"I had never wanted anyone but now that you have waltzed into my life, I cannot imagine myself without you."

Distressed, Aahana curled into the blanket and closed her eyes, hoping to get some sleep but her frequent visits to the restroom were not helping her case.

It was six in the morning, and she only had a few minutes left before she would have to wake up.

She groaned into the pillow softly, her eyes landing on Atharva. He looked so peaceful and adorable in his sleep, she felt guilt seep into her. No matter how thoughtful and sweet he was, she easily got annoyed, and then emotional. She did apologise at the end of the day, but she knew it wouldn't make up for her behaviour. It had been three months and still, she didn't know what was wrong with her, which was concerning. Atharva had suggested seeing a Doctor but that didn't sit well with her. She didn't like hospitals, the thought of it itself made her anxious. One tour was enough after her car accident.

Atharva frowned a little in his sleep, and she realised she had been caressing his jaw unconsciously. Sighing, she let her hand fall to her side as she snuggled into his chest. Not seconds later, she felt him wrap his arms around her waist and plant a kiss on her hair.

She thought he was awake but when she peeked at his face, his eyes were closed and he was breathing evenly. She felt a smile form on her face and she finally closed her eyes, letting sleep take over.

She must have dozed off for ten minutes or so when she was awoken by the violent churning of her stomach. She felt a little sick and before she could comprehend anything, she was flinging out of Atharva's arms and dashing towards the bathroom. Her mouth opened instinctively and she puked her guts out. Breathing heavily, she stood there holding the edges of the washbasin for support when she felt another wave of nausea hit her. She gagged and coughed, her eyes clenching shut to not witness her helplessness.

A hand came to hold her hair back and her head snapped to the left to find Atharva with concern etched on his face. "You okay?" His voice sounded gruff and heavy.

She immediately felt bad for disturbing his sleep. Her lower lip quivered and tears brimmed in her eyes as she shook her head. "I'm fine." Opening the tap, she brushed her teeth and splashed cold water on her face, feeling the tears freely roll down her cheeks.

He grasped her arm and turned her around to face him. His eyes searched hers while he dabbed her face dry with the towel. "You should know better than to lie to me."

He lifted her in his arms and carried her towards the bed, gently placing her down on the mattress. She was quiet when he handed her a glass of water. She gulped the liquid down her throat and put it on the nightstand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears again. She tried to blink them away but the waterworks started for no apparent reason and she was sobbing uncontrollably.

She felt emotionally wrecked.

He slumped beside her and rubbed her back to soothe her down. She leaned into him, resting her cheek against his chest and just listening to his heartbeat. That made him wrap his arms around her waist and press his lips to her forehead. "Don't cry, please."

"I'm not crying." She sniffled and rubbed her eyes furiously.

He clasped his fingers around her wrist and stopped her. He didn't say anything else as he just sat there and combed his fingers through her hair. He watched her eyes flutter close as she said. "I'm scared."

His heart ached at the fear laced in her voice and his grip around her tightened. "It's just flu or food poisoning I think."

"What if it's something serious?"

"Hush, you'll be fine." He smiled down at her. "How about you go and take a shower? I'll make breakfast for you, and then we will go to the doctor."

There wasn't a choice. She had to go or live in fear.

She nodded silently and got out of the bed, dragging her tired self to the bathroom while Atharva grabbed his clothes and went to the common bathroom for a quick shower before heading towards the kitchen.

*****

After breakfast, they drove to the Doctor's clinic. Atharva had made the appointment but hadn't informed anyone about it as per Aahana's request. She wanted to make sure she was alright without others having to worry.

They reached the clinic, and Aahana slipped her hand into Atharva's as they both walked to the Doctor's chamber. Atharva smiled and squeezed her hand back, holding it tightly. The doctor asked some questions which Aahana answered as clearly as she could.

"These are nothing but early signs of pregnancy."

"Pre-pregnant?" Aahana was at a loss for words. The ground beneath her shook as she stared at the doctor with wide eyes. This wasn't what she was expecting. She hadn't even given a thought to it, only now realising the possibility after hearing her. She had missed her period, but she had been so worried about having some serious health problem that she had overlooked the obvious signs.

"We will take a UPT and confirm." She shakily nodded and followed the nurse who handed her a cup and motioned to the washroom. She did as asked and came out, giving it to the nurse who guided her back to Atharva and walked off.

Minutes later she came back and slid a report to the doctor. "Congratulations! The test is positive."

Aahana felt a smile automatically spread on her lips, her happiness shining through her eyes. She may not have been prepared for it but she knew she was ready for it. The thought of becoming a mother scared and excited her at the same time.

She turned to look at Atharva beside her and dread washed over her at his blank expression. His face had significantly paled, which she didn't know was a good or a bad sign. They thanked the doctor and after fixing another appointment, they left the building and walked towards their car.

Atharva's silence was eating her from within. She felt fear and anger swirl in her eyes and she couldn't stop herself from questioning him. "Are you regretting our baby?"

His hand paused on the door handle and he turned in her direction so fast, he felt like he might have whiplash. "No! It's just-I'm just- I don't know. I'm really scared. What if I turn out to be a bad father?"

She nodded slowly, understanding what he meant. "I feel the same, but I also know we will do our best. You'll be the best Dad." When he didn't look so convinced, she slid her arms around his neck and pulled his face down to her level, her lips brushing against his. "We have time to learn. We will be in this together."

He smiled at that, feeling the tension slowly fade away. "You'll also be the best Mom."

She smiled back and he opened the door, letting her inside the car. He jogged to his side and started the engine, pulling out of the driveway and onto the main road.

"This is why you won't let me touch you." He poked her breast through the dress she wore, his eyes dancing with mirth.

She swatted his hand away with a groan, feeling her cheeks heat up.

He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I love you."

"I love you too." She whispered, feeling her eyes water. He arched a brow questioningly to which she shook her head, giggling through the tears. "I'm so happy."

Atharva stopped at a red light, nodding. "You want a girl or a boy?"

"Both will do." She grinned at him. "But toddler Atharva will be more adorable and he will be my boy."

"Since girls are Daddy's princess, I want a little Aahana." He slipped his hand underneath her dress, trailing his fingers up and caressing her bare belly.

She sucked in a sharp breath and looked down, feeling an immense amount of warmth course through her body at his gentle touch.

"I'm going to be a Dad," he whispered to himself, his eyes filled with amazement. He couldn't believe she was going to grow a baby in there, their baby.

Aahana laughed. "Yes, and we have to share the news with everyone. So focus on the road."

He straightened up when he realised the signal had turned green and vehicles were honking from behind. Cursing under his breath, he started to drive in the direction of their house.

Aahana closed her eyes with a content smile on her face. She couldn't wait to go through this new phase and having Atharva beside her was a blessing. She could see her kid running around the house while Atharva chased him, their laughter enveloping her heart with raw and pure love.

She must have fallen asleep on the way because she felt a hand tap her cheek gently, slowly pulling her to reality. She made some noise of protest and snuggled into her seat, enjoying the bliss it provided.

Atharva looked at her and he felt like he was seeing her for the first time. Her long hair fell on both sides of her face and he reached up to tuck it behind her ear. Involuntarily, his fingers traced her eyes which were framed by long, dark eyelashes touching her cheekbones and casting a shadow on her rosy cheeks, moving down to her cute button nose and finally stopping at her slightly parted lips. She was beautiful, just so beautiful.

She stirred and her eyes fluttered open, landing on Atharva whose face was inches away from her. He cracked a smile when he saw her brown orbs gaze into his. "Are we there yet?" They were smiling, sunshine spilling out of them.

He couldn't help but press his lips to her. It was warm and soft against his, like a breath of fresh air that could satiate any thirst.

A blanket of peaceful comfort surrounded them and when they broke apart, their faces were glowing, so bright and radiant. They felt like coming home, to each other after a long day at work.

If this was what it felt to be in love, they couldn't ask for anything else. They were complete.

"Yes, we are home."

★★★THE END★★★

Did the story meet your expectations or were you disappointed? Please let me know via the comment section!