|MEERA|

I was now six months pregnant almost touching the seventh month. I had applied for maternity leave and it had been approved a few weeks back. I had a very visible baby bump now and I couldn't be happier. I still couldn't believe that I was carrying a human being inside me.

At times I would stare at myself in the mirror and caress my belly. The baby would move, kick, and wiggle. Tara was on the moon whenever she felt the baby move. The baby loves Tara and Veer. It's the most active when both of them talk to it. They would poke my stomach and he or she would respond with a kick.

Our families were ecstatic. When I told Mom the news she screamed so loudly that I had to keep the phone away from my ear. As for Naina Aunty, she cried and said that she was happy to become a grandmother again. Dad said that he would buy anything his grandchild wanted. I warned him not to do so but I knew that he would never listen to me. He spoils Tara by buying her everything that she wanted. The same was with Viraj Uncle. As for our siblings and friends they were happy to become uncles and aunts again. I smiled as I recalled the family's reaction.

I sighed, tossed, and turned on the bed. Every position seemed uncomfortable and I was beginning to feel so frustrated that I started crying. Stupid hormones were messing up my brain. I finally sighed and turned to the other side but I was still uncomfortable.

Then I began thinking about how Veer would leave me because I didn't look good anymore! Damn it! There goes my happy mood. These days I go from hot to cold real quick. I was still crying and sniffling when I felt Veer's breath fan over my neck. "Hey, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Veer asked switching on the bedside light.

I turned towards him and he frowned. "Does anything hurt? Tell me right now! Let's go to the hospital!" Veer said frantically while pulling a shirt over his body. "Noo! Nothing hurts." I wailed and fisted his shirt pulling him closer. I buried my face in his chest.

"Meera, what happened? Why are you crying then?" I sniffled, Veer wiped my tears. "I can't sleep and what if you stop loving me because I look hideous!" I said and cried again. Veer sighed and shook his head. He chuckled lightly and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.

"Meera, my love! Why would you think that? I love you stupid! I'm not going anywhere. Who said that you don't look beautiful?  The pregnancy glow and the fact that our child is growing inside you have made you even more beautiful! So, don't even think about that! Am I clear?" I rubbed my nose and nodded.

He wiped my tears with a tissue and kissed my lips. I held him tightly. "Okay, why don't we make you comfortable. Turn around." I nodded and turned until my back touched his chest. He dug his fingers into my lower back and massaged. I moaned as I felt the pain subside.

Veer chuckled and continued pressing his fingers at the right spots. He eased all my knots. I sighed contently arching my back. My belly was now still. The baby was sleeping. "Is that better?" Veer asked and kissed my neck. I hummed snuggling close to him. He chuckled and caressed my hair. "Sleep, beautiful. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere."

Veer wrapped his arms around my round belly and hugged me close. I smiled and drifted into a deep slumber. Veer's warmth and love were enough for me to get through anything. The next morning I smiled when I heard Veer talking to the baby.

He kissed my belly and traced it with his finger. The baby kicked and he whispered something against my belly. I felt another fluttering. I smiled and ran my fingers through his hair. Veer stopped talking and looked at me. "Hey good morning. Did you sleep well?"

I nodded and kissed his knuckles. "Yeah, I slept well! Thanks to you!" Veer grinned and kissed my forehead. "I'm glad." He entwined our fingers together and we sat in silence together. "So, what do want to eat today?" Veer asked and I tapped my chin.

"I want pancakes!" I exclaimed with a smirk. Veer laughed kissing my cheek. "You want actual pancakes or the thing that comes after eating pancakes?" I leaned forward and traced my lips against his cheek. "How about both?" I whispered while biting his earlobe.

Veer chuckled, "Anything you want!" He said and I laughed. Ever since I found out I was pregnant my hormones have been all over the place. "You have been insatiable Mrs.Gupta! Not that I mind!" He whispered causing me to giggle.

We had been going at like there was no tomorrow. We made love all night sometimes. "Are you tired, Mr.Gupta?" I asked him and he laughed. "No, not at all. Bring it on! Anytime you want." I laughed pushing him away. "Where's our girl? What is she up to?" I asked him and right on queue my energy ball squealed running into the room and jumped on Veer.

Veer groaned Tara giggled. "I hope you got your answer Meera!" He said and Tara giggled resting her head on his chest. "Good morning Tara," I said ruffling her hair. She giggled climbed down from Veer and placed her hands on my belly. "Hi! I'm Tara your big sister!" She yelled excitedly and the baby moved. Tara squealed and began talking more.

I laughed and caressed her hair. Veer was busy taking pictures. We spent a few more minutes together. Then Veer dragged Tara away to get her dressed for the day. She frowned and pouted but he tickled her turning her whining into laughs. I got dressed for the day and went to the kitchen to find my two favorite people making pancakes. Veer nodded and listened to everything Tara said while making pancakes.

I sighed and sat down near the dining table. "Mumma, Papa says that you look pwetty today!" Tara said with a giggle and Veer winked at me. I smiled and gestured for her to come to me. She got down from the counter and ran towards me settling herself on the table. "Thank you, Veer," I said loudly and he blew me a kiss. Tara was a giggling mess.

We had breakfast and then watched a movie together. When Tara began whining Veer suggested that we play soccer to keep her entertained. Veer didn't even let me throw the ball. He demanded that I sit in the corner and watch the game. I smiled when I saw Veer and Tara interact. He's is an amazing father.

We had lunch, Tara covered my eyes with her tiny palms. "Baby, what are you doing?" I asked her and she giggled her hands still covering my eyes. "Surprise Mumma!" She exclaimed and I chuckled. "Okay, now baby. Remove your hands from Mumma's eyes." Veer instructed her. She finally moved her palms from my eyes.

I gasped when I found a cake in front of me which had "Happy Friendship day!" written on top of it. I glanced at Veer who was smiling at me. "Happy Friendship day love! Before you were my wife or my lover you were first my best friend. I had to celebrate this! I love you so much."

I grinned and tears rolled down my cheeks. Veer clicked his tongue and wiped them with the pad of this thumbs. Tara encircled her arms around my neck and kissed my cheeks sloppily. "Happy Friendship day Mumma!" I chuckled and kissed her cheeks continuously. She laughed and it was the most amazing sound ever.

"Go on cut it." Veer said and I nodded. I cut the cake feeding a piece to both of them. Veer kissed my forehead and fed me a piece. "I love you Veer," I whispered and he chuckled pecking my lips. I grinned widely when I felt the baby moving in my belly.

I placed his hands on my belly and Veer laughed. "Looks like this one likes sugar as well." He leaned forward and kissed my belly. "Happy friendship day to you too little one! I'm never going to let anything happen to your sister and you. I promise to always be your best friend." Veer said and Tara jumped on his lap he laughed hugging her.

"Happy Friendship day Mumma Papa! Love you both. You two my best friends!" She said and my heart melted. I kissed her cheeks and hugged both of them. Tara wished the baby as well causing him or her to wiggle in my belly. We played some board games, then Veer read some books to Tara after which he cooked some dinner. He didn't let me do anything. We had some delicious homemade pizza which of course I ate the most.

Not that Veer minded. I could tell just by smelling it that it was my Mom's recipe. After the long day, the three of us fell asleep in the bedroom hugging each other. In the middle of the night, I noticed that Veer had taken Tara to her bed. He was now cuddling me. I couldn't sleep because I was craving ice cream.

"Veer, get up!" I whispered in his ear and elbowed him. "Hmm, what Meera? It's late sleep. We need to go to the doctor tomorrow." I frowned and shook him again. He groaned and finally blinked his eyes open. "I want ice cream with brownie!" Just thinking about it made my mouth water.

Veer sighed rubbed his eyes and sat up. "I'll get some for you. Do you want chocolate syrup on it?" I nodded enthusiastically and he laughed. He rubbed his eyes again yawned and exited the room. A few minutes later the baby was restless and the urge to eat ice cream began increasing by the minute.

"Hey, just relax! Your Papa is getting the ice cream." I spoke to the baby and patted my belly. Veer finally entered the room and passed me the bowl of deliciousness. I took my first bite and moaned out loudly. He chuckled and rested his head against my shoulder with his hand on my belly.

"Is it that good?" He asked and I nodded. I asked him if he wanted some but Veer just smiled and said no. I was lucky to have him. He never once complained when I woke him up in the middle of the night for food or other things. He always made sure that I was comfortable.

He pushed the shirt away from my belly and began talking to the baby. "Hey, there kiddo! Please go easy on your Mumma. I love you so much." I chuckled when the baby moved. "Veer," I called him as he was busy kissing my belly. He hummed and looked up at me.

"I have a very strong feeling that there's a girl in there," I told him with a smirk. "It's okay if it's a girl! I'm going to build an ivory tower so that no one can ever harm her. First one of Tara then I'll make sure this little one joins her as well." I laughed and shook my head. I don't really care if the baby is a boy or a girl all I want is a happy healthy baby but I loved teasing Veer.

"Anyway, it's evident that my hair is going to turn grey at an early age! Hope you're okay with that." I laughed again and he smiled. "Relax Veer! It's not going to be that bad. You're exaggerating." He grumbled but secretly I know that he wants this baby to be a girl.

I handed him the blow and he kissed my forehead before going off to the kitchen. I sighed and closed my eyes. My heart melted when he kissed my belly and he whispered, "I love you, baby! Be careful in there."

I slept for a couple of hours but after that, a particular thought kept bugging me so I kept tossing and turning. "Hey what's wrong? Is something hurting?" Veer asked groggily and I shook my head. I turned to face him and he brushed my hair. "Then what is it?"

I took a deep breath and stared into his beautiful black eyes. "Umm, I wanted to tell you something." Veer nodded pulling me closer. "Veer just don't get angry okay? I'm only thinking out loud here. If something ever happens to me and I don't come back please tell me that you'll find someone else and be happy with her?"

Veer's face turned blank and clenched his fists. Fuck! I shouldn't have said anything. But, I was only looking out for him and our kids. "Veer listen it's just a possibility. I'm only saying cause I would never want you to be lonely ever and for our kids too." He closed his eyes and pinched his nose.

"Listen here Meera and listen carefully! You will come back to me every time you go off because I'm not giving you any other option. So, don't even go there. Why are you even thinking about this? Just sleep Meera. I can't believe you would say such a thing. You aren't leaving me until the end of eternity! Get that through your head!" He shouted the last part and I began crying. It wasn't my intention to hurt him.

"Hey come on now! Stop crying. I'm sorry I shouted at you." He whispered and wiped my tears. "I was just saying because there is a possibility of that happening. I only wanted my husband and kids to be taken care of!" I said in between sobs.

Veer sighed and held me close. "Fine but don't ever say that again. Am I clear? I love you too much to even comprehend such a situation. You are not leaving me! That's all!" I nodded and he hugged me tightly. We drifted off to sleep. Although I knew for a fact that it could happen easily to me. Veer knew that too.

The next morning we dropped off Tara at Payal's house and drove towards the hospital for my check-up. We were seated in the waiting room. Veer didn't even talk to me the entire morning. He has been giving me the cold shoulder ever since we got up this morning.

I glared at him when I saw him doing something with his phone. "Veer!" I called him and all he did was hum. "Veer, listen! Are you still angry with me?" I asked him he just shrugged his shoulders. What the hell does that mean? I snatched the phone from him and he finally looked at me.

I was about to start an argument but the nurse said that it was our turn. The doctor did a routine check-up. I smiled when she did an ultrasound. The baby now had little fingers and toes. It was so adorable. "Well, everything looks good!" She said and pushed a few more buttons, the sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the room. I glanced at Veer to find him wiping his eyes. He held my hand and kissed it.

We sat in front of her as she went over some reports. "Meera, I don't really like your blood pressure reading today. You can't take any stress. It isn't good for the baby. Other than that everything looks good. Eat healthy food and be happy. Think about positive things only. Okay?"

"Do you hear that Meera? Positive thoughts only!" Veer repeated what she said and I rolled my eyes. The doctor looked back and forth between us. She raised her brows but didn't say anything. "You can go now. Remember what I said. No stress and only positive thoughts." I sighed and nodded.

Veer didn't talk for the rest of the ride. By the time we took Tara home, she was asleep so he put her in her bed. Veer carried me to our room and laid me on the bed. He kissed my lips slowly and I moaned pulling him closer. Our tongues tangled, teeth clashed and my breathing turned labored.

He broke the kiss and traced my face. "This is the last time we're talking about that. You're not leaving me hell I'm not leaving you either! No more thinking about this and spoiling your health." Veer stated. I smiled and nodded. He showed me how much he loves me passionately that I forgot about these thoughts.

***

Another month and a half had gone and now I was eight months pregnant. To be precise I was 35 weeks pregnant. My belly had grown even more. Some things were hard to do but Veer was always there. He did go twice to Pune for some work-related things. Those were the hardest days. I wanted to go as well but the doctor said that it wasn't good for me to travel and of course Veer would never let me do anything that the doctor doesn't approve of.

I'm getting closer to my due date and everything hurts. My feet are bloated. I feel the urge to pee at weird times, I can't sleep at times, usually, those days Veer always stays up with me and we watch movies together. We didn't talk about that topic after that night and neither did I think about it.

I was currently reading a book. Veer had a great collection and he insisted that I read some. Tara and Veer were downstairs apparently making arrangements for a surprise. I tried to ask them what it was but they ordered me to stay put until they called me. I could hear voices coming from the living room.

"Mumma! Come now! Surprise is ready!" My little girl pulled the book out of my hands and dragged me towards the living room. I laughed and followed her. I gasped when I saw my entire family standing in front of me. Tears filled my eyes when they screamed "Surprise!" My Mom was the first one to hug me.

"You look, beautiful baby!" She whispered and caressed my bump. "Thank you, Mom!" I said and hugged her again. Dad was the next one to hug me. "You look good kiddo." I laughed and hugged him. Naina Aunty and Viraj Uncle greeted me with a hug. They were already showering Tara with toys. I noticed that the entire room was decorated and there was a huge banner that said Meera's Baby shower.

Sheena, Ira, and Tanya dragged me towards the room and helped me change into a long yellow gown. "You're glowing Di!" Ira exclaimed and I giggled. They styled my hair and did my makeup. I thanked them for being here. They grinned widely and hugged me.

Together we walked to the living room. Veer stood behind a table that had a two-tier cake on it. He smiled and gestured me to come. I can't believe he did all of this for me. "Hey, you look really beautiful." He whispered when I was close enough. I chuckled, my cheeks were flaming.

"Yeah, you're just saying that because you are my husband." Veer chuckled and shook his head. "I wish you could see yourself through my eyes." My heart raced as his eyes gleamed with happiness. All the insecurities that I felt flew right out of the window. He kissed my forehead and everyone clapped making whopping noises.

Dad carried Tara in his arms who clapped her hands together. Veer and I cut the cake together and the entire family cheered. Tara jumped out of her grandfather's arms and ran to us. Veer feed her the cake she gobbled it. Everyone took their turns and I was kind of stuffed with cake. They showered me with gifts and most of all their love.

Tara soaked up all attention she got from everyone. Being the only kid in the family was turning out to be advantageous for her. Mom cooked us an extravagant dinner. Veer made arrangements for them so that they could stay the night.

At the end of the day, I changed and plopped on the bed tiredly. I smiled staring at the ceiling. I sighed contently when I felt Veer massage my feet which were swollen. "Tired?" He asked and I hummed. He smiled and dug his fingers in the right spots. My eyelids grew heavy.

"Ohh also your Mom wants to stay with us until you give birth! She doesn't mind that it's a two-bedroom accommodation. She said that she'll stay with Tara." Veer said and I hummed saying "Okay that's great!" 

"That's not all. Your Dad is staying here as well. Kind of makes me nervous!" He whispered and I giggled. He glared and pinched my toe. I yelped pulling my feet back. "It's not funny at all Meera. I feel like he still keeps accessing me. But, now I understand why he does that. I would do the same for Tara!"

I laughed as he settled himself next to me. I kissed his lips and he smiled. "You're fine! Don't overthink so much. Relax!" I whispered and he grumbled but nodded.

"I shall try since you asked me so nicely." I rolled my eyes snuggling close to him. He caressed my hair and held me close. The baby was quiet for now. He or she had been kicking a lot today. Probably excited about everything that had been happening here.

"Sleep, I love you! I'm glad you enjoyed today." Veer said and I glanced at him. "It was the best surprise ever. Thank you so much, Veer. I love you too!" Veer kissed my forehead and pulled the duvet over my body. Nothing could ever go wrong until he was with me.

***

I was very close to my due date and definitely hormonal. Last week I picked up fights with Veer for the silliest of reasons. Of course, Veer endured it all. I apologized to him the very next second. It drove him crazy but he never once made me feel bad about it. Mom and Dad were here and fussed over me non-stop. Dad was always amused with the way Veer and I fought. He found a certain kick when I scream at Veer.

It was two in the morning and I was wide awake. Something felt uncomfortable. Veer was sleeping and I didn't want to disturb him. "Okay baby, there are still a few more days to go! Just stay put in there." I spoke to my belly and patted it. But of course, he or she didn't listen to me, this kid was stubborn just like Veer.

I felt another wave of pain. I might be having contractions. Shit! Shit! I felt something trickle down between my legs. My eyes widened and I shook Veer's shoulders. He groaned and patted me. I screamed and kicked him.

"Veer! Get up. I think shit I think my water broke!" I screamed. He immediately opened his eyes and sat up straight. "W-what?" He spluttered out and began gathering stuff in a bag. Mom entered the room and called for Dad. "Veer! What are you doing? Let's take her to the hospital! Come on!" Mom shouted and helped me stand up.

Dad assured her that he would bring Tara after some time. Veer drove and we reached the hospital. I was wheeled into a room. I laid on the bed and grunted again. Veer wiped the sweat off my face. I glared at him and pushed his hands away.

"All. Your. Fault!" I said while gasping for breath. Mom laughed at Veer's nervous face. "It's fine relax! I'll be waiting outside if you need me." She said and exited the room. The doctor came in and said that it might take a few more hours as I was only a few centimeters dilated. Veer tried to calm me down and held my hand the entire time. He even bought some ice chips for me.

A few more hours later she once again checked me up. "Well, you need to start pushing Meera." I nodded and clenched my teeth. After what felt like a lifetime I pushed the baby out. "Congratulations it's a girl!" I gasped trying to catch my breath. A few moments later I realized that the baby didn't cry. They had carried her to the other side of the room.

I held Veer's hand and craned my neck to see a few of them huddled over my baby. "Veer what's going on?" I asked him, he frowned and squeezed my hand. "Don't worry. Let me go check." He walked towards them. My heart was beating erratically. The nurses who were taking care of me asked me to relax.

Finally, I sighed in relief when I heard her cry. The doctor smiled and handed her over to Veer. "There you go! She just needed a push. I think she wasn't ready to come out yet! She's absolutely healthy! You have nothing to worry about. A perfect pair of working lungs." She said and we laughed.

Veer looked beautiful with the baby. He walked towards me and carefully placed her in my arms. I sobbed and traced her face. She was now cooing and trying to open her eyes. "Hey, relax sweetheart. She's fine now! Look she's perfect!" Veer whispered and kissed my forehead.

"That was so scary!" I said, he sighed and hugged me close to him. "She's fine Meera!" I nodded and held her close to my chest. She began crying. I swayed her in my arms until she was calm. "You are so beautiful just like your mother!" Veer whispered.

He leaned forward and pecked my lips. He held the baby in his arms and she finally opened her eyes. "Meera she has your eyes! They're beautiful!" Veer murmured and kissed her tiny knuckle. He passed the baby back to me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

She was indeed the most beautiful baby ever. She looked at me with those big eyes and cooed at me. I couldn't help but chuckle. She looked like Veer though. "I have a name for her." Veer whispered. I smiled at him. "Tell me," I said.

"I want to call her Pihu. Pihu Veer Gupta! What do you think?" He asked and held his finger out as she wrapped her tiny hand over it. "I think it's amazing! Pihu! Sounds perfect to me." Pihu began cooing again.

We chuckled when we heard an excited squeal from outside. I had no idea from where Tara got all the energy from. "I'll go get our other girl!" Veer whispered and I nodded. I leaned against the pillows and admired my baby. She was now opening and closing her tiny fists.

I couldn't help but grin at her. Before Veer came inside with Tara he sent a nurse who helped me to feed Pihu. It wasn't an easy task at all but she was very patient and kind. Once Pihu's tummy was full she snoozed away.

Veer entered the room with a very excited Tara. She clapped her hands together and squealed. Veer chuckled and placed her on the bed. She scrambled towards me awed at the baby.

"Mumma, she's so pwetty!" I laughed, kissed her cheek. I pulled Tara on my lap and Veer held Pihu who was now wide awake and staring at her surroundings. He carefully placed her in Tara's arms. Tara made an o face, my heart was bursting out with happiness when I saw the gleam in her eyes.

"This is Pihu Tara, your younger sister!" I whispered, and she giggled. "Hi, Pihu! I your big sister. I will always protect you!" A few tears fell from my eyes. I noticed that Veer too wiped his eyes. She brushed her nose against Pihu's tiny nose. It was indeed a sight to watch.

"I love you!" I whispered at Veer and he said "I love you too!" He whispered and hugged us.

This was the best day of my life. One by one the rest of the family entered the room. Veer's parents caught the next flight the moment he informed them. They awed and cooed at my little girl. I was lucky to be surrounded with love.

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A/N: Ahhh! Mt heart can't take any more of this! I have another chapter planned as well. Lol, I want to stop but I can't!! What is happening to me??? Haha!

Anyway, I hope I get a Veer in my life too!

Hope you liked this chapter! If you did please do vote, comment, and share! I would love to know what you guys think! Happy reading!