My fingers gingerly twisted the doorknob, ushering me into a scene that melted my heart. There she lay, my cherished princess, enveloped in the warmth of slumber, a plush panda cradled in her arms.

Her delicate features wore a sweet, innocent expression, with her lips forming an irresistible pout. A surge of emotion swelled within me, witnessing her vulnerability. It was clear that her other hand sought solace between her thighs, a sight that cut deep, stirring a mix of love and longing, threatening to spill tears.

As I approached, her murmured calls of my name reached my ears, accompanied by the tight embrace of the plushie. Despite the jealous twinge, I resisted the urge to snatch away the cotton-filled companion, reminding myself that, as her husband, I deserved to be her ultimate comfort.

It should be me. 

Kneeling beside the bed, a tender smile graced my face. She was unequivocally mine. Tracing the contours of her succulent lips with the pad of my thumb, a dry lump formed in my throat, an overwhelming desire to savor every inch of her.

Leaning in, I found a desperate longing for closeness, a yearning for a tranquility that had eluded me.

Eyes closed, lost in a moment of serenity, her soft, sleepy voice shattered the illusion."Kartik"

I recoiled in embarrassment, meeting her gaze.

"Hm?" I responded, lifting my brows as she squinted in the half-sleep haze, questioning my whereabouts "where were you"

The mention of Kunal's words downstairs about how she was waiting for me and now her question someone left me momentarily flustered.

"Eh-" I stammered, grappling with unexpected emotions as her inquiry hung in the air.

"Well, well, now you've got to face the consequences for what you've done to my wife!" I declared angrily.

"Messing with the monster's heart has its price, and there are going to be repercussions. You see these supposedly lovely pictures of you with the ex-boss of this company? They're enough to ruin you and your image in the co-operate world as well as in the world where no one is going to marry you now."

"Why shouldn't I expose you? The damage is already done; it must be all over social media by now. You're in trouble for messing with what's mine."

"Eh- i" I stammered, trying to figure out what to say. This angelic figure will turn into a vengeful force, and I fear what will happen once she discovered the truth about my actions.

I simulated a yawn, rising to my feet, and abruptly shifted the conversation, "Did you miss me?" I inquired, altering the tone. "That's quite unfortunate," I added, feigning sadness by pursing my lips. Observing her reaction, I could sense her gaze transforming into a glare, indicating an imminent transformation into a monster ready to devour me.

Attempting to defuse the situation, I interrupted her opening words by placing a finger on her lips. "I was just joking, mon amour. Don't be angry," I sighed, relieved when she acquiesced with a roll of her eyes.

The irritation on her face swiftly shifted to excitement as she dropped to her knees, enveloping me in a tight embrace. "I have news!" she squealed.

Curious, I broke the hug and raised an eyebrow, prompting her to share the news. Grinning, she exclaimed, "Humpty-Dumpty is on its way." Perplexed, I frowned and scratched my forehead, seeking clarification. "Who?" I questioned.

She responded with a pout.

"You don't remember that?" I furrowed my brow as memories flooded my mind.

"Kartik, look at this. She's so cute," Naira showed me her phone, and we were both sitting on the college staircase, absorbed in our phones. The screen displayed a video of an adorable baby with chubby cheeks and soft lips.

"That's cute," I smiled, playfully pulling Naira's cheeks. "But not as cute as you," I chuckled. In response, she pouted and lightly smacked my knee, giving me a playful punishment for pulling her cheek. "Even cuter than me," she insisted, leaning closer to my face defensively.

Chuckling, I said, "Not for me," and kissed her. Her cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson as she looked away, stating, "If we ever have a baby, she'll be cuter than both of us, and you'll agree one day. We'll name her Humpty Dumpty!"

"Humpty-Dumpty?" I questioned, bewildered.

She nodded and flashed a toothy smile.

I was still grappling with confusion when she gently took my hand and placed it on her belly. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks – was I dreaming? "Are- are- you," I stammered. Confirming my suspicions, she nodded, tears welling up in both our eyes as she whispered, "I'm pregnant." Before her words fully sank in, I pulled her into the tightest hug, feeling an indescribable warmth and joy. It was like something incredible was crawling inside me in the best possible way, and amidst the intensity of emotions, I found myself laughing in pure happiness as I twirled her around.

But then, the weight of responsibility struck, and panic set in. "What should I do?" I blurted out in a whirlwind of questions – toys, clothes, baby food – my excitement and anxiety taking over. I fell to my knees, struggling to catch my breath, overwhelmed with a mixture of panic and joy. "What should I do, mon amour?" I asked in a breathless panic.

Naira, ever composed, knelt beside me, holding me tightly against her. "Shhhh, shhhh, Kartik, first calm down," she reassured me. She instructed me to breathe slowly, and as I followed her lead, the chaotic whirlwind in my lungs began to settle.

After catching my breath, Naira shared the news the doctor had conveyed to her and Kunal in my absence. Desperate for confirmation, I asked, "Are- you- really-?" and she nodded, prompting tears of happiness. It was an overwhelming moment, and as if sensing my emotions, Naira climbed onto my lap, taking my lower lip between her teeth in a tender gesture.

Our kiss became a canvas for pouring out all the love and intensity of the moment. Lips meeting, tongues dancing, her small palms holding my face, and my arms embracing her waist – it was a tender and intense moment that I wished could last forever.

Love might come with its challenges, but in that shared moment, it was undeniably beautiful.

_________

Naira's pov:

My eyes fluttered open upon hearing an unfamiliar voice downstairs. Glancing at the clock in the dimly lit room, its red glow indicated 7 o'clock in the morning. "Must be Kunal," I whispered to myself, turning to see Kartik sleeping peacefully beside me, a stark contrast to the intense and overwhelming moments we had shared before sleep took over. His happiness, reflected in the glistening tears in his eyes, was the best feeling, truly melting my heart.

I couldn't resist pecking his nose, eagerly anticipating the future sight of our baby sleeping as peacefully as him. A gentle trace over my belly brought a smile to my face. Deciding to surprise Kartik with coffee, I gently pushed myself out of bed, heading downstairs to also welcome Kunal, who consistently went out of his way to prepare meals for me – a gesture of love that touched my heart deeply.

As I descended the stairs, expecting to see Kunal, I was taken aback to find someone else emerging from the study. "Who are you-?" My words caught in my throat as my gaze fell on the gun she pointed at me. Panic surged through me. "W-what are you doing?" I stammered, fear gripping me.

"Melissa," I turned towards the figure at the top of the stairs – it was Kartik.

"Ma-"

"Stay there," Melissa commanded, pointing a gun at me, freezing me in place. "What are you doing?" panicked Kartik rushed down the stairs. The girl shifted the gun's barrel between us, her eyes red, and dark circles framed her face, hinting at some profound distress.

"Stay there, both of you!!!" she screamed.

"You killed him!!!! You killed us!!!! You killed my family!" she accused Kartik, her voice filled with sorrow and anger.

"That was just a mistake, and you ruined me for that. I lost him because of you," she claimed, leaving me puzzled and sympathetic toward her pain.

"Cheating isn't a mistake, Melissa; it's a choice. Now put the gun down... she's pregnant," Kartik warned, trying to appeal to reason.

"He killed himself because of that—I lost the only thing I have. Now you have to go through the same pain. You have to," she declared, raising the tension. In a moment of horror, she pulled the trigger. I covered my ears, screaming.

"Kartik," Kunal's voice broke through when I opened my eyes. Kartik had positioned himself in front of me, stumbling backward and collapsing, blood forming a pool around him. Another gunshot rang out, and Melissa fell backward, blood surrounding her.

________________

Three years later, a young girl in her toddler years danced and leaped on the stage, holding a fairy wand. Her nose showed signs of a cold, giving her an endearing look, with large bug-like eyes and rosy, plump cheeks resembling a baby. "She resembles her dad so much," Naira exclaimed with teary eyes, discussing how Kartik's daughter looked exactly like him. Beside her, Kunal agreed, nodding in acknowledgment.

The little girl, Mehwish, ran energetically toward Kunal, embracing his knees. "I missed you," she playfully hit his nose, expressing how much she missed him. Naira, standing alongside them, pouted, "What about me, baby?" Mehwish cheekily replied, "Not you, Mumma, only Ku," patting Kunal's cheek. Naira rolled her eyes and put on a sad face. Mehwish giggled, saying, "Aww, Mumma," as she pulled Naira's cheek. "I missed both of you," she added.

______________

Naira's pov 

No, no, no, no. I can't bear it; that horrifying scene flashed in front of my eyes when Kartik was lying in a pool of blood. I sprinted directly towards my room, rushing into the washroom, and couldn't hold back, throwing up everything.

A comforting hand rubbed my back, and a concerned voice asked, 'Mon amour, are you okay?'

I looked up, and beside me, I whispered, 'No, Kartik. I can't erase that view from my mind; it was so ugly.' I turned towards him, hiding my face against his chest.

'Shh, my baby, I'm fine. Everything is fine,' Kartik cooed, providing reassurance in that vulnerable moment.

____________

"Papa, Mia is angry. Why didn't you come to my school?" Mia pouted as soon as we descended.

"We agreed on this, Mia. Remember? I told you we have to prepare for Mumma's birthday surprise," Mai smacked her head, realizing, "Oh, shoot! I forgot, Solly papa." She grinned.

"What—sur—"

"You'll know that tomorrow!! For now, can I steal a dance with my favorite lady?" Kartik said, keeping his finger on my lips to silence me.

"What about me, Daddy???" Mai chirped.

"You can dance with Ku, sweetie."

"No, Ku. Mia wants to dance with Daddy."

"Ahhh, okay. Fine, come here, my baby." Kartik opened his arms, kneeling down, and Mia ran towards him, directly into his arms. The music on the player began playing while I sat beside Kunal.

"You should settle too, Kunal—marry someone—" I said, overwhelmed by guilt. Kunal shook his head, "If it was meant to be, then it should've happened. And now I have Gauri. I don't need a wife; I'm fine with my adopted daughter."

I nodded and turned my attention to Kartik and Mehwish.

Kartik twirled with Mehwish in his arms, and the two looked absolutely adorable. I couldn't help but adore them both at that moment. Yes, this guy was and is my love, and will be my love forever.

Meri Khushi bhi wo, meri tabahi bhi wo 

Meri abadi bhi wo, meri barbadi bhi wo

 The end