One day Arnav is tending the rose plant in his balcony when Khushi dropped the bomb on him.

"Arnav, I'm pregnant."

"What?? I'm not falling for your trick." He said knowing his crazy wife and returned his concentration back to the plant.

"I'm serious Arnav. See this." Saying this she gave him three pregnancy sticks of different brands. All showing a pink line which indicates that she is pregnant.

"How can it be possible?? We were supposed to start the procedure for IVF." He looked at the stick and then at her.

"Well, this proves that condoms can't be trusted." She said with a grin.

"Do you know how many weeks you are in?" A worried Arnav asked her. The baby inside her womb might have his condition or not, it's a 50 - 50 chance.

"If my calculations are correct, I'm five weeks pregnant." She estimated her periods time and guessed it.

"We should go and consult a gynaecologist as soon as possible. Get ready Khushi." He moved towards the cupboard and started to take out his things.

"Arnav, why are you panicking?? We can take it slowly." She can understand his actions. He is worried about the baby inheriting his condition.

"Khushi, can't you understand the seriousness of the matter or you are trying to act cool?? We have to find out if the baby has TCS or not."

"Arnav what will you do if our baby has TCS?" She asked the most crucial question and waited for his response. She feared to hear what seems to be in his mind.

"Khushi, I don't want us to fight. We will terminate this pregnancy if the baby has TCS." He knew that she is going to get angry at him for saying that. He knows the life he had, a life full of bullying and exclusion. He doesn't know if he can tolerate seeing his child going through that path.

"Do you really think that I will abort our baby?? I can never do that Arnav. There is only fifty per cent of chance for our baby to have TCS." She enlightened him.

"I'm afraid about that fifty per cent chances. I can't see our baby going through what I have been." A tear rolled down from his eyes as he remembered his bitter past. She made him sit on the bed and held his hand.

"Arnav, tell me what all you are afraid of?? Talk to me. Tell me everything that is going on your mind right now." She made him look at her and saw his vulnerable face. She knows that his scars run deeper than she can imagine. We are living in a world where being a little fat is a big issue. In the case of Arnav, everything intensifies more than that of a normal person.

"Khushi from birth I have endured a lot of bullying and harassment because of my look. Most of the children grew up in a world where people are perfect. Even on TV, they see only the handsome heroes and heroines. So it will be hard for them to accept that people like me exist in this world. I understood that when I was a teenager." He said with a sad smile.

"The world is not only for the people we saw on tv, everyone should accept that." She kissed his knuckle and urges him to continue.

"When I was small I used to wonder why nobody wants to be my friend. Slowly I realised that it's all because of my looks. I look different from my friends. My eyes, my cheeks, my jaws, my lips, my ears and in total my face looked different from that of my classmates. I used to ask my parents to make my face like that of my friends, all I got in reply to my plea were their disappointed and tear-filled expression. For years I prayed to God to make my face like that of my classmates. After years of prayer, I understood that I'm going to remain like that forever, without any friend or companion. Slowly I started to drift away from God. It was Shyam who was there for me when I was in school. Ignorance from my classmates made me an introvert. I was happy when a boy befriended me when I as in the third standard, but later I realised that he did that only to have his homework to be done on time. They used to call me names such as ugly boy, ugly duckling, alien, one-eared dump, chashmish, skinny man, bacteria. Thought out my childhood I hated myself, loathed the sight of myself in the mirror." Tears rolled down from their eyes as he said this. Khushi squeezed his hand staring at him.

"For my classmates, I was there for their entertainment. One day they took away my specs and I stumbled down on the floor. They were laughing while I asked for my specs. Luckily the teacher came at that moment and found my specs on the floor. She asked me if I know who did that and I don't know who did that." When he said that she looked at the cut on his forehead near to his right eyebrow.

"Is this...is this..scar happened because of that incident?" She touched the scar on his forehead. He nodded his head and felt her hugging him tightly.

"They were really mean to do that to you. All of you were children, how can they act like that with their classmates? I wish I could have met you earlier than this." It was hard for her to hear the hardship faced by her love. She can understand how it would have felt to him.

"You already know that I met Shyam when I was in 8th standard. He was my first best friend. He never looked at me like a disabled child. He treated me as a friend. I got a few friends after that."

"Hmm...Karan, Hithesh and Nirmal?" She mentioned a few of her husband's best friends. He smiled fondly and nodded his head.

"Khushi, I don't want our child to go through those things. If our baby has TCS she will also suffer all these. The society is really mean to people like us."

"Yes, it's true that society is cruel and mean to those who don't mark up to its perfection norms. Arnav, you once told me that people advised maa and papa to abandon you when you were born. They didn't do that and decided to bring up their baby. You are the result of their decision. You proved that their decision is right by being a good human. You are a good son, a good brother, a good friend, a good boss and a good husband girl can have. Then let's do the same for our baby even if he or she has TCS or not. Please don't ask me to abort our baby." She hugged him saying this.

"Khushi, I don't know... I can't take a decision. I can't think past my experiences."

"Arnav, when you were born maa and papa had no idea about your condition. She even comes to know about her mild TCS after your birth only. We will keep this our baby even if she or he has TCS. This time it's different. We know about this syndrome and we know what all our baby will need. He or she will have you to guide them. We will give strength to fight against the odds. We won't let our baby crumble down." She said cupping his face.

"What if something happens to us? What will happen to our baby then?" Arnav asked as a fear crept inside his mind.

"Nothing will happen to us. My Devi Maiyya won't let anything happen to us. Arnav, you are not alone any more. We are together in this and we will overcome everything." She takes his hand and placed it on her belly, raising her top.

"This baby is created with our love. She is a blessing we got in return of all the hurtful words and taunts thrown at us. We will bring our baby up as a good human. Let's enjoy this phase of our life without any worries. Trust me Arnav, we are taking the right decision."

"I trust you Khushi." Saying this he kissed her forehead.

"So Raizada, are you happy with the news of your wife being pregnant?" She looked at him raising her eyebrows.

"Yes, I'm happy." He rubbed his hand on her belly lightly.

"You unromantic man, I was expecting you to behave like that hero in films when they get the news of their wife being pregnant." She flared her nose at him making him smile. In the next moment, she found herself in his arms. He twirled while she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Happy now?" He asked placing her on the bed.

"No...mommy and baby are not happy with papa." Soon she felt him kissing her face. He made her lie on the bed and raised her t-shirt. He feathered kisses on her tummy making her giggle along with tears rolling down from her eyes.

"Baby, I'm your papa. You are lucky to have such a beautiful and strong mommy." He whispered as tears rolled down from his eyes. He comes to her level and pecked his lips.

"I have never thought that a girl will love me enough to have a baby with me. Now I realised that God did had heard my plea, he didn't change my face but gave me a girl who loves me a lot. I'm ready to go through all those hardships again if I get you in my life" He placed kisses on her cheeks and eyes.

"Yeah, this crazy girl loves her Arnav little more than anyone else in the world. Now I'm the luckiest girl to carry our symbol of love in my womb. I don't know if you can understand what I feel now, the feel of having the baby of the man I love. That's the best feeling Arnav." She placed her hand on her stomach and looked down.

Arnav looked at the woman who is beaming with happiness knowing that she is carrying his child. He has never imagined that he will experience these moments in his life. She came like a whirlwind and opened all the doors surrounding his heart, filling his heart with her love for him.

"Khushi, what about your research and job? If our baby has TCS it will be hard for you to concentrate on that. We decided to wait for a year." A concerned Arnav asked his wife.

"We can manage that Arnav. I almost finished my thesis, I will be able to submit it before my due date. Whatever happens, you will be there to support me, won't you?" She asked the man who pushed her to achieve her dream of being a professor. He placed a kiss on her forehead and nodded his head.

"Should we tell this happy news to our family now?" She asking as she can't resist her excitement.

"Hmm...how about we go for a checkup tomorrow and announce that when we come back?" He suggested.

"Yeah, that's good." She hugged her husband and smiled.

"Arnav, after a few months we will be having a little baby lying between us. I can't stop thinking about it." Arnav smiled hearing her say that.

"I'm going to get fat...so huge... You will still love me, won't you??"

"I can't stop loving my wife in this life. So you don't have to worry about that."

"So you will still love me even if I get cranky due to my pregnancy hormones?"

"Yes, I will."

"My husband is the best." Saying this she placed a kiss on his chest and hugged him tightly.

Arnav and Khushi didn't tell Ratna and Arvind about their pregnancy on that day. Next day morning, they got ready to leave to the hospital.

"Khushi, I will call Jaideep and we can go in his car."

"Why are you calling him? I can drive the car. Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean that I can't do a thing. Don't worry Arnav, your wife is capable of taking care of herself and the two of you." She said placing her hand on her tummy making him smile.

"Yeah, I know that my wife can do anything."

"Only if her Arnav is with her." She added and arranged her hair.

Khushi drives the car to the hospital and went for a checkup. It comes out that Khushi is six weeks pregnant. They went for an ultrasound scan and saw the little life they have created. Both of them couldn't control their tears when they saw their baby. The doctor made them sit in front of her and talked.

"See Mr and Mrs Raizada, there are chances that your baby would be affected by TCS or not. We can take an amniocentesis test when you will be in 15 or 16 weeks to confirm that earlier. Then it will be easy for us to carry out the medications." Her gynecologist said to them.

(Amniocentesis - A process in which amniotic fluid is sampled using a hollow needle inserted into the uterus, to screen for abnormalities in the developing fetus.)

"Doctor is there any risk associated with this pregnancy? Will the pregnancy be risky if our baby has TCS?" Arnav asked.

"Mr Raizada, your wife is totally healthy for now. At this stage, there isn't any risk. If the baby has TCS, then there will be a little risk involved in it. But it's nothing we can handle it. No need to worry about it." Dr Nandini comforted the couple sitting in front of her.

"You will be having another ultrasound after two weeks." She said prescribing the medicines for Khushi.

"Any doubts?" She asked them.

"Hmm, can we continue our marital relationship?" Khushi asked the question regarding their s*x life. Nandini smiled knowing what she meant. Usually, it is the husbands who ask these questions. Arnav never expected that Khushi will ask such a bold question.

"Sure, it's safe to do it till you are in seven months. Just be gentle and don't give pressure to your stomach." She advised the couple and they left.

"Khushi, how can you ask that?"

"You know a pregnant woman will be having a high libido. I'm already mad about you, now with our baby in my womb I'm going to be even madder. I know about my beloved husband a lot. If I didn't get the confirmation from the doctor you won't even touch me until I give birth to our baby." She explained the reason as they moved towards the pharmacy to get the medicines. After collecting their ultrasound picture they returned back home.

At the evening
"Maa, you go and sit with papa. It's been long since we all watched a film together. I will bring the tea and snacks." Saying this Khushi pushed Ratna out if the kitchen.

"Khushi bitiya is acting strange, what happens to her chote?" Ratna asked sitting next to her husband.

"Maa, just spend a day together as we always do," Arnav said to his mother. Khushi brought the snacks and sat down next to Arnav. He played the TV hiding the smile.

'ArShi Productions proudly present you.
The New Beginning'

The description came at first, then the screen went black. Slowly the picture of their ultrasound scan filled the screen.

At first, Ratna and Arvind didn't get the whole thing. Soon realisation hit them and they looked at their children who were smiling looking at them.

"Khushi bitiya, you are pregnant?" Ratna asked her daughter in law.

"Yes maa, we are six weeks pregnant." She said and Arnav gave the ultrasound pic to his parents. His parents couldn't control the tears spilling out of their eyes.

"Arvindji, our Chote is going to have his own chote..."

"It can also be a Choti Ratna." He added looking at the ultrasound. Khushi pointed out the baby to them. They congratulated them and hugged Arshi. Ratna asked Khushi, her concern of having a baby with TCS. Khushi told her decision and the respect they had for her only increased. Arshi advised them not to let Anjali and Aman know about this news.

At night
Arshi asked Anjali and Aman to video call them along with Anooj.

"Di and Jeejaji, one of my friend started a production house and their film will get released soon. Tell me how's the teaser. I really want three of you to watch it." Khushi said and send them the video.

"I want to see your reaction because it is going to be the most awaited release of this year." She asked and leaned onto her husband. Arshi watched as a confusion shadowed in their face which soon turned into a shock and surprise.

"Chote...Khushi..." Anjali called them with immense happiness.

"We are pregnant Di, six weeks exactly." Arnav let his sister know. He saw his sister tearing up in her husband's arms.

Anjali cried in happiness for her brother. She had seen him suffering throughout his life. Even since Khushi comes to his life, it was nothing but happiness surrounded him. She must admit that some times she felt irritated by Khushi's possessiveness with Arnav. Later got happy, realising the depth of her feelings for her brother. For Khushi, her entire world revolves around her Arnav. Her brother is lucky is to have Khushi in his life.

"I'm happy for both of you. I can't contain my happiness. My Chote is going to be a father. Khushi, you are what your name is, happiness. You both are going to be the best parents." Anjali said wiping her tears.

"Arnav and Khushi, congratulations. Welcome to fatherhood, Arnav." Aman told both of them.

"Thanks, Jeejaji." Arnav replied. They asked about the baby inheriting TCS and Khushi told her decision of keeping the baby. They supported her decision and talked. For now, they have decided to keep this pregnancy news unwrapped until they complete the first trimester.

Arnav shut the laptop and looked at his wife who is hugging him. He wrapped his arms around her and stroked her head.

"I'm so happy Arnav. They all are happy for us, for our baby." She cried placing her hand in her stomach.

"Khushi, don't you want to share this news with your family?" He asked her.

"Do you think that they will be happy to know this?? Happy that I'm carrying your child in me." She questioned him and he doesn't have any answer to her question.

"I can never tolerate someone insulting you. I don't hate my family, but if they say something about our baby I may hate them. Let's be happy in our own world Arnav. I'm totally happy with my life. I have a husband who loves and support me, a mother in law who treats me like her own daughter, a father in law who is protective and caring, a sister in law who treats me like a friend and sister, a brother like Aman jeejaji who treats me as his sister. These are the things any girl wish to have in their life. You are my Genie, the genie of happiness." She said flickering her nose with his nose.

"So I'm a Genie now?" Khushi moved towards his lap and straddled him.

"Yes, you are my Genie who fulfil all my wishes in spite of my continuous blabbering and over possessiveness." She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"This Genie can't live without your continuous chattering. I love your possessiveness even though it drives me crazy." He smiled at her and held her by the waist.

"I know that I drive you crazy with my possessiveness. What can I do husband only you have the ability to keep me on control and tame. After all, I'm your obedient wife."

"Obedient and crazy wife who jump around here and there. From now you have to be careful, no more jumping around." He ordered.

"I promise you that."

"You sure??" Arnav asked his wife.

"Yup, I will be careful. Also, I hate your No Touching punishment policy. They are my nightmares. Last time you didn't let me kiss you or hug you for two days until I said an apology. I don't want that when I'm pregnant." Arnav smiled as she narrated it with all those expressions. He knows how his wife like to kiss him and hug him. He even got embarrassed because of her impulsive emotional outburst.

During the initial days of her post-graduation, when he accompanied her to the railway station she used to cry hugging him in front of everyone there. When he went to visit her in her hostel for the first time, the same happened. She cried a bucket hugging him while all her hostel mates were watching it. Be it the hugs she gave him when she comes back from Mumbai. His friends and family used to tease him about all the hugs his wife have given him.

"Arnav, so what are you planning now?" She asked with a naughty glint in her eyes and he smiled knowing that look.
He decided to tease her a bit before moving towards the act.

"Do you have any idea?" He smirked.

"Your sexy pregnant wife is straddling you. Isn't that a hint?"

"How about we take off your top and officially starts everything?"

"Anytime hubby." Saying this she removed the top and he kissed her. Soon the room got filled with moans and groans of two pure souls.

*************************

Next day
Khushi went to her work after a little fight. Khushi wanted to go by scooty while he wanted her to take the car or a driver. Finally, she went to college in the car. Khushi works as an assistant professor in an engineering college in the city.

She came back from work and is about to take the stairs when Arnav called her. He leads her to the guest room.

"From now this is going to be our room. Papa has to be careful when it's about mommy and baby's safety." He said wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Aww...mommy and baby are very glad to have you." She placed a kiss on his cheek.
She changed her dress and checked the whole room.

"Arnav where is our rose plant?" She asked for the flower which she adores a lot. The flower which stands as a memorial of their love story.

"I have kept that in the courtyard. You shouldn't roam around the rose bushes from now." He knows how clumsy she is and right now she is pregnant too.

"I'm in my second month and you started ordering around." She pouted at him.

"Well, it is only going to get worse. I know that my obedient wife will follow everything." He mollycoddled her.

"Hmmm...everything??? What about my sweets and snacks?" She made a worried face and looked at him for an answer.

"They are out of your diet from now. My baby wants to eat healthily."

"So I won't be getting any burger, pizza, pakoda, jelabies, ladoos, Gulab Jamun, rasgulla, samosa, chaat...omg I will miss everything." She licked her lips as she told the name of each and every food items she likes.

"What to do, baby don't like junk foods." Arnav looked at her with pity.

"What does the baby wants then?" The mother to be asked Arnav.

"She will be having bitter gourd juice, gooseberry juice, carrot juice, lots of vegetables and fruits." He teased her and tried to control his laughter seeing her horrified expression. Khushi saw this and beat him in his chest.

"You are such a laadgovernor. How can you tease me like that?? You know that I hate those three items. If mommy is going to have it, then papa will have to have it with me."

"Papa will have anything with mommy." He pecked her cheeks making her smile.

Two weeks after they went for their next ultrasound. This time they get to hear the heartbeat of their baby. They couldn't stop their tears as they heard the heartbeats of their baby. As for now, their baby is perfectly fine according to the ultrasound scan report.

Arnav and Khushi showed Ratna and Arvind the ultrasound. They teared up hearing the heartbeat of the baby. Same goes to Anjali. They all take care of Khushi keenly.

Days passed and Khushi reached on her 14th week. Now her baby bump is visible if she wears skin fit top. She raised her top standing in front of the mirror. The baby bump is clearly visible and she cared it lovingly.

"Arnav, I'm loving this small baby bump." She looked at Arnav who is sitting in the bed. She didn't get any response and found his hearing aid placed on the table. She walked towards him and sat on his lap.

"Arnav I love my bump." Khushi signs raising her top and showing him the bump.

"You look beautiful with the baby bump." Arnav signed her.

"I can't wait to flaunt my baby bump in front of others. I want everyone to know that I carrying the symbol of our love." She signed proudly caring her bump.
This is the only thing Arnav don't like in Khushi. She likes to show off her loved one's achievement to each and everyone, especially those vile aunties. She even updates everything in her social media sites. Four years back, he was awarded the Best Commercial Planter Award (Regional) by the District Horticulture Department. Throughout that week, whenever he goes out most of the people used to congratulate him. He wondered how they got to know it. Then he came to know that his wife distributed sweets to the whole neighbourhood without his knowledge. Arnav confronted Khushi about it.

"Khushi, did you distributed sweets to the neighbours?" He asked her.

"Yup, you got an award Arnav. Your farm is the best in our area, isn't that worth celebrating?" She beamed with happiness as she remembered the proud moment.

"Did you tell this to everyone out there?"

"Yup, each and every person. I couldn't control myself from sharing this news."

"Khushi, it's not a big achievement." He tried to make her understand.

"But still it's an achievement. I'm like this from childhood... I like to flaunt it around those mean aunties. I can't change it. My Nani used to do this whenever her children or grandchildren get some achievement and I'm keen on following her path. It's hard for me to change it." She pouted.

"So you are planning to make the whole neighbours diabetes??"

"Yeah, that's the plan. Anyway, get ready in the evening. We are having a party on your achievements." She dropped the news.

"What??? When did you plan it??" He never imagined that Khushi will throw a party for his small achievement.

"I planned it when you get the letter notifying about your award. Only our friends and relatives will be there. Now don't be a spoilsport and try to obey your sexy wife sometimes." She placed a kiss on his cheeks and went out to arrange everything.

Arnav looked at his wife who hugged him, placing her head in his chest. He stroked her head and held her close.

***************************************

Khushi is in the 15th week, and today they have an amniocentesis test to attend. Arnav called Jaideep to drive the car. They reached the hospital and went to see the doctor. She explained the procedure and make them sign the documents the procedure carried 0.1 to 0.3% of the risk.

Khushi changed into the hospital gown and laid down on the bed.

"Are you ok Khushi?" He asked her.

"Yes, just be with me." Arnav nodded his head and kissed her forehead.

The doctor carried out the ultrasound scan to find a place to insert the needle in her tummy.

"Just be calm Mrs Raizada." The doctor said and applied antiseptic just below her belly button. He gave her local anaesthesia before inserting the long needle into her womb. She felt a pressure on her tummy as the doctor inserted the injection needle into her tummy. Arshi watched as the doctor collected a pale yellow liquid into the injection. The doctor then sticks a bandage on the area and looked at her.

"Are you feeling okay?" The doctor asked Khushi after the procedure.

"Yes, just a strange sensation on my stomach." She replied

"Just lie down for half an hour." They all left Arshi in the room. Arnav placed a kiss on her forehead.

"You are strong Khushi."

"I know that Arnav, tell me something interesting."

"I love you Khushi."

"Awww...that's my favourite." She giggled and laid down on the bed.

After the stipulated time, they went to see the doctor.

"You have to wait two weeks to get the result. We can discuss everything once we get the result. As you had the test today, you should take rest for the whole day. Don't do any heavy work. You will be having light cramping along with spotting. Have some light food for today. Avoid intercourse for this day. If you feel anything other than this, come to the hospital as soon as possible." The doctor prescribed the medicine and they return back home.

On reaching home, they assured his parents that everything was fine. Arnav asked Ratna to prepare something light for Khushi and take her to their room. She started to get light cramping. He made her lie on the bed and asked her to rest.

Khushi asked him to lie beside her and he did what his wife wants him to do.

"Khushi, does it pains a lot?" Concerned reflected in his eyes.

"Not as much as the pain I get when I'm on periods. It's mild pain." She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. Arnav breaks the silence engulfed them.

"Khushi, do you remember what I said to you when we first went to the farmhouse after our marriage?" She remembers how he told her his limitations and weaknesses. How he told her that he is ready to let her go if she can't handle his issues. A ray of hope shined in front of her as she looked at him.

"You fell in love with me and married me when you were younger. You were only 23 when we got married and I'm five years older than you. I have seen people having love marriage and getting separated after a few years of marriage. It happens because when they live together, it will be hard for them to adjust to the new life. I was afraid that you wouldn't be able to handle everything once you started to live with me. I was afraid of how you would have reacted when your friends come to know that I'm your husband. Your actions made me overwhelmed and shocked. Each and every moment you left me speechless with your love for me. I still wonder how can you love me like this?" He smiled at her.

"I still haven't found an answer to that question myself. A lot of people have already asked me the same question and I'm still trying to figure it out. I just know that I practically live just to love you and being loved by you." She placed a kiss on his chest and looked at him.

"Except for my family, nobody has ever made me feel so precious. I was ready to let you go at any point in time, but now I don't think that I can do that. I don't want to let you go away from me. I want you here to here to stay with me as my wife. I want to live my whole life with you. I know that you won't leave me, but still, I want to hear that from you."

"This will be the last time I'm going to say this. So hear it keenly husband. I'm going to stay with you forever as your wife. I'm going to stay so that I can annoy you with my chatterings and possessive nature for the whole life. I'm going to stay as I want to have a wonderful life with you and our baby. I'm not planning to leave you in this life...maybe even in the next 7 birth." She giggled as tears rolled down from her eyes. Arnav wiped her tears and hugged her.

"Sleep for sometime Khushi." He kept stroking her head as she drifted to sleep.

***************************************

Two weeks later, they reached the hospital to get the result. Before entering the cabin, Khushi held his hand and said.
"Arnav, whatever the result is...we are keeping our baby." Arnav nodded his head and squeezed her hand. He hoped that their baby is normal unlike him. He wished for a normal baby who will have an easy life unlike him.

They sat in front of the doctor as they opened the envelop to see the result.

___________________________________________

Name: Khushi Singh Raizada
Age: 29

Amniocentesis Result

Gene Mutations - Result

POLR1C - Negative

POLR1D - Negative

TCOF1 - Positive

Diagnosis : Treacher Collins Syndrome
___________________________________________

Arnav hides his disappointment and looked at Khushi who sat there calmly. She squeezed his hand and looked at the doctor.

"From the result, you must have understood that your baby has TCS. It's your call to terminate the pregnancy or not." The doctor told them.

"We want to keep this baby." Khushi placed her hand on her bump.

"I can understand that Mr Raizada. It is your first pregnancy and you are attached to this baby. Above all these, you should understand the complications involved. At this stage, we can't tell you the severity of your baby's condition. If you carry on with this pregnancy and give birth to your baby, there is no guarantee that he or she will survive the ordeals the baby has to face. Your husband must know how the first 10 years of a baby with TCS. There will be multiple surgeries required to give your baby a normal life. You should try to take a decision with your mind, not by your heart." The doctor said to Khushi.

"We don't want to take any decision doctor. We are not terminating this pregnancy." Khushi replied.

"Mr Raizada, you know how it is to live with TCS, do you want your child to go through everything you have been through?" Dr Nandini asked Arnav and he shook his head in denial.

"I have seen couples taking decisions like this. You should know what you are signing for Mr and Mrs Raizada. A lot of parents after giving birth to babies regret their decision. It will be hard for them to see their babies going through all that pain. If something happens to your baby, you won't be able to tolerate that. As a doctor, it's my responsibility to make you aware of these things. By going on with this pregnancy, you are going to put your child in a lot of pain. I don't want you to regret your decision later. You have two weeks to let me know about your decision." The doctor prescribed some medicines for her and Arshi returned home.

Through our, the journey Khushi held on to her stomach thinking about what the doctor said to her. She leans on to his shoulder as he held her in his embrace. Arnav made her lie on the bed.

"Don't think about anything, sleep for some time." He told her and kissed her forehead. She nodded her head and closed her eyes.

Arnav knows that his parents are waiting to know the result. He told that their baby is affected by his condition. They were disappointed by the news. They knew how it felt to see your child lying on the bed with those wires attached to his little body. They knew how they cried whenever he whimpered in pain when he was an infant. They knew how it felt when your child is forced to stay on the bed when other children of the same age have fun. They don't want Arnav and Khushi to experience those things.

"Chote, how's Khushi bitiya?" Ratna asked her son.

"She is sleeping maa. She wanted to keep this baby, but after hearing everything that doctor said to her she is confused." Arnav said sitting next to his parents.

"What do you want Chote?" Arvind asked him.

"Papa, I know how it's to live with this condition. I have seen the pain in your eyes whenever someone mocked me for my looks. I'm not strong enough to see my child go through that." He replied.

"Should I talk to Khushi bitiya?" Ratna asked and he nodded his head.

After a few hours, Khushi opened her eyes and saw her mother in law sitting beside her.

"Maa, do you need something?" She asked getting up from the bed.

"Sit down bitiya. Here have this juice first. Chote asked me to make you drink this."

"Where is Arnav?"

"He has some works in the farm. Will be back soon." Kyushu nodded her head and drinks the juice. Ratna started to talk after some time.

"Chote told us everything. Are you ok bitiya?" Khushi's eyes filled with tears as she heard the question. Ratna hugged her and patted her shoulder.

"I'm not okay maa...I'm not... I love this baby inside my womb and I don't know what to decide." She cried placing her chin on Ratna's shoulder.

"Shhh...bitiya, don't cry."

"Maa, I know that I'm going to put my baby into a lot of pain if I gave birth to him. Even after knowing that, I want to keep this baby. Am I cruel to do that to my baby??"

"No bitiya, you are not cruel. You are a mother who loves her baby. A woman becomes a mother when she carries a baby, not when the baby is born. You have to think about everything before taking a decision. I and arvindji have gone through a lot when Arnav was a child. For a parent it was hard."

"Maa if you were in my place, what would have you done?" She asked hoping for a genuine reply.

"I have seen my Chote struggles a lot in this society. I have seen him suffer for something which isn't in his control. It may sound cruel, but I don't want any child to go through that." Ratna replied and hang her head down.

"I can understand maa. Hmm...I want to use the washroom." Saying this she went to the washroom. Khushi felt miserable thinking about the two options in front of her.

She called Arnav and told him that she wants to visit the temple. Arnav reached home in the evening and they left to the temple. They were walked towards the temple stair when one of her parent's neighbour called them.

"Khushi bitiya, I have heard that you are pregnant. I'm glad to see you for a long time. I was staying with my daughter for the past six months and came to visit my son. How long are you?" Vimala asked Khushi.

"I just finished my fourth-month last week." She replied.

"Did you reconciled with your parents?" She asked and Khushi shook her head.

"You should try to talk to them. Maybe this baby will bring you closer. Don't you think so Arnav beta?"

"Maybe..." Arnav replied knowing that the Guptas are not going to be delighted if they know that their baby inherited his condition.

"We should go now, aunty." Khushi said and looked at Arnav. He wished her and started to walk towards the temple holding her hand. She stood in front of the idol and joined her hands together to pray. He stood beside her as he looked at the idol in front of her. He smiled sarcastically looking at the idol.

'You have created me like this and for that, I hated you all my life until you send her to my life. Khushi has a lot of belief in you. Then why did you her baby a fate such as mine?? Why our baby has to suffer when it's born?? You have betrayed your devotee by doing this to her.' He accused the idol mentally remember the ordeals he had to go through.

'Devi Maiya, my beloved husband will be probably angry on you right now. Please pardon him on behalf of me. I don't know what is happening in my life. You gave me Arnav who is the best husband any girl can have. You have blessed our love with this little one in my womb. Now I'm in the position where I don't know what to do. Show me a path Devi Maiya. Give me a hint of what should I do." Closing her eyes Khushi prays. A few seconds after she opened her eyes suddenly and placed her hand on the stomach smiling.

"Khushi, are you okay?? What happened?" He asked seeing her holding her stomach.

"Arnav, the baby moved... I felt that... We are going to keep this baby. My Devi Maiya is with our baby. We are going to give our baby a chance, a chance to live, a chance to survive." She said beaming with happiness. Arnav doesn't know what to reply. He held her hand and looked at the idol. He doesn't trust God but he trusts his wife

Arnav is helping Khushi to step down by holding her hand. He looked at the happy face of his wife. He loved it when she wears the mangalsutra and the vermilion on her forehead. She usually did this when they visit a temple or practice some pujas. When she does that she overdoes it for sure, the thick vermilion on her forehead is an example of that.

Shashi and Garima looked at their pregnant daughter walking down the step along with her husband. She looked like a new bride whose eyes twinkled with joy. When she got married to Arnav, they thought that its a decision taken without thinking. They thought that Khushi will come back to them after realising her mistake. But nothing like that happened. They saw Arnav supporting her to fulfil her dreams. They watched how happy she is leading her life with him. Through her social media accounts, they have seen her grow into an independent woman. They were sad when they got to know about her pregnancy from other people, but they know that they deserve that. They watched her asking him something while pointing at the pani puri stall. She pouted when he hooked his head and said something. She smiled as he said something to her. He helped her to get into the car and then they left from there.

"Will she ever forgive us?" Garima asked her husband.

"I don't know...but she is happy in her life without us." Shashi replied squeezing his wife's' hand.

That day at night

Khushi sat beside him, placing her head on his chest while her hands placed over her baby bump.

"Arnav, I know that you are worried about our baby. If our baby is meant to live with us, then it will. For that let's give our baby a chance. I know it isn't going to be an easy journey, but maybe it will worth in the future. We will teach our baby how to survive in this harsh society. We have time to prepare for it. If my Devi Maiya sends this baby to us, then it will be for some reason. I'm going to stay strong for my baby." Khushi said to him.

"My baby is lucky to get you as his or her mother. I don't know if I stay stronger like you." He replied.

"You can Arnav. Among the two of us, you are going to be the person who she or he will look up for guidance. You are strong and you have to teach him what to expect from society. We are a team, always remember that." He nodded his head and gave a kiss on her head.

"We have to say money for the surgeries."

"Yes, we have too. Khushi as you said let's enjoy this pregnancy for now. We are going to do this together. I won't let you down, but promise me something."

"What??"

"Promise me that you won't bottle up your emotions. I will be always there for you." He told his wife.

"I promise you that and I want you to do that too."

"I promise you Khushi that I won't bottle up my emotions." Arnav promised her.

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Days passed, Raizadas takes care of Khushi very well. Anjali and Aman paid them a visit when they came to know about their baby. Anjali respected Khushi's decision. She is a woman and she knows how it will feel if some ask her to abort her baby or not.

Arshi went to the hospital after two weeks and let the doctor know about their decision. She is in her 19th weeks of pregnancy. Khushi laid down for the 3D ultrasound scan. They show the image on their baby, along with the abnormalities their baby had. For Arnav it was heart-wrenching to see his child having his condition. Khushi only sees her baby who is the result of their love. She saw the pain in his face and squeezed his hand. Through the scan they got to know that their baby has:

1) Microtia - A condition where the ear isn't formed properly.
2) Macrostomia - A condition where the mouth is unusually wide.
3) Retrognathia - An unusual position of the lower jaw
4) Antimongoloid slant - Downward slanting of the corners of eyes.

The doctor hinted if they have any change in their decision they should contact her before its too late.

Throughout the journey Arnav is silent. He didn't say anything to her until they reached their room.

"Khushi, let's terminate this pregnancy." He said making her shiver.

"What?? How can you say that. We have already decided..."

"No, it was you who took the decision and I only supported you. After seeing our baby, I don't want this baby." He said in a stern voice, raising her voice.

"Arnav, we can manage this."

"Khushi you are not understanding anything. Why can't you stop being stubborn?"

"Then why can't you understand that..."

"Shut up...just shut up Khushi...you don't know the gravity of the situation. You don't know how it feels when everyone call you ugly. You don't understand how it feels when you try to understand why you look different from other. You don't know how it feels to hate yourselves just because of the way you look. I don't want may child to go through that. We are going to abort this baby Khushi. We are not going to let an innocent life to suffer because of your stubbornness." Saying this he left the room in tears leaving her in the same state.

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