"I'm scared."

Shiva cupped her face, looking in her eyes, which now had tears in them. "Kya baat hai, Raavi?"

"My family...." Raavi cleared her throat, holding Shiva's palm tightly. "My family has a history of miscarriages."

Shiva sat there numb, his ears ringing and zapping out the rest of the noise, before scooting over closer and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"And if they lose the baby, they can't-" Her voice caught in her throat, "they can't have another one."

He tilted her chin up, her eyes brimming with tears, barely whispering. "I don't want to lose our baby, Shiva."

Shiva engulfed her in a hug, silencing her sniffles, "Mai kuch promise nahi kar sakta, Raavi. Par humare bas mein jo hoga, hum karenge. Hum baby ko kuch nahi hone denge, okay?"

Raavi nodded, still buried in his arms against his chest, looking up from his embrace. "I want a chotu bhoothnath."

Shiva looked at her, her flushed cheeks a tell-tale sign of her glowing pregnancy already, the usual pout forming on her lips and the sudden shift in mood taking him back as a surprise. But, he realised that she wanted to distract herself from the evident.

"Mini Shiva? Tujhe nahi pata kitna danger hota hai chota Shiva?" He teased, and she wrinkled her nose.

"Chahiye, matlab chahiye mujhe." Raavi smiled, wrapping her arms around his torso. "Mera beta agar chotu bhoothnath hoga, toh duniya ka sabse cute, pyaara aur natkhat baccha hoga. Aur sabse zyaada mujhse pyaar karega. Ekdum mere bhoothnath ki tarah."

"Aur aapki jo beti abhi Nani ke ghar pe mahine bhar se, vacation pe gayi hai," Shiva booped her nose, "unhe toh bilkul bhi jalan nahi hogi, hai na?"

"Arre!" Raavi gasped, looking up at Shiva, "Hum Janu ko kaise batayenge!"

"Jaise batana hota hai, waise." He shrugged, and Raavi clicked her tongue.

"Will she take it well, Shiva?" She asked nervously, and he sighed. "9 saal ki hone waali hai, usse aisa na lage ki hum iss bacche ko zyaada pyaar-"

"I think woh humara kaam hai, usse samjhana. About the new changes and new additions in the family, na?" Shiva kissed her forehead, raising her palms to kiss her knuckles.

"I'm so excited, Shiva."

"I think I'm more nervous than excited. Teen ladkiya ho gayi, toh mai outnumber ho jaunga."

"Chup kar, bhoothnath."

"Ae, mere bacche ke saamne bhoothnath mat bol. Kya impression banega uske Papa ka?"

"Usse kuch sunai nahi de raha hoga, hai na baby?"

"Tum teeno ki nautanki kam thi, jo ab ek aur nautanki ko jhelna padega? Bilkul apni chipkali Maa pe jaayega ye baccha!"

"Shiva! Gadheda! Aise mat bol bacche ke saamne!"

"Accha ab bacche ko sunai de raha hai?"

.....

Raavi lounged on the sofa, as per instructions of Shiva, who wouldn't even let her lift a finger after the happy news she had given him 2 days ago.

After they had returned from the hospital, Suman had a hundred questions for them, since they had disappeared mid-party, as the crowd informed her when she returned from her first son's house.

Wanting to surprise her, Shiva just said that she fainted because she wasn't eating well, to which Suman grumbled and vowed to throw out all that diet food out of the kitchen, which she was unaware of, was for her.

Janhavi had just returned home from her month-long vacation at 'Nani house', now in the US where her son stayed, narrating all the things they did and bought when she stayed with her Nani, Nanu and Mama. Raavi and Shiva hadn't mentioned the baby yet because they wanted to wait the customary period.

The house was now chirpy and noisy like it used to be, which was very self explanatory as to why Raavi was now 3 months pregnant with a child.

She flipped through the book she was reading with a soft smile on her face, the familiar tinkle of a collar reaching her ears.

"Goldu." Raavi smiled, keeping her book aside as Goodie jumped on to the sofa, eagerly waiting to welcome her back as he had missed her during her hospital stay.

But, instead of pouncing on her, he sat down on the sofa and laid his head on her belly, sniffing her and nudging with his nose, exactly like he did during Navratri.

Raavi smiled and patted his head lovingly, "That's right! There's a baby in my belly."

"My Goldu already knew there was a baby in Mumma's belly, didn't he?" She scratched his ears, something he liked the most, "That's why you were so soft with Mumma all these days, weren't you, darling?"

As if nodding in agreement, Goldie looked up innocently at Raavi, and laid his head slowly against her belly again, his paw coming out to rest against her as well.

"I know. You are very protective of Mumma. But don't worry, my love," Raavi leaned forward to kiss the golden dog, "I know you will always be there to protect me and my baby. And you'll always be my baby."

Raavi registered a small figure next to her, and she looked to the side to find Janhavi standing there, with her bowl of ice cream at mid-day.

"Baby?" She asked, gobbling her ice-cream, "I'm your baby, Goldu is your baby. Ek aur baby nahi hai, Mumma."

Raavi smiled, as Shiva walked over with a glass of water and her tablet, knowing she'd throw tantrums if they were alone, quietly eating the medicine her doctor had instructed her to eat.

"Janu, Mumma and Papa have something to tell you." Raavi said softly, patting the space next to her on the sofa.

Shiva sat down beside Raavi, and Janhavi stood between them, setting her ice cream aside. "Mumma, is this because I broke Nirula Kaki's window? She kicked Goldu purposely, I know it!"

"No, it's not that." Raavi shook her head, chuckling.

She held Janhavi's hands and kissed her knuckles, a wave of tenderness washing over her as she realised that her baby is going to be a big sister now.

"Mumma has a baby in her tummy." Raavi announced, placing a palm on her belly bump, which was barely there.

Janhavi considered the thought, looking between Raavi, Shiva and her palm against her belly. "Like Mahi Maasi and Richa Maasi?"

"Yes. Like that."

"So you're pregnant? You're having a new baby?" Janhavi asked, and Raavi was surprised she had learned the meaning of that word.

"Yes. You're going to have a baby brother or sister."

Raavi expected Janhavi to be happy or at least give some reaction, but her face held a blank expression, and Raavi looked at Shiva, scared that Janhavi would already dislike the baby.

"Janu, are you not happy?" Shiva asked, pulling her towards him.

"Y-you..." Janhavi whimpered, "You don't want me anymore? You're going to send me to boarding school?"

Shiva and Raavi looked taken aback, wondering where she got such preposterous ideas from.

"Of course not! Kaun keh raha hai aap se ye sab?" Shiva asked, brushing her stray hair away from her face.

"Nirula Kaki-" Janhavi rubbed her eyes to prevent her tears from flowing, "She said, when you have a new baby, y-you will send me to boarding school, because you don't w-want me anymore."

Raavi internally cursed at that god-forsaken sack of waste, noting to issue a restraining order the next time she sees that vile woman. How dare she say such stupid things to her daughter?

Shiva clenched his fists, making a mental note to throw that woman over his shoulder and toss her into the farthest valley from the highest cliff possible. He widened his eyes at Raavi in warning, and she understood that he was tired of that woman's antics.

"Janu, don't listen to that bit-" Raavi said, and Shiva coughed loudly, just as Raavi caught her tongue, "-ter. Bitter aunty. She doesn't say anything nice."

"Mumma ne kaha tha na, she loves you so much?" She placed her hand under her chin, and Janhavi nodded, curling herself into Shiva's arms.

"I will still love you so much and more! But I will also love the new baby, is that okay with you?" Raavi cupped her little cheeks, "Do you think you can share Mumma and Papa's love with your baby sister?"

Janhavi considered Raavi's deal, and Shiva felt nervous, thinking he would have to handle a crying Raavi if Janhavi said something wrong, until she pipped up.

"Brother."

"Hmm?"

"I want a baby brother."

Raavi sat confused, until Janhavi broke out into a brilliant smile, and she finally understood that her first baby had accepted the new addition into their family.

"You do? Mumma does too!" Raavi kissed her cheek, and Janhavi eagerly hugged Raavi, just time for Shiva to pull her back.

"Janhavi, you need to be careful, okay? There's a small baby in Mumma right now."

"Oops. Sorry, Papa."

"But, Janu," Shiva asked, "Why do you want a brother?"

Janhavi plastered her palms against Shiva's cheek, just like Raavi always did,

"Because I will teach him how to break Nirula Kaki's window!"

Raavi and Shiva broke out into spells of laughter, pulling Janhavi into a hug, with their little pup, who wasn't so little anymore, also wanting in on the family hugs, as Shiva scratched his head and gave him numerous kisses.

"BACCHA?" A shrill voice came from the passage, and all 4 heads whipped around to see Suman in her wheelchair.

"Tu petse hai, Raavi beta?" Suman asked eagerly, and Raavi looked at Shiva, before breaking out into a smile and nodding at Suman.

"Mera aangan phir bhar rahe ho kilkari se?" She dabbed her eyes and cracked her knuckles against her forehead, rushing to bring the salt, lemon and chilli to ward off all evil.

"Somnath tujhe aur tumhare bacchon ko sahi salamat rakhe. Swasth baccha ho, bas."

"Kitne mahine hue?" Suman placed her pam under Raavi's chin.

"3. Ittu sa hai mera baccha, maine dekha tha." She chuckled, her emotions getting the better of her, seeing all this love.

"Toh ye nyoo-j she-kret rahega, samjhe sab?" Suman pointed at everyone, including Goldu. "Koi kisi ko nahi batayega. Shhh. Theek che? Tu bhi, Janu."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Raavi chuckled tearfully, hugging Suman and touching her feet, Shiva following suit as Suman patted her son's back.

"Accha kaam kiya, Shiva. Bh-erry good!"

Shiva widened his eyes, going red in embarrassment. Suman had learned to crack double meaning jokes, and she was giving them quite a hard time by making fun of them and their amorous activities, especially the 'noises' Shiva and Raavi made in the middle of the night.

"But Papa ne kya kiya?" Janhavi asked innocently. "Baby toh Somnath Ji ne Mumma ke tummy mein daala na?"

Raavi's cheeks coloured, turning towards Suman, pleading for her to save them from this conversation right now, and Suman nodded, gesturing towards Janhavi.

"Aye meri chutki, idhar aa." Suman poked her wheelchair controls, "Mai tujhe kahani sunati hu, tu Dhoom Machaale Dhoom jaise meri bh-eelchair bhaga, theek che?"

Janhavi nodded eagerly, sitting on Suman's lap and running the wheelchair all across the streets of Somnath, with Goldie chasing them at their tail, just like she used to do since she was a child.

Janhavi was the only child and only person who was allowed to tamper with Suman's wheelchair, and she'd gladly let her granddaughter do so, just to see her smile.

Shiva looked at his mother and daughter fondly, before cupping Raavi's cheeks and kissing her lips. "Thank you, sweetheart."

"For what?" Raavi whispered, patting his cheeks.

"Ainvayi. Bohot pyaar aa raha hai achaanak." Shiva said, and Raavi settled herself in the comfort of his arms.

It was perfect. Everything was just perfect.

.....

Raavi stepped into the washroom, stripping off her robe for a hot shower. She was feeling fatigued due to the new developments of a tiny being within her. Maybe a nap after the shower would do her good, she thought as she stepped out of the shower. The mirror in the bathroom was fogged over from her shower, so she wiped it off with her hand and stood there, staring at herself.

Had she put on some weight? Did her breasts look fuller? She turned to the side and checked to make sure. With all the attention that Shiva had religiously devoted to worshiping them every chance he got earlier, it would be surprising if they didn’t get fuller. Shaking her head, she reached for her lotion and started massaging it into her skin. She took her time, applying liberal amounts of the lotion over the curve of her breasts, along the dip of her waist, the smooth expanse of her legs.

By the time she was done, she was so aroused, she didn’t understand how and why. Donning her silk night robe and nothing else, she sneaked out of the bathroom towards her night stand and ruffled in it to find her trusty device. Not having used it for a long, long time, she noted to her utter disappointment that it had run out of battery. Hot tears stung the corners of her eyes and she threw the vibrator onto the floor in frustration. She was about to burst into tears, when she heard the door creak open, and in walked Shiva, shutting the door behind him.

“Hi, sweetheart!” Shiva said, as he wrapped her in his arms from behind, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, the way he normally did as soon as he got home, which unfurled desire in her belly, leaving her in utter disappointment that he did nothing more than that.

She turned towards the large mirror in her room to distract her mind from the thoughts that were arising, staring at her own reflection in a hundred different angles.

“Mai moti ho jaaungi, toh tu mujhe pyaar karna bandh nahi kar dega na?” Raavi asked to nobody in particular, standing in front of the mirror, moving her robe to stare at her belly, which was barely there at 3 months of pregnancy, still coming to terms with the fact that she was carrying a tiny life within her.

Their baby. Shiva and Raavi's baby.

A hundred thoughts started to race through her mind.

Would she be able to carry the pregnancy to term? What if she didn’t lose her baby weight and walked around looking like a pumpkin the rest of her life? What if Shiva didn’t find her attractive anymore? What if she, Raavi, accidentally did something that made Janu feel secure? What if Shiva ended up loving the kids more and stopped loving her? How would she manage? She desperately wanted to breastfeed her child but what if she didn’t make enough milk? Would they have to resort to formula? What if she did something wrong? What if Shiva didn't want to come close to her anymore?

Overwhelmed with thoughts that she couldn’t seem to control and were suffocating her, Raavi burst into tears.

Shiva, who was lying on the bed scrolling through his phone, was taken by surprise.

“Chipkali!” He shot off the bed and was by her side in under five seconds. “Kya hua? Sab theek hai na? Tujhe dard ho raha hai? Maa ko bulaaon?” He panicked, holding her face.

Raavi shook her head and hugged him tight. In between copious tears and sniffling, she voiced to him the hundreds of questions crowding her mind.

“Gadhedi! Dara diya tune mujhe,” Shiva muttered, shaking his head and getting her to sit on the bed. “Tu duniya bhar ka tension abhi se kyu le rahi hai? Jab hoga, tab dekh lenge sab. Together."

"Par agar mere liye tera pyaar khatam ho gaya toh? Tujhe agar mujhse nafrat hone lagi toh?" Raavi whispered, before bursting into tears again. Shiva patted her head, holding her close.

"Aisa kabhi nahi ho sakta. Na iss janam mein, na kisi janam mein." He kissed her forehead, making her look at him. "Bhala Shiva apni Gauri se kabhi pyaar karna bandh kar sakta hai, hmm?"

"Aur ye kya laga rakha hai? Mera tere se nafrat karne ka quota khatam ho chuka hai. Kuch bhi, Raavi!" He clicked his tongue, pulling her into a hug. "Bas roke meri baahon mein girne padne ka bahana chahiye tujhe, hai na?"

Raavi looked up at Shiva, and he immediately knew she did not appreciate his joke, her eyes getting moist again. "Tu mujhse aise hi pyaar karega? Promise?"

"I promise, baby."

Raavi stared at Shiva for the longest time, unable to believe that she was lucky enough to find her soulmate in her best friend.

Overwhelmed with emotions, she leaned forward and kissed him passionately on the lips, which pleasantly surprised Shiva.

He threaded his fingers into her hair to tilt her head and get more access to her delicious mouth. 

Raavi scooted closer to him, her earlier moments of arousal bubbling up again, and hurriedly pressed herself closer to him, moving her hips forward to come in contact with the rough fabric of his jeans.

“Woah, sweetheart! Kya ho gaya hai tujhe aaj?” Shiva asked, as Raavi fumbled with the buttons on his shirt and reached for the buckle of his belt impatiently. 

“Make love to me.” She ordered, biting his lower lip while taking his belt off and tossing it away. "Abhi. Right now."

“Jaise aapka hukum, phoolkumari.” Shiva rasped, slipping his hands towards her buttocks and lifting her up. She immediately wrapped her legs around his waist, causing her night robe to open.

Shiva groaned into the wild kiss as he felt his fingertips encounter satiny smooth skin and nothing else.

"Jaan se maarne ka iraada hai aapka?" He whispered, as he threw her onto the bed, shrugging out of his jeans and boxers. He eased off her robe and tossed it away, pleasantly surprised to find her wearing nothing underneath, watching Raavi get on her knees and reach for his thick member. Her grasp on his member was pleasurably painful and Shiva had to close his eyes and clench his fists at the sensual onslaught.

Shiva pushed her back on the bed instead, trailing kisses from her neck to her chest, closing his mouth over her mound. Raavi gasped at the pleasure that shot through her. Like her sense of touch was heightened manifold. Her breasts ached with arousal so much, it was almost a physical pain and nothing could ease that ache other than Shiva’s warm, wet tongue stroking it while his mouth suckled her passionately. His lips trailed down the dips and curves of her body to settle against her core, finding her core coated in moisture even before he had even touched her where she wanted him the most.

Without warning, he plunged into her core, the sounds she was making music to his ears, his thumb rubbing against her nub, causing her to moan louder and the pit tighten further.

She was on Cloud 9. The feeling was thousand times better than anything ever before. The thought of them, stripped of their clothes, pleasuring each other, somehow turned her on more than before.

Shiva looked up, now flicking his tongue over her nub and the sight enthralled him. The most gorgeous woman, his woman, in his arms, beads of perspiration on her forehead as she cried out in pleasure, one hand in his hair, gripping right while the other fondled her breasts.

"Shiv- Aah!" Her moans started getting louder and her breath shorter as he inserted and hooked his finger, increasing the tempo slightly. Adding another digit, he stretched her out, his tongue rolling and licking her nub, his fingers finding the perfect spot as she arched her back.

"I... Mm...Aah!"

Shiva kissed her core, coiling his fingers further, and she fell apart in his arms, with a string of strangled noises, calling out his name as waves ecstasy washed over and over.

“Please, Shiva!” She whimpered and begged, her core throbbing mercilessly wanting more. She blindly reached for his length between their bodies and guided him to her entrance.

"Is it okay? I mean....for the baby...." Shiva asked, a sudden gentleness in his voice, not wanting to hurt her or their baby.

Raavi nodded, eagerly wrapping her arms and legs around him, "Just be gentle."

Shiva brushed her hair away with a sudden tenderness, not wanting to put her in any discomfort or pain. Slowly, he thrusted and eased himself into her, and was embedded deep within her, her body welcoming him in with the ease of familiarity - stretching to accommodate him, letting him in easily more from the pleasure of just having him fill her.

Raavi raised her hips and angled them so he could go in further. She thrust her hips upwards encouraging him to start moving within her. Taking her cue, he thrust harder within her, controlling the pace and keeping in mind she was with child, and he couldn't be as wild and rough as they used to be.

Soon, the only noises in the room were her gasps, moans and the sloppy sounds of their bodies as they thrust against each other in wild frenzy.

Without warning, Raavi tangled her feet around Shiva's torso and flipped the over. With her on top and his length nestled comfortably within her, she began to move sensually against him. Every inch of her skin rubbing against every inch of his as she set pace for their lovemaking. His hands twisted at her nipples as she lifted herself off him. He grabbed her hair and pulled it back, presenting him with the vision of her delicious body riding him in absolute pleasure, her breasts bouncing in sync with the pace of her riding him.

He reached out to grasp at her mounds, caressing them, squeezing them, all the while telling her how beautiful she looked, how hot she was, that she was some goddess he would never get enough of. Her movements started to get more frenzied and he gripped her hips to guide her so he could thrust into her completely every single time.

Soon enough, Raavi’s eyes rolled to the back of her head as her body convulsed with multiple waves of orgasm, each stronger than the previous till she thought she was going to black out from the overload of sensation. 

His length tightened almost painfully within her, then shuddered, releasing warm, thick ropes of his pleasure into her womb again and again and again. The orgasm shattered through his body in such powerful waves, he couldn’t help the low grunts that emerged from the back of his throat, as she collapsed onto his sweaty, warm body. 

When she had got back enough of her energy, she moved herself off him, the feeling of his length slipping out almost making her moan, as she settled in beside him.

“Tujhe pata hai,” Shiva said, a long while later, with Raavi nestled in the comfort of his arms, their sweaty bodies entwined with each other.

“Hmmm?”

“This was unlike any other time we made love. I love this pregnant version of you.” He explained, kissing the bridge of her nose.

“Maybe I should get you pregnant more often." Shiva joked, placing a long, loving kiss on her forehead, her arm coming out to hit him playfully on his chest.

"You are going to love me like this forever. Do you understand, Mr. Shiva Pandya?"

"Crystal clear, Mrs. Raavi Pandya."

.....

Shiva walked in excitedly, tossing his bag onto the bench, rolling up his sleeves.

"Ae chipkali!" He called out, looking for her in the kitchen but not finding her there. "Chal, kahi bahar chalte hai, bohot din ho gaya. Janu aur Maa ko tayyar karke jaate hai na!"

"Chipkali?" He poked his head into the bedroom, still not finding her there and walking towards Suman's room.

"Maa. Tune chipkali ko kahi dekha?" Shiva asked, and Suman nodded.

"Woh bahar sofa pe let rahi hai. Usko ulti jaisa ho raha tha, toh usse thoda adrak khilaake sula diya maine. Su vaat che?" Suman looked up from her knitting materials.

"Soch raha tha hum sab kahi bahar jaaye aaj. Uske liye bula raha tha." He said, feeling a little disappointed.

"Usse mat jaga, Siva." Suman shook her head, "Subah se ulti jaise ho raha tha usse, bohot tang aa gayi thi, rone pe aa gayi. Maine shaant karke kaise toh sula diya."

"Woh theek toh hai na, Maa?" Shiva asked, concerned.

"Bilkul theek hai. Jab aurat petse hoti hai, toh aisa hota hai." Suman patted the space beside her and Shiva seated himself next to his mother.

"Usse tujhpe gussa aayega, rona aayega, raat ke beech mein ajeeb cheezein khaane ki iccha hogi. Par tu naraaz mat hona usse, haa? She explained, and her son nodded.

"Abhi 4 mahine hi hue hai usse, ye 9 mahine bohot naazuk waqt hota hai ek aurat ke liye. Itne badlaav aate hai, kyunki apne andar ek nanhi si jaan paal rahi hai."

"Apne saath saath, usse ek nanhi si jaan ka dhyaan rakhna hai. Apne pasand ka kuch chatpata, teekha khaa nahi sakti, kyunki bacche ke sehat ke liye accha nahi hai. Peeth mein dard hoga, thakaan mehsoos hogi, pair soojenge."

"Shareer mein itne badlaav honge, aur usse apne aap ko dekhna pasand nahi aayega. Pehle jaise nahi dikhti, ispe bura lagega. Sochegi ki tu usse pyaar nahi karta kyunki woh phul gayi hai."

Suman patted her third son's hand, "Par tu usse aisa kuch lagne mat dena, theek che? Uska pura dhyaan rakhna, kyunki woh sabka dhyaan rakhti hai, par uska dhyaan rakhna bhul jaayenge log. Tujhe uska sahara banna hoga, Siva. Samjhi gayo?"

Shiva nodded, and looked over at Suman, who was staring at her wedding portrait with misty eyes. He was sure she was remembering the times she was pregnant with her 4 children, and how his father must have taken care of her in all those phases.

Shiva hugged his mother, and patted her head, who tapped his arms in acknowledgement, as he turned towards her.

"Maine kuch galat kar diya toh?"

"Galtiya sabse hogi. Pehli baar hai tum dono ka." Suman patted his cheek, "Mujhe koi shaq nahi, ki tu ek accha baap banega. Maine tujhe meri chutki ke saath dekha hai."

"Bas, iss waqt mein, acche baap ke saath, zyaada accha aur samajhdaar pati banna zaroori hai, hmm? Usse teri zaroorat bohot mehsoos hogi, uske maa-baba jo nahi hai. Akela mat mehsoos karana usse, Siva."

Shiva nodded, making note of everything his mother had said from her years of wisdom, words from a woman who mothered 4 children herself.

"Papa ki yaad aa rahi hai." Shiva confessed, sitting down on the floor and laying his head on his mother's lap.

"Woh hote, toh tujhe Janu aur apne hone waale bacche ke saath dekh ke, bohot khush hote." Suman dabbed her eyes, reaching for the rusty cassette tape and its player.

"Ye gaana woh mere liye humesha gaya karte the. Sunega?"

The tinkling melody of a very familiar song filled the room, as Shiva looked up fondly to his mother, knowing she was remembering his father, Darshan Pandya.

Lag ja gale ke phir yeh
Haseen raat ho na ho
Shayad phir iss janam mein
Mulaqaat ho na ho

The lyrics suddenly hit harder, realising that his mother had lived without his father for over 25 years of her life. The lyrics to the song were an ode to his father's memory, and his parents' love.

He couldn't imagine what it would be like, to watch the love of your life just leave one day, having to live and move on for the sake of your children, in the memories of your eternal love.

Shiva shuddered at just the thought of being all alone with Raavi, and looked up to his mother, who was in tears by now.

"Akeli ho gayi hoon, Siva. Itne saal se akeli hoon." Suman cried, and Shiva sat next to her, as she cried against his shoulder.

"Akeli nahi hai, Maa. Hum sab hai tere paas. Tere 4 bete, 3 bahu, Janu, tere hone waale naathi naathin." He patted his mother's hand, getting emotional himself, "Tu kabhi akeli nahi hogi. Teri wajah se toh hum hai iss duniya mein. Hum sab."

"Rona mat, haa?" Shiva kissed her forehead, "Papa bura maan jaayenge. Kya kehte the woh? Suman, I.....?"

"I het teer-j" Suman completed the sentence, making them both chuckle, and Shiva told his mother to rest, leaving her to her memories of Darshan and their song.

Just as he stepped outside, he saw Raavi lying down on the sofa, her tiny baby bump now protruding visibly, as she tried to adjust her position.

"Chipkali?" He softly called out, a wave of tenderness washing over, placing a warm hand on her belly.

"Hmm?"

"Andar so jaa, peeth dard karega."

"Shiva, bohot ulti jaise ho raha hai. Mai idhar theek hoon." Raavi groaned, her hand rubbing against her chest.

Shiva placed his arms under her neck and legs, gently lifting her off the uncomfortable sofa and taking her to their room, comfortably laying her down on the bed, patting her head.

"Thank you." Raavi whispered, just about to fall asleep again when she felt the bile rise up her throat, dashing to the bathroom and emptying her insides in the toilet.

Shiva sat down behind her, rubbing her back and holding her hair, as she threw up the contents of her stomach over and over again.

"Oh god." Raavi groaned, thinking there was no possible way anything was left in her stomach after throwing up 3 times.

"If I throw up one more time, ulti ke saath saath baccha bhi bahar aayega, I'm telling you." She groaned against the toilet seat.

"Kaise nonsense baat kar rahi hai, chup!" Shiva said, rubbing her back as she threw up for the fourth time, leaning against Shiva tiredly.

"It's okay." He whispered, kissing her temple and rubbing her arms, helping her up from the bathroom floor.

"I'm tired." Raavi leaned against Shiva, sitting at the edge of the bed, his arm around her shoulder supporting her.

"I know." Shiva caressed her head, calling for Janhavi, who skipped her way into the room.

"Janu, can you bring a glass of water for Mumma? She's not feeling well."

Janhavi nodded, bringing Raavi a bottle of water and a small bottle of syrup.

"What's this, sweetheart?" Raavi mumbled, taking note of the familiar bottle of medicine.

"Aapko ulti ho rahi hai na? You have this. Papa gives this to me when I feel like doing ulti." Janhavi thrusted the syrup in Raavi's hand.

Raavi's heart melted at her daughter's gesture, wondering what good deeds she had done to be blessed with Janhavi. Not wanting to disappoint her daughter, she took the bottle of medicine and kept it aside, since she couldn't have any medicines for the sake of the baby.

"Thank you, sweetheart. Mumma will have this before I sleep, okay?" Raavi hugged Janhavi, who took care of the baby bump and patted it.

"Baby, don't trouble my Mumma too much. Abhi jaa rahi hoon, zyaada pareshaan kiya toh-" Janhavi showed her fist, which made Shiva laugh.

As Janhavi skipped away to her room, Shiva tucked Raavi in, kissing her belly and making sure to do everything his mother instructed, everything and beyond to ensure she didn't feel alone.

Because he had promised to never let her feel that way.

.....

"Shiva?"

"Bhoothnath!"

"Kumbhkaran ke chachere bhai!"

"Mere hone waale bacche ke baap!"

"Shivaaaa!"

Shiva groaned in his sleep, barely registering someone calling out to him and poking his arm. He turned around and found his chubby, pregnant wife staring at him at......4 AM?

"Hi." She whispered, smiling, her face 2 inches away from his.

"Raat ke 4 baje, tune 'hi' bolne ke liye uthaya hai, chipkali?" He rubbed his eyes, sleep not leaving them.

"Nahi. Mujhe Ben and Jerry's Belgian dark chocolate ice-cream khaane ka mann kar raha hai."

Shiva made a weird face at Raavi, pulling the covers to tuck her back in bed. "Theek hai. Kal laake dunga. Ab so jaa-"

"Abhi khaana hai!" Raavi stubbornly said, pouting and blowing up her cheeks.

"Mai abhi uthke nahi jaaunga. Kal kaam pe jaana hai. Goodnight." Shiva turned his back towards her, trying to go back to sleep.

Soft grumbles from the opposite side refused to allow him to sleep, and he turned back towards her. He found Raavi sitting against the bedrest, frowning and wiping her nose.

"Udaas kyu ho gayi, yaar!"

"Mai tere-" She cutely pouted, her anger not as vicious as she thought it looked, "tere parivaar ka dhyaan rakhti hoon, bilkul pareshaan nahi karti aur tu mere liye ek ice-cream nahi laa sakta?"

Shiva sighed, sitting up now that he was wide awake, holding her hand. "Raavi-"

"Kya Raavi?" She looked at him angrily, but her red nose and puffed cheeks only made her look cuter, pointing to her 5 month-old baby bump.

"Mai tere bacche ko pet mein paal rahi hoon, aur mera pati ek ice-cream nahi laa sakta mere liye. Hmph!"

"Pehli baat," Shiva sat next to her, shoulders touching hers, "Tera aur mera kya hota hai? Humara parivaar."

"Aur dusri baat." He held her chin and turned her to face him, "Tu jis ice-cream brand ka demand kar rahi hai, woh Somnath mein nahi milega."

"But mujhe chahiye!"

"Tujhe toh dark chocolate pasand bhi nahi hai!"

"Mujhe. Khaana. Hai."

Shiva rolled his eyes, looking for his shirt and throwing it on, mumbling to himself that his little shaitaan was giving him way too much trouble in the form of his very pregnant wife, giving up the fight he was putting on.

"Jaa raha hoon laane." He announced, watching Raavi sit on the bed like the most adorable potato, eagerly waiting for her ice-cream.

Shiva found himself driving to the nearest luxury hotel, 1 hour away from their house, because that was probably the only place he could find this 'Tom & Jerry' brand or whatever Raavi was demanding.

When he returned with the tub of ice-cream, he found Raavi peacefully curled on his side of the bed, hugging his pillow and mumbling her love for Shiva in her sleep. He shook his head and smiled to himself, keeping the ice-cream in the fridge.

Which was eaten by everyone except Raavi, because she hated dark chocolate; as predicted.

.....

Shiva anxiously waited outside the hospital room, nearly in tears over the altercation that had occurred a few hours back.

The entire Pandya family had travelled to Somnath for a vacation, wanting to meet family and spend some time together. They had been enjoying their time together, with Janhavi entertaining the newest member of their family, Shesh, who was Dev and Rishita's three year old son.

The child was very fascinated by Raavi's protruding belly, excited to know there was a small baby. He innocently tried to check under her frock for the baby, which made everyone laugh as Rishita look mortified at the action, later laughing it off.

At 6 months pregnant, Raavi was asked to take it easy and not strain herself out. Watching everyone dance and sing, she insisted she wanted to be part of it, and Shiva had absolutely refused until she made puppy-faces at him to get what she wanted.

So, under his watchful guidance, he took her for a slow dance to her favourite song, making her emotional which confused little Shesh, because he couldn't understand why Chachi was crying.

Once they had all retired from the events of the day, Raavi had woken up in the middle of the night, slipping over spilt water and falling to the ground, tearfully calling out for Shiva in pain, who had rushed her to the hospital.

For the next few hours, the doctor had instructed him to wait outside, which made Shiva restless by the minute. If something happened to Raavi or his baby because he couldn't watch over Raavi, he would never forgive himself.

Shiva was just about enter the doctor's office for the fifth time in 4 hours, when the doctor. emerged from the ward.

"Woh-" His voice for caught in his throat, dreading the worst. "Meri Raavi theek hai?"

"She's recovering well. Abhi hosh aaya hai unhe."

"Aur humara baccha? Usse kuch-"

The doctor stared at Shiva for a while, and he felt his heart dropped to the bottom while the doctor explained the situation.

A few minutes later, Raavi watched as Shiva walked over to her, a blank expression on his face, scaring Raavi.

"Shiva, kya bola doctor ne?" She asked fearfully, as he held her hand in hers, lacking the warmth it usually provided.

"Shiva bol na! Kuch toh bol!" Raavi sobbed, nearly in tears, her palm instinctively going to her belly.

Shiva kissed her hands and placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her down. "Tu pehle shaant ho jaa."

"Nahi, mujhe darr lag raha hai, tu kuch bata kyu nahi raha!"

"Raavi-"

"Humare baby ko kya hua hai?"

"Sweetheart-"

"Shiva, mai tujhse kabhi baat nahi karungi agar-"

"Raavi! Baccha bilkul theek hai."

Raavi stared at Shiva, his tired eyes insisting that this was the truth, knowing he wouldn't hide grave news for her sake.

"Theek hai?" Raavi whispered, and Shiva nodded.

"It was a scary situation. We almost lost the baby. Ab woh bilkul theek hai. Par-"

She felt her heart sink again, the fear of dreading news bubbling up within her again.

"Par kya?"

"The fall put the baby in distress, including that dance you insisted on earlier. Keeping your medical history in mind, we can't let this accident happen again. Warna hum bacche ko.....kho sakte hai." Shiva explained in a shaky voice, rubbing his watery eyes.

"Kho sakte hai?" She whispered, tearing up and protectively placing her hands on her belly.

"So...."

"So what?"

"The doctor has ordered bed rest."

"Complete bed rest."

Raavi's mind zoned out, thinking back to how happy she was a few hours ago, enjoying the outings Shiva took her for, their park visits with Janhavi and Goldie, meeting her friends and family.

All being put a full stop to.

"Shiva," Raavi looked at him, worriedly. "I can't be on complete bed rest. Janu ko school bhejna hai, homework karana hai, Maa ki dawaai, unka physiotherapy, ghar ka kharcha, meri job, teri job-"

"I'll handle it." Shiva announced.

"Kaise karega Shiva? Itna load kaise lega tu? " She asked, placing a palm on his cheek, her fingers tracing the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep.

"Uski fikar tu mat kar. I just need you and the baby to be safe. That's all." Shiva kissed her palms, and the gravity of the situation suddenly sunk in, her mind wandering back the fear that had gripped her heart as Shiva rushed her to hospital.

Her eyes welled up with tears, and Shiva scooted closer to her.

"Mai bohot darr gayi thi, Shiva." She whispered, tears rolling down her eyes, "Mujhe laga meri wajah se humare bacche ko kuch-"

She broke down in tears, as Shiva engulfed her in a hug, his worry and tension of the last few hours flowing in the form of his tears, kissing Raavi's shoulder.

"Baby bilkul theek hai, jaan. Tu bhi bilkul theek hai. Aise ro mat." He rubbed her back, as she cried.

"I'm sorry." She sobbed, and he patted her head. "I'm sorry maine itni zidd ki. Mujhe nahi pata tha-"

"Shhh. Jo hona tha, woh ho gaya." Shiva calmed her down, wiping her tears and kissing her eyes. "Ab se pura dhyaan rakhenge, okay? Ro mat aise, tujhe aur baby ko stress hoga."

"Mai waapas kabhi koi zidd nahi karungi." Raavi whispered, and Shiva scoffed.

"Meri Raavi zidd na kare, aisa kabhi ho sakta hai?" He chuckled to diffuse the tension, kissing her temple, assuring her everything would be okay.

He would arm-twist everything in his power to make sure it would be okay.

....

Raavi twisted in her sleep, her eyes blinking open to what felt like the ceiling lights still running. She turned around, only to find Shiva typing away on his laptop.

She squinted her eyes at the clock, which now read 2:30 AM, wondering how much longer he was going to pull such sleepless nights.

Ever since the scare a month ago, Shiva had taken it upon himself to ensure that everything in the house was taken care of. Everything, right from getting Janhavi ready and helping her with homework, to making sure Suman and Raavi had eaten their medicines and food on time, including the house duties and his work at office.

Which had now become work-from-home, in order to monitor everything as needed.

His main concern was Raavi, continuously checking up on her to ensure whether she was doing okay, she needed anything, and most importantly, if she was abiding to the doctor's rule of complete bedrest.

At 7 months pregnant, he just wanted to make sure that the baby wasn't born premature, or anything which could harm the child and the mother.

Since his entire day was scheduled around Janhavi, Raavi and Suman, he decided that the best time to work on his job would be at night, since there was no one to disrupt.

Raavi had been worried that he was biting off more than he could chew, but Shiva had brushed her off, saying that he would handle it all.

But Raavi knew it wasn't easy to handle everything and a full-time job alone, and she felt like the smallest inconvenience would tick him off one day.

"Shiva?" Raavi turned slowly and called out to him, keeping her hand on his arm. "Itni der raat tak jaag raha hai. Tabiyat kharab ho jaayegi. So jaa thodi der."

"Nahi, chipkali. Bohot kaam baaki hai." Shiva didn't even look away from his computer to answer her, checking between his mails and the excel sheets. "Tu so jaa, tension mat le."

"Aankhon ke neeche kaala ho gaya hai, Shiva. Tu apna dhyaan hi nahi rakh raha. Mujhe chinta ho rahi hai."

"Mai theek hoon, sweetheart. Fikar mat kar, so jaa. Teri neend puri hona zyaada important hai."

Raavi sighed, sitting up next to Shiva on the bed, knowing she was going to do something that was very mean.

Enough is enough.

Swiftly, she snatched Shiva's laptop from his lap, closing all the files and shutting down the computer.

"RAAVI!" Shiva yelled, trying to snatch the computer back from her. "KYA KAR DIYA TUNE!?"

"Jo mujhe bohot pehle kar dena chahiye tha!" She argued, closing the laptop and keeping it on her bed side.

"What is WRONG WITH YOU, RAAVI?!" Shiva seethed, the fuse in his brain ticking off.

"Do baccho ki maa banne waali hai, lekin THELE BHAR KI AKAL nahi hai tujhme!" He threw the pillow onto the floor in frustration, "Mujhse POOCHA ek bhi baar, ki file saved hai ki nahi? Mera kaam khatam hua ki nahi?"

"NAHI! Madam ko bas APNI manmaani karni hai, hai na? Ab mera baaki kaam kaun karega, TU?!"

Raavi stared at Shiva, expecting him to lose his temper, but not to the extent of bitter words. His temper startled her, words immediately bringing tears to her eyes, wondering if this was a bad idea to begin with.

"2 mahine se ye project pe kaam kar rahe the, aur tune 2 MINUTE mein satyanash kar diya! Biwi hai toh kya har jagah ghus jaayegi tu?

"Ab kya ro rahi hai?!"

Raavi looked away, not wanting cry in front of Shiva, and he got up from the bed, walking to her side and snatching the laptop.

"Jaa raha hoon bahar aangan mein. Taang adaane mat aana! Gadhedi! Akkal ki dushman! Pata nahi dimaag bazaar mein bechke aayi hai ki daan karke aayi hai!"

Shiva muttered under his breath and slammed the bedroom door behind him, while Raavi turned to her side and wiped her silent tears, trying to go back to sleep.

Shiva sat down in the aangan, opening his laptop and frantically looking for the file he had just been working on.

Until he realised all his documents were always auto-saved.

He hadn't lost any of the progress he had made.

Shiva stared at the saved excel sheets on his laptop, and then back at his room, realising that he had yelled at his pregnant wife for no reason at all.

Unbelievable Shiva. Just....wow.

He clenched his fists, closing his eyes in guilt, cursing himself for yelling at her for something that wasn't even the problem.

His stress was the problem. Only now did he realise how pent up he was, how frustrated and stressed he had been for the past so many days, and the build up had led him to take out all his frustration at Raavi.

Sighing, he set the laptop aside, and walked towards kitchen, heating up some warm oil and entering the room.

Shiva set the bowl aside, and knelt down next to Raavi, who had just fallen asleep when he entered. He caressed her head lovingly, staring at her sleeping form before kissing her temple and moving towards the foot end of the bed, taking her feet onto his lap.

The sudden dip and movement startled Raavi awake, until she noticed it was just Shiva. Sitting at the edge of the bed with her feet in his lap.

"Shiva kya kar raha-"

"Shhh." Shiva shushed her, grabbing the bowl of warm oil and massaging it into her ankles.

"Mai jaanta hoon tere pair subah se dard kar rahe hai. Sooj gaye hai. Maalish kar raha hoon."

Raavi's heart melted at the simple gesture, and she suddenly wasn't mad at Shiva anymore. "Rehne de na, Shiva. Pair mat choo aise-"

"Jo kar raha hoon, karne de." Shiva shushed her again, and Raavi just nodded.

She sighed in relief, his fingers relieving the pain because her ankles were definitely giving her a hard time at 7 months of pregnancy.

A few minutes of silence and a very comforting massage later, Shiva washed up and set aside the bowl just as Raavi sat up next to him.

"Itna pyaar mere liye?" She teased him, bumping his shoulders, and he tenderly cupped her cheeks.

"Sorry." Shiva whispered guiltily, and Raavi knew he truly meant it.

"Itna stress lega, toh aise hi kisipe aag banke baras jaayega, Shiva." Raavi combed her fingers through his hair, placing her palm on his cheek.

"Aur tu gusse mein kya kya bolta hai, tujhe khud sunaai bhi nahi deta."

Shiva looked at Raavi, her voice cracking, eyes moistening, and his guilt seeped in further for making her upset.

"Sorry. I'm sorry." He kissed her eyes, and immediately hugged her closely to himself, rubbing her back. "Bewaja chilla diya, tujhpe, itna kuch kaha. I'm sorry."

"Waise," Raavi sat up straighter, breaking the hug, "bewaja toh nahi chillaya. Maine kaand hi aisa kiya tha-"

"Tch. Kuch kharab nahi hua." Shiva held her hands within his, looking at their entwined hands and sighing.

"Shiva, look at me." Raavi tipped his chin up, and she could see how tired he was. There wasn't a single night where he slept well, and Raavi just knew it.

"Tu apna dhyaan nahi rakhega, toh humara dhyaan kaise rakhega, haa?"

Shiva simply stared at Raavi, and she placed his hand on her belly. "Shiva, hum theek hai. Mai aur humara baby bilkul theek hai, bhoothnath."

"But we need you. Apna khayaal nahi rakhega, t-toh" Raavi sniffed, "Mera baby papa kisse kahega? Janu kiske saath dates pe jaayegi aur mujhe jalaayegi? Maa kiska mazaak udaayegi?"

"Sweetheart, I'm not dyin-"

"Shhh! Don't say that."

Raavi put a finger on his lips, and Shiva just nodded while she continued, "Shiva. Itne kaam apne kandhe pe mat le. Let me handle the house-"

"No!" Shiva refused, shaking his head vigorously, "Mai tere aur baby ke health ke saath risk nahi le sakta, Raavi. Absolutely not!"

"Shiva, listen to me." Raavi placed her hands on his arms, "It's not stressful for me. Tu hi drop karke dabba bana, let me get her dressed for school? Janhavi, meri pyaari bacchi, she understands that Mumma needs rest. Woh khud aa jayegi mere paas. Aur Maa? Maa meri har baat sunegi, I know it."

"Let me help, Shiva. Please?" Raavi pleaded, and Shiva sighed. "Hum dono bilkul theek hai, hume kuch nahi hoga, Shiva. I promise you. Mai humare bacche ka dhyaan nahi rakhungi kya? Maa hoon na?"

Shiva considered Raavi's argument, and she wasn't wrong. In his concern for her and their baby, he forgot that she knew what her capacity was, and she would never do anything to even unknowingly harm their child.

"And you, mister." Her cheeks suddenly puffed up in annoyance, "Yeh tune kya theka le rakha pure ghar ka kaam karne ka?"

Shiva sat amused, watching his fiery little pregnant wife go bonkers over him, pointing her finger onto his nose, "Mai kal Sunita Tai ko madat ke liye bula rahi hoon, and that's final, Shiva!"

He gave her a lopsided smile, moving his head up to nip at her finger.

"Okay, chipkali."

"And don't you dare try and argue with me-What?"  Raavi stopped mid-sentence.

"I said, okay."

"Itni jaldi maan gaya?" She asked softly, as Shiva pulled her into a hug, and she mumbled against him. "Mujhe laga tujhe aur convince karne hoga."

"Jo aapka hukum, phoolkumari." Shiva chuckled, Raavi flattened her palms against his back, suddenly poking the knots and stiffness between his neck.

"What is this, Shiva?!" She pulled back abruptly from the hug, and he shrugged her hands.

"It's nothing, bas halka sa catch-"

"Shut up." She fumed, sitting against the edge. "Jaa garam tel leke aa kitchen se."

"Sweetheart-"

"Go!"

Raavi ordered, and Shiva immediately obliged, bringing a bowl of warm oil and handing it over to her.

"Sit here, and take off your shirt." Raavi pointed to ground, and Shiva wiggled his eyebrows.

"Aapke iraade nek nahi lag rahe, madam."

Raavi glared at him, and Shiva just laughed, taking off his vest and sitting on on the floor in front of her.

She rubbed the oil between her palms, and worked her fingers onto his shoulder ridge, and Shiva was immediately thankful for having such a bossy pregnant wife, who was now massaging his caught-up back and shoulders away.

"Thank you, my love." He whispered, resting against her legs and tilting his head to look at her, and Raavi smiled, moving to give him a head massage as well.

"Oof!" Raavi groaned, her hand quickly moving to her stomach.

"Kya hua? Dard ho raha hai? Maine kuch kiya? Hospital chalte hai-" Shiva panicked, and Raavi chuckled.

"Nahi nahi. Tera baccha naraaz hai, ki tune uski Mumma ko itna daata, aur phir isko pyaar bhi nahi kiya." She pointed at her belly bump, and Shiva twisted around, lifting her shirt and pressing kisses all over her belly.

"Mere pyaare bandar, Papa ka saara pyaar aapke liye aur Mumma ke liye hi toh hai. Aur aapki didi ke liye bhi." Shiva spoke, receiving a light kick in response, which could only mean that his baby had accepted his reasoning.

The night ahead was followed by a mischievous Shiva who was trying to, and very successfully, annoy Raavi by hugging her close to his oily self all the time. 

.....

Shiva groaned, adjusting his position against the bed, the soft weight against his chest not allowing him to budge on the slightest, in the fear that she'd wake up and get cranky again.

His phone blared loudly, and he quickly picked up the call.

"Hi, bhoothnath." Raavi chirped, from the comforts of their bedroom. "Trip kaisi rahi? Janu kaisi hai?"

Shiva placed a finger over his lips, turning the camera to his side, where Janhavi was cuddled against his side, a distressed pout on her face as she stuck to Shiva with her arms around him.

"Uska fever utra?"

"Nahi." He rubbed his face, and patted Janhavi's back to provide some relief. "Fever utar nahi raha. 2 baar ulti bhi hui hai isse. Patti bhi kar di maine, dawai deke sulane gaya, toh bohot cranky ho gayi. Ab mere paas hi chipak ke so rahi hai."

"Ekdum naam ki pakki hai meri Janu. Choti chipkali."

He chuckled, watching Raavi wriggle her nose, which morphed into concern a few seconds later. "Doctor ke paas le gaya?"

"Nahi. 2 din se bukhaar hai. Kal bhi nahi utra toh doctor ke paas le jaaunga. Viral fever hua hoga, utar jaayega, chipkali. Tension mat le."

Janhavi sniffled in her sleep, and Shiva put his arm around her, pulling her onto him and rubbing her back. For 8 years old, she was quite a tiny child, so it was very easy for her to stick to Shiva like she always watched her mother stick.

"Mumma....I'm sick." Janhavi whimpered, and Shiva kissed her head.

"Hi baby. I know. Papa is there. You'll be okay."

"We're going back in 2 days, baby. Then you can be with Mumma, alright?" He rubbed her back, reaching for the covers and wrapping her in the warm blankets.

"Papa.....I'm sick." She coughed, her eyes watering from being unable to sleep well.

"Yes. I know. But aap jhatt se theek ho jaaoge, okay?"

She nodded, and appreciated the warmth her father's arms provided, drifting off as Shiva lulled her to sleep.

Raavi watched over the video call, suddenly coming to terms with the fact that she had seen Shiva as her enemy, best friend, soulmate, boyfriend, fiancé, and husband.

And now, she had been seeing him as a father. For 5 years now.

And he was built for this. The absence of his father in his life always left him in doubts of his own capabilities of raising children, but Raavi had no doubt that he had an instinct for children, and she couldn't believe he was and will be such a loving father to their children.

Her hand went to her protruding 8 month-old belly, secretly telling her child that he, or she, would be getting the best father any child could ever have.

Raavi had chosen Shiva to be in her life, and she was so glad for that decision.

"Chipkali?" Shiva called, breaking Raavi out of her little moment of victory, "Oh, tu hai. Mujhe laga call atak gaya."

"Yahi hoon."

"4 din ke liye office ke kaam se gaya hoon, toh dawai khaana mat bhulna. Time se khaana khaake so jaana, zyaada bed se uthke jaana mat. Aur kuch bhi ho, toh mujhe phone karna. Samjhi?"

Raavi nodded, blowing him a flying kiss and taking their balaye, thanking all the powers above that lined up to bring them in her incomplete life, and completed it so beautifully.

.....

"Mumma, when is the baby going to come?" Janhavi asked excitedly, and Raavi ruffled her hair.

"Very soon. The baby will be here any day now." Raavi kept her hand over her 9 month-old bump, waddling slowly beside Shiva.

On special requests by Shiva, the doctor had permitted Raavi to step outside for fresh air, for very limited time, owing to the improvement in her condition.

So, they all had stepped out for a walk in the park, including Goldie, who was on his leash and leading Shiva instead of Shiva leading him.

"Slow down, Goldu! There's no rush!" Shiva tugged him gently, walking briskly behind Goldie, who immediately took to a corner to relieve himself.

"Aah, I see why."

Janhavi and Raavi giggled, the sounds of kids playing cricket, women whispering and gossiping, the sounds of horns and birds interlooping, making it a very eventful evening.

"I'm so glad you brought me out of the house, Shiva! Pakk gayi thi ghar pe baithe baithe, sach mein!"

"Kyu, pehle kacchi thi kya?" He joked, and Raavi rolled her eyes, while Janu giggled.

"Ha ha, wow, Shiva."

"Papa, you're so funny!"

"I know! Only Mumma thinks I'm not funny."

"Mumma also thinks that Papa should keep quiet."

"That I can't do. Tujhe satane ke liye hi toh paida hua hoon, meri jaan."

"Annoying bhoothnath, hmph!"

"AUNTY, WATCH OUT!"

Raavi heard the call, and immediately turned to look left.

The cricket ball hit by the children was zooming its way towards Raavi, and her hands immediately flew to her belly, holding it protectively.

"RAAVI!"

In the spur of the moment, Raavi fearfully closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact of the ball, fearing for her baby's life.

A hard crack echoed, and Raavi clutched her bump, almost crying out loud in fear, expecting shooting pain across her body.

But nothing came. No impact, no pain.

Nothing at all.

Her eyes flew open, and her heart immediately cracked at the sight before her.

Goldie laid down on the ground, his breathing laboured as he struggled to keep his eyes open.

"GOLDIE, NO!" Shiva rushed towards their little golden dog, not knowing what to do.

Shiva had seen everything that had happened. Raavi had walked a little ahead of them as Janhavi stopped to pick a flower, and just as the ball flew towards her belly, Goldie had let go of the leash in Shiva's hand and ran towards Raavi, jumping in front of her.

Taking the hard impact of the ball to his chest, the hard sound resonating his cracking ribs.

The golden dog whimpered at Shiva's touch, the pain shooting across his little furry body.

"Goldie, mera baccha-" Raavi tried to sit down, but Shiva stopped her, and Janhavi stood rooted to her spot.

"Papa, what happened to Goldu?!" Janhavi asked, not liking the sight of her best friend lying on the ground like this.

"Nothing, sweetheart." Shiva answered without turning back, patting Goldie's head, "Goldu, aaja mera baccha. Kuch nahi hoga tujhe, okay?"

In an attempt to nod, Goldie wagged his tail once, and Shiva carried him carefully to the car, asking Janhavi to bring Raavi slowly to the gate.

Zooming past all cars and traffic, Shiva rushed Goldie to the veterinary hospital, informing the vet everything that had transpired.

The three of them sat in the hallway, anxiously waiting until the doctor emerged from the operation theatre.

"Shiva, he must be in so much pain-" Raavi whispered, and Shiva patted her hand.

"He's going to be okay, sweetheart. He has to be." Shiva assured her, his eyes never peeling itself off the doors of the hospital room.

Janhavi bit her nails, and crawled into Shiva's lap, her voice quivering into a mere whisper.

"Papa, is Goldu going to die?"

Shiva looked at Janhavi, and he could sense she was worried, the way her eyes had begun tearing up.

"No, baby. Not at all. Let's just pray he'll be alright, okay?"

Janhavi nodded, and Shiva turned to Raavi. "Tu theek hai, jaan?"

"He saved our baby, Shiva. He saved us. Agar usse kuch ho gaya toh I'll never forgive myself." She whispered, and Shiva entwined his fingers with hers, kissing the back of her hand.

Shiva worriedly stared at the doors, wondering what they'd do without him. He was the tiniest puppy, who wasn't even as healthy as the others of his lot, and today, he was the happiest one of all, always bringing a smile to their face, brightening their dull days.

Minutes turned into hours, when the doctor finally stepped out of the operation theatre.

"Is he okay?" Raavi immediately asked, peeking into the room.

"He's doing absolutely fine." The doctor reassured, taking off his mask. "He had cracked his ribs due to the hard impact, but we are lucky it didn't pierce him anywhere. He'll be fit to discharge in 48 hours."

Raavi sighed in relief, as the doctor guided them to the ward where they'd be shifting Goldie.

As soon as they wheeled in their furry boy, Raavi rushed to his side, just as his little black eyes opened.

"Hi bubba." Raavi cooed gently, caressing his head, and Goldie wagged his tail, "Are you okay? Is it hurting too much? Hmm? Should I ask the doctor to give you more medicine?"

Goldie simply nudged her protruding belly in question, and Raavi smiled tearfully. "You saved us. You saved my baby, bubba. You kept your promise."

I know you will always be there to protect me and my baby. And you'll always be my baby.

Raavi gently kissed his head, and he wagged his tail faster. "Thank you, my baby. But you are Mumma's baby, don't hurt yourself like this next time, okay?"

Goldie laid his head in Raavi's lap, and she had almost lulled him to sleep, when Shiva and Janhavi came barging in.

"Is he okay, Raavi?"

"Mumma, is Goldu okay?"

Raavi nodded, shushing them as they slowly made their way towards the bed.

"Hey, champ!" Shiva called out slowly, and Goldie shifted his head from Raavi's lap to Shiva's. "You doing okay, hmm?"

"Thank you for protecting them when I couldn't. Thank you." He whispered, ruffling Goldie's head and scratching his ears, "Ab humein tera pura dhyaan rakhne de. We will always protect you. Always."

Goldie let his tail down, making himself comfortable in Shiva's lap as Janhavi sat beside him, patting him gently as he licked her hands in consolidation, as if trying to tell her, "I'm fine, don't cry."

It was just their little moment, in their own little bubble. All theirs.

....

".....8.....9....10! Push with the pain, Raavi.....That's it!"

The doctor encouraged Raavi, who was sprawled out on the operating table, clutching Shiva's hand, beads of perspiration trickling down her face.

"I can't....Aah!" Raavi cried out in pain, tears streaming down her face.

"Tu kar sakti hai, chipkali. Bas thodi der!" Shiva kept a walm palm on her forehead, brushing her stray hair away as the nurse blotted a napkin against her face.

For the past 2 hours, he had been seated in the operating room, watching the doctors monitor her situation, poke her in the back with a really long injection, all while she was in excruciating pain.

Shiva was extremely worried for Raavi, his phoolkumari could barely handle a paper cut, and here she was, on this operating table, bearing all the pain for their child.

"....9.....10! Push, Raavi!"

Raavi yelled at the top of her lungs, afraid everyone would lose their ability to hear, pushing one more time, tiredly laying down against the bed.

"You're doing really well! I can see the head!"

"Head?" Raavi hopefully gasped, raising herself on her elbows.

"Yes. Just a little more-"

"Doctor, I give you full permission. Just reach inside me and pull the baby out. I can't do this anymore!"

The doctor stared at Raavi for 5 whole seconds, and then at Shiva, who shrugged his shoulders, as if saying 'this is what I have to deal with on a daily basis'.

"We can't do that, Raavi. It's unethical, and it will harm the baby."

Raavi sobbed in distress, clutching Shiva's hand harder, who was trying to encourage her. Suddenly, she turned towards Shiva, her mood taking a complete 180° turn, from pain to anger as she punched Shiva.

"Ye sab TERI GALTI HAI!"

Shiva looked taken aback at her sudden outburst. "Meri?!"

"YOU got me PREGNANT. This is all YOUR FAULT!"

"MY fault?! MY FAULT?!"

"TERI HI GALTI HAI! Don't you DARE touch me after this baby!"

"MERI GALTI?! Baat toh aise kar rahi hai jaise maine AKELE pregnant kiya hai tujhe!"

"JUST SHUT UP SHIVA!"

Raavi screamed, resting her head against the bed tiredly, feeling another contraction about to hit.

"Okay, okay. Meri hi galti hai, theek hai? Maine hi, jaadu se, akele pregnant kiya hai tujhe?" Shiva rubbed her arms in consolidation, giving up the pointless fight, "Just try once more? See, doctor ne kaha na, baby ka sarr dikh raha hai?"

"DON'T. TELL. ME. WHAT. TO. DO." Raavi gritted her teeth in irritation.

"Okay fine." Shiva mumbled under his breath, watching Raavi push herself back onto the bed, immediately losing the temper as pain shot up her back.

"Nahi hoga mujhse, Shiva. I can't do this." Raavi sobbed, cinching her eyes shut as the contraction almost lifted her off the bed in pain, attempting to push one more time.

"Hoga, meri jaan. Mai jaanta hoon tu kar sakti hai. See? You're almost there." Shiva whispered, rubbing her palms.

Raavi's eyes slowly shut, her breathing shallow, tiredly resting against the operating table, not responding to him.

"Aye, chipkali?" He patted her cheek worriedly, looking at the doctor. "Isse kya hua, doctor?"

"She's tired, Mr. Pandya." The doctor said, "Aapko jagake rakhna hoga. We might have a problem."

"Raavi, sweetheart?!" He patted her cheek, caressing her forehead. "Jaan, aankhein kholna! Dekh, baby aane hi waala hai."

Her eyes remained shut, as he continued to try and elicit a reaction from her, "Tune bataya nahi ki tujhe ladka chahiye ya ladki? Mujhe toh mere team mein iss baar mera chota sher chahiye. Warna tum teeno ladkiyan mujhe tang karke hi chodoge, hai na?"

Raavi stirred, not opening her eyes, and Shiva knew she could register what he was saying. But she was tired, and he felt helpless, wishing he could take at least some of it away.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he patted Raavi's cheeks. "Woh dekh, itni badi CHIPKALI!"

Raavi's eyes flew open, fear gripping her heart. "KAHA?!"

Shiva sighed, kissing her forehead. "Mere saamne."

"Jhooth kyu bola?" She groaned, keeping her hand on his arm.

"Tu so gayi, tujhe jagana tha."

Raavi would have rolled her eyes at Shiva, had she not been in excruciating pain, her eyes welling up with tears again.

"Bas thodi der, Raavi. Haa? Phir humara chota baby humare paas hoga." Shiva took the cloth from the nurse's hands and dabbed her face and neck.

"Alright, Raavi. We're almost there. Just one more strong push, alright?"

Raavi looked at Shiva, tired, sweaty and ready to give up, but something in her fuelled the last push, and she tried with all her might, tightly holding onto his hands.

The cries of a newborn filled the room, announcing his arrival at the peak of dawn.

"Congratulations! It's a boy." The doctor announced, placing the wailing baby on Raavi's chest.

Raavi held the baby close, her emotions in absolute overdrive. The little boy was covered in goop from head to toe, but he was finally here.

Their flesh and blood. Their baby boy. The life they had created together, finally in their arms!

Shiva looked at the baby, who was crying his lungs out as he took his first breath in this world, and his heart swerved with emotions he couldn't explain.

He felt so protective of the little raisin that was in Raavi's arms right now, he didn't want to let anyone touch him, not even the doctors.

Raavi sobbed, kissing her baby's head and showing off her new baby to her husband.

"Shiva, look. I made him."

"Yes. Yes you did." Shiva whispered, kissing her forehead, placing an arm around her shoulder and holding his entire universe close.

"Hi, my baby." Raavi cooed, watching her baby place his tiny hand on her chest, immediately calming down.

It was as if someone had turned off his switch, the familiarity of the person who held him within her for 9 months, engulfing his existence. She cooed words of love to her little ball of sunshine, who recognised her voice and heartbeat, wiggling and moving, wanting to be held closer, while the doctor cut the cord.

"He has your nose and eyes, Shiva!"

Raavi looked over at Shiva, who looked like the proudest father and husband, not being able to take his eyes off his son.

She poked his arm, gesturing for him to carry his son, wanting to watch him hold their baby for the first time ever.

Shiva nervously held the baby towel, and Raavi placed him in his arms, watching Shiva tear up.

His son was so tiny! He had such tiny fingers and toes. And his button nose, his marble-like eyes, his apple cheeks! Shiva couldn't decide which part of his son was the cutest!

When Shiva held out his finger to his son's palm, he grasped it completely, and Shiva marveled over the fact that his son's tiny palm couldn't even fit half his finger in it.

"He's so small, chipkali. Kitna chota hai mera baccha." He whispered, kissing his baby's head.

The sudden prickling beard startled their baby boy, and he started to wail loudly. Shiva chuckled tearfully, swaying his son in his arms and nudging his cheek.

"Dekh, kaise gala phaad phaad ke ro raha hai! Bilkul tujhpe gaya hai, Raavi!"

Raavi clutched her mangalsutra, sobbing and somehow laughing at the same time, overwhelmed with emotions.

The doctor carried the baby away to clean up and conduct preliminary health tests to ensure safety, all while the assistant doctor looked after the post-birth care.

Shiva put his arm around Raavi cautiously, not wanting to hurt her, kissing her head, cheeks and lips.

"You did so well, chipkali. I'm so damn proud of you."

Raavi snuggled in his arms, barely nodding and registering his words, the exhaustion of the last few hours taking over her completely.

"Tere team mein tera beta toh aa gaya, par tu mere team mein rahega humesha, samjha?" She yawned, and he rubbed her arms, swaying her gently.

"Humesha. Forever." Shiva tipped her chin up, kissing her nose. "Thak gayi hogi. Rest kar le. Mai yahi hoon tere paas. Haa?

Raavi rested her head against his shoulder, and let her husband, now father of 2, hold her as she passed out from exhaustiom, while Shiva caressed her head, feeling a plethora of emotions.

It was not just the overwhelming feeling of holding his son in his arms a while ago.

It was the realisation, that Raavi had grown up without her parents in her life. She had never experienced the love that parents shower over a child. She was always worried she wouldn't be a good mother, she may not love her children enough, she might not know what to do and make so many mistakes.

But today, as he watched her in this very room, holding their son and sobbing, her instincts taking over as any mother would, he knew that she would be the best mother his children could ever have!

Watching her over the years, first with Janhavi and now with their son, he had no doubt that her motherly instincts came naturally to her. All Shiva could do was thank his lucky stars for the day she walked into his life, as his partner!

Shiva kissed her forehead, as she lay against him fast asleep, knowing that it was her. It was always her. It would have always been her.

Him. Her. Their 2.5 babies.

Just as promised.

......