Dedicated to Gaurirani. Thank you dear for always voting & your silent support! It means a lot <3 :*

♔ Aarav ♔

          The next morning, I am taking a shower to get dressed for the day when she yells over so I can her head, "Hey, you're getting messages from Angel. I think it might be important."

"Yeah, be right there." I answer.

I have my message notifications set in a way that in the notification bar, it'll tell me who the message is from, but not a preview. So, I figure the only reason she said it might be important is because Annie could have texted me five or six times.

I turn the shower off and make sure to dry off and put on my jeans before stepping out, letting the towel hang around my neck. The phone was beside her and she passes it over. As I take it, my fingers brush hers and I try to ignore the spark.

I notice that she is trying to avoid looking at me. I'm not sure if it's because of our moment last night in the kitchen or that I don't have a shirt on.

I plug in the number passcode and check Angel's messages. I mumble reading them, "Crazy girl," and then sit at the edge of the bed. As I type a response with one hand, I use the other to dry my hair with the towel.

Glancing in her direction, I ask. "There is this art festival happening today. Up for it?"

"Sure."

She is still not looking at me.

I have to ask, "You okay, Shona?"

She feverishly bobs her head up and down. "Mhmm."

"Then why aren't you looking at me?"

She flips a page of the pregnancy book she'd bought a few days ago to make a point, "I'm reading, Aarav."

I lean closer and she does notice me forwarding my hand. She remains absolutely still and goes on to pretend to be reading. I tug the book away from her though she tries to fight it with a futile attempt. I put it on the other side of me, just out of her reach.

"Look at me, Jhanvi."

She closes her eyes getting that I am serious when I say her name. She does look up, but past my shoulder instead of at me. "Um, yeah... first... get dressed please?"

My lips tug up in a smirk, "Is this making you shy?"

She tries to fight the heat creeping up her neck as I am putting her on the spot, "Not shy... uncomfortable."

I tug her chin and tilt her face so she would look at me. she exhales as I am not letting it be – like I usually do. When she finally does abide, I ask feeling vulnerable for some reason. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

Somewhere, the idea hurts.

Her eyes widen at the meaning I was making out of it, "No! That's not what I mean. Just..."

My brows burrow and she lets out a groan, looking away as if she was embarrassed to admit it.

"You're half-naked, okay? It's messing with my head." I am taken aback even as she continues, "I mean... you have to know. You're... um, very attractive."

Her confession seems to have turned the heat up in the room.

When I remain silent, just searching her face and convincing myself that she did just admit that and I am not imagining, she glances back to me. She notices I am stumped. Normally, I wouldn't care for compliments from anyone else but when it concerns her, I have to admit. I do get insecure about what she thinks of me as she never voices it in words.

Eventually, I clear my throat. "That should be a good thing, Shona. Why are you bothered?"

If you ask me, we are 'dating'. Being attracted to each other should be a normal thing... so I don't understand why she fears that.

She opens her mouth and I know whatever her reply was going to be was important. But just then, my phone rings. At first, I don't want to answer but her attention shifts to it and get the hint. She wants me to answer.

I glance at it and place it over my ear, "Annie, you better be dying for you to be interrupting." Without meaning to, I snap at her.

"Aarav Singh Raizada, tell me you did not just yell at me right now."

I close my eyes as the harsh words I said seep in, and that too to Angel. My temper is quick to disappear. "I'm sorry, Angel. I didn't mean to snap at you. Is everything okay?"

"No." She frowns, "Are you free anytime today? I really need your help in buying a gift for Khushi. If I miss her birthday this year as well, I fear she just might disown me."

I chuckle slightly at her exaggeration for Khushi would have to go bonkers before doing something so drastic, "Sure, I'll come by around noon. Is that okay?"

"Works for me, thanks darling. You're the best."

"Hmm, see you then." I am finally relieved hearing her call me darling. We'll see at noon is she is back to being herself. Calling me darling is certainly a step in their direction.

Once the call ends, Jhanvi asks, "Everything okay?"

I nod placing the cell on the side table, "Yeah, Annie is just freaking out over what to get my mom for her birthday."

She seems to remember yesterday's phone call she overheard since she asks, "Right, your mom's birthday. When is it?"

"Next week." I am about to continue our previous conversation when she beats me to another question.

"Aren't you going to go for her birthday then?"

I answer with internal debate, "I should..." I want to go but I also can't leave Jhanvi here alone.

She urges, "But...?"

I pull my hesitancies together and answer confidently, "But I made promises to you too. Mom will understand." She doesn't seem convinced but I change the topic, "Anyway, you should get ready for office. And don't forget, I'm picking you up for doctors' appointment at 2."

She points out, "You're meeting Annie; you just told her. Don't worry about the appointment. I can go by myself."

I insist making it known, "I'll pick you up at 2, sharp."

She drops the idea of convincing me otherwise. She has to have figured out by now. I always follow through my words and even if it was just a regular check-up, I was still going to be there.

That, I let her know to make her understand where I am coming from. "I want to be there at each step, Shona. I like to. I don't want to miss anything with the baby."

She teases, "You may want to control your overflowing love for champ."

I sideline her overall comment and zone in on the last word, "Champ?"

She nods with a chuckle, "Yeah, the way I keep getting these back pains and the weirdest cravings at the worst times, I'm sure it's a boy."

"What cravings?" I question and she laughs. That's got to be the understatement of the year, "Wait, you never mentioned back pains before." I grow concerned at once at this new piece of information.

Her face sobers up from the laughter and the words she let slip by that she was trying to hide. "Oh... yeah. They come and go. Mostly just in the mornings. I'm sure it's nothing."

She tries to convince me as she has convinced herself. I am not easily sidetracked though. "You don't know that."

"I'm sure the doctor will tell you its normal." She stands up to get her clothes and shower while continuing, "By the way, one of these day, have Annie over for dinner? Seeing how she's your best friend, I'd love to get to know her."

"You would?" I ask, slightly surprised at her taking an interest.

She gives me a confused look, "Ofcourse, why not? Besides, you don't tell me about yourself. Might as well ask your best friend, right?"

I chuckle, relaxing and teasing her back. "Good luck with that. Annie doesn't betray my secrets."

She however makes a promising remark, "We'll see about that, Raizada."

Regardless, I tell her I'd ask Annie today when I see her but more than that, I first need to make sure Annie is okay.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

          Standing in front of an aisle, I am looking through its shelves and the variety of chocolates. Eva clears her throat and comments to mark to arrival, "Aren't you in the wrong aisle?"

I grab a Hershey dark chocolate while answering, "It's for Jhanvi. She's been craving something sweet."

She eyes the dark chocolate in my hand with a face full of judgement.

I question in confusion, "What? Everyone likes Hershey's, right? And you've said she drinks her coffee straight sometimes. So dark chocolate can't be too bitter for her."

She rolls her eyes, nudging me aside with a slight push at the elbow. "You need to learn something about pregnant ladies, kid." She grabs the bar from my hand, discards it where I had picked it up from, and reaches up to grab three musketeers. "We crave almost the opposite of what we're used to. If you had been paying attention, you'd know she keeps a stash of these in the office fridge. These and Lindor's milk chocolate."

"Really?" I question in surprise.

She advises aimlessly while walking further to grab the later item and I follow behind. "Buckle up, Aarav. You're lagging behind."

I defend myself, "Hey, there's only so much I can keep up with."

Amidst worrying about Annie, Jhanvi, Dinesh and Shyam, can I really be blamed for not knowing this small piece of information?

She asks, "Anyway, what are we doing meeting at the mall? We could've talked at the office too."

I answer as she hands me the boxes to carry just because even though she is strong enough to do it herself, "I'm meeting Annie here later to help her pick a gift for Khushi. Where's Aarush?"

She grabs a few things for herself too and in the sideline, I shake my head at her impulsiveness. She doesn't control her diet but she does intensely workout daily so I suppose it's balanced enough.

"Someone had to stay with Jhanvi. But don't worry, he'll stay invisible. She won't even know he's around."

I comment, "What is he, a ninja?"

She laughs while walking back up to the front of the store, "You can say that. He's one of the best I know in counter-surveillance. But, can you really complain? He's been keeping a good eye on both of you so far, hasn't he? I bet you don't even miss Vikas."

I make a face at the mention of my chief bodyguard. Unlike Aarush, Vikas was always in the open. Not that I doubt his ability to keep me safe, but because since I already knew who he is and what his job is, he didn't deem it important to keep his distance. I suppose, if he did, dad would fire him but that is beside the point

"Well, now that you mention him..." I say just to joke and she laughs.

Reaching the cashier, I place the two 24 count boxes of three musketeers and she dumps the rest on the counter. She asks, "So, I take it things are well between you and Annie?"

I deny the insinuation, "Nothing was wrong."

She scoffs, "Right, and I am blind. Don't lie, Aarav. I could tell something was amiss."

"Did she say something to you?"

"Does she ever?"

I shrug my shoulders, knowing it to be true, and take out my wallet. Pulling out the credit card, I proceed to swipe it.

Eva comments having seen the photograph, "That's getting old. You need to replace it."

"It's fine," I mumble and stash it away in my pockets again.

She doesn't fight me on it, knowing better. I have kept this picture in the clear plastic of my wallet for years and sure, I may have more recent pictures but I never have the heart to change it.

"Why did we need to talk, by the way?" I question as the employee bags our purchases.

"Oh, yes," she informs. "I heard back from Australian embassy today. They've caught Jhanvi's aunt and once paperwork is sorted, they'll have her deported back to India."

I nod and push open the store's door to exit. "Good. That's good. I doubt Jhanvi cares for getting the money back that she stole, but still..."

She nods back, agreeing. "Yeah, atleast her aunt isn't on the run. She can get some closure atleast."

We walk over to a nearby sitting area inside the mall. Placing the bags on the table, I express. "Honestly, I care more for Dinesh. Hiten has to have told him and I just want him caught."

"Hmm, then we can all breathe a sigh." She must have seen concern on my face for she assures rubbing my back, "Don't worry, he'll be caught too. He just has to make one mistake."

"Did you talk to dad?" I ask in response and when she shakes her head, I relay the information. "He thinks we can push him to make that mistake."

She raises a brow in curiosity. "How?"

I exhale, intertwining my hands atop the table. "If we bring Jhanvi back to Mumbai and exercise the will."

She nods, catching on and concluding. "Then he'll be running out of options and in a rush, mess up."

"Yeah," I mumble.

She glances up at my face, searching it at my silence. "But you don't want that."

I open my mouth to tell her she is right but close it having no proper words. I struggle a bit to express my thoughts. I inhale again in confliction. "I've said this since the beginning, you know? I don't want her to feel pushed into the marriage. I keep promising her that it'll be her choice to say yes."

She places a loving hand over my folded hands and squeezes gently in support. "Then, that's it, Aarav. We'll figure out another way. We won't let this be the only choice you have."

I counter though I appreciate her attempt. "But is that just wishful thinking? Are we deluding ourselves into thinking there is another way? What if... what if we need to just grow up and be practical? Face the reality and accept it?"

She shakes her head, telling me otherwise. "No, Aarav. Accepting it would mean giving up. And we did not plan out this long fight over the years to give up before it even starts. Now come on, don't spend too much time over Dinesh. He's not worth it. Just focus on your life and Jhanvi. That life with her that you've always wanted. Let all of us find Dinesh. Whatever rabbit hole he has dug himself in to hide, we'll draw him out another way."

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

          "How are these?" Annie holds up a pair of earrings.

I raise my brows, "You're going to gift her earrings for her birthday?"

She sighs and hangs them back in their spot, "You're right. Not personal at all."

I add commenting on the design and shape, "Besides, she'll say they're too gaudy."

She lets out a groan, "See, this is why I need help! You know what? Shame on me. How do I not know what to get her? I mean I've known her my whole life! She's like my substitute mom."

I assure her draping an arm over her shoulder and she slumps under the weight, "It's okay. It happens when you've been getting her gifts for years."

She counters, refusing to go easy on herself, "Look at Arnie. He can get her thousands of gifts in a year and never run out of ideas." When I shrug my shoulders in response, she swats my arm off her shoulder, "I didn't ask you here to shrug away. You're her son. Help me!"

As she continues to walk deeper into the store, I reach for her hand and pull her back. "Wrong direction."

"There's some cute purses that way."

I squint my eyes at her to scold, "We're here to buy something for Khushi. Not shop for yourself. You've really got to control your penchant for bags."

She whines cutely, "But they're cute! Just look at them."

She tries to drag me in the direction but I still tug at her hand and make her walk the other way. "Mmhmm. Not on my watch."

"You're mean. I hate you."

I roll my eyes at her pointless tantrum, "Love you too."

Five minutes later, I push open the door to another shop and nod for her to walk in. "Don't think being a gentleman will get me to forgive you."

I open my mouth to nag her when she walks in on her own and I bite back the comment.

She questions, "What are we doing in a bookstore? That's like... more impersonal then earrings."

"You doubt me, Angel." I comment as I pull her towards the children section.

She continues to challenge, "Darling, if we are here to get something for Jhanvi, I am going to remind you that you have atleast 7 more months before you have to read stories to the little one."

"Shut up, Angel." I mutter as I look though the collection.

When she doesn't answer, my eyes flicker sideways in her direction. She has her hands on her hips. Her jaw is hanging slightly in shock and offense that I asked her to shut up. But she knows, it wasn't meant in a mean way. I'd called her Angel, after all, instead of Annie.

I chuckle in response to how cute she looks and turn away towards the books on display.

Couple minutes later, I find the one I am looking for and turn it to show it to her. "There. Isn't this the book she first read to you?"

She takes it from me in surprise, opening it in a faraway memory of when she was only 4 years old. She asks almost breathless, "How do you even remember?"

I smile back at her. Things related to her that either she or anyone else must have told me... how could I ever forget them?

I remember the most insignificant of details as well.

And hey, something insignificant like this... it comes in handy at times like these when it can be turned into something priceless.

After all, memories.

I know very well the importance of them in life.

It's the one thing you can always hold on to when all else fails.

Instead of answering her question, I ask. "Is that personal enough?"

Her eyes avert from the book to lock with mines. "It's perfect," she whispers back with a cheeky grin on her face.

I smile back. In this moment, I tend to forget all my worries. Just for this one moment when her smile touches her eyes. The past few days, it had been missing but it's back now and nothing brings more comfort than that.

That I manage to put it back there.

I blink away to break the trance. Inaudibly clearing my throat, I snatch the book out of her loose grasp and comment to divert, "There, I helped you. Now tell me you love me."

She scoffs rolling her eyes and retrieves the book. "In your dreams." Turning her back to me, she starts to leave.

Something inside of me wants to continue to tease her because I know she is trying to hide that smile from returning to her lips.

I reach for her hand again and tug her back towards me, twisting it behind her by the elbow. She scolds with a gasp at the unanticipated pull and works on rebalancing herself after she stumbles into my chest. "Aarav!"

I brush it aside and instead ask, "Say it."

Lately, she'll keep retorting with I hate you as if she needs to remind herself of that to keep her distance. But I crave for those times back when we were kids and I'd do something to make her happy and she'd jump to hug me tightly and say I love you because we weren't ones to say thank you as it would feel the words were belittling the gestures.

They were all harmless words one might say to another friend but over the years... why did they come to hold such meaning? As if they kept me going. Toughened up my will for what I needed to do with Jhanvi. But, that couldn't be right. I love Jhanvi. I shouldn't need to be reminded of that...

It's not right.

Yet, why do I push her to say it?

Why do I need to hear it?

What is happening off late in my life? Everything used to be so simple. Why do I feel like it is complicated now? Or... am I making it complicated?

She twists her head back to look at me with the space between her brows pulled together in some sort of confusion at my request... not understanding why I am being this way.

I wouldn't know the answer to it either.

Just that I don't like it when she pulls away.

But, as her eyes dart up to mines and perhaps realizes the close distance between our faces, her forehead loosens up. She blinks away, swallowing and twist her wrist back and forth.

At the movement, I blink down at her hand in mines.

What am I doing?

Instead of releasing it and cuing the awkwardness, I tease. "Say it or..."

I bring my other hand to her side and she jumps at the slight tickle. It's enough to let her know of the threat.

She caves at once. "Okay, okay. I love you too, asshole. Now don't you dare tickle me."

I smirk, releasing her. "Now was that so hard?"

She uses the book to hit my arm. "Jerk." With that, she walks away towards the clerk to buy to book and cheekily, I follow her.

It's good to have her back. And our banter.

And all other thoughts... I need to put them to rest.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

          The nurse checks her blood pressure, weight, and temperature after taking us to an examination room. About five minutes later, Zach comes in and greets, "Hi Jhanvi, how are you doing today?"

She answers his cheerful smile with one of her own, "Hi Doctor. I'm good, thanks. You?"

"Fine, thanks.' He answers and then acknowledges me, "Hope you're doing well as well."

"Yeah, fine. She has back pains," I cut straight to the point.

She shakes her head in a scolding, "Aarav!"

Zach, however, sides with me - this is why I approve of him still - and starts asking, "On a scale of 1-10, where would you place the pain?"

She answers a bit uncertainly, "I don' t know... 3 or 4 maybe?"

I interject, "On a normal people scale, Shona." My point? Her threshold for pain is larger than what would be considered normal for others.

She sticks to her answer, "Still the same. It's like cramps but a little more, if that makes sense."

Zach nods, "Yes but still, don't dismiss it. If the pain increases, I want you to come in right away. I don't mean to scare you by saying this but do be careful. Back pains can be normal for 50-70% pregnant women but it can also be a symptom of miscarriage if combined with bleeding."

I hold back my reaction only because she inhales deeply as if his words scare her. She says, "Okay."

I place my hand on her shoulder and gently squeeze to let her know I was by her side. I wouldn't let that happen.

Right now, she is the most attached to her child and I cannot risk her losing that. That would be her breaking point.

We sit through as Zach offers few more words of advice with some changes in diet to ensure the baby receives the right nutrients as well as a few steps she can take to relieve the back pain a little, if not completely – such as sleeping in one position over another.

"Alright Jhanvi, take care and I'll see you both in two weeks."

She answers with a smile and we bid him but I can feel it. Her brain looks ready to explode with all the information just thrown at us. Now I understand why Dad told me to try and convince Jhanvi to stay so the family can help. I was crazy two months ago thinking I could handle this alone.

She asks as we are driving back, "I know he's the driver and all, but do you think Jose would get some things from the store if I sent him a list?"

"Ofcourse," I answer. For the time being, she is a step ahead of me. I was trying to think what to do next and she is already on it – changing her eating habits.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

          I pull out a box from the pantry the next morning. "Oatmeal. That's whole grains, right?"

She gulps down the sip of juice and then declare, "No, hell no. I'm putting up with OJ and suffering a major caffeine withdrawal. You're not including oatmeal in my breakfast items."

I chide her, "Shona, you heard Zach. Whole grains are an important..."

"Source of energy." She finishes my sentence in a monotone voice and then exclaims, "I know! Get me wheat bread and I'll have a toast. But I hate oatmeal. It's sick people food."

I put the box back on the shelf understanding I would not be able to convince her otherwise for she feels really strongly against oatmeal, "Oh, fine. No oatmeal. Eggs and toast for now."

She grumbles at the half-finished glass in front of her, "Don't forget dear old OJ."

I laugh at her adorable frown and walk over to her side. With an arm around her back, I playfully tap my forehead to her. "You're super cute. Now, finish up." I instruct later and press my lips to her cheek.

Releasing her, I return to the room to get dressed for work.

Because I am making her eat healthy, she announces her decision - her way of getting back at me. "I'm going to the photoshoot today."

I raise a brow at her as I often do when anyone dares to order me. "Oh, really now?"

She confidently nods, "Yes, really. Why do you get to have all the outdoor fun? You can be stuck behind a desk for one day."

I place my hands on my hips, still attempting to get her to back off. When she holds her gaze, refusing to, I exhale a sigh. "Fine. Eva will go with you."

Getting out of the chair and standing up, she questions, "Why do you always send her places with me?"

"Well, I obviously don't trust you to take care of yourself."

She gapes and swats my shoulder for what I am insinuating. "I don't get into accidents that much!"

"That's what you think."

"What?" She questions on not understanding my mumble.

I shake my head, "Nothing, you're taking Eva." She opens her mouth to argue but I don't give her a chance, "If anything, she knows the shoot scene. She'll explain everything to you."

Given I do have a point, she bites back her protests. I am slightly miffed I won't get to see Annie but it would be a good thing for the two of them to spend some time together and for me too.

I desperately need to get my head straight.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

∞ author note ∞

Well... I split last chapter because it was coming to ~5000 words but still, this one ends up being roughly the same word count since I ended up adding Aarav-Eva scene.. oh well. Hope you enjoyed a longer chapter!

Once again, Jhanvi between her child and her growing attraction to Aarav. Miscarriages can be so scary!

QOTC: Wherever do you think Aarav is heading with these two ladies?! Do you think Aarav is right to have doubts about telling Jhanvi? Worrying for her? And thinking if they should accept the reality and just give up instead of trying to fight Dinesh or having to push Jhanvi towards the will?
Ps. I wonder what picture he has in his wallet. 🤔😈

Something different next chapter! A different POV - but not Khushi's. I wrote hers but there is time for that yet. Any guesses?

Her Splash of Color is posted on my profile to share Rihaan & Sanya's story for those interested parties! Some characters you will definitely see more of in their book: Lavanya, Sam, Armaan & Riddhima as parents - perhaps more involvement then you have been seeing in here of Arnav & Khushi so far (which I promise I plan on expanding the second trio is back in Mumbai) as unlike Aarav, Jhanvi & Annie who are adults, RiYa are 14-15 so parental guidance is necessary ;)