Five years had passed since Shubman and Sara had tied the knot, and their life together had been a blissful journey. It was early morning, and Shubman was still fast asleep, recovering from the exhaustion of the match he had played the previous day. His deep breaths were steady, and Sara took a moment to admire how peaceful he looked.

But soon, a wave of nausea hit her, and she quickly got out of bed, rushing to the bathroom. She barely made it in time before she started to vomit. Closing the door softly behind her, she leaned against the sink afterward, panting. She splashed cold water on her face and took a few sips to calm herself down. It was the fourth time this week, and it was starting to worry her.

She returned to bed, careful not to wake Shubman, and grabbed her phone. A quick search about her symptoms brought up something that stopped her in her tracks: frequent vomiting, especially in the morning, was one of the early signs of pregnancy.

Her heart skipped a beat, but uncertainty gnawed at her. Could it really be? She hadn't told Shubman yet, not wanting to worry him unnecessarily. Checking the time—8 a.m.—she knew she had to figure this out. Kissing Shubman lightly on the forehead, she slipped out of bed and walked to the living room, dialing a familiar number.

"Good morning, Sara. What's up?" came Anushka's bright voice from the other end of the call.

Sara took a deep breath. "Good morning, bhabs. I actually need your help with something."

"Of course! What's going on?" Anushka asked, sounding a little concerned.

"I think... I might be pregnant," Sara admitted, her voice low, still trying to wrap her head around the possibility. "I've been feeling off, and I'm three weeks late. Plus, I've been throwing up for the past four days."

There was a brief pause on the other end before Anushka responded, her tone gentle. "Have you taken a pregnancy test yet?"

"No," Sara sighed. "I didn't want to jump to conclusions, but I'm starting to worry. I wasn't sure what to do."

Anushka's voice became soothing but practical. "Why don't you come over to my place? I have some pregnancy tests here. We can do it together, and you won't have to deal with this alone. Virat's out on tour, so it's just me."

Sara felt a surge of relief wash over her. "That sounds perfect. I'll be there by ten. Shubman's still asleep, so I'll just make up some excuse and head out."

"Okay, I'll see you soon, Sara. Don't worry, whatever happens, I'm here for you."

After disconnecting the call, Sara walked to the kitchen and started making coffee, her mind racing with thoughts. Was she really pregnant? What would Shubman say? She felt both excited and nervous, unsure of what the next few hours would bring.

Just then, she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. She didn't need to turn around to know it was Shubman. His warm breath tickled her neck as he whispered in her ear, "Good morning, love."

Sara smiled, though her heart fluttered with nervous anticipation. "Good morning, Shub," she replied softly, trying to sound as normal as possible.

Shubman nuzzled into her hair, his voice still thick with sleep. "What are you doing up so early?"

"Oh, I just felt like getting a head start on the day. Thought I'd make us some coffee," she replied, turning in his arms and giving him a small, reassuring smile. She prayed he wouldn't notice her nervous energy.

He studied her for a moment, then gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Sara laughed softly, trying to keep her tone light. "Just trying to take care of you, Mr. Vice Captain."

Shubman grinned but still seemed too sleepy to catch onto anything. "You always do."

As he poured himself a cup of coffee, Sara watched him from the corner of her eye, her mind already spinning with the thought of her visit to Anushka's. If she really was pregnant, everything in their life would change. But first, she needed to know for sure, and she needed to do it before Shubman found out.

Her heart pounded with anticipation as she sipped her coffee, trying to keep calm while making plans to see Anushka. Whatever happened next, Sara knew one thing for certain—her life with Shubman was about to take a huge, beautiful turn.

Sara finished her coffee, all the while feeling the weight of her secret pulling at her. She glanced at Shubman, who was now lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. She knew she needed to leave soon, but she didn't want to raise any suspicion.

"Shub," she called, keeping her voice casual, "I'm heading out for a bit. I need to run some errands."

Shubman looked up, a lazy smile on his face. "Errands this early? You sure you're okay?"

Sara's heart skipped, but she managed to smile. "Yeah, just something I need to get done. I'll be back before lunch."

He raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "Okay, just take it easy. You've been looking a little tired lately."

She nodded, trying not to let the nervousness show. "I will. Don't worry about me."

With a quick kiss on his cheek, Sara grabbed her bag and headed out. The morning air was fresh, but her mind was racing as she made her way to Anushka's house. Every step she took felt heavier than the last. She couldn't help but think about what this could mean for her and Shubman. A baby? It felt surreal.

As she reached Anushka's place, the door opened almost immediately.

"There she is!" Anushka greeted her with a warm smile, pulling her into a hug. "Come in. I already set up everything for the test."

Sara stepped inside, her stomach flipping with nerves. Anushka's home was always so inviting, and today it felt like a safe space, one where she could finally face the truth.

"Thanks for this," Sara said, her voice a little shaky.

Anushka gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. Whatever happens, it'll be okay. Are you ready?"

Sara took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's do this."

Anushka handed her the test, and Sara disappeared into the bathroom. Moments later, as she waited for the results, her heart pounded in her chest. Time seemed to slow down, every second stretching into an eternity.

When the timer finally went off, Sara's hands trembled as she looked down at the test.

Two lines.

Her breath caught in her throat. She stared at it, hardly believing her eyes. She was pregnant.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the reality began to sink in. She was going to be a mother. She and Shubman were going to have a baby.

Anushka knocked gently on the door. "Sara, are you okay in there?"

Sara opened the door, her face glowing with a mix of joy and disbelief. "It's positive," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Anushka immediately wrapped her in a hug, her smile widening. "Oh my God, Sara! Congratulations! This is incredible!"

Sara clung to her, feeling a wave of emotions. "I... I don't know how to tell Shubman," she said, laughing through her tears. "He's going to be so happy, but I don't even know where to start."

Anushka pulled back and wiped Sara's tears. "We'll think of something perfect. It's a big moment—you should tell him in a way that's special to both of you."

Sara nodded, her mind already swirling with ideas. She couldn't wait to see the look on Shubman's face when she told him. But for now, she needed a moment to let it all sink in.

As they sat together, planning how Sara would break the news, she felt her nerves begin to settle. The future seemed so bright and full of possibilities. In just a few short hours, Shubman would know their lives were about to change forever.

And it would be the best news he could ever receive.

Sara spent a little more time with Anushka, talking through her emotions and planning how she would tell Shubman the life-changing news. Anushka, ever the calm and supportive friend, helped her brainstorm sweet, creative ways to make the moment memorable.

"You could slip the test in a gift box, or maybe write him a letter?" Anushka suggested, sipping her tea thoughtfully.

Sara smiled, imagining Shubman's reaction. He'd probably be confused at first, then his eyes would light up, and that warm, joyful smile would spread across his face. But the butterflies in her stomach wouldn't settle.

"I think I'll do something with the coffee mugs," Sara said suddenly, an idea taking shape. "You know how he always teases me about drinking more coffee than him? I'll get him a new mug with something written on it. Maybe something like 'World's Best Dad?'"

Anushka's eyes widened with excitement. "That's perfect! He'll probably take a second to figure it out, but when he does, it's going to be priceless."

Sara nodded, feeling her nerves give way to excitement. This felt right. It was personal, simple, and it would catch Shubman off guard in the best way possible.

After thanking Anushka and hugging her goodbye, Sara headed out to a nearby shop to get the mug. She found the perfect one—a sleek black mug with bold white letters that read, "World's Best Dad." As she held it in her hands, her heart fluttered. The moment felt so real now.

By the time she returned home, it was nearing noon, and Shubman was still lounging around, looking relaxed but curious when she walked in. He had clearly showered and changed but didn't seem too concerned about where she had been.

"Back from your mysterious errands?" Shubman teased as he looked up from the couch.

"Yup," Sara said, smiling as she placed the shopping bag down. "I got us something. A little gift."

Shubman raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A gift? What for?"

Sara casually handed him the mug, her heart racing as he took it from her. His eyes studied the words, and for a moment, there was a pause, followed by a confused frown.

"'World's Best Dad'?" Shubman read aloud, then looked up at her, puzzled. "Why would I need a—"

He stopped mid-sentence, and Sara saw the exact moment it hit him. His eyes widened, flicking from the mug to her face in shock.

"No way..." he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Sara, are you...?"

She nodded, tears of joy filling her eyes. "Yes, Shub. We're going to be parents."

For a moment, Shubman was completely still, absorbing the news. Then, his face broke into the brightest, most radiant smile she had ever seen. He stood up so quickly the mug nearly toppled over, and he wrapped her in a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground as he spun her around.

"Sara, this is—oh my God, I can't believe it!" Shubman's voice was thick with emotion as he kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, and finally her lips. "I'm going to be a dad! We're going to be parents!"

Sara laughed through her happy tears, feeling overwhelmed by his joy. "Yes, we are! I wasn't sure at first, but Anushka helped me, and it's real, Shub. We're going to have a baby."

Shubman pulled back slightly, his eyes shining as he cupped her face. "You have no idea how happy you've made me. This is the best news... I don't even know what to say. I love you so much."

"I love you too," Sara whispered, feeling his emotions wash over her. "I've been so nervous about telling you, but seeing you like this, I'm so glad I waited for the right moment."

Shubman chuckled, still unable to stop smiling. "I can't believe it. I'm going to be a dad... Sara, you're going to be the best mom in the world."

As they held each other, Sara felt the weight of the last few days melt away. This was everything she had hoped for—a moment of pure joy, shared between the two of them. They stood there in their little bubble of happiness, dreaming of the future they were about to build together.

And as Shubman kissed her again, Sara knew this was just the beginning of something incredible.

Five months into the pregnancy, the glow on Sara's face had returned, but her moods were all over the place. The tiniest things set her off, from Shubman leaving his shoes in the hallway to the smell of the food he ordered. The once calm and cheerful Sara was now a whirlwind of emotions—crying one minute, laughing the next, and sometimes getting irritated over the smallest things.

Shubman, on the other hand, was juggling a lot. Between his cricket schedule, managing the house, and trying to keep Sara comfortable, he was utterly exhausted. His days felt like a never-ending cycle of practice sessions, media interviews, doctor's appointments, and late-night runs for strange cravings like chocolate ice cream with pickles. And if Sara's moods weren't enough, the house seemed to demand extra attention at the worst times—a leaking faucet here, a busted lightbulb there.

It was one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong. Shubman had come home from a grueling training session, his muscles aching, and all he wanted was a moment to rest. But the minute he walked through the door, he heard Sara yelling from the kitchen.

"Shub! Why did you leave the milk out? It's spoiled!" Sara cried, her voice tinged with frustration.

Shubman sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't even touch the milk this morning, love. Maybe you—"

"Are you saying it's my fault?" Sara snapped, her hands on her hips as she glared at him. "I'm pregnant, Shubman! I can't remember everything!"

Shubman knew better than to argue. He'd learned to navigate her mood swings over the last few months, but he was running on fumes. "I'm sorry, okay? I'll go get some more milk."

Sara's eyes welled up with tears, and just as quickly as her anger had flared, she was now upset. "I don't know what's wrong with me... I'm just so tired all the time, and everything feels overwhelming."

Shubman's heart softened instantly. He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to apologize. It's a lot, I know. But we'll get through this together, okay?"

Sara nodded, leaning against him. "I don't mean to snap at you... it's just these hormones. I don't even recognize myself sometimes."

"I get it," Shubman said softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm here for you, always."

But as much as he comforted her, the toll on him was beginning to show. Later that night, after Sara had finally fallen asleep, Shubman found himself sitting on the couch, staring blankly at the TV. He was drained—physically and emotionally. It wasn't just the pregnancy, it was balancing everything at once: the pressures of his career, the housework, and Sara's mood swings. He loved her with all his heart, but he hadn't had a moment to breathe in weeks.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a message from Abhishek: "Hey bro, everything good? You've been missing in action."

Shubman rubbed his eyes and typed back, "Yeah, just a lot going on. Sara's pregnancy... I'm exhausted, man."

Abhishek's reply was immediate: "Take care of yourself too, Shub. You can't pour from an empty cup."

Shubman stared at the message, realizing how true those words were. But how could he step away when Sara needed him? He sighed, knowing he couldn't afford to slow down just yet.

The next day, it didn't take long for things to escalate again. Sara had woken up in a bad mood, throwing off the blankets and muttering about how hot the room was. Shubman had barely managed to get breakfast on the table before she started tearing up, saying she didn't feel beautiful anymore.

"I'm so huge, Shub... how can you even look at me?" she sobbed, her hands resting on her round belly.

Shubman knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his. "Sara, you're the most beautiful woman in the world to me. You're carrying our child—how could I see anything else but beauty?"

She sniffled, looking down at him with watery eyes. "You're just saying that."

"I'm not," Shubman insisted, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "I mean it. You're glowing, and I love you more every single day. Even when you're mad at me over spoiled milk."

That earned him a small, tearful laugh, and Sara leaned forward to kiss him. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Shubman smiled, even though deep down, he was running on empty. "You won't ever have to find out."

But as the days passed, Shubman realized something had to change. He couldn't keep going at this pace without breaking down. Sara's due date was still months away, and he needed to be at his best for her—for both of them.

That night, after Sara had fallen asleep, Shubman sent a quick text to Shahneel: "I need help. Can you come over for a few days? I'm drowning here."

The reply came almost immediately: "Of course, little bro. I'll be there tomorrow."

As he set the phone down, Shubman exhaled, feeling a tiny bit of relief. Tomorrow, things would get a little easier. He just had to hold on for one more day.

The next day dawned bright and clear, and Shubman felt a renewed sense of hope with Shahneel's visit on the horizon. After finishing his morning routine, he stepped into the kitchen to find Sara already awake, sipping a cup of herbal tea. Her expression was calmer, but he could still see traces of fatigue beneath her eyes.

"Good morning, love," he said, trying to sound cheerful.

Sara smiled faintly but then sighed. "Good morning. I hope I didn't wake you up too early."

"No, no, I was up," he reassured her. "I was just thinking about how beautiful you look today."

She raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile appearing. "Even with this pillow face?"

"Especially with that pillow face," he grinned, walking over to peck her on the cheek. "What are you in the mood for breakfast? I can whip up some pancakes."

"Sounds good, but only if you promise not to burn them," she teased back, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hey, I'll have you know that my pancake skills have improved tremendously," he replied playfully.

As Shubman began gathering ingredients, the familiar aroma of coffee filled the air, giving the kitchen a warm ambiance. They worked together, sharing light banter, and for a moment, the stress of the past few weeks faded into the background.

After breakfast, while cleaning up, the doorbell rang. Shubman glanced at Sara, whose eyes lit up with curiosity. "I'll get it," he said, drying his hands on a towel and heading to the door.

When he opened it, Shahneel stood there, a duffel bag slung over her shoulder and a bright smile on her face. "Surprise!" she exclaimed, stepping inside.

"Shahneel! You're here!" Shubman embraced her tightly, feeling the comfort of his sister's presence.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world," she said, ruffling his hair playfully. "Where's the glowing mama?"

Sara appeared in the doorway, her smile widening. "Shahneel! It's so good to see you!"

"Good to see you too, Sara! You look fabulous!" Shahneel said, her eyes sparkling with affection. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, but it's been a ride," Sara admitted, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

"Good! Because I'm here to help!" Shahneel said, tossing her bag onto the couch. "Let's have some sister time. I'll take care of dinner tonight."

"Really?" Sara asked, visibly relieved. "That would be amazing."

"Absolutely! Just let me know what you're craving," Shahneel replied as she made her way to the kitchen.

Shubman watched them with a sense of gratitude. This was exactly what he needed—his sister's energy and support to lighten the load. As the afternoon unfolded, Shahneel and Sara fell into comfortable conversation, sharing laughs and stories, while Shubman could finally take a step back, allowing himself to breathe.

Later in the evening, while Shahneel and Sara chatted in the living room, Shubman slipped outside for a moment of solitude. He stood on the balcony, gazing at the sunset, the hues of orange and pink painting the sky. The weight of the past few months began to lift, and for the first time in a while, he felt a flicker of hope.

Just then, Sara joined him, leaning against the railing. "What are you thinking about?" she asked, her voice soft.

"Just how much I've missed this," he said, nodding towards the horizon. "I needed Shahneel here. I didn't realize how overwhelmed I was until she showed up."

"Me too," Sara admitted, her eyes reflecting the fading sunlight. "It feels nice to have someone else around, someone who can help take care of me a little."

"Exactly," he said, turning to look at her. "And it's nice to see you smiling again."

Sara blushed, her cheeks tinged with color. "I guess I've been a bit of a handful lately."

Shubman chuckled, shaking his head. "You're never a handful, just... a little more emotional than usual."

"Fair enough," she laughed lightly. "But thank you for being so patient with me. I know it's not easy."

He stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "I'd wait through anything for you, Sara. You know that, right?"

Her eyes softened as she gazed at him, and he could see the love and appreciation shining through her. "I do. I really do."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow around them, Shubman pulled Sara into a gentle embrace, resting his chin atop her head. It felt good to just be together, to share this moment amidst the chaos of life.

"Let's promise to keep talking to each other, okay? No matter how overwhelmed we get," she murmured against him.

"Always," he replied, his voice steady and full of determination. "We're a team."

With that, they stood together, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the evening sky, both feeling a little lighter, knowing that together they could face whatever came next. The worries of the day began to fade away, replaced by the love and support they shared, and for that moment, everything felt perfect.

Eight months into her pregnancy, Sara was a bundle of emotions, swinging from joy to irritation in a heartbeat. The small apartment felt increasingly cramped, and with every passing day, her mood swings seemed to grow more intense. Shubman, on the other hand, was feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. Balancing cricket practice, Sara's needs, and maintaining the household was proving to be more challenging than he had anticipated.

As he sat at the kitchen table one afternoon, Shubman rubbed his temples, trying to ease the tension that had been building. He had just come back from an intense training session and was now faced with the daunting task of preparing dinner. Sara was in the living room, a mix of emotions flashing across her face as she watched a cooking show on TV.

"Shub, can you bring me that cushion?" she called out suddenly, her tone sharp and impatient.

He jumped up, feeling a twinge of annoyance. "It's right next to you, Sara. Can't you reach it?"

Sara shot him a glare. "If I could, do you think I would ask you for it?"

He sighed, knowing better than to argue. "Fine, I'll get it." As he handed her the cushion, he felt the tension simmering in the air. The lack of understanding on both sides was beginning to wear him thin.

"Can you stop sighing? I know it's hard for you, but it's not easy for me either," Sara snapped, her frustration bubbling over.

Shubman clenched his jaw, trying to keep his cool. "I'm just tired, Sara. I'm doing my best here."

She rolled her eyes, and he felt a pang in his chest. How had they drifted to this point? Just a few months ago, they had been excitedly preparing for the arrival of their baby, sharing dreams and laughter. Now, it felt like they were both on edge, struggling to find common ground.

In the midst of the tension, Shubman's phone buzzed. It was a message from Shahneel, messaging him that she she reached home. Shubman knew his sister's support was invaluable, but he also felt the weight of managing everything alone creeping in.

"Hey, I'm counting the days until the due date. Just a few more weeks," he said, attempting to shift the focus to something positive. "We can do this, right?"

Sara's expression softened slightly, but her mood swings were unpredictable. "Right," she replied, her voice lacking enthusiasm. "But what if I don't feel ready?"

Shubman stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "You're going to be an amazing mom. We'll figure it out together. Just give yourself some grace."

She looked away, biting her lip as if fighting back tears. "It's just... everything feels so overwhelming."

He reached out, taking her hands in his. "We're a team. I'll help you with everything. You're not alone in this."

Sara nodded, but the tension lingered in the air. Shubman wished he could ease her worries, but he also felt the burden of his own exhaustion. With each day that passed, they both longed for the moment when they could finally hold their baby in their arms and step into the new chapter of their lives—together.

The day finally arrived when Sara went into labor. It was an early morning, and the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun began to rise. Shubman felt a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through him. He had barely slept the night before, constantly checking on Sara, who was pacing in their bedroom, the signs of labor evident on her face.

As they rushed to the hospital, Sara gripped Shubman's hand tightly, each contraction making her wince. "Just breathe, love," he encouraged, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him.

Once they reached the hospital, the whirlwind of activity took over. Shubman stood by Sara's side, offering her support, holding her hand, and whispering words of encouragement. Hours felt like days, but Sara remained strong, her determination shining through the pain.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the moment came. Shubman watched in awe as Sara brought their baby girl into the world, the doctor's voice filling the room with excitement as she announced, "It's a girl!"

Tears of joy streamed down Shubman's face as he held their daughter for the first time. She was small, with delicate features and a tuft of dark hair. The moment was surreal; all the challenges they had faced in the past months faded away in the warmth of this incredible moment.

"What should we name her?" Sara asked, her voice soft as she gazed down at their newborn.

Shubman thought for a moment, his heart swelling with love. "How about Arohi?" he suggested. "It means 'success'—the success of our lives."

Sara smiled through her tears, nodding in agreement. "I love that name. Arohi it is."

Shubman leaned in closer, brushing his fingers against Arohi's tiny hand. "Welcome to the world, little one. You're going to be loved more than you can imagine."

In that hospital room, surrounded by the soft beeping of machines and the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the window, Shubman and Sara felt an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment. Their journey had been filled with ups and downs, but now, they were a family—complete and ready to take on the world together.

As they settled into the quiet of the room, Shubman whispered, "I promise to be the best dad I can be. Arohi will always know how much she's loved."

Sara rested her head on Shubman's shoulder, feeling a wave of contentment wash over her. "And I'll be the best mom. Together, we'll give her the world."

With their hearts intertwined and a beautiful daughter in their arms, they knew that the journey ahead would be filled with laughter, challenges, and endless love.

As the sunlight streamed into the hospital room, casting a warm glow on little Aadhya, Sara looked up at Shubman, a sense of calm enveloping her. She held their daughter close, marveling at how such a tiny being could bring them so much joy.

With a soft smile, she said, "You know, it's amazing how far we've come. From our initial fights and misunderstandings to this beautiful moment... we've truly turned From Enemies to Soulmates."

Shubman chuckled lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I remember those days. We couldn't stand each other, yet here we are, creating a life together."

Sara nodded, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I never would have imagined that all those arguments would lead to this—a loving family filled with laughter and happiness. It's as if fate had a plan for us all along."

"Absolutely," Shubman agreed, looking down at Aadhya, who was peacefully sleeping. "Every challenge we faced only brought us closer, and now we have each other and our little miracle."

Sara felt a surge of warmth in her heart, realizing how their journey had shaped them. "I wouldn't trade this for anything. You're my partner, my best friend, and the love of my life."

Shubman leaned in, kissing her forehead tenderly. "And you are my everything, Sara. I'm so grateful for you and Arohi. This is just the beginning of our incredible adventure together."

With their hearts full and their future bright, they sat together in the quiet hospital room, knowing they would face every challenge and cherish every moment as a united family. From enemies to soulmates, they had found their way to a love deeper than they ever imagined, ready to embrace the beautiful journey ahead.