"Happy Anniversary." I take a bite of the cake.

"Happy Anniversary." I smile at him as he takes a bite. For a moment I admire my handsome husband, he looks so hot in black.

I rest my hand on my bump as I fondle it. Neela maa had brought a few maternity gowns for me and I slipped one of the white gowns today.

It feels so good to have my mother, in-laws, and friends together celebrating our anniversary.

"Avni, look here." I tilt to look at Sara and she snaps a few photos of us. We didn't throw a huge party, we decided to enjoy it just with family and friends.

"So, what are you guys giving each other?" Alia looks at us excitedly. I shrug as I tilt to look at Neil.

"Ourselves." He threw his arm on my shoulder, I look at him and he smiles at me before he kisses the side of my head.

He's so cute.

"Like seriously?" Sara rolled her eyes. "Come on, CM, sing a song for my friend."

"I am not good at it." Neil laughed slowly. "I am just willing to say something."

He turns to face me as he rested his hands on my shoulders. "I don't know how to thank you for everything. You have poured sweetness into my life and to date, I have relished every minute of my life with you."

He sighs as he looks down and then back at me. "I can't imagine my life without you." My heart trembled at his words, why does it mean so much when I have read it so many times in romance novels?

"I crave for your presence." He mumbles looking straight into my eyes. "And I'm not trying to be cheesy here, just honest."

I swallow the lump in my throat as I blink tears from my eyes. "Life after marriage gets beautiful for few people and they have their reasons. For me, it's not the physical relationship we share, it's the comfort we share."

"Not that I don't want a physical relationship, I am looking forward to having more babies with you." He chuckles slowly.

"You can expect a 'same to you' here." He raised his eyebrows impressed. A part of me is aware we are actually having an open conversation in front of everyone but who cares? We are just being honest.

"As singles, we wonder what is marriage? We think it's all about having children, taking responsibility and all." He reaches out to stroke my cheek with his thumb. "As a married person, I realize marriage is not just about responsibilities and children it's about finding solace."

"Wives are not there to satisfy desires, they are there to be your strength. I am thankful to you for all the times you have strived to make me laugh at sad times, to all the times you let me embrace you in a hug after arguments, to all the times you understood me, to all the times you cooked my favorites, to all the times you helped me select outfit, to all the times you smiled at people and introduced me as your husband, to all the times you were honest. Special thank you for taking care of me, loving me, and putting effort to make our relationship work."

"I need you in each phase of my life as my wife." He reaches out to press his lips on my forehead. "Because I feel incomplete without you."

Normally I would have controlled my tears but this time I let a few tears fall from my eyes then wipe them quickly. It's not like I'm perfect, I have made mistakes but he still makes me feel I'm perfect.

"I'm dependent on you." He chuckles slowly. "And for some reason, it feels good."

"Don't be dependent on--" I try to say but he shuts me by keeping his finger on my lips.

"Don't interrupt." He shakes his head, I nod willing to obey him at least today.

"365 days, one year, almost 6 months babies, it all feels so incredible." I cherish the sound of contentment in his voice. "It doesn't feel like it was yesterday we got married because we have gone through a lot in the whole year but it does feel like time has passed quickly."

"Can I just ask you for one thing?" I nod.

"We don't know how our future is going to be like but will you promise to not leave me despite anything? Stay with me, we will figure it out, together."

"I promise." I hold his hand in mine as I bring it near my lips to kiss it.

"I... I don't know what to say..." I shake my head, I stop myself from speaking as I feel my voice shaking, and suddenly I feel tears in the back of my eyes. Neil looks blur to me, I don't blink because I don't want to cry.

He laughs slowly before tugging me in a side hug, I bury my face in his shoulder and close my eyes to clear my tears.

"I am going to sit and write a romantic act then hand it over to you guys." We pull away as Sara speaks enthusiastically. "You look so cute while doing all these I want to keep watching you and wait, Fouzy and Asad should join you in this. That would be more fun." She laughs loudly.

Foziah and Asad made a video call to us in the afternoon, wished, and apologized to us for not coming here. They are busy packing because they are leaving to abroad for a family vacation with all the huge family. Sara handed over everything to them and came here.

Sara is Sara.

"And it makes me feel like I wish I had a partner." She frowns. "DD, don't you feel the same?"

They both have been standing there beside each other capturing our video.

"No, it makes me feel like searching for a groom for you because you were silently weeping while watching them." DD grinned at her.

"Why were you crying?" I ask her startled as everyone laughs.

She bites her lip shrugging. "I don't know."

"Okay, forget it!" She laughs. "Avni, you should say something to CM."

"And you should stop calling me CM until you find a better full form for it." Neil rolls his eyes at her, she ignores him passing me a flying kiss.

"I don't have anything to say to Neil." I exhale. "I just love you so much. Thank you for considering me equal to you, for not being dominating, and for being supportive. Thank you for respecting my decisions. Thank you for always being proud I'm your wife."

"I know I can be tough at times to handle, I have shouted at you but you made sure we never drag it, I am just happy you take things easy." I tilt to look at my in-laws. "Though I know half of the credit goes to your parents."

"True." Neil agrees as he smiled at his parents.

✧✧✧

"Okay, I'm leaving." Sara grabbed her bag. "The flight is in less than two hours."

"CM, remember to call me when the babies arrive." She looks at Neil pointedly.

"I will." He smiles. "Call us when your nephew or niece arrives." Sara gives him thumbs up.

"You didn't even eat properly." Mom asserted.

"It's fine, I keep eating." She shrugs. "Why is eating given so much importance anyway?"

"You are so weird." Neela maa laughed.

"I know right." She laughs. "Weird people are cute!"

"I thought you are getting late." Neil shifted his gaze between the clock on the wall and Sara.

"Yeah! I just wanted to give this to Avni." She removes a box from her bag and hands me.

"What is this?" I frown holding it.

"Just a small gift for you." She smiles. "I am going to miss you."

"We are staying in touch, Sara." I look at her amused. "Between I'm going to miss you too."

She leans to hug me, I put my arms around her. "Take care." She mumbles.

"Babies in there, come out easily, okay?" She taps my bump then stands straight.

She is my friend.

"Enjoy." I smile at her.

"Bye, everyone." She looks at everyone before leaving.

I keep looking at the door till she disappears.

"What's wrong?" Neil whispered next to me.

"Nothing." I shrug and smile at him.

"We will do the talk now?"

"Yeah, I'm okay with it." I nod.

"Okay, so, we wanted to say something to you all," Neil announced grabbing everyone's attention.

"We are listening." Father-in-law nodded looking at us.

Neil looks at me then back at everyone. "I and Avni were planning to have our home."

For some reason, Bebe and Mom look at me. "This was our decision, not Avni's." Neil declared seeing their reaction.

"You got the home?" Father-in-law looks at Neil.

"No, Avni wanted to hear your response before anything." He responded.

"Bebe?" Neil calls her out when she stays silent.

"If this is what you guys want then fine." She shrugs.

"I can't believe you guys are really planning to leave us." Mom frowned at us.

"We aren't leaving you all," I say quickly. "We will be visiting you every week and whenever we can."

"That would be great," Alia asserted. "I will come at weekends to chill at your home."

"Why all of sudden this decision?" Neela maa looked at me.

"It wasn't sudden." I shake my head. "This was months ago discussed thing we decided to share today."

"We get it." Father-in-law nodded. "Just stay happy."

"You want to have your family," Bebe addressed. "And it is completely normal so, go ahead."

"Mom?" I look at her.

"Get my grandchildren more frequently and I am okay with it." She shrugged.

"And I thought you are going to miss me," Neil murmured.

"You are now boring, brother." DD laughed. "Newcomers are welcomed, always."

Everyone laughed at his remark, Neil threw his fork at him. I let out a breath. The conversation didn't go as bad as I thought it would.

✧✧✧

"I got a promotion," DD says me on the call and I smile hearing the joy in his voice.

"That deserves celebration," I reply as I play with the hem of my gown.

"I know." He replies. "I am waiting outside come with Alia."

"Like right now?" I frown as I look at the entrance.

"Yeah."

"Where is Neil?" There is no way I am going out without him at this time.

"Oh, he is right here. Just come out." He disconnects the call.

I sigh. "Alia, DD got a promotion. He's celebrating and is waiting outside for us. Come quickly."

She comes out of the kitchen sipping juice, her eyes glued to the phone. I shake my head as she trips on her toe.

"See and walk." Mom glares at her.

"I wasn't closing my eyes and walking." She shrugs.

Neil leaves me a text asking me to come out quickly. The patient man getting impatient.

"Alia, they are outside."

"Yeah, let's go!" She helps me stand up.

"Be careful." Mom walks behind us to the door.

We get down the front porch steps and Neil smiles at me as we near them.

"I got my wife." He curtly nods at Alia taking my hand in his.

"You are such a jerk!" She rolls her eyes at him, I laugh slowly.

Neil helps me in the back seat and sits beside me while Alia takes the passenger seat and DD gets behind the wheel.

"Where are we going?" I ask as DD starts the car.

"Somewhere." Neil chuckles. "You'll love it."

"Can't you be specific?" Alia turned to look at him.

"Calm place is all I can say." He shrugs.

DD starts the car, I watch the buildings as the car moves. Evening rides are my favorite, I would prefer to go on a bike ride if I wasn't pregnant. I remember Neil once said he'll teach me how to ride a bike but we get immersed in routine. I decided to ask him once the babies are little grown-up maybe he forgot due to the stress.

Neil puts his arm behind me, I breathe in as I feel his warmth. I slide my hand down to hold his in mine and intertwine our fingers.

"Can I connect my phone to your car's Bluetooth?" Alia asks DD.

"Sure."

Neil kisses my cheek. "I miss watching you work."

I laugh softly. "Learn to adapt to these changes."

"I'm trying." He smiles at me as his eyes roam all over my face then rest on my eyes. I stare into his brown orbs and realize how deep and warm they are.

Despite being a reader of romance novels I never believed in true love. Reality has nothing to do with fiction. I read a novel, I love the romantic scenes, I get emotional at the sad scenes.

I always thought come on, where do you get this type of boyfriends and husbands in real life?

I thought it is all about attraction between two bodies in reality.  The romance was not something I was familiar with until Neil came into my life and started holding my hand each time.

As Alia increases the volume of music I look away from him and laugh slowly.

"What's funny?" He frowns.

"I am getting a teenage vibe here despite being pregnant."

He chuckles slowly. "Not a teenager but I promise to make you always feel young even when my hairs go grey and white."

"I'll dye them." I grin at him as I say slowly.

We laugh together.

"Okay, here we are." DD parks the car, it some beachside restaurant.

"Wow. I love beaches."

"I know." Neil helps me get out of the car. I look around the chilled surrounding, the restaurant seems packed with people but it is quite attractive with warm lights around.

I and Neil go on a walk on the beach as Alia occupied herself with catching photos of the surroundings. DD excuses himself as he decides to book a table for us.

We get in the restaurant when DD calls us, I and Alia sit beside each other and enjoy the sweets offered to us. We laugh as Alia speaks about her fun day at college while Neil and DD seem occupied in some business talk.

"Can I get one more ice cream?" I look at Neil.

"No, that was enough for today." Neil shakes his head at me.

"Okay." I nod at him. "I am buying for myself."

"You are not." He looks at me sternly.

"Hey, come on man, she is pregnant." A man spoke from the table beside us. "The least you can do is fulfill her cravings."

I frown at him as DD and Alia try to suppress their laughter. Neil rolls his eyes at him.

"Let's go." He stands up and helps me.

"He's being so disrespectful to her." The man says loudly which catches a few people's attention.

Something bursts in me, he is my husband, I am his wife. What we do is none of anybody's business. I look here and there before I pick someone's juice and empty the glass on that man.

I have a low patience level.

"What the fuck!" He cursed as he shut his eyes.

"You can take the money from him," I tell to the lady who looks horrified that her juice was snatched from her.

"Doing good is also a sin these days." He shouts wiping the juice off his face from the tissues.

"You weren't doing any good." I roll my eyes at him boringly.

"Oh, I was doing." He stands up. "I was helping you get an ice cream."

I am about to shout back at him when the lady interrupted. "Who is buying juice for me?"

From the corner of my eye, I catch Alia and DD laughing hard and people around turn their attention to us.

What is funny here anyway? This is so damn serious matter.

"Please give the lady juice and add the cost to our bill." Neil looks at the server. "DD, look after it, we will be waiting in the car."

DD nods, his face flushed with all the laugh, I shrug and I am about to argue why he is paying but I laugh as I feel flutters in me.

Babies can really make you laugh.

"You love to argue, don't you?" Neil asks as he leads me outside.

"Will you just shut up?" I look at him with raised eyebrows. "I don't love to argue, it's just I cannot stay silent when something people do bursts a volcano in me."

"If I wasn't pregnant now, I am sure I would hit him with my heels." I exhale angrily. "But I love my babies too much to take the risk."

"You should just learn to let go you know." He says silently. "Don't let people's words piss you. Haven't you heard ignorance is bliss?"

I am about to discuss it when someone calls my name. I and Neil turn around to look at Rayan standing right behind us. What happened last time when I saw him hits me with a force. I realize I can't fight for myself when I'm pregnant just glad I'm not alone today.

"Can I get 5 minutes with you?" He looks at me ignoring Neil. "Alone."

Before I could shout at him Neil wraps his hands around his neck. His grip is firm, Rayan glares at him before he inhales and pushes Neil away.

"I just wanted 5 minutes with her." He glares at Neil, I take two steps back not wanting my babies to get hurt by any chance.

"You are not getting a second alone with her." Neil glared at him before he throws his fist across his cheek without any warning. I feel my body heating up as I watch the anger in his eyes.

They start throwing punches at each other before Neil kicks him hard on the stomach and he falls on his back. As Rayan attempted to get up, Neil took hold of his collar and dragged him to the shore.

I watch as the darkness consumes the surroundings and Neil throws him on the sand. He sits on top of him and punches him continuously. The waves crash against their bodies and Rayan pushes Neil away and takes control.

He sits on him. "You seriously need to think about what you are doing, it might cost you."

He says breathlessly, a shiver runs down my spine as I catch the danger behind his voice.

"And you seriously need to think before eyeing my wife," Neil shouts back at him, he shoves him away and I watch as he holds his neck and shoves in the beach water, and pulls him out only to push again as he shouts at him.

The cursing and yelling go on but everything sounds like it is coming from a distance. My throat gets dry, I look at nowhere particular as I rest my hand on my bump. Tears roll down my eyes and I hiccup.

Keep my babies safe, God.

I don't even comprehend what is happening all of a sudden there are people around. Alia is standing beside me asking if I'm okay, I don't know what to answer so I keep quiet.

Alia ends up helping me in the car, I look behind me to watch Rayan glaring at Neil. DD is standing with Neil as he pulls him and brings him to the car.

"Are you okay?" Neil looks at me tensed once we are in the car. I take in a shaky breath as I nod.

DD pulls the car out Alia shouts at Neil asking him to be careful and all, I rest my head on the window.

I feel lost.

Neil puts his arm around me, I rest my head on his shoulder. His shirt is wet, silence falls as the car moves.

"DD, can you drop me at Neela maa's place?" I sit straight and look at him.

"Sure." He nods as he drives to her place.

"Why don't you wanna come home?" Neil looks at me.

"I want to be with her," I say silently. The last thing I want is to cry at night and increase his stress.

Sure we are supposed to share everything but we can't always share everything with our partner. Some things are shared with parents, friends, and ourselves.

And right now all I need is my mother to hold me as I cry for an unknown reason. DD pulls in the driveway I get out and Neil follows me.

I ring the doorbell and wait for Neela maa to open the door. Neil stands beside me, Neela maa opens the door and looks at us surprised. A smile stretches on her lips and it instantly fades seeing our state.

"I want to be here," I say quickly.

"You are always welcomed." She frowns at me. I walk in leaving them both.

"A--Avni." I turn around slowly to look at Neil. I feel a little bad for him as he hesitates.

"I'll pick you tomorrow?" He looks at me hopefully. I nod and smile at him trying to ease his trouble. He smiles back at me, it shortly makes me feel a little better.

I wait for Neela maa to come as she stands at the doorstep and talks with Neil. He is probably sharing what occurred today. She comes back minutes later, I sigh as I look at her.

"I'll be back." She walks to the kitchen and comes back with a tray. Handing me a glass of milk she sits beside me. I take a sip of the milk, it feels good in my throat so I take another sip.

"So, what shall we do tonight?" She smiles at me. I gaze at her for a minute not knowing why mothers have the power to make their children feel relaxed.

"Can we just talk?" I ask slowly and my voice somewhat takes off childish and tears threaten to spill out of my eyes.

"Avni." Neela maa looks at me with a pained expression before she pulls me in her arms. I let out a whimper as I sniff.

"Why are you crying?" She asks concerned her voice slow as she moves her hand on my back.

"I don't know. I don't know." I pull away and wipe my tears. "Rayan keeps following me and I fear if something happens to my babies. Neil was there today or how would I fight for myself in this state?" I look at her helplessly.

"Don't go alone." She looks at me. "I know you can take care of yourself alone but Avni, keep this aside for a while. You are independent doesn't mean you can't take the help of others. Let Neil take care of you and your babies, let him be your strength."

"I let him," I say slowly. "It's just he can't always be with me."

"He can and he will." She asserted. "Stay home when he is busy, go out with him. At least until you give birth."

I nod as I close my eyes. "I don't want anything to happen to my babies." My face crumpled as I look at her.

"They will be fine." She patted my hair and I try to take it in.

They will be fine.

"Haven't you wondered how he manages to reach you?" She looks at me questioningly.

"I haven't." I frown. How couldn't I wonder about it?

"Check your phone he might be tracking and take action as soon as you can."

I nod as I think about it deeply. A smile spreads my lips as I look at the silver bracelet on my wrist which Sara gave me and it is stamped with You Can Do It.

There were another two small silver bracelets in that box which were engraved with Twin One and Twin Two.

Sometimes, some random things mean so much.

━━━━━━━━━━━ ★ ━━━━━━━━━━━

How was it?

I am so not satisfied with what I am writing these days because... I don't know.

Putting on hold is not an option now and I don't want to do that so I am just trying.

I try to be updated daily but I can't. I know what to write but I don't know how to write. Writing the past is like everything is mentioned before and I am just kind of describing it in detail.

The last few chapters are getting tough, just 3-4 more to go! ✌

What if the plane explodes in which Sara, Foziah, and Asad are going?

Just trust me when I say the present is going to be unexpected!

Thank you for all the love in the last chapter.

Do vote, comment, and share your views.

Thank y'all.