He sat at the farthest corner of the pub. Loud music was playing around making people sway their bodies according to the tunes and he stared at them, gulping his drink.

He could see the whole space from the spot.  Though his eyes were glued to the surroundings, his mind was stuck somewhere else.

Suddenly, there was some ruckus from the entrance which broke his line of thoughts. His gaze followed the source of sound and zeroed on the guards.

They were trying to block someone from entering. He shook his head and turned his face but the very next moment, he turned around as a yell was heard.

"Let me in!"

Seeing the guards not using any sort of physical strength, he decides to intervene. He made his way through the crowd and peeped in to see the owner of the voice.

To his utter shock, there stood a woman with protruding belly, and guards who had worried faces.

"Sorry ma'am but we cannot let you inside in this condition."

"May I know why?"

As soon as they heard his voice they turned more civil. Perks of being an Oberoi. His gaze switched between the lady and guards.

"She's an adult and it's legal for her. Then what's the problem?"

"Sir, her condition isn't something that assures us. If, god forbid, something happens, we cannot take responsibility!" One of the guards said and he looked at her.

"Are you sure you want to come inside?" She nods and he sighs. This was so unlike him. He never interfered in a stranger's business before. Why was he even doing this!

"Let her in! She's my responsibility."

That was it. The guards moved away and she walked in glaring at them one last time. His gaze sharply followed her tracks as she made her way inside.

People immediately had their attention diverted to the pregnant woman who made an eventful entry. All of them, for a moment, froze, giving her way to the farthest corner. Once sure she was comfortable, they returned to dancing.

He sat opposite to her trying not to offend her in any ways. "May I know why you're angry?" He asked unable to control his curiosity.

"Because my husband is irritating!" She said in an exasperated tone. "Oh! What did he do?" He didn't know why he was interested in her matters.

"He refused to buy me icecream!"

He bit his lips trying to control his laugh. He had heard of mood swings and cravings women had during pregnancy. To see one was quite an adorable sight.

"They don't serve icecream here." He said pointing to the bartenders. "I know that! I walked away from my idiot husband right from the middle of the road and this is the first building that came to my sight."

Her explanation made sense. He nodded and sipped his drink.  "Rudra" he said forwarding his hand for a shake. She lightly smiled and shook her hand with him. "Gauri".

Rudra smiled at the petite woman who was now grinning looking at the people. She looked like someone who enjoyed people. She was innocent; too innocent for a city like this. He couldn't believe she was the same person who was complaining about her husband a minute ago.

"Your husband must be looking for you." He stated and she looked at him. Her eyes suddenly showed a flash of guilt and he regretted his sentence. You're not supposed to make a pregnant woman sad.

"Don't worry. He'll reach here soon." His statement made her smile again and he heaved a sigh of relief.

"Why did you take it upon yourself to let me in?" She asked and his smile dims a bit. "Someone I know would've wanted me to do that." He said as his voice reflected deep sorrow.

"May I know who that is?" She softly asked and his eyes diverted to the floor. A touchy topic it was. His eyes unknowingly turned teary as he thought about it.

"It's okay if you don't want to-"

"My brother."

His reply made her stop midway and she looked at him. He wiped his tears and looked back at her.

"My elder one. He would've done that if he was here."

She smiled at that. Rudra couldn't understand but for some reason, her smile gave him a sense of pride. I find happiness in making people happy. May be, this is what his brother meant.

"You love your brother a lot."

Her statement brought him back to reality and he nodded. "But I don't know where he is. He's missing since the last 4 years." He said staring into space.

Never in his wildest dreams he thought that would happen. The day his brother vanished always haunted him. Their dysfunctional family must've forced him to do that.

"Don't worry Rudra. One day, he'll come back. Shankerji will not let you live apart for long. Hume poora vishwaas hai." His expression turned to an amused one at her words.

She was definitely unique. Who would say that to a stranger! He kept his drink down, now fully interested in her talk.

"I hope so."

"Are you here with your friends?"

He shook his head and his thoughts were back to were they began. "I had an argument with my wife." Her face comically twitches and he nodded.

"Why did you argue?"

Why did they argue. His subconscious mind started blaming him the moment she asked that question. It was just an ego clash. His wife was joking around and he had made this idiotic move.

"It's my fault!"

Gauri laughed softly hearing that. "Call her." He abruptly looks at her.

"What?"

"Call her and say that you're sorry. Trust me, it will get better."

He thought for a minute before dialling. After a ring or two, his wife's voice was heard over the phone.

"I'm sorry Bhavya."

Gauri smiled as he apologized and soon his face had a genuine smile. He cut the call and looked at her with a huge smile. "Thank me later!" She said with a shrug and he broke into laughs.

Once his laughter died down he looked at her. "Do you want me to get you icecream?" She smiled and shook her head making him raise his brow. She shrugged in response with a cheeky smile.

"How far are you?"

"Six months."

His eyes lace with concern as he heard that. He was responsible for her safety. "Are you okay? Do you want water?" She smiled at his question.

"I'm fine."

He sighed and looked at the entrance checking if someone arrived. Seeing none, he looked back at her.

"How did your husband let you walk out just like that in this condition?" She clicks her tongue at that.

"He was following closely. He got lost in the rush." Rudra chuckled at her. "You know, if my brother was with me and you were unmarried, I would've shipped you guys!" He exclaimed making her laugh.

"I hope to meet him one day then." She replied and he smiled. She was fun to be around. She knew how to keep company.

"Your husband is a lucky man." He said genuinely. She raised her brows and chuckled as she heard that.

"Nice to meet you by the way." He said and she nodded. "Same here." They sat in silence watching people.

Before any of them could speak further, a long haired figure emerged from the crowd and kneeled on the floor beside Gauri.

"I'm sorry." She said as the man hugged her with all his might. Rudra could only see the man's back and he was sure he had seen this man before.

"I didn't want you to catch a cold Gauri. I'll buy you icecream." She shook her head and he kissed her forehead.  A frown appeared on Rudra's face as he heard the man's voice.

"Meet Rudra. He took care of my safety all this while."

The moment the man turned, Rudra's eyes widened in shock. Omkara Singh Oberoi, missing since four years; was now standing in front of him with a... pregnant wife?

"O!"

"Rudy!"

Gauri smiled in confusion and she raised her question clearing all doubts Rudra had.

"How do you know my husband? Om, are you both friends?"

Hey all! Hope you all liked the story. Do tell me your views. Criticisms are openly welcomed.

I don't have a clear picture about entries in pubs and stuff. I wrote it based on my little research. Sorry for any errors.

Thank you for reading.

Stay safe. Be happy.