*Khushal Pov*

After stopping the alarm, I rolled over to hug her feeling lazy to get up. Why did I set the alarm for this time?

I sighed pulling her body closer to mine and she calmly patted my hand on her stomach in her sleep making me smile.

"Awake?" she asked in a whisper and I kissed her cheek before nodding at her question.

As I snuggled closer, she sighed saying, "I almost forgot that you have a match today. Priya Di reminded me yesterday night."

"I got tired and slept off early and didn't remind you." She nodded at my words but yawned in the next second.

"I am so tired!" she whispered while I sighed hugging her tightly as I wish I can do something to not let her get tired like this.

With Rithika's situation, she is taking care of her according to a schedule Priya Di and she planned as Kalyan is busy with matches during this time.

"Need to go?" she asked turning around in my hold to look at me.

I nodded leaning over to kiss her forehead and she smiled before snuggling more into the hug and even I tightened my hold.

"You should tell your coach that you have a family and can't come this early during the match days and also the days before that." She mumbled but her voice shows she is still drowsy.

"I already told him but because this next match is semi-finals, he made a rule like this. After the ending of this, I will take some break." I promised but she shook her head.

"I am not complaining and stop worrying about me. If I want something, I will tell you. Even I am busy recently with work and then house." She pointed out while leaning back to stare at me.

"I just felt you are not getting enough sleep and so thought you could use us as an excuse to get more rest." She added making me smile.

"I will definitely use that as an excuse soon." Saying that I kissed her forehead again before letting her go but she continued to hold me.

She smiled before leaning over to kiss my cheek and then hugged me tightly. She let me go after that before checking the time.

"Should I come today?" she asked when I got down from the bed but I shook my head in negative.

"As it is a semi-final, the things will not be good and I don't want to let you see that." I mumbled taking out my clothes to freshen up fast and leave.

When I stepped out of the room, she already drifted back into sleep. So, I walked out of the room without making a noise and opened the small room beside us where Khushi and Ram are sleeping.

After placing a kiss on Khushi's forehead and adjusting the duvet properly on Ram, I walked out of the room and found Bhargav walking towards the kid's room.

"Are you leaving?" he asked checking the time and I nodded before frowning at him.

"I am going to a college conference in another city and so need to leave early. I returned late yesterday and didn't get to tell others." He explained but I continued to frown.

"I will be at the match and Kalyan is out of town for his own match. Even Sanjay is not here for the concert. How can both Priya Di and Akhila manage if there is an emergency? Let's not forget Rithika's condition." I asked folding my arms and he sighed hearing my words.

"Do you think I want to go? They actually asked for Priya but as Rithika needs her, I am taking her place. Don't worry! Your parents are in this city only if they need something and your match will not take long and you can return by evening anyway." He pointed out before opening the door I just closed to meet Ram before leaving.

I shook my head and walked out of the house but met Priya Di who is here to send off Bharghav and wished me luck with a tired look.

"Akhila is still sleeping, Di." I informed reaching the refrigerator to have some milk before leaving.

"She stayed awake until three I think before waking me up. Rithika is not feeling well yesterday and we were worried whether she will suddenly go into labor." Di explained and I nodded while heating the milk.

"It's been a week and every day seems like she will go into labor anytime. And I completely forgot everything about the things as it's been more than four years." She added and I nodded at those words.

"During Akhila's time, I took an example of your situation but now even I forgot everything." She laughed nodding.

"You both were too fast to have a child. Even now everyone thinks she was pregnant and that's why you both got married that fast." I cleared my throat hearing those words.

"By the way, we are deciding to join Ram in school soon and want to know whether you want Khushi to join. Even though she is younger than him, she is smart and it will be good if they both study together." She offered and I frowned not liking the idea to send her off to school this soon.

However, what she is saying is also good as Ram will be there for her and they both will be supportive to each other.

"Of course, I have a selfish motive as I think with Khushi's presence, he will not be that naughty in the class as he takes the big brother role seriously." She added and I smiled shaking my head.

"Okay, Di! Let's discuss with others and I am also fine if Ram will be there for her. Even though he is naughty, he dotes on Khushi." I mumbled and she nodded smiling.

"How much time will he take to say goodbye to his sleeping son?" She mumbled checking the time and yawned.

Everyone is tired of everything that is going on and they thought of asking their mother to come here and stay to look after Rithika but they decided against it as it will be uncomfortable for everyone.

They will not be free because of our presence and it will be vice-versa. After today's match, it is better to have a small meet and decide on a better plan as I can't see Akhila that tired anymore.

When I reached the place, I found the couch pacing at the front while checking the time. Was I late? I thought checking the time and found I am right on time.

"What happened?" I asked stepping out of the car and he sighed still checking the time before walking towards me.

"I asked my daughter to bring my medicine bottle an hour back and she is still not here. If I don't take the tablet for blood pressure, I don't know what will happen during the match." He explained and I nodded opening the car door.

"I am sure she must have gone back to sleep knowing her. I will go and buy one from a drug store. Message me the details of the medicine." He frowned at me before shaking his head.

"You have a match today and that too a semi-final match. Just because it is happening in this city doesn't mean you can take it lightly. I will be fine and just wait for her. Anyway, the match is in the afternoon and it will be fine." I ignored his words and got into the car.

"You need to shout at me when I am going to practice now. It is better to take precautions. Don't forget to message me otherwise the practice will be late with me waiting there for your message." Saying that I started the engine and drove away while remembering that there is a store within two kilometers from the center.

After purchasing the medicine, I drove back to the center and passed it to the coach before getting ready to have a practice match with one of the students.

With a few practice matches, I felt adjusted to the match tempo and left for the stadium along with the coach and medical team and also a few students to get them to watch and observe.

Somehow I ended up not being just a student of the center anymore and a part-time coach too. However, I am not that good except to show a few techniques and so I don't involve much with everyone.

We stayed in the waiting room and were ready to go for the match whenever they call and I wish they call us faster so that I can finish and go back home soon in case there is an emergency.

Also, I can help Akhila too if I go early and take away some hours from her schedule to look after Rithika. With that thought, I stretched and stepped out of the room hearing my name with a determination to finish it as soon as possible.

"I know you don't feel nervous for the matches, but can you at least be serious." Coach scolded reaching my side but I gestured him to wait and continued to type on the phone.

"Let him be coach, we all know what will be the result. But still, he practiced today morning for your sake." The assistant coach commented laughing.

"You don't know the person he is going to compete with doesn't have good morals and so he needs to be more careful." The coach explained and I finished typing the message before sending it.

'After the match, I will take care of Rithika and you can rest. Decide on what movie you want to watch and I will also get some ice cream for you on the way.'

"Dad! Your tablet!" a sudden sound caused everyone to glance at the doorway and found Coach's daughter standing there with a guilty look covering her face.

"You came so soon? Why don't you go back and come tomorrow?" Coach asked reaching her side and I smiled while waiting for Akhila's message.

"Khushal went and bought medicine on his matchday while my daughter continued to sleep at home." He mumbled and I ignored him.

"Matchday? Khushal also has matchdays? Isn't this just like a visual practice for other students? Don't act like it is a serious matter, Dad." She commented and I turned to glance at her.

I don't know why everyone thinks it is very easy for me to win. No one in this world stays as the strongest person or even the most intelligent person. There will always be someone who can take a leap over the first place.

However, it doesn't matter to me about what they say as I have my own priorities in a match and that is not about winning.

It is to make sure I don't get hurt and have many bruises and also to make sure I don't hurt the competitor too much. The first one is for Akhila's peace and the second one is also for her peace as if I get into trouble then she will not be at peace.

"Khushal! After the match come with me to the mall and make my boyfriend jealous. He got angry at me and stopped talking to me for the past two days and that's why I was not in senses and forgot about Dad's medicine." She pleaded reaching my side.

"No! I helped you once and that's it. Anyway, I need to go home soon." I mumbled not even looking at her as Akhila still didn't reply.

"They are calling us." I stood up hearing that and was about to call her but got her message stopping me.

'Rithika's contractions started and I contacted the doctor. It will be midnight for the birth, so finish your match and come to the hospital directly if you have energy. As she needs someone's hair to hold while giving birth.'

I laughed at that message even though worried at the same time but she would have asked me to come if it is needed and so I decided to concentrate on the match and finish soon to lend my hair.

*Bharghav Pov*

After looking at Ram, I shifted to walk towards the door but stopped when I found Khushi looking at me with sleepy eyes.

"What happened?" I asked in a whisper and reached her side.

"Uncle! Is Rithika aunty going to die?" she asked in a whisper and I stared at her in shock.

"Didn't your Mom tell you that Rithika Aunty is going to have a baby?" I asked back and she nodded but frowned at me.

"But I heard Aunty crying in pain yesterday." She explained and I smiled caressing her head.

"She is not going to die and it is just because of the baby. Don't worry!" I assured her but she doesn't seem to have calmed down.

I should talk to Priya and let her explain it properly as I actually don't know what to tell her.

I stayed there and assured her again and didn't leave the room until she drifted off into sleep again.

Maybe because of Khushal's and my visit caused her to get disturbed but my son didn't move at all even when we both were talking.

After stepping out of the room, I climbed down the stairs and found Priya laying down on the couch and even snoring a bit.

I don't want to wake her up but I have to otherwise she will continue to sleep here instead of in her room or Rithika's.

"Priya!" I called her while caressing her cheek and she groaned opening her eyes.

"You are going to return by tomorrow early morning. Why did you spend so much time with our son as if you are going away for more days?" she asked sitting up.

"It's not because of that but Khushi woke up and asked whether Rithika is going to die." I explained and she stared at me with wide eyes.

"Damn it! I told Rithika to not say those things." She mumbled rubbing her forehead.

"Why? What happened?" I asked her frowning.

"She panicked yesterday morning as she dreamed about dying while giving birth. And started talking about how much she will regret going away like that. It's as if it is going to be a reality. Akhila and I tried my best to assure her." She explained and I stared at her in shock as I didn't expect that from Rithika at all.

"Also, I think because Kalyan is away it is impacting her. Even though she is the one who forced him to attend this match." She added.

"Should I give him a call and ask him to come back?" I asked and she immediately shook her head.

"She will kill you and anyway, he will return by tomorrow evening as the last match of their team is tomorrow afternoon." She mumbled and I nodded at those words.

"Will you be fine to travel or should I go?" she suddenly asked looking at me.

"Don't think about this matter, Priya. Even if I am here, unless we need to go to the hospital, I will be of no use. You know Akhila is not that good at asking others for help unless there are her sisters and her husband. So, it is better if you stay and I go to this conference." I pointed out and she sighed nodding.

After taking the breakfast she packed for me, I took a cab and reached the railway station on time to catch the one to go for the neighboring city.

It took four hours for me to reach the city and had breakfast on the way. I didn't call her after reaching the destination as she must be getting ready for college now.

With just Akhila and her managing everything, she must be in a hurry. I told her to hire a helper but because of the profession of Khushal, Kalyan, Sanjay, and Krithika, they felt it is not good to hire anyone who can enter the house.

As if we hire anyone then everyone needs to be careful about what they say and how they behave. We all already went through a hurdle when the news about Akhila broke out.

So, even I let it go regarding the helper matter. And I will just wait for her to call me when she has free time.

I am not sure, so I directly took a cab to reach the university where I met other colleagues and the volunteers who are here to guide us.

"Didn't you come to attend the conference last time? Why did you come again this soon?" A colleague asked as we are waiting for the event to start and right now sitting in the staff room prepared for the professors.

"He is here instead of his wife." Someone commented before I could open my mouth.

"I already knew he was hen-pecked." Another person commented while I opened my phone to check for messages.

"Stop it, everyone! Don't act like teenagers." Someone scolded everyone but no one is taking it seriously.

"We are just jealous of him. Don't you know how many got a crush on Priya when she joined the college? But within a semester, he got her." I glanced up to find the person who used to try and talk to Priya all the time and even now does that sometimes.

When my phone started vibrating, I glanced down to find Priya's name and immediately stood up but paused near the door.

"I didn't have time to google and not sure about the word hen-pecked. But if I do something which will reduce any pressure my wife would have and that means to be that word then I am glad to be one." Saying that I left the room and picked up the call.

"Tired?" Priya asked and I smiled leaning on the wall.

"No! The conference hasn't started yet and so waiting. Are you in college?" I asked and she sighed saying she is right now waiting for the break to over.

"Akhila took leave for today as Rithika is not feeling well from the morning. So, after the classes, I will go back." She replied and I frowned.

"Will it be fine with no one present except for you both?" I asked thinking maybe Khushal was right to worry about this situation.

"Don't worry! We both can manage and also I already talked to the principal to leave any moment I get a call if needed to." She assured me and I sighed at that thinking she is right.

"By the way, I talked to Akhila about Khushi's worry and she told me to not worry as she will talk to her today and even ask Rithika to have a word with her." She added and I felt relieved.

It's just that I don't think a kid of her age should have such worries in mind which could let her have such restless sleep.

"So, don't worry about this matter, and Akhila wanted me to thank you but I asked her to shut up." I laughed hearing those words and she chuckled along with me.

"By the way, someone called me hen-pecked for coming here instead of you." I mumbled and she laughed hearing those words.

"Tell them it is your honor to be hen-pecked to me." I shook my head hearing her proud tone.

"Also, the one who has a crush on you is here and showing his disappointment for not getting to date you." I added and she paused her laugh.

"Is he mad? Does he want me to have an affair with him? Let him come back to college and I will give him a class. What if anyone spreads rumors? Then Akhila will go and kill him on spot." She mumbled and I sighed at that.

"Who will think of his words? Everyone knows what happened and with a hen-pecked husband like me, no one will think you are having an affair." I pointed out and she chuckled along with calming her mind which got fried after hearing my earlier words.

I didn't realize she will react that way otherwise I wouldn't have said those words at all. Maybe everyone is sensitive right now with tiredness, and so it is better to be careful with my words.

"You will not let go of that word anytime soon, will you?" She commented and I smiled while promising her to never let go of this word.

"Class will start soon and I don't want to go." She suddenly mumbled and I chuckled hearing that.

"Students should be saying those words and not a professor, Priya." I pointed out and she groaned.

"I really want to sleep for ten hours continuously." She sighed saying those words.

"Okay! Tomorrow you can sleep and I will take care of all matters." I promised and she chuckled before accepting those words.

After some time, they called us to enter the auditorium and I cut the call after asking her to call me if there is any need and I can return immediately.

"I am sorry, Bharghav! I didn't mean to be rude." I glanced at the person who used the word and is now apologizing.

"It's okay! As I said I am proud of it but make sure to control it as not everyone will be fine with it." I mumbled looking at him and then walked off.

If we were close, then I would have been fine with any kind of teasing as I am used to it. Didn't I listen to two kids calling me Google Uncle all the time?

I am fine with it in a later period as I am close to them and also because they are my brothers-in-law. I would have been fine with it even if it is said by my friends but not this person.

After entering the auditorium, I sat down while going through the itinerary they passed in the file they gave all of us.

During the speeches of the guests, I noted down the important points as I will be one of the speakers in the evening and it is better to add these points.

I concentrated on the speeches about the new developments in the education system and finally, it is time for lunch.

"You remember our plan to go to a club in the evening, right?" they asked and I nodded as this is one of the events I accepted.

A few of them are going to stay tomorrow also but I told them I will take the train by night as I need to go home and accepted only this one event they planned.

In the evening, I finished my speech, stayed on the stage along with other speakers, and was involved with the small debate that was raised because of different viewpoints.

So, the schedule prolonged for an extra fifteen minutes and I can see a few students looking at us with irritation. I stopped myself from smiling as I have been like that when I was a student.

Soon, the debate came to a conclusion and everyone stepped down from the stage for the valedictory part.

When the conference got over, we all left the university and I went along with others to reach the restaurant as it was already eight in the evening.

Everyone decided to go to the club after dinner and so we booked two tables and sat down but made sure to divide the bill.

After finishing dinner, I remembered that I put my phone on silent mode and forgot to remove it.

I took it out and found a few missed calls which caused me an immediate worry and then found a few messages from Priya.

I stood up after reading the first sentence and then glanced at my colleagues and others who came to join us.

"I need to go home right now for a medical emergency." Saying that I took out the amount that could be a part of my bill.

A few people didn't think I was saying the truth but a few understood and I ignored everything to rush out of the restaurant and took a cab to go to the railway station soon.

'Akhila and I took Rithika to the hospital as her pains started. We left the kids at Principal's house and I know you were supposed to go to the club but if possible come back home after the conference.'

It is my fault to forget to check the phone when I know how important it is to keep an eye on matters at home.

I hope they are doing okay, and I called Priya after sitting inside the train and it started moving within a few minutes.

"Priya! I didn't check the phone and that's why I didn't reply. I took a train now and will be there within four hours." She sighed hearing those words.

"Khushal reached the hospital, right? His match must have finished by now." I added and she sighed again.

"What happened?" I asked frowning as she didn't say anything.

"We are not just caring for Rithika right now. Everything is happening at a time. Anyway, come here and you will find out what happened. Give me a call after you reach and don't rush the cab driver." She mumbled without saying anything else.

What happened now? I thought frowning but wishing nothing bad happened. I sighed after she cut the call and was about to lock the phone but paused seeing a notification from the news app I installed and paused seeing the recent article.