Khushi tab hoti hai jab woh baanti jae.
خوشی تب ہوتی ہے جب وہ بانٹی جاۓ

7 months later

A tired groan escaped my lips, watching the sky breathe into the morning. The room gleamed with colour, only interrupted by the shafts of buttery light shifting through the creamy translucent curtains draping the balcony doors. I sucked in a breath as I stretched my arms, enjoying the sonorous crack of my tired bones. Who knew lying in bed all day could be so tiring.

Despite my feeble attempts to move, my legs felt heavy and my limbs protested every movement. I turned to my phone, flipping through the calendar. My face remained set in a wince, the doctor's appointment was scheduled for tomorrow, which meant another day locked up in the captivity of our room.

Almost a fortnight had passed, ever since the doctor had recommended bed rest and ever since Aliyaar took it upon himself to make sure I didn't leave the bed, except to use the bathroom. Even when he wasn't there, there would always be a nurse or attendant hovering round the room, seeing to my every need.

But laying confined to my room had proven to be more difficult and boring than I had originally anticipated. Although Mom, Layla and Safina aunty would often drop by to have lunch or tea in my room and Shehryar and I would watch movies and play board games at night, the whole arrangement was starting to get monotonous and irksome, not to mention the ever present discomfort and pain in my body.

With the election dates edging near, Aliyaar was now busier than ever. He often left very early in the mornings and returned late from work, but despite his hectic and overloaded schedule he'd make sure to check up on me as frequently as he could. Sometimes he'd even work from his office at home, just so that he could keep a watch over me and keep me company in between his calls and meetings. He had patiently listened to all my demands, kept up with my mood swings and pampered me like a baby, but never allowed me to walk on my own or leave the room.

It seemed he had taken the word 'bed rest' a little too literally and seriously. I'm sure the doctor hadn't meant such extreme measures when she prescribed it to me.

I let out a deep breath, trying to calm the agitation buzzing through my veins. One more day. Just one more day. But what if the doctor extended the treatment. A shudder skittered down my spine at the thought. I shook my head, hoping to block off any negative thoughts or ideas. I would stay positive and hope for the best.

Slowly, I straightened up against the bed rest, before daring to steal a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. "I've put on weight." Considerable weight. My cheeks seemed fuller and my face slightly round. Last I looked like this was probably when I was fifteen and my mother had put me on a strict diet.

"It's natural." The nurse commented, the plump stoutly lady clad in a white uniform commented. "It'll be gone as soon as you get back to normal." She handed me a bowl of freshly sliced apples. I eyed the bowl and then her, my lips pulled into a thin line.

"I literally told you I've gained weight and you're giving me apples?" My brow rose in a mixture of disbelief and irritation.

"Have the apples, Beta. They are good for you." Safina Aunty commented, as she walked in with a Shehryar and a servant girl following behind her. The girl held a tray of delightful dishes. The aroma of hot enticing food wafted through my room, tugging upon my appetite. "Since it's Sunday, we thought we'd have brunch here in your room." She chirped gaily, watching the girls arrange the food at the table.

"That's sweet of you. I was bored out of my mind."

"You should have called, Bhabhi Jaan." Shehryar teased, plopping onto the edge of the bed and leaning over to take a slice of apple from my bowl. I rolled my eyes at the title. It was something Shehryar had picked up recently to irritate me. "Where is Bhai?"

A hot gush of anger whirled through my blood with fluid grace. "Your Bhai can go to hell." I seethed in a heated tone, only to earn a chuckle from the rest of the members of the room. "I'm sure he is having an affair, while I lie here, unable to move."

"I wouldn't put it past him." Shehryar teased, reaching out for another apple, only to receive a scandalised gasp from Safina aunty.

"Shehryar!" She said angrily, her voice laced with warning. "Behave!" She chided before whacking him on the back of his head. Shehryar groaned in response, rubbing his head. I giggled, clearly enjoying the exchange. It was funny how Safina aunty still treated both the brothers as young children.

"Why are you laughing?" Shehryar glared at me testily, his deep blue eyes gleaming like an expansive sea under the first ray of daybreak. "I was taking your side."

"You were talking shit about my husband. You deserved the smack." I narrowed my eyes at him, sticking my tongue out to irritate him further. "Only I reserve that right."

"Whatever." Yaar muttered under his breath.

"You two fight like five year olds." Safina aunty smiled as she took a seat on the sofa.

Just then Aliyaar walked in, his sleeves were rolled to his elbow and the top buttons of his shirt undone, showing the light dusting of hair underneath. He was carrying a few files in his hand, while his coat hung over his arm. "Guess I'm late." He said as his eyes scanned the room, acknowledging the presence of everyone present.

"His Highness finally has the time for us peasants." I muttered dryly, munching on the apple. Shehryar straightened quickly, raising his hand to his head to salute. But Aliyaar ignored the both of us, walking past us to his mother and bending over to give her a side hug.

"I had an important meeting." He turned to me and kissed the top of my head and then walked over to his desk to drop the files. "How are you feeling today?" He rolled his neck, the powerful muscles of his back shifting underneath his white shirt. "You seem cranky today." He chuckled

I laughed, "After putting me in this situation, you really have the nerve to ask me why I'm cranky?" I watched him agape.

He turned around slowly, his eyes locking with mine. Shock flared through his veins as watched me with a raised brow. "I put you in this situation?" He asked, repeatedly blinking his eyes in disbelief. I nodded, adamant to solely hold him responsible. A sardonic chuckle cracked through his mouth, a glimmer of disbelief shining on his forlorn features. "Don't blame it on me. You were the one who couldn't control yourself that night."

I felt heat rise up my spine and my face flushed. But I held my chin up high, no way was I going to cower under him. "You should have been careful. Hence you are responsible." I folded my arms across my chest, stubbornly holding my ground. "And even it was my fault, who advised you to lock me in the room like a bloody prisoner."

"The doctor." He deadpanned, although a hint of amusement lingered on the corner of his lips. I groaned loudly, burying my head in the pillow. "Just a few more days, Shany." He cooed, slumping on the bed beside me.

"I'm pretty sure, you did this on purpose. You're having an affair." I grumbled, avoiding his amused gaze.

Shehryar laughed, taking the plate from Safina aunty, "Bhai barely managed to find one girl. You really think he found another one?" He seemed genuinely curious, his eyes swaying between the two of us.

Aliyaar glowered at him, shifting in his place. "That's because I never tried." His russet eyes narrowed at Shehryar in warning. "I think my little brother forgets how many girls literally threw themselves at me. Or maybe he is jealous, because no one wanted your lanky nerdy self." His chest swelled with overweening arrogance.

"So you're telling me, if you tried you'd still get girls." I interrupted before Shehryar could hurl another insult in return. Aliyaar shrugged coolly. "See I told you. He is having an affair." I turned to Safina aunty.

"Maybe—"

"Enough all of you." Safina aunty clapped her hands in annoyance. "Ali. Sherry. Should I call your father? Stop teasing my poor girl, she is already not well." She held my face to her, stroking my hair to comfort my moody self. Both the brothers passed me a brooding look, while I smiled at them slyly, enjoying the berating their mother had just given them. "Here Shanzae, eat this chocolate mousse. I know you were craving this last night. The chef has some more stored in the fridge. I'll go check on Ahmed."

"Aren't you the best?" I said taking the bowl from her. She just smiled, before leaving the room.

"So you're not going to share?" Shehryar looked at me expectantly.

"I don't share my food. I won't give it to you." I replied, licking the chocolate off the back of the spoon. "Especially since you cheated last night." Aliyaar stretched beside me and then closed his eyes. He seemed tired. Between juggling his work commitments and taking care of me, I knew he was exhausted, but he had not once complained about anything. Only silently trying to manage everything to the best of his abilities.

"This is not fair. Bhai dekho apni biwi ko."

Aliyaar smiled, his golden orbs peeking through from underneath his lids. "Give him some, surely you're not going to have the whole bowl. And he didn't cheat." My brows narrowed, serving him a cold pointed stare.

"This is not fair, Aliyaar. You always take his side, after all he is your blood." I grumbled shoving the bowl towards Shehryar who smiled at me victoriously.

"Yes, he is my blood." I heard Aliyaar say softly, before he scooted over to place his head on my shoulder. And then he whispered, only loud enough for me to hear, "But you're my heart."

****

"How is everything?" I asked anxiously. "Are the reports alright?" Aliyaar sat in the chair beside mine, holding onto my hand in a comforting grip. No matter how difficult or nerve wracking a situation might be, I knew if anything could calm me, it was his touch.

Aliyaar squeezed my palm, reassuring me silently.

After a few pensive moments of silence, the doctor put the X-Ray film down and smiled at the two of us. "It seems like you've taken a good rest. The reports are fine. I'd suggest you start walking. Perhaps incorporate some easy leg exercises as well."

I beamed joyfully, excitement running through my veins. Ever since that dreadful hike where I twisted my foot, I had been unable to move. Perhaps I would have been able to had I not been so adamant upon not wearing a cast. "Yeah but no hiking." The doctor joked.

I frowned, "I don't like hiking to begin with. It was my husband and his brother's stupid idea."

Aliyaar shook his head when the doctor passed him an apologetic smile. "And yeah it was my idea to race in the hills after sunset." He muttered under his breath. The doctor laughed, clearly enjoying our banter. "I'll get the wheelchair." He said taking the reports from the doctor.

"No, I'll walk." I leapt onto his hand, struggling to stumble up from the chair. Aliyaar looked at me with a concerned expression, his eyes contemplating if he wanted to argue with me or give in. I fluttered my lashes, rounding my eyes to pass him the most innocent look I could muster. His lips pursed, but he held my hand helping me wobble through the corridor.

"Can we get ice cream?"

"No."

"Please, Aliyaar."

"No."

"You know I love you so much?"

"No. I mean yes, but we're going home and you're taking some much needed rest."

"Why are you such a bully?" I growled irritatedly, pushing him away from me, only to stumble and had it not been for his hands anchoring me, I would have fallen straight on my face.

"Oh my god. Are you alright?" He asked, his arms carefully holding me against him. I bobbed my head in response, too embarrassed to reply. "Why did I have to marry a five year old?" He muttered lowly.

"If I was five, you would be a pedophile." I whispered innocently.

"What? I—I?" He stared at me for a good moment, his words failing him. But the look of priceless shock on his face had me laughing in hysterical agony. "What will I do with you Shanzae?" A suggestion of a grin curled on his face, as his piercing golden eyes soaked in my smiles and laughter.

I shrugged before turning around and taking another step towards the exit. "Since we're already married, all you can do is have my babies and be my Baby daddy."

At this point, Aliyaar did not even respond, clearly having gotten used to my inappropriate jokes and not so subtle innuendos. These past few months had been blissful to say the least. Aliyaar was a dream I never knew I had. And with Dada Jaan's official endorsement of Aliyaar's campaign, things had been smooth sailing. The occasional verbal spats with Zaroon Bhai and Ibrahim Taya continued, but for the most part they had remained clear of us. Dada Jaan had agreed to make Zaroon Bhai a federal minister in return for a truce between all members of the family.

Dad, Zaroon and Shehryar had been actively involved with recruiting independent candidates, helping bring industrialists and businessmen on board, along with aligning all religious sections of the party. Aliyaar overlooked each aspect of the campaign, mostly involving himself with matters of National importance and campaign. I had been by his side throughout the process, silently managing his campaign and public image behind the scene. I had made sure he was everywhere, from billboards and newspapers to flags and scarves. His name, face and identity was ingrained in the mind of every person, young or old. Even Dada Jaan's was surprised with how quickly we had managed to catapult Aliyaar's fame from a relatively new politician to a potential new leader of the nation.

But amidst this chaos, I realised that one thing I had hoped I'd never realise. Politics was in my blood. It was my legacy and my fate. No matter how hard I tried, I'd never be able to run away from it.

***

A few weeks later

Aliyaar rolled off me, our breaths coming off ragged and laboured from the aftermath of our carnal escapades. Like always, Aliyaar slipped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to him, pressing his lips on top of my forehead. I sighed, snuggling into the warmth of his chest. His fingers brushed against my shoulder in a feathering touch and a smile flitted across my lips. No matter how old our relationship might get, I knew I'd always crave his touch. And ever since my fracture, it seemed like I had gotten a little too attached to him. Despite his constant attention, there had been days when all I wanted to do was lie in his arms and waste the day away.

"You alright?" He nudged my shoulder softly, pulling me out of my deep thoughts. I nodded and then reached out to kiss his chin. "You seem tired."

I chuckled, my fingers brushing against his jaw, "You've kept me up all night," I drawled lazily. "And you haven't given me a break this entire afternoon either. So, excuse me, but I'm not tired, I'm exhausted."

A small smirk curled on the corner of his lips and he grabbed my jaw, bringing my mouth to his for another fiercely hungry kiss. I moaned against his lips, but then reluctantly pushed him away. "You've had your fun, hot cakes! Not let me get some rest." I closed my eyes and tightly wrapped my arms around his waist, my head resting against his chest. The soft thud of his heart beating underneath me lulled my senses and I felt sleep beginning to envelop me.

"We have to attend the party tonight." Aliyaar reminded me while his hands stroked my bare back, gently putting me to sleep.

"I have no wish to attend. I feel so tired these days." I mumbled in my sleep. "I wasn't feeling well this morning either."

"Get some rest, babe." He kissed the crown of my head. "We can go a little late."

***

"Don't you look good?" Mrs. Khan, the wife of the ex foreign minister said, pulling away from a warm hug. "What's the secret for the glow?" She teased looking towards Aliyaar, only for him to slip a possessive arm around my waist, his fingers skimming across the exposed skin from underneath the saree.

I squirmed slightly, his fingers leaving behind a burning trail on my skin, lighting me up.

"A very devoted and loving husband is the secret." Aliyaar joked, "Although,I have been getting my lessons from your husband on how to keep the wife happy."

"On please." She waved her hand in the air dismissively. "Minister Sahab only has time to discuss foreign policy and diplomacy. On the contrary, he should be taking lessons from you. I can see how happy our daughter is."

Mr and Mrs Khan had been old family friends and Mr Khan had been a loyal supporter of Dada Jaan. He had retired a few years ago, but the family had still remained in touch.

"Yes, our daughter is so happy, it seems like she has forgotten all about us." Mom and Layla came in to join the conversation. The women laughed, but I pursed my lips.

"You know that's not true." I complained, engulfing my mom in a brief hug.

"Aunty. Layla." Aliyaar acknowledged their arrival with a curt nod, before excusing himself to meet the rest of the guests.

As guests kept pouring in, the hall settled into a peaceful chatter, as the creme de la creme of our society mingled the night away. Layla sat beside me with a bored expression, his finger circling the rim of her glass. Then suddenly her expressions shifted and she straightened in her chair.

"What's wrong?" I asked, before I followed her vision, and my eyes trained upon the scene playing out in front of us.

Zaroon Bhai stood alongside Ibrahim Taya and Azar Baloch. An older man, whose features greatly resembled the man in the black coat, stood beside them. I could only presume he was Azar's father and the fair skinned girl with a mop of thick black hair was his sister. Rumours of Zaroon Bhai and the girl's engagement had been rife within our circles and I wasn't surprised that Ibrahim Taya, the architect of this cruel chaos, wanted the rumour mill burning tonight.

"It's alright Layla." I said, putting a hand over her hers.

"Oh it's more than alright." The air trembled beneath the weight of her words and a sly humour painted her skin. I could not tell what was going inside that shrewd mind of hers but whatever it was, it was dangerous and devastating.

A waiter passed by, holding onto a tray of hors d'oeuvres, and Layla reached out to help herself with some much needed nourishment. And I was almost glad at the prospect of her diverting her mind.

But as soon as the waiter brought the tray near, I scrunched my nose at the nauseating smell wafting through the air. "What on earth is this? This is absolutely vile." I had the sudden urge to puke my guts out.

"It's smoked salmon with cream cheese." Layla looked at me and then the canapé in her hand, a little confused at the extreme reaction. "It smells fine to me."

"You might wanna check." I warned. "It smells awful. The fish or cheese seems off." I turned away, unable to take the smell.

"It really seems fine to me." Layla said, taking a small careful bite.

"What's wrong?" Mom turned to us, her brows knitted together in concern. As I warned her about the stale fish, her face schooled into a thoughtful expression. She nodded solemnly and then looked around making sure no one heard us. "Why don't you come home tomorrow, maybe we should visit the doctor."

My brows shrivelled together, "A doctor? What fo—" I paused, realising what she meant, before shaking my head, "No. That's not possible. I'm pretty sure it's not what you think." But a niggling fear settled in the pit of my stomach.

"Perhaps, but a visit to the doctor would not hurt. Aliyaar mentioned you've been feeling tired for the past few days."

"Yeah but that's because of my leg. I've gotten lazy ever since." I tried to reason, but too many thoughts began to whisk my mind. How was it possible? We had always been careful. I felt a sweet sweat beginning to break across my forehead, my hands became clammy and I felt my gut churn with unease.

"It's not possible." I repeated again. At this point I wasn't sure who I was trying to convince, my mother or myself, but I kept repeating the words.

"Unless you're still a virgin, which I highly doubt," Layla mused, "there is every chance you might want to visit the doctor."

"Layla," my mom and I chided simultaneously. But Layla snickered in response.

"Mom, you can't tell Aliyaar. Or anyone for that matter." I turned to her, suddenly contemplating the possibility. "At least not until I'm sure of it. It's obviously not something we expected." I pinched the bridge of my nose, the sudden news taking me by surprise. I could feel a frantic wave of anxiety wash over me.

Mom nodded understandingly and stroked my hair, "I won't tell him. And I know you're shocked but sleep on the possibility tonight. Perhaps by tomorrow morning you wouldn't be as afraid as you are now."

"I don't know how I feel about this. I had wanted to wait a little longer." I said, gulping down a glass of water. "This was not the plan."

My mother smiled, "Your life never gave you what you had planned, yet somehow it always turned out better than you had expected."

That night everything felt different. I felt different. Aliyaar felt different. Our relationship felt different. Although nothing that happened that night was out of the ordinary, yet everything felt strangely new. Be it his fingers untying the strings of my blouse, or his lips pressing a kiss on the base of my neck, or his hand coming to rest on stomach as held me while we slept, everything was the same yet everything was different.

Tonight, sleep was the last thing I got.

***

"I'm going to visit mom," I blurted out early next morning as I watched Aliyaar tie his tie. He looked at me through the mirror, a little surprised at my announcement.

"But it's Monday today."

"Is there a rule that I can't visit my mom on Monday?" I frowned.

"That's not what I meant. It's just that you usually visit on Friday's." He came and sat across from me. "What's wrong? You seem unusually quiet since last night."

I gulped uneasily, feeling the sting of his piercing gaze settling upon me. I knew if he stared for long enough my eyes would betray me. So I shook my head, hopping off the bed to avoid his eyes. "Mom has been complaining that I don't visit often. So I thought I'd stay there for a few days."

"A few days?" I could sense the irritation in his voice. While he never said anything, I knew just how much he hated having me away from him. "How many days?"

"A week?" I said unsurely. Yes, a week would be enough for me to digest the information.

"That's too long. Two days max. No more argument."

I felt a surge of anger warring inside me. He could not control my life like this. "I'm going to my parents house." I turned around to face him, my tone straight, my face devoid of any emotion. "And I shall stay there for as long as my heart desires. Be it a day, a week, a month or a whole goddamn year." My voice rose with each word, anger and frustration licking the insides of my veins.

Aliyaar's eyes narrowed, his face darkening at the insolence in my tone. He took a threatening step forward, towering over me. "I told you. Two. Days." He gritted through his teeth.

"Or else what?"

"What do you mean 'or else what'?" He took another step forward and I took another step back. "Have you taken it upon yourself to not listen to anything I say?"

My eyes fell upon the clock. I was running late for the appointment and the last thing I needed was a brooding and sulking husband. "I'm in no mood to argue with you." I muttered dryly. "I'm leaving. And I'll come back whenever I want." My mood swings would drive me insane.

"Do whatever you want." He said angrily before grabbing his coat and leaving the room.

****

"Congratulations! There is good news. You're pregnant."

The doctor's voice kept echoing in my ears. Head bent, I curled into myself as I lay on my bed, thinking about everything the doctor had just told me. My body still reeled from the shock of the news, my mind grappling with a torrent of conflicting feelings. But amidst all the fear and uncertainty of bringing a new life into this world, somewhere I felt happy and excited as well.

"Are you happy Shanzae?"

I looked up and saw my mother staring down at me with a soft smile on her face. This was the first time she had asked me this question, for the first time she had asked me how I felt. We had always done things because it was our duty, without giving much thought to how we felt. The look of surprise on my face was probably very evident because mom settled down beside me, placing my head in her lap.

"Some things in our life come so naturally to us that we tend to take them without thought. Without really thinking if we really are happy. You married out of duty to your family. And I never stopped to ask you if you were happy. But I know you are now. But this baby is not something you expected, but I really hope you're happy." Somewhere I found solace in her soft voice.

"I'm happy. But I'm scared." Instinctively, I wrapped a protective arm around my non-existent bump.

"It's alright to feel scared. It's a big responsibility. But you have nothing to worry about, this baby is lucky to have such amazing parents."

I smiled, "Aliyaar would be ecstatic to hear the news. I know our baby would be well loved and well cared for. I'm sure both our families would spoil this baby rotten."

"Oh I'm sure of that." Mom giggled, "I can barely wait to pamper him or her."

"Have you told anyone?"

"Not yet. You need to tell Aliyaar first. But we have to be careful with who we disclose this information to, after all this baby is the heir and the first born of two powerful families." Mom sounded a little concerned. "We have to be very careful with your pregnancy."

"I need to tell Aliyaar first." I mumbled.

"He'd come tonight for dinner, won't he?"

I shook my head. "He won't come." I sighed. "We had an argument this morning. He isn't taking my call either."

"Aliyaar doesn't usually do this."

"He doesn't. But he has been stressed and overworked these days. And you know he starts acting like a baby every time I am away for more than a few days. He has been tense, and I temperamental. Not the best of combinations." I said, silently reflecting upon our stupid argument from this morning. "I'll go home tonight."

My mom nodded with understanding.

****

It was a starry, unclouded night, peaceful and glittering. A soft breeze laced with the scent of jasmine drifted in through the windows. The air was mild, the sky was endless. I was joyful.

After a very long conversation with my mother, I finally felt at ease, ready to embrace the blessing I had been surprised with. Despite all the fears skulking in my mind, I felt happy and excited for the new beginning. As I walked towards Aliyaar's study, my hands holding onto a small gift box, I could only imagine how he would react to the news.

I stood outside the study. The door was closed, but I knew he was inside. I sucked in a deep steadying breath, grounding my fraying nerves before softly knocking at the door. No answer. I knocked again and without waiting for an answer, I yanked the door open and walked inside, shutting the door behind me.

He sat on his desk, scribbling something on his notepad. His head was low, his attention focussed upon the files squandered in front of him. The hair on his head fell upon his forehead hiding his beguiling eyes behind their veil.

"Leave the coffee here." He muttered without looking up. Clearly he wasn't expecting me.

"So you plan on staying up all night." I said nonchalantly. For a moment he froze before he slowly looked up, his brow rising in surprise at my unexpected presence.

He straightened back in his seat, his shoulders squared but the look of agitation still dominated his face.

I'm pregnant and he is the one having mood swings?

"I thought you wouldn't be coming back for a week—" he took his glasses off, twirling them in his fingers. "Or a month." He jabbed sarcastically.

Normally, I would have broken his nose by now, but all I did was smile, pinching my lips between my teeth. "Aww! Did someone steal your candy?" I cooed, "Or did you break your favourite toy?"

He gave me a murderous look, before a faintly amused smile graced his lips.

"Why are you back early?" He asked, much gently this time, his anger beginning to melt.

"Because this is my home and I can come and go whenever I want." I shrugged, wheeling his chair back and settling in his lap. His arms wound around my waist, carefully steadying me against his chest.

"I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. But I'm under immense pressure these days and I didn't want you away." I smiled softly, while my fingers played with the strands of his hair falling on his forehead. "You know I'm selfish when it comes to sharing you."

A surge of panic darted through me. Suddenly I wasn't sure how he'd take the news. I cradled myself in his arms, throwing my legs up over the arm of the chair. "You've lost weight." Aliyaar commented. I nodded against his chest while my fingers played with the buttons of his shirt. I wasn't sure how I'd bring up the conversation. I had lost a little weight because of all the nausea I had been experiencing these past few days. But I had slipped all symptoms under the rug, thinking I was under the weather.

"You know I haven't been feeling well." His fingers threaded through the strands of my hair. We sat in silence for a while, while I considered how I wanted to share the news with him.

"What's that box?" Aliyaar asked, eyeing the small gift box I had bought with me, that now lay forgotten on the corner of his desk. I sighed. Perhaps this was the moment.

"I bought something for you." I propped up and passed him a lazy grin. "It's a gift."

He eyed me suspiciously, "Since when have you started bringing gifts to apologise. Last I remember, that was my job." I laughed. It was true though, everytime we had had a fight, it was mostly Aliyaar who had apologised and bought gifts.

"When did I say anything about an apology? That's still very much your department." I stood up from his lap and brought the small white box to him. I shifted uncomfortably and my hands began to shake. It felt like a million fireworks exploded within me, the nervousness running through my veins like fire. Perhaps the last time I was this nervous was when I was on the stage just before I had said the two words that made me his for the rest of my life.

Aliyaar eyed the box curiously, before taking it from my hands. It was a fairly small box with a bow tied on top. "What's in it? Cufflinks?" He asked before opening it.

I shook my head, "it's— a— just open it."

Aliyaar pulled the bow, carefully unboxing the baby rattle inside. I stared at him with my breath stuck within my chest, but there was no reaction. He continued to stare at the box. No words. No surprise. Nothing.

Then he slowly looked up, his eyes catching mine, but despite their clarity, I could not read the thoughts floating in those molten orbs. "Are you seriously trolling me with a baby rattle because of my morning tantrum?" He pulled the butterfly toy out and joggled it in front of my face. "Ha ha ha. Aren't you funny?" He pretended to laugh.

I frowned, crossing my arms across my chest, "I don't know if I'm funny or not, but you're definitely stupid." I muttered under my breath.

"How am I stupid—" he paused as his eyes fell upon the small card in the box with 'HI DAD!' inscribed on it in gold. There it was hidden underneath the butterfly, staring at him loud and clear.

For a moment, it was like he was completely frozen, unable to move or breathe. His eyes widened, staring at the words on the small card, while his brain connected the dots. A small smile played upon my lips, watching the shock register upon his face. He pulled his head up to look at me, his big wide eyes trying to look for any clue to confirm if what he was thinking was true.

My smile widened and I watched his expression change from one of shock to utter disbelief. He opened his mouth, yet it seemed like he had no words to express what he actually felt or wanted to say. He blinked. Once. Twice. His eyes moved to my stomach and then back to my face, before he shook his head as if trying to dispel the fog clouding his brain.

"Tell me this isn't a joke." I giggled, shaking my head. "You're pregnant?" He asked wondrously, still unable to fully believe the news.

"Yess." I could feel the heat warm my cheeks.

I wanted to laugh at how innocent he looked, baffled at the unexpected news. "My baby?"

I shrivelled my brows, "No, it's the neighbour's baby! What kind of a dumb question is that?"

He ignored my comment, his eyes oscillating between me and the toy in his hand. Slowly the shock began to wear off and a delighted smile began to curl on his lips. And then without warning he lifted me into his arms and twirled us around, "You've made me the happiest man on earth."

I wrapped my arms around his neck, steadying myself. This was exactly the reaction I had anticipated. His eyes glowed, radiating the happiness shining in them.

"Put me down." I laughed.

He lowered me back on the ground, before cradling my face in his palms and bringing my lips to his for an urgent kiss. He hadn't said much, yet I knew he was conveying his feelings with every move of his lips. "You've no idea how happy I'm." He whispered as we broke the kiss.

"I am very happy too."

"But how? We've always been careful and you've lost weight. Are you sure?"

I nodded. "I saw the doctor today. She says it happens sometimes. We had the tests done and I'm almost a month and a half in. But the doctor worries there might be some complications. She was happy I was on bed rest last month because of my foot."

"You were pregnant when you had twisted your leg?" I could feel the fear in his voice. I nodded. "Oh my god!" He rubbed his temples. "Thank God, the baby is safe."

"She has advised extra care since I've lost all the weight I gained in the past few weeks because of the nausea and vomiting. I'm really worried, Aliyaar. What if something—"

"Oh God no, Shanzae." He wrapped his arms around my shoulders pulling me into a hug. "You don't have to worry, I'll get you the best medical care and doctors. Our baby will be safe."

"Promise?"

When I looked up, I could see the storm brewing in his eyes, the fear and worry floating in them was pretty evident. But he gave me a soft comforting smile, "Yes I promise."

He dropped down to his knees, his eyes never once leaving my belly. His hands found the hem of my shirt, slowly lifting it to reveal my skin. A smile cracked on his face as his eyes sought mine. And then he leaned in, his lips grazing my stomach as he murmured against my skin, "Our little nugget is very strong. A little fighter!"

****

Inko kisi ki nazar na lage. 🥺🥺

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