Next day,

Pihu tapped her fingers on the washroom basin, eagerly waiting for the five minutes to pass so she could check the result.It was 5 a.m., and in the bedroom, Raghav was sleeping soundly.

After what felt like years, she finally looked at the pregnancy kit and froze in that spot. Her hands trembled as she held it.

Two pink lines.

She couldn't believe her own eyes. Tears of joy filled them.She was going to become a mother. A child was growing inside her, a child made by her and Raghav.

She opened her nightgown in front of the mirror and caressed her belly.Her belly was still flat, but she had already started loving her baby.

What she felt in that moment couldn't be expressed in words.

She put her gown back on and kept the kit securely in a box. She would surprise him with this and her first sonography report. She couldn't wait to see his reaction.

She came back and looked at Raghav. He was going to be a father. She lay down beside him and kissed his forehead.

In response, he hugged her by the waist. She slowly put his hand inside her gown and placed it on her belly just to feel their baby.

He smiled in his sleep and caressed her belly button softly with his thumb.

With his soft caressing, she also dozed off while holding his hand.

Later that morning, before going to the office, she went directly for her blood checkup and all the necessary tests required for her first prenatal checkup. She had already told Mrs. Jhawar not to tell Raghav anything related to this as she wanted to surprise him, and she accepted gladly.

After all the tests were done, the doctor confirmed she was one week pregnant and would receive all her reports by that evening, including her sonography.

"Now, Pihu, listen to me very carefully," the doctor said.

"The first trimester is a critical stage for every pregnant woman. This is when the baby's organs start to develop, and you have to be very careful. No stress, no work pressure, no heavy workouts, or it will affect the baby. Do you understand what I'm saying, dear?"Pihu nodded her head.

"And one more thing: try to wear loose clothes during this time and no outside food. Only vegetables and fruits for these nine months. Understand?" the doctor advised her strictly.

Pihu nodded again, feeling slightly sad. She realized she couldn't eat her favorite street food anymore.

After receiving lots of advice, she finally left the hospital.

In the evening, downstairs, Raghav was working on his laptop, and Pihu was sitting on their bed, anxiously looking at the clock, waiting for her pregnancy report to arrive.

She didn't want anyone to get it before her, or her surprise would be ruined.The doorbell rang.Raghav, who was near the main door, got up to answer it, only to see a boy with a parcel.

He read the name on it and saw it was for Pihu.He shouted, "Pihu! Pihu! A parcel has come in your name!"

Curious to see what was inside, he started to open it. Before he could fully open it, Pihu arrived and snatched it from his hand.

"Yes, yes, I am coming, just wait a minute," she replied, hurrying down the stairs.

Her eyes widened when she saw him opening the parcel."No! No! Please don't open it, Raghav," she said, snatching the parcel from his hand.

Raghav was startled by her reaction.

He laughed and snatched the parcel back. "What are you hiding from me? Won't you let me see?" he teased and finally opened it.

"Please give it to me, Raghav. It's a surprise. I will tell you at the right time," Pihu pleaded shyly.

His smile faded as he saw the contents inside.There were at least 8-10 photos. Shivers ran down his spine, and his hair stood on end.

Seeing his expression, Pihu was confused. Was he not happy with the news? Or was he not ready now? Why was he reacting this way?He looked at her, then back at the pictures.

"What happened, Raghav? Are you not happy with the news?" Pihu asked innocently, still not understanding what could be inside.

"What news are you talking about, Pihu? These pictures?" Raghav asked, anger dripping from his voice.

He showed her the photos, and her face instantly paled. Her throat went dry, and she was speechless.

They were pictures of Pihu, taken without her knowledge. Some were from different places, and a few were from her office.In one picture, Pihu was laughing and talking with Mahima at the office. In another, she was bending down to pick something, and the picture was taken at such an angle that her cleavage was deeply visible. In another, she was going to the medicine shop. There were 4-5 more pictures like these.

Seeing the same type of packaging, she realized it was the same person who had sent her everything before.

She had already decided to tell Raghav about this, but her excitement over her pregnancy news made her forget.

She never imagined it would come out this way.Raghav looked so angry. If she told him it had been happening for a few days, who knew how he would react? She began to cry.

Seeing her pale, frightened face, Raghav realized this wasn't the first time it had happened.

"Why are you crying, Pihu? I asked you a simple question," Raghav said, looking straight into her eyes.

Pihu couldn't look him in the eyes and looked down.

"Answer me!" he shouted.

"Rag... hav... I... I..." she tried to speak but couldn't.Raghav closed his eyes to calm himself.

He held her hand and dragged her to their room, Pihu silently following.

He locked the door, and she stood there silently, unsure where to start.

"Okay, just give me one answer. This isn't the first time, right? And don't lie," Raghav asked coldly.

Pihu flinched at his tone.She shook her head, indicating no.

"Tell me everything from the start," Raghav demanded.

Pihu slowly went to the wardrobe and took out all the parcels and notes she had received.

By the time she finished, Raghav was silent, and Pihu was squeezing her eyes shut in fear.

"Do you realize how dangerous this person is? He's stalking you, taking inappropriate pictures, and you hid this from me!" Raghav shouted.

"Raghav, believe me, I thought it was a prank at first. But when he started sending gifts and letters, I planned to tell you but couldn't find the right time. Trust me," Pihu cried, holding his hand.

"I trust you, Pihu, but it seems you don't trust me," Raghav said dryly.

Pihu shook her head, "Don't say that, Raghav. I trust you completely."

Raghav didn't reply and began putting the pictures and letters into a bag.

Pihu hiccuped, unsure what he was doing."What are you doing?" Pihu asked slowly.

No answer.

She followed him, asking, "Are you going somewhere?"

Still no answer.

Pihu's eyes filled with tears. It was the first time he was so angry, and she didn't know how to deal with it. His silence was breaking her heart.

"I admit I was stupid, but please don't be like this. Yell at me if you're angry, but don't be silent," Pihu said in a cracked voice.

She wiped her tears and hesitated before touching his arm.She held his arm, and Raghav stopped, but he jerked her hand away and started to leave.She stood there, crying silently, unsure how to calm him.

He was about to leave but stopped when he saw her crying.He closed his eyes, walked back, and took her in his arms. No matter how angry he was, he couldn't see her like this.

When she realized he was holding her, she couldn't hold back anymore and started crying bitterly, clutching his shirt tightly.

"I'm sorry, Raghav. Please forgive me. I was planning to tell you, but..." Pihu sobbed, clutching him more.

"Shh, stop crying now. I know, I know. Calm down," he said, combing her hair with his fingers.

He tried to break the hug, but she tightened it."Pihu, I am not going anywhere. Have some water atleast. You need it," Raghav assured her.

Pihu shook her head, "No, I just want you."

Raghav sighed and let her hug him.He caressed her back. "Why didn't you tell me at first? This person is dangerous. He even took your pictures at your office."

"Sorry, I promise I won't hide anything again," Pihu murmured.

Raghav sighed, "I always said Ritu was the most stupid girl, but now I have to change my words."

Pihu stayed silent, resting her head on his chest.

He made her sit on the bed and said seriously, "Pihu, this isn't something to hide. I'm going to the police station to report this, just to be safe. We don't know the person's motive, so we can't take any risks."Pihu nodded, feeling worried and tense.

"Wait, I'll come with you," Pihu said.

"No, you need rest. If they need you, I'll take you. Don't worry, I'm taking Aman with me," Raghav assured her.

Pihu nodded.

Later that night,

When Raghav came home after submitting all the details to the police station, he found Pihu laying her head on the headrest, probably asleep due to tiredness.

He made her lie down comfortably and took out a pendant from his pocket. He gently made her wear it, ensuring not to disturb her sleep.

He caressed her cheek lightly, watching her in deep sleep. "I can't risk your life, Shona. You are too precious for me. This pendant will help you stay close to my heart. Never ever take it off," he murmured and then pecked her lips softly.

His heart ached with worry, but as he watched her sleep peacefully, he vowed to protect her with everything he had.

___________________________

How is the chapter?? Let me know in the comment section or if you want to give any suggestions then do let me know .

My Instagram  and scrollstack id is give in the bio. Don't forget to follow me there.❤️