A/N: It's hereeeeeeeeeeee. I am so excited, I am posting this early. 20 pages of these two figuring out she's pregnant and being all kinds of adorable. See you on the other side. 

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The world outside the car window seemed suspended in a stillness, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within Meerab. The digital clock on the dashboard glowed 1:00 AM, a silent witness to the unusualness of their late-night errand. Never had Meerab imagined that her early hours of Friday would be spent in pursuit of a pregnancy test, yet here they were, navigating the deserted streets in search of an open pharmacy.

The quiet of the city at night enveloped them, the usual hustle of daily life paused, giving way to a serene calm. Murtasim's grip on her hand was firm, a comforting anchor amidst the sea of uncertainty they were sailing through. Each closed storefront they passed felt like a reminder of the oddity of their quest, until the glowing lights of a pharmacy near the hospital appeared.

The car came to a gentle stop in front of the pharmacy. "Are you feeling up to going in?" His question, soft and laced with concern, broke the silence that had settled between them. His lips brushed against her hand in a kiss.

Meerab nodded, her eyes briefly scanning his face. He had yet to say a word about her suspicion that she was pregnant, a silence she didn't probe then. Understanding, perhaps, that confirmation was needed before they could fully process or discuss their potential new reality.

Murtasim was quick to unbuckle his seatbelt and step out, moving around the car to open her door. He offered his hand, not just as assistance but as an anchor, keeping her close as they entered the pharmacy together, his presence a comforting shield.

The pharmacist, a middle-aged man, looked up as they approached.

"We need a pregnancy test," Murtasim stated, his voice steady, betraying none of the turmoil that might have been churning beneath.

"How many?" the pharmacist inquired, a hint of routine in his question. Noting their hesitation, he added, "Most people get three since the tests are not always reliable."

"Seven," Murtasim interjected before Meerab could opt for the suggested three. His decisiveness took her by surprise, a small gesture but one that spoke volumes of his need for certainty, for thoroughness in the face of uncertainty.

The pharmacist nodded, unfazed by the request. "I'll give you different brands and two of the most reliable at predicting early," he said, turning to gather the tests.

"Seven?" Meerab echoed, turning to Murtasim, amused.

"Just to be sure," he muttered, his voice a blend of determination and a hint of vulnerability. It was a response so quintessentially Murtasim, rooted in his desire to leave no stone unturned.

Despite the tension of the situation, Meerab couldn't help the smile that crept across her face at his actions, they were both absurd and endearingly thorough.

With their mission complete and a large bag of pregnancy tests in hand, Murtasim and Meerab quietly made their way back to their car, the night wrapping around them like a secret. Murtasim, ever the gentleman, opened the car door for Meerab, sealing the moment with a tender kiss on her forehead before carefully placing the bag in the backseat. The gesture, simple yet profound, made her smile.

The drive home was enveloped in silence, a shared anticipation hanging between them, palpable yet unspoken. Slipping into their house felt akin to a stealth operation, the desire to avoid prying eyes or questions guiding their quiet footsteps back to the sanctuary of their room.

Inside the bathroom, Murtasim meticulously laid out the boxes of pregnancy tests on the counter, his brow furrowed as he read the instructions. "They all have different indicators," he noted, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness beneath the calm exterior.

"Hmmm?"

"Some say one line means positive, others say two lines, this one is a plus sign, this one a siley face, and this one a circle." He sighed, the variety of results seemed to perplex him, his ramblings a clear sign of his anxiety. "You'd think they would have some kind of consensus." He rambled on, it was oddly comforting to her to hear his voice.

Meerab watched him, a warmth spreading through her at how thorough he was being, his calmness a stark contrast to the storm of emotions swirling within her. As she prepared the tests, pulling out the sticks and one collection cup, her heart fluttered at the realization of what this moment could mean for them.

"Can you..." she trailed off, needing a moment of privacy.

Murtasim nodded without hesitation, stepping outside with a reassuring, "I'll be right outside, tell me when you're done."

After carefully following the instructions and preparing the tests, she placed each test atop the box it belonged to for ease of reading before disposing of the collection cup and using a disinfectant wipe for the tests, Meerab called him back in after washing her hands. "Can you set a three-minute timer, please?" Her voice was steady, but inside, her emotions were a whirlwind of hope and fear.

Without a word, Murtasim set the timer on his phone. Then, in a move that spoke more of his love than any words could, he lifted her gently onto the counter, stepping between her legs to wrap her in an embrace that felt like a fortress against the world. His arms were a band of warmth around her, his kisses on her head a silent litany of love and support.

Those three minutes, with Murtasim holding her, felt both fleeting and endless. It was a cocoon of time where the world outside their embrace ceased to exist, where all that mattered was the love they shared and the life they might soon be welcoming together.

As the timer's alarm pierced the quiet, signaling the end of their wait, Murtasim released her with a reluctance that mirrored her own. The moment of truth was upon them.

Meerab felt a whirlwind of emotions. The butterflies in her stomach intensified, her mind caught between hoping for a positive or a negative result. She found herself unable to move, to check the results that would change their lives forever.

"Can you check for me?" Meerab's voice was a mix of hope and fear, her eyes locked on Murtasim's.

He nodded and started at the far end of the counter. As he picked up the first test, Meerab's heart seemed to stop, her breath held in anticipation.

Positive. Her mind whispered before he even spoke.

"Positive," Murtasim's voice was steady, his eyes lifting to meet hers, a mirror of her own emotions reflected back at her.

The word struck her with a force that knocked the breath from her lungs.

As he moved to the second test, Meerab's anticipation hung heavily in the air. "Negative," Murtasim said, and a surprising tide of disappointment washed over her. She had thought she would prefer a negative, to delay their plans under better circumstances, but the sinking feeling in her heart told her otherwise. Why did the idea of not being pregnant sadden her so?

"The next one?" Meerab found her voice, her feet moving her closer to Murtasim, drawn by a need to know, to see for herself.

Murtasim checked the next test, his demeanor reflective of the significance of the moment. "Positive," he announced, a note of awe in his voice that resonated with Meerab's swirling emotions. As he proceeded, the pattern continued, each "positive" cementing the reality they were stepping into. Six out of seven tests confirmed it: she was pregnant.

If asked to describe her feelings at that moment, Meerab would find herself at a loss. Joy, fear, surprise, and a myriad of emotions she couldn't quite name coursed through her, leaving her legs shaking. Murtasim, sensing that she was overwhelmed, gently took her hand and guided her to sit on the wide concrete edge of their tub. He knelt before her, his hands cradling her face, a gesture so full of love and support that it anchored her.

Murtasim's gaze was intense, searching Meerab's face as if trying to decipher an intricate puzzle. The realization hung heavily between them: she was pregnant. A new life, their baby, was beginning its journey inside her. The confirmation from the tests sent a shudder through her, a mix of fear, excitement, and disbelief weaving through her thoughts.

As he knelt before her, his hands gently cradling her face, his eyes flickered with an emotion she couldn't quite place, but he didn't say anything.

"Kuch kahoge nahi?" Meerab's voice broke the silence, her words a mixture of hope and apprehension.

His thumb traced her cheek lightly, a gesture so tender it threatened to unravel her. "What do you want me to say?" he responded, his voice soft.

"What do you want?" she found herself asking, her heart in her throat.

"I want what you want, meri jaan... I know the timing is horrible... and I am sorry, I should have been more careful. I've put you in a horrible position—" His admission was cut short by Meerab's sudden burst of sobs.

"Y-you don't want a baby?" she managed to say through her tears, her fear of his reluctance surfacing.

He shook his head immediately. "No, that's not it, meri jaan," he hurried to reassure her, his hands gently wiping away her tears. "Of course, I want a baby with you, but the timing is not great, and you just started school... and you're not happy about it—"

"I didn't say that," she whispered, halting his words, her tears still flowing. "Why do you think I am not happy?"

"You looked devastated earlier," he whispered back, his own voice laced with uncertainty and tears.

"I – I was just shocked, but..." Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach, a protective gesture that spoke volumes. "Everything happens for a reason, right?" she asked, seeking affirmation in his eyes.

He nodded, though his gaze still searched hers for an answer. "But are you happy? Do you truly want this now?"

"I – I was freaking out until that first test... I know I should have been praying that it was negative, but I couldn't get myself to... before you even read the result out, I wanted it to be positive," she cried, the confession spilling from her, raw and honest. "It's our baby."

Murtasim nodded, tears rolling down his cheeks as he echoed, "Our baby," a smile breaking through his tears.

"Are you happy?" she whispered, her hands cupping his face, needing to see the truth for herself.

He nodded, a weight seeming to lift from his shoulders. "Of course, I am... and I felt guilty about it because I thought the timing was horrible and you wouldn't want a baby now," he confessed. "I am sorry if I made you feel like I didn't want the baby. I want nothing more than to have kids with you, but on your time, as you want them," he told her, his sincerity wrapping around her like a warm embrace.

Tears streamed down Meerab's cheeks anew, a torrent of emotion unleashed by the depth of love she felt in Murtasim's words and actions. His reaction was immediate, eyes widening in concern as he reached out to gently wipe away her tears, his voice tinged with worry, "What? Did I say something wrong again?"

Shaking her head, Meerab found her voice, a whisper laden with love, "I love you." It was a simple declaration, yet it carried the weight of all the feelings inside her.

His response was a smile that seemed to light up the room, leaning in to press a tender kiss to her nose before pecking her lips, "I love you too, meri Meerab." The affection in his voice, the endearment, it all felt like a warm embrace.

"We're having a baby." The words felt surreal as they left her lips, a whispered acknowledgment of the new life they were about to welcome.

"We are," he chuckled, the sound bubbling with happiness as he swooped down to kiss her, his joy infectious.

"I. Love. You. So. Much." Each word was punctuated with a gentle kiss on her lips, a playful yet profound expression of his love, drawing giggles from her. His gratitude was evident as he continued, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," each word accompanied by a kiss planted somewhere on her face, eliciting more laughter between them.

"I love you too," Meerab sighed, the overwhelming emotions bringing tears to her eyes once again. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, seeking solace in the familiar comfort of his embrace, her face buried in his neck as she inhaled his scent, a desperate attempt to anchor herself amidst the emotional whirlwind she had gone through in the past few hours.

He responded by resting his chin atop her head, his hands drawing soothing circles down her back, a silent reassurance that he was there, with her, every step of the way. The reality of their situation — that she was pregnant, that they were going to be parents — settled over them like a blanket, warm and comforting.

Then, with a tenderness that took her breath away, Murtasim pulled back slightly, his lips finding her nose in a gentle kiss before moving downward. He carefully lifted her white kameez, pressing a soft kiss to her stomach, whispering a heartfelt "hello" to their unborn child.

Meerab's tears flowed anew, not from sadness, but from the overwhelming tenderness of the moment. The love in Murtasim's eyes as he looked up at her, the profound affection in that simple greeting to their baby, filled her heart to bursting.

"He or she can't hear you yet," Meerab teased gently, her fingers playing with Murtasim's hair as he looked up at her, a mock pout forming on his lips.

"He or she sounds funny," he commented with a light chuckle, clearly amused by the thought.

She smiled down at him, her hands continuing their tender exploration through his hair and beard. "What do you want?" she asked, curiosity lacing her voice, eager to hear his thoughts on their future child. They had discussed it before, thinking of one day, but she wondered it was different now that the one day was here.

"A little Meerab, just like you," he whispered back, the sentiment echoing in the air between them, a once tentative dream whispered in the African wild now a burgeoning reality.

"Just like me?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips, delighted that he still wanted the same thing.

He nodded, his eyes alight with happiness, a reflection of his deepest wishes for their child.

"But your eyes," she mused, her fingers tracing the contours of his cheek with affection, giggling as she remembered how this conversation had gone last time.

He shook his head, gently disagreeing again, "Yours."

"We decided on my nose," she giggled, the laughter between them light and filled with joy.

Murtasim laughed along, his agreement sealed with a soft kiss against her nose as he sat up, her shirt falling back into place. Her fingers traced his smiling lips, "But your smile," she whispered, her voice a soft caress, she still wanted that.

He nodded. Tears brimmed in their eyes as Murtasim stood, lifting Meerab into his arms with ease, carrying her into the bedroom, towards their bed with a tenderness that enveloped her heart.

He laid her down, pulling her to rest atop his body as they settled into the comfort of their bed, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. Then, his mind racing ahead, he began to ramble again, this time about the practicalities, "We need to go to the doctor, to make sure everything is okay...they give women vitamins and stuff when they're pregnant right? Oh, and food, I read somewhere that papayas are bad so no more of those...and maybe seafood too – there must be so many other things I don't know, we'll have to—"

"Shhhh," Meerab soothed, her voice a calming balm as she buried her face into his neck, seeking to quiet his anxieties, although a part of her rejoiced in how thoughtful he was. "We have time. Calm down," she whispered, her words filled with love and reassurance.

Pulling back to look him in the eyes, she found his gaze shining with unadulterated happiness. In that moment, as she gazed into his eyes, Meerab felt her heart swell with warmth and gratitude, overwhelmed by the love she had for this man and the life they were building together. How lucky she felt, how blessed, to have Murtasim by her side.

As they lay together, Meerab allowed her hands to tenderly caress Murtasim's cheek, her forehead coming to rest gently against his. "Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with my love for you that I don't know how to say it out loud," she confessed, her voice a whisper of vulnerability. She wondered how she could ever fully express the depth of her feelings, feelings that surged within her every time he looked at her with such adoration, every time he did something caring, every time he spoke words that seemed to wrap around her heart.

"I know the feeling," he whispered back, his breath warm against her skin, a mirror to her own sentiments.

She curled up closer to him, seeking refuge in the warmth of his embrace, her face buried in the crook of his neck. "I have class tomorrow morning, we can go to the doctor after," she said, the reality of their day-to-day life seeping into the magical bubble they had created. A sigh escaped her lips as she contemplated the future, "I'll have to figure out what to do with school."

Murtasim's response was immediate and supportive, "We can do whatever you want - if you want to finish a semester or two, we'll make sure you can. I'll do all I can to take care of you, we'll hire people for things – tutors if you need them too. But if you want to stop, that's fine too, whatever makes you happy."

Grateful, Meerab held him tighter, pressing a tender kiss to his neck. "I'll talk to the program coordinator and see," she told him, her heart swelling with love for the man who was ready to move mountains for her happiness.

He hummed, a soothing sound as he rubbed her back, offering comfort and reassurance in the simplest of gestures.

"Are you scared?" he asked, his voice soft, betraying a hint of his own fears.

She nodded slightly, her vulnerability surfacing. "My mom didn't have an easy time with me from what I've heard...so I am a little scared," she whispered. In the old photographs shared with her by Maa Begum and her father, there were glimpses of her pregnant mother, always looking so frail. Paired with her tragic end at childbirth, it cast a shadow over her excitement.

Murtasim tensed at her words, his protective instincts kicking in. "I am not going to let anything happen to you," he said, his voice laced with resolve, a vow that he intended to keep at all costs.

She lifted her face to look at him, her hands caressing his face in a gesture filled with trust and love. "I know," she said, her voice steady, believing in him completely. "What about you? Are you scared?" she asked, turning the focus onto him, wanting to understand his fears.

He sighed, a weight in the sound. "I am not sure if I'll be a good father... my examples aren't the type of father I want to be," he confessed, his insecurity about his ability to be the father he aspired to be, influenced by the examples set by his own father and hers.

"Murtasim, just the fact that you're already thinking about that means you'll be a great father," she said, her eyes filling with tears at the raw honesty in his expression. "And despite everything that happened...my Baba was always a good father, you can talk to him if you want," she whispered, offering him support and a path.

He nodded, seemingly mulling over her suggestion. And then with a conviction that seemed to light up the dim room, his voice soft yet filled with an unwavering belief, "You're going to be an amazing mother," he whispered, his eyes locked onto hers.

She sighed, self-doubt coloring her tone. "I can barely take care of myself," she muttered.

"You don't need to, I take care of you, you focus on growing our baby inside you," he whispered back.

Her eyes filled with tears again, the emotional weight of his assurance, his love, and his dedication overwhelming her. "You have to stop saying things like that, or I am going to cry all the time," she whispered, her voice breaking with the intensity of her feelings.

He smiled, a tender, heartwarming curve of his lips that seemed to chase away any shadows of doubt. "I can handle the tears as long as they're happy tears," he assured her.

In a gesture filled with love and a touch of playful frustration, she whacked his arm gently before curling up into him again. Her face found solace in the warmth of his neck as she whispered, "I love you, Murtasim."

"I love you too, now sleep, meri jaan," he whispered back, his lips pressing a gentle kiss to her head.

She hummed. Letting the fatigue wash over her, she succumbed to sleep, cradled in the arms of the man she loved.

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Meerab stirred from her slumber, the faint light of dawn casting a soft glow through the windows, to the tender sensation of her shirt not covering her stomach. Still groggy from sleep, she became acutely aware of Murtasim's hand on her stomach, followed by the warmth of his lips.

His voice, a soft murmur filled with love and anticipation, caressed her heart as much as his touch did. "I can't wait to meet you," he whispered to their unborn child, "but while you're in there, be nice to your ammi, okay? Grow nicely, don't scare us, and make sure your mom has an easy time... I'll take care of the rest, okay?"

Tears slipped unbidden down Meerab's cheeks, touched by the sweetness of his words, the gentle tone as he spoke promises and hopes to their baby. It was a moment so intimate, so filled with love, it overwhelmed her.

"I don't think she can hear us yet," Meerab found herself saying, her voice soft, not wanting to break the magical atmosphere that had enveloped the room.

Murtasim looked up then, his eyes wide with surprise at being caught in the act, a vulnerability in his question, "I am sorry, did I wake you up?"

She shook her head, her heart swelling with affection for this man, and opened her arms to him, an invitation he accepted without hesitation. He crawled back up the bed to hold her, his kiss landing gently on her nose.

"You didn't sleep?" she asked, already knowing the answer from the shadow of fatigue beneath his eyes, yet there was a brightness in them that spoke of his excitement, his love.

He shook his head, a silent admission of his restless night spent in anticipation and whispered conversations with their child.

"How long have you been talking to her?" Meerab's curiosity was tinged with amusement, loving the idea of him communicating with their baby in the quiet of the night, if someone had told her he would do things like that when she first married him, she would have laughed.

"A while," he said sheepishly, his voice carrying a note of bashful pride.

Meerab couldn't help but smile, her heart full, as she curled up into him once more.

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Meerab's morning started abruptly, the unsettling wave of nausea hitting her as she bolted from the bed, her hand clasped over her mouth. Murtasim was quick to follow, concern etched on his face as he caught up to her in the bathroom. He held her hair back tenderly and rubbed soothing circles on her back while she leaned over the toilet, the act of vomiting draining her of energy.

"I hate this," Meerab whined, her voice weak and frustrated as Murtasim helped her up and guided her to the sink to rinse her mouth.

Perching himself on the counter, he offered a suggestion, "The internet says ginger water helps," he noted as she cleaned up. His next words were quick to follow, "I'll go make some," he declared, his tone leaving no room for protest as he escorted her back to their room.

"It's okay, I'll just—," Meerab tried to dissuade him, the thought of him fussing over her making her feel even more burdensome.

"Shhh, I need you to sit here for a few minutes, I'll be right back," Murtasim interrupted, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before he hurried out of the room.

Left alone, Meerab couldn't help but wonder what he would return with. His culinary skills were notoriously limited to making coffee, a result of his upbringing as the only son in a feudal family, not that she was any better without help. She glanced at the clock, noting it was 6am—an hour when the kitchen would likely be deserted, offering him no help but a chance to experiment without interference.

She was glad the kitchen would be empty, the idea of Murtasim requesting ginger water and inadvertently alerting his mother to her pregnancy made Meerab wince internally. The last thing she needed was an early morning celebration of her condition, especially when she barely had the energy to sit upright.

When Murtasim returned ten minutes later, carrying a tray with a steaming mug and a small bowl, Meerab felt a mix of relief and curiosity. The aroma of ginger that filled the room was surprisingly comforting, not triggering her nausea further, prompting her to sit up in anticipation.

"Careful, it's hot. I put honey in it for you," Murtasim warned as he handed her the mug, his eyes fixed on her, eager to see if his remedy would help.

Taking a cautious sip, Meerab felt the warm liquid soothing her throat and stomach. She hummed in approval, the sweetness perfectly balanced, "It's good, the perfect amount of sweet too," she managed to say, her words drawing a broad, proud smile from Murtasim.

Seeing his face light up in that way, relief and pride mingling in his expression, made Meerab smile at how cute he was.

"Was there anyone in the kitchen?" Meerab's voice was tinged with concern as she took another sip of the soothing ginger water.

Murtasim shook his head, a gesture of reassurance as he reached out to gently push a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch tender and caring.

"What's happened?" she suddenly asked, her gaze falling on a red spot near a knuckle on his hand. A thin piece of skin was peeled back, revealing a clear indication of a minor injury beneath it.

"I apparently don't know how to grate ginger very well, but it's okay," he said with a smile, trying to downplay the mishap. His nonchalance was aimed at easing her worries, but it only served to make her heart tighten; he was hurt because he was trying to help her.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she asked, "Does it hurt?"

He shook his head, dismissing her concern with a playful smirk. "It's fine, but you can kiss it better," he suggested, holding his injured finger out towards her lips.

She couldn't help but laugh, leaning in to press a soft kiss on the wounded spot, her heart lifting at the sight of his smile.

"I read that you should eat crackers too," he said after a moment, changing the subject as he reached for the small bowl he had brought with the ginger water. He held it out to her, his concern for her well-being evident.

"I don't feel like it," she muttered, the persistent nausea making the thought of eating anything less than appealing.

"Try it, please, meri jaan," he coaxed gently, his fingers softly caressing her cheek in an effort to persuade her. His use of the endearment, so full of love and concern, was hard to resist.

With a resigned sigh, Meerab took a cracker from the bowl, biting into it hesitantly. She braced herself for the nausea to kick in again, but to her relief, it stayed at bay. Encouraged by this small victory, they spent the next twenty minutes in bed, her sipping on the ginger water and nibbling on crackers, while Murtasim sat with her, alternating with playing with her hair or resting his hand on her stomach.

Murtasim's insistence on showering together was a gesture of care that Meerab found herself deeply grateful for, especially given her dwindling energy. In the warm embrace of the shower, he gently lathered her, washed her hair with a tenderness that made her want to cry, and rinsed her off before attending to himself.

"Thank you," she muttered softly as they dried off, her heart full of appreciation for him.

He smiled at her, his love shining through the humor in his eyes. "You don't have to thank me for the chance to see my wife naked first thing in the morning," he quipped, his grin playful and affectionate.

She responded with a gentle whack to his arm, a smile playing on her lips despite the nausea that lingered at the edges of her being. Walking over to the vanity to pull out her hair dryer, she felt a comforting normalcy in their morning routine, laughing as she blow-dried his hair a back a little, for he always skipped the hair-gel when she did.

As they stepped out of the room, ready to start the day, the pervasive smell of breakfast cooking—an amalgamation of omelettes and meat—assaulted her senses, causing the nausea to surge forward with renewed vigor.

"Too much?" Murtasim's concern was immediate, his eyes scanning her face.

She could only nod in response, the overwhelming scents making it impossible to consider eating anything from their kitchen.

"We'll get something else outside," he decided swiftly, guiding her out of the house with a protective hand at her back. He paused only to inform a maid of their plans, ensuring his mother would be notified of their early departure and decision to eat breakfast elsewhere.

"She's going to be mad," Meerab voiced her concern as they walked to the car.

"She'll deal with it," Murtasim shrugged off the concern with ease. "Plus, if you start throwing up, she'll insist we stay home and call the doctor, and you have an important lecture this morning." His words were practical, highlight how he was always thinking steps ahead.

As he opened the car door for her, she paused, a breath caught in the air between them. "What?" he asked, his expression one of confusion mixed with concern.

"Come here," she beckoned, her voice soft.

He leaned in, and she placed a tender kiss on his cheek, her words "I love you" wrapping around them like a warm embrace.

He grinned, the affection in his eyes reflecting back at her. "I love you too," he responded, his voice laced with happiness. Carefully, he helped her into the car, handed her the dupatta with a gentle touch, and placed her tote – which he insisted on carrying - in the back.

Murtasim made a detour to a bakery en route to her school, emerging with a simple fare of plain bread with butter for them to eat in the car. Despite her reluctance, he was insistent, gently reminding her, "You have to eat something, if you don't it makes the nausea worse."

"Okay, Mr. Google," she muttered, a touch of humor in her voice despite the discomfort. After a brief pause, curiosity got the better of her. "When did you search this all up?" she asked, realizing he hadn't picked up his phone all morning yet seemed to know things.

"Last night," he replied, his focus on the road ahead.

Meerab turned to look at him, really look, and noticed the dark circles under his eyes for the first time. The realization that he had been up, researching morning sickness to help her, made her heart swell with love and concern. "You didn't sleep, did you?" she pressed.

"I did a little," he conceded, a half-truth at best.

She sighed, a gentle reprimand in her tone, "You need your sleep too."

As he held her hand, bringing it to his lips for a tender kiss while navigating the streets to her university, he reassured her, "I'll pick you up at lunchtime, and we'll go to the doctor."

She nodded in agreement, touched by his care.

"If you feel sick or need anything, call me," he reminded her, echoing his earlier sentiments.

"I'll be fine, Murtasim. I was fine yesterday too," she tried to assuage his worries, her voice soft yet firm.

"I'm just worried," he admitted, the concern evident in his voice.

Meerab couldn't resist; she leaned over to place another kiss on his cheek. "Thank you for worrying, but I am not the first woman to get pregnant in this world."

"Haan, but it's the first time you are pregnant," he countered quietly as he pulled up in front of her university, his eyes betraying his reluctance to part ways.

"I'll be fine. I'll call if I need anything," she reassured him, her hand reaching for the door. However, Murtasim didn't release her hand, his grip gentle yet firm. "Wait right there," he instructed, a soft command that made her smile.

True to his word, he exited the car and walked around to open the door for her. "You're impossible. I can get my own doors once in a while," she teased, her heart light with love.

"I am doing it for her too," he said, his hand briefly touching her stomach as she stepped out of the car, a gesture so full of love it rendered her speechless for a moment. "I don't want to leave you," he whispered, the vulnerability in his voice wrapping around her heart.

"Just a few hours," she smiled reassuringly, trying to lighten the mood.

He nodded reluctantly, his protective nature shining through. "Go now before I decide to put you back in the car. Walk carefully," he instructed, his eyes following her every step.

She offered him her brightest smile in parting, turning back to see him still there, watching over her until she disappeared into the building.

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"Your husband drives a black Mercedes, right?" Rumi, one of Meerab's classmates whom she had befriended, asked as she glanced out the window during the break between their second and last lecture, waiting for the professor to arrive.

Meerab nodded, her curiosity piqued as she turned back to her friend.

"Is there a reason why he has been sitting in the parking lot this whole time?" Rumi's eyes were alight with curiosity, prompting Meerab to stand and look out the window herself.

There, unmistakably, was their Mercedes.

"He's been there the whole time?" Meerab asked, her mind racing. She wondered if Murtasim was just early to pick her up, but that didn't make sense—it was just past midway through the day.

"Hm, he parked beside my car earlier as I got out, hasn't moved since it seems," Rumi commented.

Meerab could only glare at the car from the distance, knowing well that he couldn't see her but hoping somehow he could feel her glare. She understood why he was there; his overprotectiveness was showing.

Turning back to Rumi, Meerab sighed, "What are the chances the professor is going to do something I need to be here for?"

"Very low, he's going to read off his dry slides... I can send you notes," Rumi offered with a smile, her curiosity not yet sated. "If you tell me why he's out there still."

"He's a tad overprotective," Meerab confessed.

"Acha? Why?" Rumi's tone was teasing, suggesting she had an inkling.

Meerab could only shrug, not wanting to dive too deep into the details.

"Nothing to do with how tired and nauseous you've felt recently?" Rumi pressed, her intuition on display.

Meerab's eyes widened in shock, surprised at her friend's perceptiveness.

Rumi squealed softly, leaning in to whisper, "Are you pregnant?"

Meerab sighed, a mixture of resignation and relief at sharing her secret. "Maybe, we're going to the doctor today."

Rumi squealed again, her excitement palpable. "Did you do a test?"

Meerab nodded, "Seven."

Laughing, Rumi exclaimed, "I have to meet your husband, he's so adorable."

Meerab couldn't help but smile, touched by her friend's support.

"Go before the professor comes, I'll send you notes," Rumi encouraged her.

"Thank you," Meerab expressed her gratitude sincerely.

"You have more important things to do than sitting in a 90-minute lecture about something YouTube can explain in fifteen," Rumi joked. "Good luck."

With a grateful sigh, Meerab quickly gathered her things and left the classroom, making her way towards the parking lot where Murtasim awaited.

As Meerab slid into the car, Murtasim visibly jumped, his phone clattering to the floor in surprise. Clearly, he hadn't seen her approach, his reaction shocked.

"I – " he began, his eyes wide with startled surprise.

"Hang up the phone first," Meerab interjected, assuming he was in the middle of an important call given his startled state.

He let out a resigned sigh, picked up his phone, and quickly informed the person on the other end that he would call them back before hanging up.

The moment the call ended, Meerab turned to face him, her glare pointed and questioning. "Yeh kya harkat hai?" she demanded, her tone exasperated.

"I thought you might need something, so I – " Murtasim attempted to explain his presence in the parking lot for the past several hours, his logic seemingly sound in his head.

"So, you decided to just sit in the parking lot outside for hours in case?" Meerab asked, arching an eyebrow in disbelief.

He nodded, his expression sheepish, fully aware of how his actions must appear from her perspective.

"Murtasim," she groaned, torn between being touched by his concern and baffled by his overprotectiveness.

"I didn't want to leave in case you were sick this morning," he muttered, his justification laced with genuine worry.

"And I'll be sick on many days, you can't just camp out here or stay by my side 24/7," Meerab sighed, trying to inject some reason into the conversation.

"I know, but – " he started to argue, unable to fully let go of his protective instincts.

"Why do I feel like you're going to drive me crazy with how overprotective you are?" she half-joked, half-complained, envisioning a future where Murtasim shadowed her every move, a thought that was mildly terrifying.

He fell silent, the seriousness of the conversation dawning on him.

Meerab sighed, her frustration softening as she acknowledged his intentions. "I know you do it because you love me, but we need to set some ground rules so I don't end up killing you," she half-joked, her tone light despite the serious undercurrent.

Murtasim sighed, his usual confidence replaced by a vulnerability that was rare for him. "I am just very... it's like there is this feeling in my stomach that won't go away, and my mind keeps thinking that you'll need me and I won't be there and... I don't like it," he confessed, his words painting a picture of his internal struggle.

"Anxiety," Meerab labeled the feeling succinctly, recognizing the symptoms.

"A lot of it suddenly, it's like I woke up with it," he admitted, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a rare admission of unease.

"Why?" Meerab probed gently, knowing that Murtasim was not one to succumb to anxiety, it wasn't a part of his personality. His calm and certainty were as much a part of him as his overprotectiveness.

"I don't know, what if something happens to you?" he muttered, his fears laid bare.

"Move your seat back," Meerab responded, her tone firm yet gentle.

"Why?" he asked, puzzled by her request.

"Just do it!" she insisted, her voice showing her frustration.

He complied, still confused but willing to follow her lead. As he adjusted his seat, Meerab climbed over the console and settled into his lap, her hands cupping his face to ensure he was looking directly at her. "Women run marathons pregnant, the worst thing you can do is sit at home and do nothing. I know it's scary – I'm scared too, but as scary as it all is, most women go through this multiple times in their lives. We'll be okay," she reassured him . "But if you're constantly hovering around me like this, I am going to get pissed, and it's not going to be fun. I am just pregnant, not invalid, okay?"

He nodded, taking in her words, the seriousness of the moment mixed with the absurdity of their position in the car. "But you have to tell me when you need me," he told her, his voice soft yet firm, a plea hidden within.

"You'll be the first to know, I promise," she said, her fingers playing with his hair, a gesture filled with affection.

"If you're feeling unwell you tell me, don't push yourself," he continued, his protective instincts still at the forefront of his mind.

"I won't, I promise," she assured him, her voice a balm to his anxious heart. "But I need you to trust me. I am strong, aren't I?"

"My arm is still stinging from your whack, so yes," he smiled, the tension between them breaking with his admission, making her laugh.

She leaned in, her lips meeting his in a soft peck. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you, too," he responded, his smile broad and filled with a love so deep it enveloped her entirely.

"Now hold me until it's time to leave to go to the doctor," she muttered, settling more comfortably into his embrace, her face buried in his neck. His arms wrapped around her securely, a fortress against the world outside.

-----------------------------------------

If Murtasim felt out of place being the only man in the clinic, he didn't let it show. He sat close by Meerab's side, his presence a silent pillar of support as she filled out the necessary paperwork. He even held the two water bottles she had been instructed to drink, a task he took on without complaint as he forced her to take sips every minute, his attention fixed on her.

"Start date of last menstrual period," Meerab muttered to herself, trying to recall the exact date. She knew it was at the end of July but the exact day eluded her.

"July 30," Murtasim provided, his voice certain.

Turning to him, her eyebrow arched in surprise, she found him just shrugging in response, "it was a few days after my birthday."

She wrote it down, continuing to answer the other questions on the form. When she noted her cycle was usually 30 days, the realization that she had missed her period in August too dawned on her—a detail overlooked amidst the stress of recent changes. She couldn't help but feel a bit foolish for not noticing sooner.

After completing the form, they handed it back to the receptionist and were called in within minutes. A nurse took a urine and blood sample, and then they were seated at a table in the consultation room, waiting for the doctor.

Dr. Reema Abbasi, a middle-aged woman with a calm demeanor, greeted them with a wave and a warm introduction. "So, you think you're pregnant?" she asked Meerab, while Murtasim discreetly grabbed Meerab's hand under the table, offering her a reassuring squeeze.

Meerab nodded, a bit nervous as she explained, "We did pregnancy tests, 6 of 7 came back positive."

"Six out of seven?" Dr. Abbasi echoed, her eyebrows rising in mild surprise.

Feeling a tad embarrassed by their thoroughness, Meerab could only nod again, comforted by the gentle squeeze of Murtasim's hand.

"I got a bit carried away," Murtasim chimed in, his tone light, trying to add a bit of humor to the situation.

"It happens," Dr. Abbasi reassured, her smile directed towards Murtasim, acknowledging his concern and involvement. She then proceeded to comb through the paperwork. "Unplanned?" she inquired, looking up from the forms.

They both nodded.

"Hmmm, you're young and in good health," Dr. Abbasi observed, reviewing their medical information. "No oral or chemical contraceptives, no medications... Since your last period was on July 30th with an approximate 30-day cycle, if you are in fact pregnant, you likely conceived around mid-August—does that sound feasible?" she asked, her gaze shifting between them, seeking confirmation.

Meerab nodded, a realization dawning on her that this timeline placed them right in the middle of their honeymoon.

"What symptoms have you been having?" Dr. Abbasi inquired further.

"Fatigue, I am always tired," Meerab confessed, "since mid-to-late August actually."

The doctor nodded in understanding. "Some women are more in tune with their energy levels and notice differences."

"The fatigue is really bad on most days and, from the last few days, I've also been feeling nauseous," Meerab added, hoping for some relief or advice.

"Morning sickness," Dr. Abbasi labeled it simply.

"She's sick at any time of the day, though," Murtasim interjected, his concern evident in his voice.

The doctor nodded again, "The name is misleading; it can happen at any time but for many, it's worst in the morning."

"When does it stop?" Meerab asked, her desire for an end to the discomfort clear in her voice.

"Second trimester for most, but we'll discuss some tips to manage it. Based on all of this, if you are pregnant, that means you're likely about 8 weeks along," Dr. Abbasi explained.

Both Meerab and Murtasim looked confused, prompting a small chuckle from the doctor. "When we calculate gestational age, it doesn't start from the day you conceived but from the last period, so basically, women are considered two weeks pregnant by the time they actually conceive."

"That's confusing," Murtasim muttered, as she too tried to wrap his head around the concept.

She laughed, "I know, but it all balances out because then pregnancy is 40 weeks, which is around 9 months."

They nodded, absorbing the information as best as they could.

"I'll get the results from the urine test back in minutes. The blood test will confirm a number of things including your blood type, Rh factor, iron levels, and such; you'll likely see that by Monday. And since you're likely around 8 weeks along, we'll do an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, how far along you are, to rule out any complications and see if we can determine what your due date is," she smiled, her demeanor reassuring.

She paused for a few moments, looking between them. "I know it's scary, but we'll figure it out, and I'll give you a bunch of resources for what to do, where to look, prescribe you some prenatal vitamins—okay?" she asked, her tone comforting.

They both nodded, comforted by her expertise and reassured by her calmness. Dr. Abbasi then called for a sonographer, turning to them with smile, "There's a chance you can hear your baby's heartbeat today, even though he or she will be the size of a kidney bean at this point."

Meerab looked over at Murtasim, tears welling up in her eyes at the thought of hearing their baby's heartbeat for the first time. Murtasim, who seemed to be feeling a surge of emotions himself, squeezed her hand tightly.

Murtasim's grip on Meerab's hand was comforting as they walked over to the side of the room for the ultrasound. As she lay on the bed, the sonographer entered, and Murtasim took his place by her side, his presence a calming force. When her kameez was gently pulled up, Meerab tensed slightly, but Murtasim's reassuring squeeze and whispered "okay?" helped ease her nerves.

Meerab nodded, offering a small smile in return.

The sonographer smiled as she looked between the two of them, "I am going to put pull your bottoms down just a little," she said as she did, while also covering the waistband and bottoms with a paper, "I'll put some gel on your stomach, it might feel cold.

The warning about the cold gel only elicited a soft gasp from Meerab, not from discomfort but from the unexpected sensation. Murtasim, always attentive, whispered, "cold?" to which Meerab shook her head, clarifying, "just surprising," as the sonographer began moving the wand across her abdomen.

While the sonographer and Dr. Abbasi focused on the ultrasound screen, Murtasim's attention remained fixed on Meerab, lifting her hand to press a kiss to the back of it..

As the sonographer announced, "oh, there we go," Meerab's attempt to decipher the screen only revealed a world of gray and black, save for a distinct 8-shaped void.

Dr. Abbasi, with a gentle smile, directed their attention to the ultrasound screen as she walked to stand by it. "This is the fetus," she announced, her pointer settling on a small shape that resembled a kidney bean attached by a stalk. "You're definitely around 8 weeks. The fetus is developing wonderfully."

Murtasim's response was to squeeze Meerab's hand, a silent expression of joy and wonder. Meerab, her heart swelling with emotion, smiled brightly at Dr. Abbasi's assurance that their baby was growing wonderfully.

She continued, "I know it doesn't look like much, but if you look closely, you can see here two arm buds and two leg buds right here." She pointed to the barely discernible dots on the screen, her enthusiasm infectious. "Can we move it a little to show them the heartbeat?" she asked the sonographer who nodded, moving the wand a little and pressing a couple of buttons on the machine, beeps ringing out around them.

The room filled with the soft beeps of the ultrasound, a backdrop to the unfolding miracle.

"Look closely, and you can see the heart beating away, right there," Dr. Abbasi encouraged. Meerab, her gaze fixed on the screen, saw it—a rapid flicker that danced with life. She squeezed Murtasim's hand tighter, turning to catch his reaction. His eyes, wide with awe, were locked on the screen, his face a picture of amazement and love.

"Would you like to hear the heartbeat?" Dr. Abbasi asked, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.

Meerab and Murtasim both nodded eagerly, their anticipation palpable in the tight grip of their hands.

The sonographer made a few adjustments, and then, suddenly, the room was filled with the sound of their baby's heartbeat. It was a fast, rhythmic whooshing, each beat a rapid succession that echoed profoundly in the space. The sound, both alien and deeply familiar, was like a drumroll, quick and steady, a testament to the new life they were about to welcome. It was a sound that spoke directly to their souls, a rapid "whoosh-whoosh-whoosh" that seemed to say, "Here I am, growing, living, being."

"It's so fast," Meerab whispered, her voice a mixture of wonder and emotion as tears began to fill her eyes.

Hearing the heartbeat transformed the abstract idea of pregnancy into a visceral reality. Meerab, overwhelmed by the moment, turned to Murtasim, finding him equally moved, tears in his eyes as he looked at her with a smile that spoke volumes.

"You have a healthy baby who's growing exactly as it should," Dr. Abbasi announced, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement as the sonographer navigated the ultrasound machine.

"7.8," the sonographer mentioned to the doctor.

"You're just shy of 8 weeks along... making your due date May 8," Dr. Abbasi said with a smile, delivering the news that anchored their journey into parenthood with a specific timeline.

"Can we get pictures or record this?" Murtasim asked, his voice slightly hoarse, perhaps betraying the emotion he felt, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Dr. Abbasi nodded affirmatively, "You can get a picture and a video clip with the heartbeat. I'll have Fatima put it on a USB that'll be ready by the time you leave." The offer seemed to bring a new level of reality to the experience, a tangible memory they could hold onto.

They were led back to sit in the chairs after Fatima, the sonographer, cleaned the gel off Meerab's abdomen. Murtasim was right there, helping her off the bed and holding her hand as they made their way back. Meerab noticed Fatima's smile at their interaction.

As they sat, Dr. Abbasi gave them a rundown of important prenatal care tips. Meerab was advised on taking prenatal vitamins, which could be supplemented based on the results of her blood test. The doctor emphasized the importance of avoiding uncooked meats, fish, unpasteurized dairy, soft cheeses, and limiting caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day.

They were also handed a ton of brochures, each packed with information on prenatal classes for childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. The plethora of resources was overwhelming but also reassuring.

"You look like you have a question," Dr. Abbasi said, her gaze settling on Meerab with an understanding and inviting expression.

"I – uh – Murtasim can be a tad overprotective in regular circumstances... it's nerve-wracking for both of us... and..." Meerab trailed off, struggling to articulate her concerns and feelings.

"I don't feel like leaving her side, like something will happen to her or our baby if I am not there," Murtasim interjected, his voice carrying the weight of his worries, she was surprised he shared them so readily for a man who never let himself be vulnerable around strangers.

Dr. Abbasi nodded, her response gentle yet informative. "It is completely normal to feel a range of emotions, anxiety is common. You indicated your mother had a difficult pregnancy and birth experience, so I am sure you two feel even more anxious. And your behavior likely stems from a place of love and concern to keep them both safe," she addressed Murtasim, her words aimed at easing their fears.

Meerab nodded in agreement, feeling a bit relieved that their feelings were understood and validated.

"Just talk to each other and set boundaries, read books, watch videos together, take those classes on the brochures. The more you know, the easier it'll be. Your body—it's designed to not only create and nurture a new life but also adapt in extraordinary ways to support the growth and development of your baby. It has innate mechanisms to protect and support your baby throughout pregnancy and childbirth – and babies, even in the womb, are so resilient. As long as the environment you're in is filled with love, care, and stability, you'll be fine – I can already see you have a partner that I don't have to beg comes to all the appointments," she smiled, her advice wrapping around them like a warm embrace.

Meerab found herself smiling too, comforted by the doctor's words.

"Women who feel supported and loved during pregnancy often experience less stress, which is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Do everything you used to, your body will tell you what it can and cannot - engage in activities you love, being physically active with appropriate exercises, eating a well-balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy emotional and physical relationship with your partner, including having sex if your body says so. Just take care of her, young man, but don't treat her like she's an incubator, and she'll be fine," Her advice not only medical but deeply human, helped more than Meerab thought it could.

Murtasim nodded, his grip on Meerab's hand tightening.

"And for morning sickness?" Murtasim directed his concern towards Dr. Abbasi, his worry evident. "She barely eats."

Meerab turned to him, a hint of defensiveness in her tone, "I eat," she countered, her pride slightly wounded by his overemphasis.

The doctor couldn't help but chuckle at their exchange, her amusement clear. "Contrary to what you think your body is telling you, you should not have an empty stomach. As soon as you wake up, eat something. Keep crackers by the bed, snacks in your purse, drink LOTS of water, but take frequent small sips rather than a lot at once. You'll have to find what triggers the sickness for you—most women can tolerate protein-rich foods, bland foods, but see what works. Ginger water, ginger candies are amazing for most women, and take vitamin B6. There are these lozenges that contain B6 and are ginger-flavoured that many of my patients love, so I'll write those down for you too."

Meerab nodded, absorbing the advice with gratitude. "Thank you," she said, feeling a bit relieved to have some practical solutions.

"I've given you a lot of information today. It's overwhelming, I know. Take your time and go through it all. We'll book another follow-up, and if you ever want to see me, just call the office and come in as needed," She offered, her demeanor both professional and caring.

"Thank you for making time for us today," Murtasim expressed his appreciation, his voice soft but sincere.

Dr. Reema chuckled, a twinkle in her eye. "The health minister himself called our office, Mr. Khan."

Meerab turned to Murtasim, shock on her face as she arched an eyebrow in surprise.

"She's the most highly-rated gynecologist in the city, the receptionist said she couldn't squeeze us in," he whispered back, a sheepish grin on his face, eliciting another snicker from the doctor, and a gentle whack from Meerab.

"I am so sorry," Meerab said, her apology directed towards the doctor, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.

She shook her head, dismissing the apology with a wave of her hand. "No, don't worry about it. First-time fathers are a whole different breed," She remarked, her voice laced with warmth and understanding.

As Meerab and Murtasim stepped out of the room, the soft sounds of admiration from the staff followed them. "They're so cute; he held her hand the whole time," they overheard Fatima squealing, the sentiment echoing through the hallway.

Meerab found herself blushing at the attention, looking up at her husband with a playful smile. "It seems like you have a fan club here too," she teased, her eyes sparkling with humor.

"See, you're lucky you married me," he quipped back, his grin wide and infectious.

She giggled in response but nodded in agreement, her heart full. "The luckiest," she affirmed.

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A/N: Sooooooo, what do you think? I can't believe we're finally here! What was your favourite part? And what are you looking forward to seeing? I feel like indulging, so share thoughts, hehehe.