For the past few weeks, Shrishti couldn't stop thinking about her sister and what's happening with her. She always suspected that something was going on between Preeta and Karan and now that Preeta has confirmed what she knew, she's scared for her. They come from high profile families; if this got out to the public it would be disaster. It would ruin both the families's reputation. She's glad her sister found love unexpectedly but also sad because she can't show it and has to keep it a secret however she believes Rishabh too doesn't deserve what's being done behind his back. Shrishti knows how much the guy loves her sister and vice versa though in this case it's a different kinda of love.

Sarla found her buried in her own thoughts

"Shrishti my dear, what's got you thinking so loud?"

"Mum, I didn't hear you come in"

"What's troubling my baby so much? Come on talk to me".

"Its nothing mum"

Shrishti was worried about her sister but despite that, she wasn't gonna reveal her sister's secrets to anyone. She only hopes it doesn't ruin the brothers' bond and their families. However she  wanted to know why it wasn't Karan whom Luthras' brought instead of Rishabh. It could've easy for sister but now she's facing a dilemma in her life.

"Uhm!, mum what do you think of Karan Luthra?, I mean had he been available; would he have been picked for Preeta and not Rishahb?"

Sarla looked at her strangely and surprised

"You like him", Sarla questioned.

" No mum but i want to know your opinion that's all"

"Why?"

"Just tell me"

"Shrishti I don't understand this and I will ask again, do you like Karan"

"No mum, Karan Luthra is not my type, more so Preeta's", she said the last words almost whispering.

"Did you say something?" Sarla asked intrigued.

Shrishti dismissed it immediately.

"Truthfully, I don't know only Luthras can answer that but I your sister is happily married to a great man. Rishabh has proved to be the best husband and son-in-law; so I wouldn't change that for her".

"I guess your right mum but for my sake; I don't want any arranged marriage, I will choose my own husband".

Sarla looked at her amusingly and smiled at her.

Weeks later Preeta started to feel sick, she got nauseous most of the times, dizziness, high eppetite. So she decided to go meet the doctor who gave her the good news after a few tests. She was obviously happy about the news.

Thanksgiving came but not alone.

She could barely keep what she knew a secret. Karan had suspected something but he didn't say anything, only he would look at her funny for a while and then shake his head and go back to his work. Rishabh on the other hand was obliviosly happy.

She sighned as she pulled her belt off. She would go without it, the only thing it did was restrict her and her doctor had made it clear that she should avoid tight clothing. She slipped out of the skirt and opted for a more free looking dress. She gazed at her reflection for a few minutes, there was no sign giving away her situation but Preeta could see small changes. For starters her stomach was firmer and her breasts were slightly fuller, filling her bra just fine and even spilling a little out of it. Yes, shopping was definitely on her to-do list. She curved her arm around the non existent bump and smiled to herself again. Delhi had been indeed the best time of her life.

She was happy with the news doctor gave her but she went straight to cloud nine when he confirmed what she suspected. There was no way for  Rishabh to be responsible for her situation, the dates didn't match, but she'd find a way to cover it up. Besides, who was going to question her on her loyalty to her husband anyway.

"Preeta?" Rishabh called from the small drawing room adjoined to their bedroom. "Are you ready?"

"Yes!" she answered as she stepped inside, fixing her earrings. "How do I look?" She twirled around and the red dress puffed out.

"Beautiful as always", her husband breathed, coming to stop before her. He reached out and tugged a dark strand of silky hair behind her ear lovingly.

"Red really does suit you very well". Preeta couldn't help but return an affectionate smile.

"Shall we?"

"We shall!"

Since it was thanksgiving and all the family members were seated at the table, conversations were buzzing around the table but Preeta's mind was focused only on one thing. She planned to announce it as soon as they were done eating but now the moment was close. She didn't feel quite as courageous, worry replacing her excitement.  Rishabh asked her several times if she was alright and why she was fidgeting so much and Karan had caught her eye several times across the table, the same question swimming in his dark gaze. She ignored both of them though, choosing to talk to her parents and spend the rest of the time eating because her eppetite had picked up quite a lot.

"Excuse me!" she didn't realise she was on her feet until the words left her mouth. The entire table fell into a gravely silence nd a couple dozen eyes focused on her, but two pairs burned holes through her body though. "I have something to be thankful for this year more than any other year before. I have someone that loves me more than a woman could ever ask". Her gaze rested on Rishabh, who gave her a smile in return and then flicked to Karan, enough for him to realize that she was talking about him too.

"A family that still has all their members, we're all healthy, we are all happy and l'm thankful for that too". They all raised their glasses in salute but she stopped them with a hand.

"But that's not all! I'm pregnant" she breathed and a moment later a loud buzz spread over the table again.

Rishabh's arms wrapped around her and his lips kissed her and then her parents were there and her in-laws and Sammy with Kritika but Preeta's eyes searched wildly for him. Karan was nowhere to be seen though, he had disappeared into thin air and it tore her heart in two. Her mind held only bad thoughts. For a moment she believed that he'd want this child, their child, as much as she did but apparently she was wrong. She didn't have time for that now, though, a celebration was in order according to her husband.

How did the British saying go?

Keep calm and carry on

That's what she had to do.

He drove her mad on days like these. No one saw him after he left te table and it was like he'd dropped off the face of the Earth for the next five days. Between the morning sickness that was starting to settle in, the gossip around her pregnancy and her mother along with her mother-in-law coddling her, Preeta had no time to think about Karan and how he felt about this. This child was first and foremost hers and if Karan didn't want to be a part of its life Rishabh would be more than enough. Her husband had mentioned quite a few times the last six months how he'd like for them to have a baby and she kept avoiding the subject by claiming they were too young.

Preeta mentioned Karan's disappearance to Rishabh the third morning he was gone, making small talk over the fact that his young brother was the only person in this town that didn't congratulate them on the news. She was about about to give birth to the first Luthra of the next generation after all. Her husband though brushed it off with the excuse Karan tended to go rogue a lot and so isn't surprised. And that it was 'really' a miracle that he stuck around for as long as he did this time.

She signed as she turned on her side. Sadly for her, while their families kept her busy during the day, at night her worry combined with steadily increasing anger came rushing back. Rishabh snorted peacefully beside her, annoying her even more. Giving up on sleep she finally threw the covers away from her body, slipped on her robe and made her way to the kitchen. A glass of milk with some chocolate cookies was very much needed.

A small scream escaped her as two strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her inside the library. A large hand over her mouth muffled the sound and Preeta settled back when the familiar scent flooded her senses. Karan let her go as soon as the door closed securely behind them. Her eyes ran over him once, twice and her heart broke at the miserable view before her. He looked like he hadn't slept in days, the dark circles evident under his hollow eyes, there was a thick layer of scruff on his face and his clothes were same ones he'd worn that night.

"You asshole!" Anger was the first emotion that caught up with her after the surprise wore off.

"I was worried sick about you!" Her fists came hard down against his chest again and again, and he let her for a while, let her get it all out.

"God, I missed you", he whispered to himself and finally pulled her into his arms for a kiss. Preeta tried to pretend she wanted to get away but she failed miserably.  She was gone as soon as his lips touched her own, her arms found their way around his neck and then she was pressed up against the wall. "Being away from you was hell on earth". He kissed a trial down the column of her throat, towards her chest and down her stomach. Dropping to his knees he pushed the skirt of her nightgown up and his lips found the skin of her lower stomach. The gesture took her by surprise, her movements stilled for a moment as he worshipped the soft skin.

"Karan?" She called, running her figures through his thick hair; it wasn't until the wetness touched her skin that she realized he was crying.

"Karan?" She repeated again, falling to her knees too, her arms coming around him, wrapping him in a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry", he apologised after what felt like years.

"I shouldn't have left like that but the mere thought that you were carrying someone else's child..." he trailed off breathing hard. "It tore me apart, I had to get out. I went to see Bella, told her what happened and of course she told me I was an idiot. That it didn't matter who the father is and that if I loved you i'd love the child too and God I love you, damn it! I love you more than you can ever imagine".

He expected a lot of things but not the slap that struck him like lightening. His cheek stung from the force of it and he pulled back in surprise.

"Idiot", she murmured, grabbing his shirt and crushing her lips to his.

"It's yours", she informed him when they came up for air.

"The doctor was pretty sure that l'm six weeks gone which means it happened while we were in Delhi". The happiness that graced on his face was all she ever needed, the way his eyes twinkle at the idea that she was pregnant with his child made her heart swell with love.

Their situation wasn't ideal but they would make it with whatever they had.

As time went on, Preeta thought that everything was ridiculous because she was allowed to even raise her own glass of water, everything was prepared for her and handed to her and that if she let them carry her around they would not thinking twice. Her child forcing her on her knees and two fathers driving her nuts by coddling her all the time.

At first she felt it was nice but now it's just too much. But one thing she will never get tired of is seeing Karan talking to the barely there bump. Every time they were alone, they would lay down on his bed and he will just talk to the baby about everything.

And then you have Rishabh, who has taken it upon himself to give her everything she wants. If she craves for something at 2 am, he will drive forty minutes to get it for her. He's a dedicated husband and is taking care of her endlessly and protecting the baby. Of course he has no idea that he's not really the father but Preeta doesn't have the heart to tell him the truth. She can't hurt him like that and won't hurt him like that. He deserves to be happy, and the thought of this baby does that.

"I guess what they say is true- ignorance is bliss", she thought.

Note:
Am sorry for the delay when it came to writing this story. My last update was way back in April but I kinda lost interest in writing it since it was received well. However my glad there are still those of out there that love it and hence this chapter. I got one more chapter to end this chapter.
If you read my tags, there is #characterdeath. Yes someone is dying and I want you guys to guess who it is and why you think it's that person.

I would really appreciate comments and votes.
Thank you❤❤