Title is the song 'Ik tu hi yaar mera' from movie 'Pati patni aur woh'

Naina got up next morning with a strange kind of uneasiness. Though she had eaten only three bites of pizza previous night, not even one whole slice, she felt too full to eat anything. It wasn't the usual acidity or indigestion. She recognised those symptoms well. It was something different. She wasn't sure the dull discomfort at the base of her stomach was pain or just a new sign of indigestion. To be sure, she asked Sameer to check on Deepika and Ayush, hoping the pizza was okay, and they too had not taken ill.

"Woh theek hain Naina. Pizza toh maine wahin se order kiya tha jahan se hamesha karte hain. The place is trustworthy. Maine dekha hai restaurant. Hygiene ke saare rules follow karte hain." Sameer explained after he confirmed that Deepika and Ayush were absolutely fine.

She let out a swoosh of air, rubbing her chest, "Shayad mujhe digest nahi hua. Tum theek keh rahe the. Mujhe pizza nahi khana chahiye tha."

He gave her some antacid syrup, then asked Ramdhari to make lime juice. By mid morning, Naina was feeling suffocated in the room. Sameer opened the sliding doors, drawing the curtains aside, but it did not help. He suggested she sits outside on the terrace for sometime.

Taking deep breaths, Naina looked around as she relaxed on a comfortable chair on the terrace, with her feet propped up on a foot stool. It was bright and sunny, but winter sun felt good. Sameer was wearing a sweatshirt hoodie, but she didn't feel the need for any woollens yet.

"Better lag raha hai?" He asked as he took the chair beside her.

"Ab thodi saans aa rahi hai. Andar bohot ghabrahat ho rahi thi." She breathed in the fresh air, feeling the same pain in the lower part of her bump.

They spent an hour seated outside till she needed to go to the washroom. After that she was too tired to go out again, and decided to rest. By evening, though she had managed to eat a light lunch, the fullness increased. Sameer called up Dr Amrita. After knowing all symptoms, she asked Sameer to give her lime juice with only sugar and in warm water, and said she would soon come over.

Seeing the doctor at home, Naina felt relaxed. After the checkup, when Dr Amrita had affirmed that she was fine, Naina accepted guiltily, "Mujhe Sameer ne manaa kiya tha pizza ke liye, par mujhe bohot zyada craving ho rahi thi."

Patting her hand in reassurance, doctor smiled, "Tumne itna pizza nahi khaya ki indigestion ho jaaye. Relax, tumhe babies ke weight ki wajah se aisa feel ho raha hai. They'll keep growing till they are born. Bas tum koi tension mat lo aur rest karo. Jiski craving hoti hain woh khao, lekin thoda thoda. Aur yeh last ke kuch weeks enjoy karo. Kyonki ek baar yeh dono aa jayenge toh tumhe bilkul time nahi milne wala."

Naina smiled fondly, placing a hand on her belly, "Hum sab inke aane ka hi wait kar rahe hain."

When she went out, she nodded at the family, "She's fine."

Vishakha and nanu went inside while Sameer accompanied Dr Amrita to her car. Once outside, she turned to him, with a solemn look, "Naina ka BP aaj thoda high hai." Before he panicked, she raised one hand, "Alarming nahi hai par careful rehna hoga. No coffee at all. Aur salt bhi bohot kam. Iss condition mein koi medicine nahi de sakte. Agar zyada chakkar aayein, ya breathing mein problem ho, toh hospital laana padega."

"Nanu ke paas BP machine hai. Main check karta rahunga." Sameer suggested eagerly.

"Nahi." Doctor refuted in a strong voice, "Naina ko agar pata chala ki yeh problem hai toh usse tension hogi. Aise mein BP shoot up kar sakta hai. Don't mention to her. Maine usse kaha hai babies ka weight badhne se usse aisa feel ho raha hai. Kuch mat kaho, bas usse relaxed rakho."

When he reached the room, Vishakha looked at him curiously, "Doctor ne kya kaha? Naina toh keh rahi hai acidity hai hi nahi."

Sameer smiled, "Nahi hai. Doctor ne bola dono bachhe aap sabki care ki wajah se healthy hain isliye Naina ko jagah nahi mil rahi." He sat next to her on the bed, taking her hand in his, "Kuch nahi hua, na Naina ko na babies ko."

Nanu gave a wide smile, "Bas Vishakha, ab kuch hi dino mein iss ghar mein tum aur Vivek mujhse senior hone wale ho."

All three looked at him in confusion, till Vishakha asked, "Aapse senior?"

"Dekho bhai, mere toh sirf teen grandchildren hain, lekin tumhare chaar ho jayenge. Hue na mujhse senior." Nanu waved his head in childlike glee.

Naina let out a laugh, "Lekin nanu, great grand children toh aapke honge na, mummy papa ke nahi. Senior toh aap hi rahoge."

Nanu frowned, "Arre beta yeh itni zor se kehne ki kya zarurat thi."

Sameer smirked, "Nanu, aap apni baaton se sabko uljha sakte ho lekin Naina ko nahi."

Letting out a sigh, nanu looked at him, "Woh toh dekh hi raha hun. Aur soch raha hun ki dono bachhe Naina pe hi jaane chahiye."

Vishakha rolled her eyes, "Kabhi kabhi lagta hai iss ghar mein sabhi bachhe hain, mere alawa."

Nanu clapped in excitement, "Isiliye toh maine kaha tum mujhse senior ho. Dekha Naina, ab toh tumhari mummy ne khud maan liya."

Chuckling, Vishakha got up, "Achha ab chaliye, Naina ko rest karne dete hain."

Nanu gently stroked Naina's head before leaving, "Bas aise hi khush raho. Kisi baat ki tension mat lo."

Naina smiled, "Jee nanu. Mujhe koi tension nahi hai. Aap sab saath jo hain."

Sameer didn't say anything to her about the blood pressure, but kept a keen eye on Naina all evening. She was breathless whenever she moved even a bit, but was calmer than morning. He was glad when she fell asleep easily after a light dinner.

He was in deep sleep when he felt her tapping his arm. It was regular gesture, hence it did not alarm him. Every time Naina needed to go to the washroom, he accompanied her... and it was several times in the night.

"Sorry Sameer, main tumhe sone bhi nahi deti." She pursed her lips when he rubbed his eyes and came over to her side to help her get up.

He kissed her temple, "Jab tumhe pehli baar dekha tha, meri neend tabhi udd gayi thi."

She chuckled, swatting his chest, "Neend se uthte hi aisi baatein aa jaati hain tumhe."

"Hayee, tum bhi toh uthte hi dil pe attack karti ho." He dramatically held his chest and swayed backwards.

That his when his eyes fell on the bed behind them... and colour drained from his face.

"Chalo na, ruk kyon gaye." Naina uttered when he froze at his place.

"Na... Naina... woh..." He could feel the room closing in on him as he stared at the blood stain.

"Kya?" She looked back.

"You... you're bleeding." He trembled, his voice shaking.

Naina stared at the patch on bedsheet. Not too much, but it was enough to tell her that all was not well. Was it...

Sameer tightened his arms as he felt her slump. She had fainted. He looked at her in panic, "Nainaa."

Next hour went in a blur. He didn't know what he was doing, or what was happening around him. Along with nanu and Vishakha, Rohan drove them to the hospital, as Sameer was in no state to drive. Given the hour of the night, roads were deserted, and it took them less than fifteen minutes to reach the hospital. Dr Amrita had been informed. Vishakha was trying to comfort Sameer, saying that it happened sometime, but she was equally scared. On top of everything, Naina was not gaining consciousness.

Nanu pressed Sameer's shoulder after Naina was wheeled inside the room. His eyes brimmed with tears, "Nanu, yeh sab... Naina ko kuch hoga toh nahi na?"

Raising a finger upwards, nanu patted his cheek. He himself was too overwhelmed to speak. All he could do was pray, which he was constantly doing in his heart.

Vishakha sat nervously on one of the metal chairs. She had informed Vivek, who was not in town. He said he would take the earliest flight back. Preeti, who had to stay back at home with children, was constantly messaging to know about the situation.

"Bhai, don't worry. Doctor ne shaam ko hi toh check kiya tha. I'm sure sab sahi hai." Rohan said, trying to give some reassurance.

Sameer blinked hard to not let any tears escape as he looked at his brother, "Naina ke saath hi sab kuch kyon hota hai? Har cheez uske liye itni mushkil kyon ho jaati hai Rohan?"

Rohan took his brother in a hug, "Mushkil bhale hi ho par dekhna, kuch galat nahi ho sakta. Aap dono itne achhe ho ki aapke saath bhagwan bhi kuch bura nahi hone denge."

Sameer moved back, "I just hope aisa hi ho."

Rohan smiled, "Aisa hi hoga bhai. Trust me."

An hour later, which was the most difficult and longest hour of Sameer's life, Dr Amrita walked out hurriedly. Her stiff demeanour itself made Sameer turn into stone. Words failed to come out, he just kept staring at her.

"Naina ka BP shoot up kar gaya tha. Ab control mein hai. Lekin bleeding ke baad hum aur wait nahi kar sakte. Humein abhi operate karna padega." She informed in an urgent voice.

Vishakha was shocked, "Abhi? Lekin abhi to ek mahina baaki hai? Kya bachhon ke liye yeh theek hoga?"

Doctor gave them a serious look, "Bachhon ke liye, aur Naina ke liye... abhi delivery hona hi best option hai. Humein bleeding ka reason nahi pata. Hum risk nahi le sakte." She looked at Sameer, "Tumhe form bharna hoga. Do it fast. Main operation theater ready karwati hun."

Nanu placed a hand on Sameer's arm, "Tu yahan ruk main aur Rohan saari formalities karke aate hain."

Sameer uttered slowly in a shaky voice, looking at Dr Amrita, "Kya main... Naina ko dekh sakta hun?"

She wouldn't have allowed this in any other case, but she had seen the two of them for so long to know very well that if anything, his presence would only give some comfort and solace to Naina. Nodding, she asked him to follow her.

Sameer halted at the door. Attached to tubes, she looked pale on the white bed. Her eyes were shut. He dreaded to ask but he had to, "Naina ko hosh nahi aaya ab tak?"

Dr Amrita whispered, "She's conscious. Drip dene ke baad hosh aa gaya hai. Abhi BP normal hai, lekin tension se phir se unstable ho sakta hai. Smile karke usse yakeen dilao ki sab theek hai aur darne ki koi baat nahi hai. Tum bologe toh usse vishwas hoga. Maine samjhaya tha par... apne last experience ki wajah se woh bohot darri hui hai."

He drew in a breath. How would he do that, when he himself was so shaken. She would instantly see the shadows in his eyes, know the uncertainty of his mind even if he smiled, would see through his vulnerability when his words faltered.

"Sameer, " Dr Amrita shook him, "Go. She needs you. And be strong. She needs that too."

Sameer fisted his hands, inhaling a long breath to bring the confidence on his face which he lacked within.

"Naina." He uttered softly, placing his palm on her clasped hands over her stomach.

Her eyes opened instantly, and misted as she looked at him.

"Shhh." He cupped her cheek, "Babies theek hain. Unhe kuch nahi hua."

"Pakka? Kasam khao." She whimpered. Though the nurse had told her that everything was fine, Naina could not erase the fear from her heart.

He blinked assuringly, "Pakka. Pakka promise."

A faint smile curled her lips, "Thank God. Mujhe laga..."

He put a finger on her lips, silencing her. Slightly shaking his head, he tried to sound normal, "Don't think. Bas rest karo aur relax ho jao. Babies apni mumma ko khush dekhna chahte hain... aur unke papa apni Naina ko."

"Hum ghar kab chalenge?" She asked, relieved greatly.

He realised that she didn't know about doctor's decision. If doctor herself had not told her, he didn't want to disclose without first asking her.

Lifting her hand, he kissed on the back of it, "Jab tum bolo."

Her smile got wider... before it turned into a grimace, and her eyes squeezed shut as a painful cry escaped her mouth.

Dr Amrita, who was looking at some papers near the table, jumped up and dashed towards the bed. She threw a quick look at the BP monitor behind her, then pressed her stomach at a few places, checked her pulse. Sameer stood like a statue, holding Naina's other hand. His eyes raced between his wife and the doctor, but words did not find a way out to enquire about her well being.

"Sister," Dr Amrita hollered, bringing a nurse scampering in instantly, "She has gone into labour. Room ready karo."

Sameer's heart stopped beating altogether. He gaped at the doctor, "Toh operation?"

She shot him a quick glance, "Pains start ho gaye hain... shayad operate karne ki zarurat na pade."

His eyes darted to Naina, who let out a sharp gasp as a fresh wave of pain hit her. Sweat trickled from her forehead and neck, her fist tightened on Sameer's hand, her breath came out in spurts, her teeth dug into her lip.

Sameer felt he would choke with the lump of helplessness tightening in his throat. The journal had mentioned that labour pains could last for hours. If this was the pain she was going to endure.... he shuddered even at the thought of her going through this for hours.

Dr Amrita issued more instructions to another nurse who hurried in with a tray. She prepared a syringe and started to wipe the inside of Naina's elbow. Before Sameer could ask, she had inserted the needle and drew out a sample of blood. He closed his eyes. The thought of injection sent a shiver down his spine. When he opened them a moment later, Naina was looking at him. Her face was sweaty, but she wasn't in pain.

Her gaze then turned to the doctor, "Yeh pains... yeh bhi false alarm hai kya?"

Dr Amrita's smiled softly, "It's time. Yeh labour pains hain."

The fear was quite evident on Naina's face, "Abhi se kyon? Kya..."

Rest of her words were lost in a sharp hiss. Sameer watched as her face contorted while she bore the pain.

Dr Amrita stroked her hair, "Pains ke beech mein deep breaths lo. Relax karo. Panic ki koi baat nahi hai. Sab control mein hai. Tumhe toh khush hona chahiye, jaldi hi apne babies se milne wali ho."

Reeling from the last contraction, Naina managed a weak smile, "Sach?"

Dr Amrita looked at Sameer, "Kya tum Naina ke saath aana chahte ho? Delivery mein father ko rehna allowed hai."

His nod was instant, without a thought.

So was Naina's quick reply, "Nahi doctor. Main nahi chahti Sameer saath rahe."

Labour pain she could deal with, but she wasn't ready to make him go through the ordeal. He would not be able to bear her pain. When a mere sight of injection made him shudder, how could he last through a childbirth.

"Kyon Naina." He pleaded, "Please. I want to be with you."

She bit her lip, holding back the scream that threatened to erupt as a wave of agony rose through her. His face paled. Looking at the doctor, he asked with tearful eyes, "Aisa pain kitni der hoga?"

Dr Amrita couldn't answer, as a stretcher was wheeled into the room. With the help of four nurses, Naina was carefully transferred to it. Before they could move, Sameer held Naina's hand and bent down to kiss her sweaty forehead, "I love you."

In spite of the pain, she smiled genuinely, "I love you too. Tum wait karna, iss baar hum teeno milenge tumse."

Unable to speak, he nodded.

As they all rushed out, doctor pressed Sameer's arm when he followed them, "Agar usse uncomfortable lag raha hai toh tum insist mat karo."

He opened his mouth to protest but she asserted with conviction, "Iss waqt Naina ko kisi baat ke liye force karna theek nahi hoga. Usse saari strength delivery ke liye chahiye. You stay here."

Vishakha and nanu, who were coming back from the other end after finishing the formalities at the reception, rushed to him as he stood in the passage after the door closed. Nanu had sent Rohan home, saying that Preeti was alone with all children, and he would call again if needed. Now that they knew things were well, nanu and Vishakha were little relaxed... till they reached a harried Sameer.

"Sameer, kya hua?" Vishakha looked at the board over the door that proclaimed it to be labour room, "Doctor ne toh kaha tha operate karenge."

He rubbed his forehead, gulping down the anxiety, "Na... Naina ko labour pains... doctor ne kaha operation nahi karna padega."

Vishakha's head jerked towards the closed door, "Pains? Achanak? Kahin last time ki tarah..."

He nervously looked at her, "Doctor ne kaha false alarm nahi hai. Naina ko baar baar... mere saamne usse bohot dard ho raha tha."

Nanu wrapped his arm around Sameer's shoulder, "Toh isme ghabra kyon raha hai? Yeh toh achhi baat hai ki normal delivery hogi."

He twisted his entwined fingers, "Kya operation better option nahi tha? Kam se kam Naina ko pain toh nahi hota."

Vishakha widened her eyes, "Bilkul nahi. Operation ke bohot saare after effects hote hain beta. Ek normal delivery mein kuch der ka dard zarur hai par uske baad Naina ki life normal hone mein zyada time nahi lagega. Agar operation hota toh baad mein do do bachhon ke saath Naina ke liye bohot mushkil ho jaata manage karna. Tujhe pata nahi hai operation ke saath kitne complications hote hain. Aur medicines ka toh puch hi mat. "

He recalled Dr Amrita once telling him that they would prefer normal delivery for Naina as she was apprehensive about giving her extra medication, not sure how it would react with her delicate system. She had assured him that Naina was progressing well in pregnancy and there were more chances of her going for a normal childbirth. In all the stress since arriving here, he had failed to see how Dr Amrita was more concerned and to some extent, nervous when she mentioned about the operation. She had comparatively eased up when Naina started to have repeated contractions.

The heavy door opened a little and a nurse rushed out. Before it closed, he could hear suppressed cries. Jumping up, he chewed his lip while his heart raced at an unimaginable pace. The voices were lost once the doors shut completely. Probably it was designed to not let any sound leak out. He paced the passage, unable to remain seated. The same nurse came running back within few minutes, holding some equipment. This time, when she pushed open the door, he didn't hear Naina's voice. He waited with halted breath, but all he could catch was doctor's instructions to the support staff. He gulped. Had the pains stopped, or she had passed out, like morning. A touch on his back startled him.

Vishakha followed his gaze that again flicked to the closed doors, then gave an understanding nod, "Fiqr mat kar. Pains ruk ruk ke aate hain. Kabhi kabhi zyada gap bhi ho jaata hai. Doctor uske saath hain na, woh sambhal lengi. Tu khud ko sambhal. Aise ghoomta rahega toh bachhon ke aane tak khud hi behosh na ho jaye."

He could see that his mom was trying to placate his worries. Taking heed of her advice, he lowered himself on a chair.

He had no idea how much time had passed, but it felt like he had been sitting here forever. Nanu had gone to the washroom, while Vishakha had dozed off. He glanced outside the large windows behind him. It was still pitch dark behind the glass panels. The hospital was quiet at this hour. It was like the time had stood still, or maybe each moment was much slower than usual. The only thing that clashed violently with the calm surroundings was his heart... fast and thudding. His eyes darted back to the room where Naina was struggling behind closed doors. He wished she had let him come... at least he would know what she was going through.

As if to make him aware, the door opened, bringing the sound of another scream that resonated in the silent corridor. A nurse again marched out hurriedly. The sound had woken up Vishakha, and she straightened. When the nurse returned with a big packet in hand, Sameer tried to ask her but she just uttered quickly 'She's doing fine' and vanished into the room.

He let out a shaky breath, wondering how long this 'fine' would go on. Frustrated, he slumped again next to Vishakha.

She smoothed his hair, "Mujhe poora vishwas hai bhagwan sab achha karenge. Maine har din Naina aur bachhon ke liye pray kiya hai. Dekhna, humein jaldi hi good news milegi."

He silently prayed for this to be true. Whether all men felt the same when their wives were having a baby, he didn't know, but he would never forget this harrowing experience. The agonising wait, to sway in uncertainty of what is right, the incapability to help in any manner, to hear the heart wrenching screams of someone who he could not even bear to see with a prick of thorn... He lowered his forehead to rest on his joined hands, simply asking the Gods to end Naina's torment.

Slowly, the darkness faded, breaking a new day. The sun started to rise up in the sky, spreading not just its shine, but warmth too, on the cold wintery morning. This floor of hospital, that was eerily quiet for hours, started to have more activity. Nanu got coffee for all of them, which he had to forcefully make Sameer drink.

"Arre yaar tujhe fresh lagna hai apne bachhon ke liye. Pata hai na, first impression is the last impression. Aisi haalat mein unse pehli baar milega toh sochenge hamari itni sundar mummy ko yeh kaise papa mile hain." Nanu sorted his messed hair, a playful smile on his face.

Sameer whined, "Nanu, yahan main itni tension mein hun aur aapko mazaak soojh raha hai."

Nanu's voice softened, "Nahi beta, main mazaak nahi kar raha. Tere chehre pe smile laane ki koshish kar raha hun. Bahar dekh, kitna ujaala hai. Wohi roshni teri aankhon mein dekhna chahta hun. Roni soorat ke saath nahi, muskura ke iss darwaaze ke khulne ka intezaar kar kyonki bas yeh kuch hi lamhe bache hain intezar ke khatm hone mein. Mera dil kehta hai..."

His sentence remained incomplete as the door opened. Not the nurse, but Dr Amrita walked out. She had removed her mask, but was still wearing the overalls. There was a tired smile on her face as she stood with clasped hands, looking at Sameer.

He felt his heart stop. There was a storm of questions rumbling inside him, but his voice seemed to be lost.

It was Vishakha who rushed to Dr Amrita, but before she could ask what was swirling in Sameer's mind, doctor smiled warmly, "Congratulations! Dono bachhe bilkul theek hain."

"Au... aur Naina?" Sameer finally was able to ask.

"Khud mil lena." She shrugged.

He almost ran towards the room, but Dr Amrita stopped him, "Arre arre utavale papa, zara ruko. Paanch minute lagenge unhe ready hone mein."

Sameer frowned, perplexed, "Ready kyon hona hai?" Then grinned, "Achha hum ghar le jaa sakte hain unko."

Doctor, along with Vishakha, laughed, "Nahi beta, sister babies ko clean kar rahi hai. Ghar jaane mein kuch din lagnege."

She then raised her brows, "Puchoge nahi betiyan hain ya bete?"

Another shiver ran through Sameer. He was dreading to ask, but could not muster courage. Blinking nervously, he looked at the doctor who knew about his keenness for a daughter.

"Tumhari princess aayi hai... apne bhai ke saath."

And he could feel his heart finding its lost beat.

Chalo ji, badhai ho 🎉🎉
The twins are born ❤️
Congratulations to all of us 💃💃

Next update on Saturday