2 months later

Noor writhed in pain as contractions gripped her, each wave more intense than the last. She longed for Shubman, more than anything, to be by her side right now, but she steadied herself, knowing it was she who had insisted he go on tour. Even though Shubman had been ready to opt out of the series, Noor had pushed him to play—for the fans who found comfort in him, whose therapy he had become. She convinced herself she could handle this with the support of her family and his.

The doctors had initially predicted her labor would begin just days after Shubman’s return, and everyone had felt relieved knowing he would be there for the birth. But here she was, early, gripping the bed, tears streaming down her face as the pain engulfed her. She had thought she had time, but nature had other plans. As she cried out in agony, she knew that soon, she would be bringing life into this world.

Noor let out a loud, piercing scream as she gave one final, desperate push. Her body trembled from the effort, her heart racing. And then, suddenly, the room fell eerily silent. Time seemed to stretch in that moment—the nurses and doctors hovering, anticipation thick in the air. Noor’s breath caught in her throat as she waited for that sound—the one that would signal the arrival of the new life she had carried for so long.

Then, a cry. Soft at first, then stronger, filling the room with the sound of new life. Noor’s chest heaved as she let out a sob of relief, tears welling in her eyes.

Exhausted, she collapsed back onto the bed, her body trembling with both fatigue and joy.

The doctor, a kind-eyed elder, smiled gently as she handed the baby over to the nurse. “It’s a boy,” she said warmly, her voice steady but full of emotion. “Congratulations.”

Noor’s heart swelled, her gaze fixed on the tiny, squirming bundle now in the nurse’s arms. All the pain, all the waiting—it had all led to this moment.

As the nurse, smiling warmly, brought the baby closer to Noor, her tears flowed freely. Despite the lingering pain coursing through her exhausted body, Noor leaned upwards, driven by the overwhelming love and relief that filled her heart.

She closed her eyes for a moment, pressing her lips to the baby's forehead, her tears mingling with her child’s soft skin. "You’re here," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "We did it."

The nurse, still smiling gently, reassured Noor with a soft voice. "You’re tired now," she said kindly. "We’ll let you hold the baby once you feel a little better, okay?"

Noor nodded weakly, her heart full even as exhaustion pulled at her.

Noor’s eyes shifted to the door as her family and Shubman’s rushed in, their faces a mix of concern and relief. The nurse gently placed the baby in the cradle and stepped back. Noor’s mother and Shubman’s mother took their places on either side of her bed

Noor, her smile tired but genuine, looked at her family and asked, "Don’t you want to see the baby?"

Her mother gently squeezed her hand. “Of course we do, Noor. We just wanted to make sure you were okay first.”

Shubman’s mother nodded, tears of joy glistening in her eyes. “We’ve been waiting for this moment. We’ll come and see him now.”

As the mothers, along with Shubman’s father, moved toward the cradle to see the baby, Papa Bajwa quietly came and sat beside his daughter.

Papa Bajwa glanced back to see if Mumma Bajwa was listening, but she was completely absorbed in the baby. He turned back to Noor with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with fond memories.

"I remember when you were born," he said with a nostalgic smile. "Your mother screamed so much that it could be heard from a mile away from the hospital. Luckily, your scream was just outside the room."

Noor laughed softly and playfully said, "Papa, leave my oldie for once."

Papa Bajwa smiled and gave a gentle pat on Noor’s hand. “Alright, alright,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ll save the stories for another time.”

He turned his attention to the cradle, where Mumma Bajwa was still gazing lovingly at the baby.

Papa Bajwa chuckled and said, “I’ll go see the baby; he looks cuter than you did when you were born.”

Noor playfully whined, “Papa, you’re impossible!”

He gently patted her hand again before heading toward the cradle to join the rest of the family, who were eagerly admiring the newborn.

Noor closed her eyes, allowing herself to rest for a while. The gentle hum of her family’s voices and the soft coos around the cradle created a soothing background as she took a much-needed break.

As soon as Noor closed her eyes, she fell into a deep, three-hour-long sleep, her body finally allowing itself to rest. She was gently awakened by soft kisses on her cheekbones.

Slowly, she opened her eyes to find Shubman by her side, his face full of concern and relief. “I’m here,” he whispered, his voice tender. “I’m so proud of you.”

Noor smiled cheekily and asked excitedly, “Did you see the baby?”

Shubman shook his head with a grin. “Not yet. I wanted to meet my mama bear first.”

He leaned in to kiss her forehead, his eyes full of love and relief. Noor’s heart swelled at the sight of him, and she could hardly wait for him to see their new arrival.

Noor, still smiling, asked, “You’re early?”

Shubman nodded. “I managed to catch an earlier flight. I wanted to be here for you and the baby as soon as I could.”

“No worries,” Noor said, smiling at him. “Now go clean up and come meet our baby. I haven’t held him yet,” she added, pouting slightly.

Shubman nodded and headed off to freshen up, eager to meet their little one and share this special moment with Noor.

As Shubman went to freshen up, Noor settled back against the pillows, her excitement growing. She glanced over at the cradle where their baby slept peacefully.

When Shubman returned, he took a deep, calming breath before gently picking up the sleeping baby. The tiny bundle stirred slightly but remained nestled comfortably in his arms. As Shubman touched the life he had created, his emotions surged with a profound intensity.

His hands trembled ever so slightly as he cradled the baby, feeling the warmth and softness of the tiny body against his chest. His eyes glistened with tears of awe and overwhelming love. A deep, protective instinct welled up within him, and he marveled at the fragile, perfect being he and Noor had brought into the world.

The baby’s soft breathing and tiny fingers grasping at the air were reminders of the miracle of life and the profound joy that came with being a father.

Shubman moved toward Noor with careful, deliberate steps, cradling the baby securely in his arms. He sat down next to her, a tender smile on his face as he gently handed the baby over.

Noor's eyes sparkled with joy as she took the little one into her arms.

As Noor rocked the baby gently in her arms, tears of joy filled her eyes. The sight of her newborn, so small and perfect, overwhelmed her with emotion.

Shubman, moved by the moment, wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned over her shoulder. He rested his cheek against hers.

Noor bit her lip and chuckled softly, saying, “Two stupid best friends fell in love, got married, and had a baby.”

Shubman laughed along, holding her tightly. As he marveled at their sleeping baby, the little one began to stir, stretching and waking up.

As the baby opened his eyes, Shubman let out a soft gasp. “He’s got your blue eyes, Noor,” he said, his voice filled with wonder and awe.

Noor smiled and said, “And his nose is just like yours,” as she gently kissed the baby’s tiny nose.

Shubman grinned and teased, “So, what other features does he have that match my handsome face?”

Noor scrunched her eyes playfully as she inspected the baby’s features. “Hmm,” she wondered aloud, pretending to think deeply. “I’ll need to do a bit more investigating to figure that out.”

Shubman chuckled, leaning in closer to get a better look. “Well, whatever he looks like, he’s perfect to me,” he said, wrapping his arm around Noor as they both admired their little one.

As the baby tried to wiggle his fingers, Shubman held out his finger, and the baby gripped it tightly, pulling it toward his mouth. The soft giggles of their newborn brought a smile to Noor’s face.

Leaning her head on Shubman’s chest, Noor whispered, “What do we name him?”

Shubman kissed the baby’s nose and whispered, “Veer Bajwa Gill. Do you love it, little man?” He cooed gently, his voice full of affection.

The baby giggled and reached out, pulling Shubman's face closer with tiny, grasping hands. Noor, impressed, grinned and said, “I guess he loves the name, then.”