28 July 2021

Hey, guys! I hope you're all well and keeping safe! Sorry for such a long wait (again), but I hope you all like this chapter!

"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." - Toni Morrison

Alayna's POV

The next few weeks pass in a bliss, more or less. Before I know it, I'm twenty weeks pregnant.

I've been in somewhat of a normal routine lately. I've been waking up at the time Zayan goes to work, having breakfast with my family, then going back to sleep for a couple of hours longer. I'm feeling good now and healthy, but no one's letting me do any work around the house. I've been waking up an hour before lunch, and that hour I usually spend with Adnan, playing with him. I've been having lunch with my family, then spending time with Aunty and Laiba. At 3ish, I rest sometime in my room, usually taking a nap. I'm exhausted these days, and my bump's really popped. When Zayan comes back from work, I take out clothes for him to wear after he's showered, then I spend some time with him and our family. We all have dinner together every night.

Mum, Dad, Yusuf Bhai and Sara have been visiting a lot. So have Aliya, Kabir Bhai and Mariyah. And of course Zara and Zaid. Everyone's been so amazing throughout my pregnancy. They've all been so caring towards me, so lovely. I'm so thankful for my friends and family. They're the best.

I'm going to be finding out the gender of my baby soon. In just a few days' time, actually. My twenty week scan is in two days' time, and I know that here, at our hospital, we're able to find out the gender after eighteen weeks. I'm so, so, so excited! I can't explain how happy I am. Zayan's super excited, too. I'm sure that we're having a boy, he's sure we're having a girl. I guess we'll find out who's right in a few days' time.

But... I won't be finding out so easily. Hanna asked me if she can go with me and Zayan to my scan, and of course I said yes. She's so excited and she's talking about it all the time. Hanna told us, that she's going to tell the doctor to give her the gender in an envelope, and she's going to surprise us with it.

I'm happy and so excited for Hanna to surprise us, as is Zayan. I don't know how she will do it, but she's going to surprise the whole family. She's hilarious, she's always saying how she feels so lucky that we've given her the right to be the first to know the gender of our baby.

I've just finished having dinner with my family, and I'm so glad to say that my nausea has finally decreased. The second trimester does seem to going a lot easier than the first trimester, which for me was so difficult. To be honest, until week fifteen or sixteen, I was very, very sick. Thankfully the nausea has lessened now.

'Alayna, sweetie do you want some cake?' Aunty asks, smiling at me.

I shake my head, yawning. "No thanks, Aunty. Maybe in the morning. I'm so tired."

She smiles again, before nodding at Zayan. 'Zayan, take Alayna upstairs. Alayna, get some sleep. Get as much sleep as you can, darling, before you reach the third trimester, when it'll be more difficult for you to sleep properly.'

Zayan nods, standing up.

"Goodnight Aunty, goodnight Han," I say, before heading upstairs to my room.

********

I brush my teeth, freshen up and change into a pair of leggings and one of Zayan's white t-shirts. His t-shirt is huge, but now it's not so big on me.

I get into bed beside him, and we start watching an episode of 'The Vampire Diaries.' It's my third time watching it, and I've made Zayan become interested in it, too.

I'm lying in his arms, the duvet over our legs. My hands are resting on my baby bump. Just after we've finished an episode, I yawn and stretch. I feel a foreign, fluttering sensation in my stomach, and it makes me jump.

'Alayna, baby, are you okay?' Zayan says, looking at me worriedly.

"Yeah, I just... felt something weird," I say, leaning closer into him.

He frowns. 'Are you in pain, Alayna?'

I shake my head. "No, no. Just... place your hand here... it feels so..." Just then, I feel it again. My eyes widen. He places his hand on my baby bump.

I stare at Zayan, to see him staring back at me, his eyes wide. His mouth falls open in shock. A few seconds later, we feel it again. 'Is that...?' Zayan asks, trailing off.

My eyes water up, and I nod. "The baby kicked, Zay. Oh, my gosh. The baby kicked!"

Zayan's face breaks into a breathtaking smile, and he nods, excitedly. 'Yes, wow! That felt so.. good! Weird, but definitely so good.' He leans down to kiss my bump, and I blink away my tears, threading my fingers through his hair.

Zayan lifts his head and kisses me softly, gently. I kiss him back, before hugging him tightly.

I can't believe it! The baby kicked, for the first time. It felt like nothing I've ever felt before, but it's a good sensation. Very good. My heart is so full right now, I can't believe it. My baby.

Zayan holds me in his arms, and I feel so safe. So protected.

'Are you excited to find out the gender of our baby?' Zayan asks me, smiling.

I nod, grinning. "Of course I'm excited. I'm so excited! I will be the happiest no matter what the gender is, but I can't wait to find out!"

He grins. 'Me too. I can't wait! And Hanna can't wait!'

I chuckle, nodding. "She's going crazy with excitement, as she's the first person, after the doctor of course, who will find out the gender. I wonder how she'll surprise us!"

'Obviously in her own, crazy way,' Zayan says, shaking his head with amusement.

"There's no doubt about that!" I say, yawning.

'Tired, baby?' He asks, caressing my face gently.

I stifle another yawn, nodding. "Me and baby are both tired. Let's sleep."

We both lay down, me in Zayan's strong, warm arms. I'm asleep within minutes.

********

Two hours later, I'm awake, tossing and turning. I try to fall asleep again, but I can't. I'm buzzing right now, with energy, with hormones.

I turn to look at Zayan, and I sigh when I see him fast asleep with a small smile on his lips. He's so handsome, it hurts. He sure is a sight for sore eyes. His hair is tousled, his eyelashes are super, super long. He's so sexy.

I inch closer to him, slowly making my way onto his arm. I try to get closer, and I giggle when my baby bump presses into his hard stomach. I close my eyes and hug him, breathing in his delicious, manly scent.

But today, for the first time in forever, I can't fall asleep on his arm either. I need him, badly. I know he won't make love to me, but it doesn't mean that we can't do anything at all. I need something, anything. I just need him.

I groan internally, trying to pull him closer. As close as I can get him. Zayan stirs, and he wraps his arms around me closer. I feel him kiss the top of my head, before he presses his cheek against my face and continues to sleep.

My heart hammers loudly in my chest as I stare up at him through my lashes. He's perfect. He looks almost innocent while asleep, which makes me laugh. Usually, the word 'innocent' would never, ever describe Zayan.

I'm feeling so jittery right now, I can't fall back asleep no matter how hard I try. Sleep is the last thing on my mind right now. The only thing on my mind right now is Zayan, and how badly I need him.

Pregnancy hormones.

I stare shamelessly at him again, biting my lip shyly. He's so damn handsome, he's so hot. He makes me weak at the knees.

I inch impossibly close to him, pressing myself against him. I take a trembling hand to the hem of his shirt, and then slip it underneath, feeling every ridge, every muscle of his abdomen. He feels so warm and hard under my hand. His abs feel amazing, rippling under my fingertips.

I feel all over his abdomen and his chest, placing my hand on his chest for a few seconds. His heart beats underneath my hand, and I look up at him before I gently kiss his shoulder. He doesn't stir.

I continue to roam my hand over his chest, and then back down over his abs. He feels so damn good. Certain memories enter my mind, and I flush deep scarlet from head to toe. Memories about his abs, his chest and my mouth.

Pregnancy is making me crazier than usual.

It's been forever, it feels like it's been a whole damn year. I need him so badly. Right now.

I look at his handsome, sleeping face again and groan internally. It should be a sin to be this sexy.

I kiss his shoulder again, and he pulls me closer in his arms, kissing the top of my head in his sleep. He's still fast asleep. And I'm unable to think straight over here.

I feel so hot and bothered, I'm sweating. I don't know what to do, I really need a shower right now. A cold one.

Very slowly, I get out of Zayan's arms, and off the bed.

Now, I'm too lazy to shower, but I need some fresh air. And I need some cold water splashed on my face.

I tiptoe into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I run the cold water tap and stare at my reflection in the mirror. I'm flushed, my face is bright pink, and I look all sweaty. I bite my lip, blushing hard at the memories in my mind. The memories of Paris, and my first time with Zayan.

I wash my hands with cold water, and then groan with satisfaction when I run my cold, damp hands over my face and the back of my neck. I'm still bright pink, but I'll be okay. I hope.

I turn off the tap and dry my face and neck with a small towel. I turn to leave the bathroom, but I stop in my tracks when my gaze falls upon the bath.

More memories flood my mind. The memories of that wedding we went to, when me and Zayan were mad at each other. When Zayan got jealous of Armaan. When we returned home and he joined me in the bath, and everything that happened after that...

Oh, god.

I need help, right now. I'm completely losing it.

I tiptoe back into my room and grab my phone from my bedside table. I go back into the bathroom and close the door gently. Then, I ring Aliya.

Of course, though, it's over 3am, and she doesn't answer. She must be fast asleep. She's not crazy like me, and I'm sure she's able to stay in control. She must be able to keep her hormones in control.

I groan, holding onto my phone hard as I stare into the mirror.

Zara. I have to ring Zara.

So, I do. I ring Zara, and to my surprise, she answers a few seconds later, groggily.

"A-Alayna? Is everything okay?" Zara asks, sleepily. She sounds worried, though.

I groan. 'Zara, hey. I'm sorry to call you at such a.. crazy hour. I need help.'

I hear her sit up in bed, and she whispers slightly louder this time. "Help? At 3am? What's going on? Of course I'll help you."

'Okay, erm. It's a bit crazy. Actually scratch that, it's super, super crazy. Please don't laugh and wake Zaid up at this hour, okay? Tell me, at any point in your pregnancy, did your hormones ever... get out of control? If you know what I mean?' I ask her, my cheeks flushing bright pink.

Zara's silent for a few seconds, before she bursts out laughing. In the background, I can hear Zaid's voice, asking her if she's okay. I start laughing too.

"Yeah, Zaid I'm fine. It's Alayna. I'm sorry, you please go back to sleep. I'll be back in a minute," she answers her husband as she gets out of bed.

'Alayna, at 3am? Is she okay?' Zaid asks, worriedly.

"She'll be just fine. Go to sleep. I'll be back in a minute," she tells him.

'I was wondering how you're doing, controlling yourself with that hottie. You have been controlling, right?' She asks me a few seconds later.

"Zara, it's been hell. Hell! Yes, we've been controlling. But now, I've had enough. Enough! I've asked my doctor over a dozen times if it's safe, but Zayan..." I trail off.

Zara chuckles, and I know she's enjoying this very much. 'I know how you feel, babe. I know very well how you feel. But your doctor's right, and you and Zayan are both doctors yourself too! It's safe, especially now that you're in your second trimester. Having sex won't harm the baby.'

"Tell my husband that, will you," I joke, shaking my head.

'Enjoy, Alayna! You're still newly married, you guys should be having fun! Go and jump on him!' She says, making me laugh.

"I want to..." I say, trailing off.

A few seconds later, I hear Zaid's voice again in the background, asking Zara if I'm okay. My face turns bright red. 'She's absolutely fine, Zaid. Well, she will be,' she replies, giggling.

I flush brighter, and tell her to sleep. "Sorry for waking you up, Zara. Go back to sleep, I will too."

'Are you gonna go back to sleep, or...' she laughs.

"I don't know," I reply, pouting even though I know she can't see me.

We say our goodbyes, and I turn off the call. I glance into the mirror again, taking a deep breath. I need to calm my hormones somehow. I've gone crazy. I've totally lost it.

I place my hand on my bump, and smile when I feel the foreign, new feeling of the baby kicking again. It feels so weird, but at the same time, it feels amazing. It makes me so relieved to feel the baby kicking. It puts me at ease.

I turn to leave the bathroom, when I see Zayan standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe. I jump, my eyes widening slightly. I didn't even hear him open the door.

'Zayan, you're awake? I was just coming back to bed. I'm sorry for waking you,' I say, now pouting at him.

He shakes his head, smiling at me as he walks towards me. He places his hands on my hips, and leans in, to kiss my lips gently. I tremble against his lips.

"You didn't wake me. I turned to hug you, and you weren't there," he says.

'Oh, I'm sorry. Let's sleep,' I say, holding his hand to take him back into our bedroom.

But he doesn't budge. I frown confusedly.

"You didn't sleep well?" He asks me, a knowing glint in his eyes.

'I slept. But then woke up. I couldn't go back to sleep,' I tell him, my cheeks brightening.

"And why is that?" He asks me, raising an eyebrow as he tries to control his smirk.

'I... I don't know,' I lie, my cheeks now bright pink.

"Tell me," he says, inching his face closer to mine as his hands return to my hips. He steps closer to me, until we're pressed together. My bump is in the way, pressing into him.

'Nothing,' I say, blushing hard.

"If it's nothing, why is my beautiful wife blushing so hard? What's on your mind?" He asks me in a whisper, a knowing glint in his eyes.

I grab his arms and shake my head, smiling brightly at him. 'It's... nothing. I just... I... let's sleep!' I reply, flustered. I'm bright red from head to toe.

"Okay. Sleep, baby. I'll join you in just ten minutes," he says to me.

I frown. 'Why? Where are you going at this time?'

He chuckles, before he takes a hand to the back of his neck and pulls off his t-shirt. He's standing in front of me in just his pants, and he looks sinfully sexy. My heart starts to race at the sight of him, shirtless in front of me, after so long. He looks so muscular, his abs rippling, his biceps look huge. I want to feel every ridge of his hard abdomen, I want to trace my fingertips over his muscular chest. I want to take my hands lower...

My cheeks are bright red, and my face feels as hot as fire. I can't stop staring at him. He looks so damn perfect, so hot.

"It's hot. I'm taking a shower," he says simply, raising an eyebrow at me.

I swallow hard, nodding slowly. 'O-okay. Yeah. Okay then.'

I forcefully take my gaze to his face, and I sigh internally at the sight of him. He's so handsome, he's so damn gorgeous. His blue-brown eyes have darkened, and are sparkling as he's staring at me. His hair is tousled, I just want to grab him and run my fingers through it before I go on to explore every inch of his body with my hands.

I've totally lost it. I feel like I'm rooted to the spot, like my legs don't work anymore. I'm overcome with desire for him. I need him so badly, it hurts.

"You okay?" He asks me, as he goes to the shower to test the temperature of the water. The memories of our first time rush into my mind, and I grab onto the counter for support. I need to get out of here, right now.

Fuck.

'W-what?' I ask, not hearing a word he said.

He turns to face me, a small smile playing on his lips. When he starts to walk towards me, my eyes widen and I start walking backwards until my back hits the wall.

"Why are you nervous, baby?" He asks me, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

'Me? Nervous? Pfft! Are you crazy?' I reply, laughing.

He's trying not to laugh now. "Yes, you. Nervous."

I shake my head furiously. 'I'm no-'

My words trail off when he takes his hand to his pants. 'No, no, no, no!' I scream, and he laughs loudly at my reaction.

"What's wrong? You usually love it when I-" His words trail off when I grab his arm and pull him towards me, standing on my tiptoes and kissing him hard. I put all my feelings into the kiss, all my desire, my want and need for him, pulling him impossibly close.

He's taken by surprise, but he kisses me back just as hard, taking control of the kiss. When I feel him bite my lower lip, I moan and melt in his arms. He takes the opportunity to enter my mouth, ravishing every corner of it. I need him so badly right now, I feel like I'll die if I don't have him.

We kiss for several minutes, and I can feel how badly he needs me too. His hands are now on my hips, trying to pull me as close as possible with my bump in the way. We continue kissing, and I trail my hand up his arm, feeling his huge biceps. Damn.

When we break the kiss for air, we're both breathing hard. Zayan rests his forehead against mine, staring into my eyes. His eyes are so dark, filled with desire, they make my stomach clench.

His hands slip inside the t-shirt, and they gently rest on my waist, on my bump, before they go higher. Oh fuck. My eyes widen at the feel of his large, warm hands on me.

'You're so damn... tall,' I blurt, making him chuckle again.

"And you're so damn cute," he whispers, kissing my lips gently.

I frown, hitting him on his chest. 'Cute? I'll show you cute.'

His eyes widen and he laughs at my reply. I smile innocently at him, before I lean in and kiss his neck gently. I kiss him all over his neck, before I move onto his collarbone. He groans when my lips tease his collarbone. He's really sensitive there.

Smirking, I move my hands down his back, as I kiss him again on his collarbone. Then, I gently suck on the skin, before sucking on it a bit harder. I leave a hickey on his collarbone, before leaving one on his chest, too.

'Alayna-' he starts, before I move back and shake my head at him.

I place a finger on his lips. "Shh. Let me do whatever I want. Please."

He stares into my eyes, before nodding. I cradle his handsome face in my hands, before I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him again. I melt against him right away as he responds to the kiss, quickening it.

A few seconds later, he picks me up in his arms, bridal style, without breaking the kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck to bring him closer. First, he goes to turn off the shower, before he takes me into our bedroom, setting me down onto the bed very gently.

When he tries to move back, I groan loudly, pulling him close. "No. You're not going anywhere tonight. Please."

'I'm not planning on it, baby,' he whispers as he joins me on the bed.

We don't make love that night, but we kiss for hours, while our hands explore each other. It's almost morning when we fall asleep.

********

Zayan and Hanna both accompany me to my twenty-week ultrasound. Zayan's sitting on my right side, Hanna on my left. Hanna tears up when she sees my baby on the ultrasound. I can tell that Zayan gets emotional, too. I definitely do.

We hear the heartbeat loud and clear, and it soothes me. Every time I hear the baby's heartbeat, I feel relaxed. I'm so happy knowing that the baby's healthy and comfortable in there.

At the end of the ultrasound, the sonographer asks if we want to find out the gender of the baby.

'You- you can see the gender? You know if it's a girl or a boy?' I ask, blinking back my tears.

The sonographer, Sophie, nods at me with a smile on her lips. "Oh yes. I definitely know the gender." She chuckles.

'Could you please give us the gender in an envelope?' Zayan asks her, a grin on his lips.

She nods. "Of course, Dr. Zayan! I'll do that right now!" She goes over to the computer and prints out a piece of paper, before she folds it and pops it into an envelope. She hands me the envelope, and I give it to Hanna who has the biggest, brightest smile on her face. She's such a cutie.

After a quick talk with my doctor who tells us that everything's looking great, we head home.

********

After dinner that night, Hanna makes an announcement.

'Alayna, Zayan Bhai, in officially two days' time is your gender reveal party. I have the gender of the baby right here, in this envelope. And I haven't seen it yet. But I'm gonna take a look right now!' She says, grinning happily.

I smile, grabbing Zayan's hand. I'm so excited. After two days, I'm going to find out if I'm having a baby boy or baby girl. I can't wait! I'm so, so, so, so happy! This happiness is immeasurable and it can't be compared to anything else. My heart is so full.

"Open it! But don't tell us! I want it to be a surprise for me too!" Laiba says, clapping her hands together.

Aunty grins, nodding. 'Open it, Hanna! But yes, don't tell any of us. I'm so excited!'

Hanna looks at me and Zayan, and winks. I chuckle, shaking my head at her. She's so crazy.

Her fingers are trembling as she opens the envelope and takes out the piece of paper. She unfolds it, looks over it, before her face breaks into her beautiful grin.

"Oh, my gosh!" She jumps up with excitement, her eyes filled with happy tears. She quickly folds the paper and puts it back into the envelope, before she rushes over towards me and gives me a big hug. She's such a cutie.

Her happiness is making me so excited. But she's not giving anything away. Right now, I honestly have no idea if it's a baby girl or boy, but Hanna's the happiest girl in the world right now. She keeps looking at me and Zayan, and laughing.

I can't wait for the party.

********

Hey guys! How are you all? Sorry for the longest wait, again! I know, I know, I'm so bad at updating on time! But I hope you liked the chapter!

The next chapter is the most awaited gender reveal! I can't wait!!

So, what are your guesses? Are Alayna and Zayan having a baby girl or a baby boy? I'm interested to find out your guesses!

What was your favourite part of this chapter?

A lot of you have been wanting to read more Alayna-Zayan scenes, more romance. So I can tell you guys, we have plenty of romance coming up! Plenty of cute moments too!

I love you all, thank you for reading and supporting me always! It honestly means the world to me.

Question: Any ideas for Zayan and Alayna's baby's name? Give me some cute girl and boys names! (Even though I already know what their baby's name will be! I can't wait for you guys to find out but that's not yet!!)

Bye guys!