❝A Fresh Life Delivered❞

Sanya's POV:

Next Morning:

I watch Mumma wave goodbye, her hand moving slowly, each gesture heavy with unspoken words. She's leaving, and I will be staying here — alone for a month. Putting on a forced smile on my face, I wave back at her. She gestures for me to take care of myself, and I nod, though inside I'm screaming at her to come back.

As she disappears into the thrumming crowd of passengers, a deep loneliness envelops me, clinging to my chest like an evil. There is no one here for me. The reality of my solitude hits me like a cold wave, and tears begin to flow, blurring my vision. Why am I here? Why was I the one? Why did he never chose me? Each question tugs at my heart, sharp and relentless. Memories flood my mind – in fragments.

Getting behind the wheels, I press my palms against my eyes, struggling to hold back the tears, desperate to hold on to the fragile remains of my composure. I feel lost, wandering in a world that suddenly feels much bigger and colder.

My despair is suddenly interrupted by the sharp ring of my phone. The screen lights up, and I see "James" flashing at me. A wave of anger surges through me, cutting through the fog of loneliness like a knife. How dare he? I stare at the screen, my heart racing with a mix of frustration. What does he want now?

Ignoring the call, I take a deep breath and wipe away my tears, forcing myself to regain some clarity. I need to focus on driving. I need to get back home so I can focus on completing my work. It's a welcome distraction, a way to channel my energy into something productive. As I drive, I visualize my workspace—papers scattered across the desk, notes half-written, ideas waiting to be brought to life. With each passing blocks, I remind myself that this is a temporary state. Once I'm home, I can find solace in routine.

After 15 minutes, I park my car and take the path leading to the elevator.

"Good Morning." The sudden voice behind me startles me and I turn to look back. It's our concierge.

"Good morning!" I nod while wishing him the same, forcing a smile. But the way he smiles back, somehow unsettles me. There's something in his eyes that doesn't quite match his cheerful expression. What's wrong with him? I want to voice the question, but I hold back, convincing myself that maybe he's just overly excited.

I shake off the feeling, attributing it to my own mood. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it; perhaps I'm just projecting my own turmoil onto him. Still, a nagging discomfort lingers at the back of my mind, urging me to pay attention. I take a deep breath and get inside the elevator.

Reaching my apartment, I take a seat on the couch so that I can first go through the mails. Time passes, 5 minutes morph to 10. But I can't shake of the feeling that I'm being watched inside my own apartment. I look around to check if there is someone?

Entering my room, the hairs on the back of my neck prick with an unsettling awareness. I glance around, scanning the hallway behind me, but there's no one in sight. The air feels thick with tension, as if shadows are closing in around me. Wiping away the sweat that's gathered on my brow, I try to let go of the unsettling feeling. Maybe it's just my solitude creeping in, manifesting in this strange way.

Leaving everything behind, I try to prepare myself a lunch not before I take a moment to breathe, reminding myself that it's probably just my imagination. During the entire lunch preparation, the unsettling feeling lingered in the background, a constant companion I couldn't quite shake.

Feeling thirsty, I pour myself a glass of water from the fridge not taking my eyes of the entrance. Half an hour later, when I pour myself the soup, my thoughts of having a companion gets interrupted by the past memories. The day I made soup for Vansh, I know that was the worst soup he ever had. But since then, Mumma had taught me some basics to make so that at least I can survive on my own.

Done with my lunch, I move to wash the dishes, the warm water soothing against my hands. But suddenly, my head spins, and my vision blurs. Panic pricks at the edges of my consciousness. There is something wrong. I grip the counter tightly, trying to steady myself, my heart racing.

The world tilts slightly, and I can feel the edges of my reality softening, as if I'm going in and out of focus. I take a deep breath, trying to ground myself in the moment, but the sensation grows stronger.

Then, I feel a hand grip me from behind, but nothing is in focus. I hear a low voice and the utensils slips from my hand. Who is it? I thought I said it, but the voice never escapes me. I try to balance myself, shifting my weight to regain control, but a wave of unease washes over me. My knees weaken first, trembling under the sudden onslaught of dizziness, before the disorientation consumes me entirely.

Vansh's POV:

I enter my apartment, which I bought to live here for a while but is now filled with memories of her. Sanya's. I tried calling her, desperation clawing at my chest, but I feared she had blocked my number. Yet deep down, I knew she wouldn't do that; she had told me once that she never blocks someone she cares about.

Uneasiness gripped me, a familiar ache that brought me back to this place in the middle of the night. I didn't think twice before I booked the first ticket available forth is city, because preparing our own jet would take time. I wandered through the dim rooms, and back to the same place where we confronted just a month and a half ago. I remembered how she loved me, how fiercely, and how I had turned that love into blame. Now that I finally felt the weight of my own feelings, she was gone, leaving a hollow space where warmth used to be. 

I need to visit the Rajput's Mansion and apologize to her. The thought of returning sent a shiver down my spine, because of her words. She told me that I should never go back to the mansion, but now I can't these feelings are killing me from the inside. I want to go back and talk to her.

I stepped out into the cool night air, each breath heavy with longing as I stood in the balcony. I took one last look around the apartment, letting the memories wash over me one final time before calling it a day.

With a quiet resolve settling in my heart, I promised myself that I would apologize to her. Tomorrow, I would find her. Tomorrow, I would face the ghosts of my past.

Rehaan's POV:

I sank back into the chair, cradling my head in my hands. A wave of despair washed over me. I couldn't do this. I couldn't choose. But I had already made my choice, and it was her— I chose her.

'I'm sorry baby.' I say that to my conscience. I know my child will never forgive me. She would never forgive me; I knew it in my bones. In every moment of doubt, I could hear her voice, reminding me that our child should come first. But my heart screamed in protest. How could I choose anything but her? The soul thought of losing Riddhima felt unbearable, a void that threatened to swallow me whole. I can't live with her. I just can't.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I grappled with the reality of my choice. I was eager for her understanding, for a way forward that included both of them. My wife and my child. It's been 45 minutes, since the door closed on my face leaving me alone with my family. My mom tried to console my weeping heart by taking me in her embrace. But I'm not crying, because I know I have to be strong for her. For our future.

Aditya is trying to console Bani, who is crying worried about Riddhima. Devika Maa—she might have already left so I don't bother calling her. Dad and Arjun stands beside me but I want to be alone. Tears threatened to spill over, but I had to hold them back; if they noticed, it would only deepen their worry, and I couldn't bear to add to their burden.

I took a deep breath, focusing on steadying my heartbeat, reminding myself to be strong for them, even as I felt like I was unraveling inside. I looked away, desperately searching for something—anything—to push back the tide of emotion threatening to overwhelm me.

Standing on wobbly legs, I watch as mom rushes to me. "I'll be right back." I say to them but don't wait for them to answer or say anything. Rushing through the stairs, I reach the empty parking lot.

Opening the door to my car, I get behind the driver's side. And as soon as the lock the door, the reality of my situation crashes down on me. I can hear her voice telling me to choose our child. Tears spill out of my eyes, thinking that I won't ever get to see my child. That may be we already lost her. Nothing comes into focus except for our memories. I need to stay strong for her. My wife is going to need me really soon. Putting my head on the steering wheels, I try to suppress my sob.

I just want to go back home, go back to the moment where both her and my child were safe in my arms. Where I got to hold them. Knock on my car's window, makes me look up. It's dad and he signs me to unlock the door. I want to be alone but I still opened the door for him, my heart racing. "What are you doing here, Dad?" I asked, avoiding his gaze.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you? Your wife is upstairs in surgery, and you're down here." His words hung in the air, a mix of concern and accusation that pierced through my defenses. I turned away, unable to face the weight of the moment.

"I can't face her." I say focusing on the other car parked infront of me.

"Why?" I know he is concerned about her, after all he was so excited to hear the news of his first grandchild.

"Because I know that she will hate me for choosing her." I say and feel him grab my shoulder.

"Do you regret it?" I turn to look at him.

"Choosing her? No. But losing my child? Yes." I say taking a deep breathe.

"Then you should know that this is the second time this will happen to her. She needs you, Rehaan. She needs our support." I nod. "Don't let the despair burden her."

I can't say anything as I feel something heavy lodged inside my throat.

"Let's go. She needs you." I hear him and watch him leave. He didn't help much in consoling me.

As the move towards the entrance of the hospital, sunrays lands on my face and I look down at my watch, it's five in the morning. I can't help but wish that this new day brings a fresh light into our lives, illuminating the path ahead.

After about twenty minutes, the doors open. Mom is continuously praying for the well-being. I look as the female doctor comes out of the room. I move closer to her with hope filled in my heart.

"I'm pleased to tell you that the surgery went well. And you have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl." My heart skips a beat. "And the mother is also recovering. For now, we have kept the baby in NICU due to premature birth. You can meet her after a while."

"And Riddhima?" I hear Arjun's voice from behind me but my mind can't get over the fact that both my wife and child are safe. I'll get to hold them. I'll get to meet my wife and my baby.

"She is recovering as expected. But right now, she is under anesthesia, and it will take some time for it to wear off." She says looking at him. "Both of them will be monitored closely in recovery, and we'll keep you updated on their progress."

I can hear mom saying thanks to her. But it seems as if my overwhelmed heart has lost all manners.

"Mr. Rehaan, We'd like to have a conversation with your wife health and any questions or concerns you may have. When would be a good time to talk?" I hear her ask.

"Is it possible for me to see her first? I just need to look at her right now." She hesitates for a moment but then says I can meet her once they transfer her to the ward.

It takes around an hour and a half before Riddhima is stable and the effects of anesthesia have worn off. I enter the room and see her look at the ceiling. Nurse nods at me and leaves the room giving us privacy.

"Riddhima." She hears me and then turns to look at me.

"Rehaan." She murmurs in a low voice but through weakness, she still smiles at me.

My wife and child are here with me, safe and healthy, and the love I feel for them is beyond words. As a husband and father, my heart swells with gratitude and joy. Looking at my wife, I see the strength and grace that brought us here. She's not just my partner; she's the heart of our family. Her smile lights up my world, and in those moments, I'm filled with gratitude for everything we've built together. I just want her in my life.

Riddhima's POV:

After the nurse informed me that I'm blessed with a baby girl, a rush of emotions flooded over me. Joy, love, and a sense of wonder filled my heart. I look at Rehaan, and I could see the excitement in his eyes, mirroring my own. I hadn't yet seen our daughter, but just knowing she was here made everything feel surreal. I felt an intense desire to protect her and a deep yearning to hold her close.

"Rehaan, have you seen her?" That's the first thing I ask like a dumb. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for him to sit outside for hours and not know anything about us.

"No." He says taking a seat beside me and holding my hand.

"I'm sorry. I should have been more careful." I say with a low voice as tears blurs my clear view of his face. It's all because of me. "I should have at least informed you."

"Calm down, Riddhima." Rehaan says moving closer to my face. "We have our child here. Can we forget about everything else?"

My heart swells with gratitude as I think about the precious life we've created. I was a spy once and before that an orphan. But even after 5 years, I have no idea what have I done to deserve him? All the worries and challenges fade into the background when I focus on him and our future together. Everything else can wait; this is our time to cherish each other and embrace the beautiful journey ahead.

"Thank You, Riddhima." Joining our foreheads together, he looks into my eyes and says, "Thank you for making me a father."

In that moment, my heart swells with emotion. "Well, if that's the case," I reply with a smile, "thank you for making me a mother."

I close my eyes, savoring the warmth of his presence and the love that surrounds us. It feels like time stands still as we share this beautiful moment, fully aware that we're embarking on an incredible journey together. The world outside fades away, leaving just us and the promise of our new family.

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It was around twelve in the noon, when we got to see our daughter. As I was rolled on a wheel-chair, inside the room from where I could see my daughter the first thing I glanced for support was Rehaan's face. A whirlwind of emotions surrounds me. Seeing my tiny, fragile baby connected to monitors and tubes was heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. My hearts skip a beat as I looked at the delicate features of my child, feeling a tremendous mix of love, fear and concern.

I can't help but wonder is my baby in pain. But the nurse said they are getting the best care. Tomorrow, I will get to see her. And a week after that we will be discharged.

As I had approach the incubator, I yearned to touch her—my baby, to hold her close, to reassure her with our presence. Tears well up inside my eyes, both from joy and the heaviness of the situation. We cling to every update from the medical staff, eager for news, and celebrate even the smallest milestones. The NICU may feel like an overwhelming place, but it's also where their journey as a family truly begins for us.

And right now, it's evening when there's a gentle knock on my door. After so much pressure from me, an hour ago, Rehaan finally went to change clothes and freshen up. Sunil and Arjun were sitting outside. But none of them have the courtesy to knock, so it could be a nurse, who might be thinking Rehaan is still here.

"Come in." I say though my voice is still low. And then the door opens. Even after looking at the person, I can't believe it's him.

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Vansh's POV:

I turn to look back at Rehaan's face, still feeling the sting of the punch he threw at me. Jet lag had knocked me off balance, causing me to wake up in the afternoon, but I rushed to the Rajput mansion as soon as I could.

Flashback starts:

I look at the helper dumbfounded. Is he dumb? "Where is Sanya?" I'm asking this question for the third time and he is just telling me he doesn't know her.

"Sir." I hear a voice behind and turn to look at the same man, who escorted my bags into my room. Thanks to my memory. "He is new."

Of course he is. "Where is Sanya?" I repeat the question forgetting about greeting and all.

"Sanya ma'am doesn't live here anymore. I mean she went back to London a month and a half ago." No. This can't happen. How can she leave when Riddhima is near her due date?

"Riddhima? Where is she?" I asked eager to seek her help and forgiveness. Before he could answer, someone pats on my shoulder and I turn to look. Rehaan.

Before I could register the shock, the punch connects with my jaw, a hard reminder of the weight of our unresolved issues. I knew I deserved it, so I stayed silent, absorbing the blow. "What are you doing here?" Rehaan asks, moving closer, his anger palpable. But before he can close the distance, his father and Aditya step in to hold him back.

"What's wrong with you? He is your friend," Mr. Rajput interjects, trying to keep the peace, his voice steady but firm. I can see the conflict in Rehaan's eyes, the struggle between his emotions and the expectations of those around him. The tension hangs thick in the air as we all await what comes next.

"He is not my friend. He is the reason my wife had to go through so much." I can hear the anger filled in his tone. I'm not getting forgiven.

"What do you mean?" Aditya asks and I look at everyone's face. Rehaan's parents, Bani, Aditya and a women whom I don't know.

"He is the man she told us about," Rehaan says, and I can feel everyone's gaze boring into me. "He killed her child."

Suddenly, the grip on his shoulders loosens, and the punch lands hard in my stomach. This time, no one intervenes—neither Aditya nor his father.

"What are you doing here?" he demands, gripping my collar tightly. I can feel the fire of my own anger rising, but I force myself to hold back. He has every right to be furious after everything I've done, and I know I have to take this. The weight of my choices hangs heavy between us. "I warned you not to come back," Rehaan growls, his grip tightening on my collar. "And you had the guts to come back here. To my place." His voice is low and laced with anger, each word like a knife.

"I want to talk to Riddhima. I need to apologize." I say to him and watch as he again decides to punch at my face

"Apologize?" the same woman I have no idea about steps in front of me, her voice sharp and unwavering. "I'm not letting you go anywhere near my child. Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Her words hit me like a punch, each accusation ringing true. I can see the fury and fear in her eyes, and it strikes a chord deep within me. I want to respond, to explain myself, but how can I when my reason of coming here is missing.

"Just leave. I won't let him ruin the happiness our family has found today" I hear Rehaan's mom say in disappointed.

"Nope. He deserves to die." Aditya says moving further closer to me but is held back by Bani.

"We can't do anything to him. Riddhima took the promise from us, right?" Bani says and looks at me in anger. A silent chuckle escapes my lips, even though she hates my guts she still doesn't want me hurt. That's how good she is by heart.

"Are you laughing at us?" Women says while her eyes are filled with anger.

"No ma'am. Of course, rather I think I should be laughing at my situation. After all, I'm paying for my past decision by losing everything. My family. The women I love." Love? Maybe or maybe not. But I need her. "How can I laugh at Riddhima's family when she was once the reason who taught me how to live?"

"Just leave." Aditya's angry growl echoes around the mansion while Rehaan stays put held by his mom. Where is Riddhima?

"I will. I just need to talk to her." I say hoping she will hear my voice.

"You can't. Just go." He says again and I don't budge. "I will just throw you out."

"She is not here. Now, leave." Mr. Rajput says and looks at me. He must be cold-hearted and all but he know how to control a situation.

I can wait for outside and watch her leave. An hour later, I saw Rehaan's car drive out of the mansion while I was still waiting for her to arrive. When he stops in front of me.

"Mr. Vansh Raisinghania. Don't destroy our day." He says and surprisingly his voice seems to be in gentle request mode. Day? What's the day?

"I swear, Rehaan. I will just say sorry and leave you alone." I say moving closer to his car.

"Doesn't that make it look like, that will make her recall everything." He says running his hands across his head.

"Last time and I won't bother you both ever." He thinks for a second. He thinks. And then nods.

"That doesn't mean, I will forgive you. Get inside the car."

Flashback ends:

That's how we landed here in hospital. Despite the lingering fatigue, adrenaline surged through me as I faced him. I couldn't shake the tension in the air, and I knew that we were about to confront everything that had been left unsaid. Entering the ward room, I look at the tired face of Riddhima. Whole drive, he didn't say a word to me.

But looking at Riddhima, I grew more tensed. She doesn't have a bump. Where is the child?

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Hey guys so that's all for today . Hope you guys liked it.

Your writer,
Krisha💚