Abhimanyu, clad in the tea green kurta lovingly gifted by Sahana, entered Kismet, the dimly lit club known for its reputation in the elite class. His presence in such a place was an edge case that didn't go unnoticed. He couldn't help but notice the curious glances and raised eyebrows from the patrons, thanks to the kurta he was wearing. It wasn't every day that one spotted a respected politician in such a setting. However, Abhimanyu paid little attention to their curiosity; he had a specific purpose for being here—to retrieve his slightly drunk wife.

Sahana sat gracefully perched on a barstool in the bustling bar area. Her long, lustrous hair cascaded over one shoulder, framing her face. She was adorned in a striking silver short dress, which accentuated her beauty amidst the dim, sensual lighting of the club.

Abhimanyu approached her with a gentle smile and took a seat beside her. His presence was a calming force amidst the lively and chaotic ambiance of the club.

"Happy Birthday, Wifey," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her bare shoulder, which sent a shiver down her spine.

Sahana turned to look at him, her deep brown eyes a bit hazy from the wine she was sipping. She hesitated for a moment before replying, "Are you upset with me?"

Abhimanyu was perplexed. He couldn't understand why Sahana had chosen to spend the night before her birthday in Kismet, of all places. He leaned in closer and gently asked, "I'm not upset with you, Saani. But why are you sad?"

Sahana took another sip of her red wine before answering, "You know, it's been six months since our wedding. And today, holding Di's newly born baby girl in my arms, just made me feel the desire to have our own child."

Angana had recently given birth to her first child, a daughter named Raghini. This little addition to their family had immediately become the center of attention, particularly for Sahana.

Abhimanyu, his heart filled with love and compassion, reassured her, "Saani, we will have our own baby. It's about time, and we've talked about this."

Sahana, her voice quivering with longing, said, "I can't wait anymore, Abhi. It's like a void that I can't ignore."

In a soft, comforting tone, Abhimanyu assured her, "Alright, we'll visit a doctor in a few days and seek advice. We'll go through this together."

Sahana smiled, a glimmer of hope and excitement in her eyes, and replied, "Thank you, Abhi. That means everything to me."

As the clock struck midnight, marking the beginning of Sahana's twenty-sixth birthday, Abhimanyu couldn't help but think about the years they had ahead of them as a couple, and the possibility of becoming parents.

Gently touching her arm, he said, "Happy birthday, Saani. It's your day today. Should we head back home now? Your cousins and friends will surely want to see you."

Sahana, a tinge of exhaustion in her voice, groaned in response, "Please pick me in your arms, Abhi. My feet hurt from these damn heels. I'll never wear them again."

Abhimanyu smiled and couldn't help but admire her even more. He bent down and scooped her up in his arms, her laughter echoing through the club as they left behind the enticing allure of Kismet.

Together, they walked to his car, parked nearby, and began the drive back to their penthouse, while being followed by the security. The city's vibrant lights served as the backdrop to the beginning of another year in Sahana's life, one that would undoubtedly hold more love, laughter, and shared moments with her husband.

🕊🕊🕊

The next morning arrived with a gentle glow of sunshine filtering through the large windows of their penthouse. As the soft rays painted their bedroom in a warm embrace, Sahana slowly stirred from her slumber, a mild discomfort nagging at her. She groaned and opened her eyes, realizing that it was her twenty-sixth birthday.

Though the memory of her visit at Kismet and the deep conversation with Abhimanyu lingered, it was quickly overshadowed by a pressing sense of nausea. She felt an overwhelming urge to vomit and rushed to the bathroom. In a matter of moments, she retched three times, the sour taste of bile filling her mouth.

Sahana splashed some water on her face to wash away the aftertaste and gathered herself. She couldn't help but credit the unpleasantness to the red wine she'd consumed the night before. As she exited the bathroom, Abhimanyu, ever the attentive husband, was already waiting by the door, his face creased with concern.

He took one look at her pale complexion and asked, "Saani, are you okay?"

Sahana tried to smile and reassured him, "I'm fine, just a bit queasy from the wine last night."

Abhimanyu didn't seem entirely convinced and headed downstairs to the kitchen. After a few minutes, he returned with a tall glass of lemonade, garnished with a fresh mint leaf. "Here, this might help settle your stomach."

Sahana gratefully accepted the drink, taking small sips. The cool and tangy taste provided her some relief. Abhimanyu watched her intently and suggested, "Maybe we should go to a doctor, just to be sure."

Sahana, reluctant at first, nodded her agreement. The idea of seeing a doctor was met with mixed emotions. She felt apprehensive but understood the need to rule out any serious issues.

Within the hour, they were on their way to the hospital. Sahana, wearing a simple yet elegant outfit, sat beside Abhimanyu in their car. Her mind swirled with thoughts and worries as the city's traffic buzzed around them. Abhimanyu reached over and held her hand, providing comfort in their silent journey.

At the hospital, they checked in with the receptionist and were soon sitting in the sterile waiting room. The minutes dragged on, and Sahana's mind continued to race with what-ifs and scenarios, all the while Abhimanyu's reassuring presence offering a sense of security.

Finally, their names were called, and they entered the doctor's office. Dr. Mehta, an experienced and empathetic physician, greeted them with a warm smile. The doctor didn't care if it was the chief minister waiting for his turn, because she strongly believed that rules meant to followed by everyone regardless of their position. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Raval. How can I help you today?"

Sahana cleared her throat, her voice wavering with unease, "Doctor, I've been feeling quite nauseous this morning, and I threw up. We thought it might be because of the red wine I drank last night."

Dr. Mehta nodded and asked a few routine questions. "I see. Nausea and vomiting can indeed be side effects of alcohol consumption. However, let's not jump to conclusions. I'll conduct a few tests to be sure."

Abhimanyu squeezed Sahana's hand, offering her silent support as the doctor ordered the necessary tests. The minutes passed slowly as they waited for the results.

When Dr. Mehta returned with the results, her eyes sparkled with a different kind of news. She held a medical report in her hand and said with a smile, "Well, Mrs. Raval, it seems the nausea and vomiting were not due to the alcohol you consumed."

Sahana exchanged a puzzled glance with Abhimanyu. "Then what could be causing it, doctor?"

Dr. Mehta paused for a moment, letting the suspense linger before revealing, "Sahana, you're expecting."

A profound hush fell upon the room as the words hung in the air. The news settled over them, bringing an extraordinary mix of emotions. Sahana was speechless, her eyes wide with shock, and then slowly, a radiant smile broke through.

"Expecting?" she whispered.

Abhimanyu's eyes glistened with joy. "You mean we're going to have a baby?"

Dr. Mehta nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Raval. You're going to be parents."

Sahana was overwhelmed with a rush of emotions. Her eyes welled up with tears of joy as she turned to Abhimanyu, her voice trembling. "Abhi, we're going to have a baby."

Abhimanyu, filled with an indescribable happiness, leaned in and softly kissed his wife. Their journey into parenthood had begun with the most beautiful surprise, on her birthday.

Dr. Mehta shared information about the early stages of pregnancy and gave them a list of do's and don'ts. She advised Sahana to completely abstain from alcohol and other harmful substances.

As they left the doctor's office, Sahana felt an incredible mix of emotions: happiness, wonder, and a touch of anxiety about the new chapter they were about to begin. She leaned on Abhimanyu's shoulder as they walked through the hospital corridor. They were both well aware that their lives were going to change forever, and they were prepared to embrace the beautiful journey of parenthood together.

🕊🕊🕊

The news of Sahana's pregnancy was met with immense joy and celebration within the families and relatives. Phone calls buzzed with congratulatory messages. Sahana's birthday became a day of double celebration.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm and tender light across the penthouse, Sahana couldn't contain her exhilaration. Her heart brimmed with happiness, and she danced around the bedroom, her eyes sparkling like stars. Abhimanyu, the ever-doting husband, watched her with eyes full of love.

"Abhi, I love you!" She twirled towards him, her arms draped over his shoulders, and planted a sweet kiss on his lips.

When their lips parted, he gently picked her up, cradling her in his arms and carefully laying her down on the bed. A soft smile played on his lips. "From now on, no more jumping around like a little monkey. And I'll be helping you with your morning bath."

Sahana protested playfully, "Abhi, I've just gotten pregnant, not paralyzed. I can handle my own bath."

Abhimanyu's eyes softened with affection. "I want to take care of my pregnant wife. Please let me."

Sahana chuckled, her heart melting at his devotion. "Alright, you can help with the bath, but you have to promise not to spoil me."

He nodded seriously. "Deal, but only if you promise to eat healthily. No fast food for the next nine months."

She couldn't help but tease him back, "Okay, Mr. Responsible Dad-to-Be, but you can't have fast food either."

Abhimanyu hesitated for a moment, then relented with a grin, "Alright, it's a deal."

Sahana nestled into the soft comfort of the bed and sighed contentedly. "I still can't believe I'm pregnant!"

Abhimanyu lowered himself beside her, wrapping her in a gentle embrace. "It's real, Saani, and it's the most wonderful gift life has given us."

She gazed into his eyes, her own filled with profound love and a hint of uncertainty. "I'm excited and happy, Abhi, but I'm also a little scared. This is a whole new chapter of our lives."

He placed a reassuring kiss on her forehead. "I know, Saani, and I feel the same. But we'll navigate this journey together."

Sahana rested her head on Abhimanyu's chest, her hand on her still-flat belly, already imagining the new life growing within her.

•••

Thoughts 💭