SHIVNYA’S POV
“Where the fuck are you, you asshole? My wife’s in labour and I want you here NOW!”
The voice — loud, panicked, unmistakable.
Our heads snapped up at the same time.
“Avni’s in labour,” we both said in unison, eyes wide.
Without wasting a second, Abhimanyu carried me straight to the bathroom, still holding me close.
“Hot shower. Fast. Let’s go.”
As the water rushed over us, he pressed a kiss to my temple and whispered, “I’ll grab the i-pill after. Don’t walk too much, okay? I’ll carry you everywhere. If anyone asks, we’ll say you twisted your ankle.”
I could barely nod, still too dazed from everything.
He helped me wash quickly, then got us both dried and dressed in record time. While I put on my clothes slowly, still wincing a little from the soreness, he called the chef downstairs.
“Make a sandwich and pack it — quick. She needs to eat before taking medicine.”
Minutes later, he carried me down in his arms again, settled me carefully into the passenger seat of the car, and then rushed back inside to grab the sandwich box and a bottle of water.
On the way, he stopped at the pharmacy, bought the i-pill, and handed it to me gently after I finished eating.
We finally arrived at the hospital.
Just as Abhimanyu opened my door and came to lift me again, I stopped him, cheeks flushing.
“Abhi… it’ll look so embarrassing if you carry me in there. It’s okay, I can walk…”
He turned to me, eyes narrowed in a classic Rathore glare.
“We’ll argue later, Shivuuu. Right now, we need to go — or Aarav will kill me.”
And without giving me a chance to say another word, he scooped me up in his arms once more…
…and carried me straight into the hospital.
As he walked toward the waiting area, both of our families came into view.
Everyone was already there.
The moment they saw us, their faces turned confused — and maybe a little concerned. Abhimanyu gently lowered me into a chair, being careful with every movement. His touch was soft but filled with urgency.
Maa rushed over almost immediately. “Shivnya, what happened to you?” she asked, eyes scanning me from head to toe.
I forced a soft smile, trying to act normal. “Nothing serious, Maa. I just twisted my ankle a bit, it's a small sprain. Don’t worry.”
She nodded, though I could see she wasn’t fully convinced.
While I sat with Maa, trying to stay composed, Abhimanyu walked over to Bhai.
“Where the hell were you?!” my brother snapped, clearly frustrated. “I called you a hundred times!”
Abhimanyu instantly apologized. “I’m sorry, Bhai…”
The moment was tense but understanding. Everyone knew how close Bhai and Abhimanyu were — more than brothers.
Sometimes even the strongest man needs his support system beside him. And why not — his wife was in the operation theatre, undergoing a C-section. Avni’s delivery had gotten slightly complicated, and both Abhimanyu and Aarav Bhai were running around, speaking with doctors and grabbing necessary things from the medical store.
In the meantime, Maa sat beside me and softly said, “Shivnya beta, take some rest for now… because after the baby is born, you’ll have to do a lot. You’ll be both the bua and mami, after all.”
She smiled faintly, trying to hide her stress behind her words.
As she stood up to go fetch tea for everyone, I gently held her hand. “Maa, please… you sit. You’re already stressed. I’ll go get the tea.”
She frowned a little. “But your ankle, beta… take rest, na. You're hurt.”
I shook my head softly. “No maa, I’m fine. Really… I can manage.”
Just as I tried to get up, Aayansh stepped in.
“It’s okay, diii . I’ll bring the tea. You both sit here,” he said kindly.
I hesitated, my heart sinking a little.
The soreness from earlier still throbbed in my body. I hated this helplessness — sitting idly, doing nothing, while everyone else was on their toes. I knew I had pushed myself earlier, and now I was paying for it. But still… I had responsibilities too. And soon, when the baby was born, I’d have even more. Rituals, care, helping Avni… I had to be ready. And at that time if I act like this it would look so disrespectful .
I leaned toward Aayansh and whispered, “Aayu… can you bring a painkiller for me too?”
He gave me a quick nod and walked away.
I knew I was taking a risk. I also knew the moment Abhimanyu found out, he’d be furious — angry out of concern, . But I couldn’t just sit here feeling useless.
Aayansh returned with tea and the painkiller just as Abhimanyu and Aarav Bhai walked in from the other side of the corridor.
My heart skipped a beat.
Before Abhimanyu could even glance my way, I discreetly hid the tablet and took it silently. He didn’t notice — or so I hoped.
And then, within a few minutes, we heard it.
A soft cry.
The baby's first cry.
The doctor emerged with a smile on her face and said, “It’s a baby girl!”
Cheers broke out all around. Aarav and Abhimanyu immediately pulled each other into a tight hug, their eyes glistening. One by one, everyone went to congratulate Bhai.
I walked up to him with a wide smile, “Congratulations Bhai, you finally became a father!”
Bhai wrapped his arms around me tightly and whispered, “And you finally became a Bua…”
My heart swelled. It felt unreal — a new life had entered our world.
But even in this moment of joy, I could feel his eyes on me.
Abhimanyu.
His gaze was heavy, stern — knowing.
Time passed, and soon the doctor informed us we could go in to meet Avni and the baby after the nurses were done cleaning and checking everything.
Just as I was smiling toward Avni’s room, Abhimanyu took my wrist and gently — but firmly — pulled me aside into a quiet corner.
“Did you take a painkiller?” he asked, voice low but laced with restrained anger.
I swallowed and tried to keep my voice steady. “No, I didn’t…”
His hand rose and gently but firmly gripped my jaw, lifting my face toward him. “Don’t lie to me, Shivuu.” His voice cracked with emotion — more pain than rage.
I faltered.
Unable to lie anymore, I gave him a small nod.
And in an instant, he turned, slamming his hand against the wall beside us. The sound echoed in the empty hallway, making me flinch slightly.
“Why don’t you understand?” he said, voice rising with frustration. “If I say no, it’s for a reason! I’m trying my best, Shivuu. Avoiding pills, using protection… I’m not careless with you, dammit! Why can’t you trust that I am doing all this for you ?”
I opened my mouth to explain, but he cut me off.
“Forget it.” His voice was cold now — distant. “Maybe I’m not someone worth listening to.”
And just like that, he turned away.
I reached out, “Abhi, wait…” but he didn’t stop.
Before I could follow, Maa called out from inside, “Come meet Avni and the baby, both of you!”
We both quietly responded and walked in, keeping our emotions locked deep for now.
Inside the room, the air felt warmer — full of joy.
Avni looked exhausted but radiant, while Aarav Bhai was seated beside her, holding her hand.
And then — Baba — he stood holding the baby girl in his arms like she was the most precious gem in the world.
When he saw us enter, he smiled and gently handed the baby to me.
My breath hitched as I took her into my arms.
So tiny. So perfect.
Her skin was milky white, her little lips parted in a peaceful expression. She blinked slowly, a little yawn escaping her mouth — she looked like a fairy. An angel wrapped in cotton.
“Hi little one…” I whispered in awe, rocking her softly.
And then I looked toward Abhimanyu.
He was watching her, frozen in place — eyes wide, chest rising slowly, as if scared to breathe too loud.
“Come on,” I said, smiling gently. “Hold her… she’s so calm.”
But he backed away a little, shaking his head.
“I… I won’t be able to hold her carefully,” he said quietly, almost guiltily. “She’s too tiny… I might mess up.”
I gave him a look — a mix of fondness and disbelief. The same man who could break bones with his bare hands… was afraid of holding a 3-kilogram miracle.
As we stepped out of the hospital room, the warm afternoon sun greeted us, and reality began to settle again. I had to head back to the Rajvanshi house with Sanj to handle the preparations — garlands, aarti thali, decorations — everything had to be perfect for welcoming our little angel home.
Abhimanyu stayed back with Aarav and the rest of the family left for the house to call it a night .
I tried messaging him once.
Twice.
Called him too.
But no reply. Not even a blue tick.
It hurt — more than I’d admit.
I told myself I’d give him space. Maybe he was still angry, or maybe… maybe he just didn’t want to talk.
The next day after preparing everything it was now evening, it was time for Avni and the baby girl to return home. I couldn’t stay away anymore — not from her. So I drove back to the hospital to help with the discharge.
When I entered, the room was already buzzing softly — nurses helping, bags being zipped, Aarav on call with the driver. I quietly sanitized my hands and walked in.
And then I saw them.
Abhimanyu stood near the baby cradle, gazing down at her — completely still, like he was trying to etch her into memory. And she...
She was blinking up at him, her little lips curling into the faintest, purest smile.
“Abhi…” I said softly, stepping closer, “look… she’s smiling at you.”
He didn’t even glance at me. Just gave a cold, curt nod.
As if I hadn’t spoken at all.
Arghhh! This man!
I know I made a mistake He told me not to take any pills but I took the damn painkiller
But it's just one
I never took it even when I have pain in my body, cramps, or having intense sex but I took it now because I can't compromise for now. I am sorry for it and I will earn his forgiveness.
Without another word, I reached for the baby girl and lifted her gently into my arms. She settled in instantly, curling into me like she belonged there — like she remembered me from earlier.
As we prepared to leave, Bhai helped Avni into the wheelchair. She looked pale, tired, but there was a glow on her face that only a new mother has. Aarav hovered around protectively.
I cradled the baby close, careful and slow.
Abhimanyu walked behind us the whole time — quiet, tall, rigid — like a bodyguard. No words. No warmth. Just that same unreadable look on his face.
The car arrived.
We all slid inside. Avni sat in the front beside Aarav, while I climbed into the back with the baby still snuggled in my lap. Her tiny fingers wrapped around one of mine as I softly rocked her and whispered little things — nothing important, just soft sounds of love.
Abhimanyu sat beside me.
Still silent.
But I saw him sneak a glance at us.
And when the baby suddenly sneezed and curled closer into my chest, his hand instinctively moved — as if he wanted to protect her, reach for her — but stopped midway.
I smiled softly to myself.
As we reached home, a sudden burst of poppers exploded in the air, showering us in baby pink and lavender confetti. The entire Rajvanshi house stood glowing — bathed in soft lights, floral streamers, balloons, and welcome boards reading "Welcome Baby Girl". The warmth, the joy — it was overwhelming.
The entire family stood by the entrance, waiting. But I had made sure one person wasn’t involved in any of this — Mrs. Madhu.
I couldn’t risk her shadow falling over this pure moment — over our baby girl.
Her disdain toward daughters wasn’t a secret, and though the family had distanced themselves from her ever since, I wasn’t taking chances. Not today. Not ever.
As we reached the gate of Rajvanshi Mansion , Mrs. Yuvantika came forward, a beautifully decorated aarti thali in her hands. She circled it around Avni and the baby, removing nazar (evil eye), whispering blessings under her breath.
Then, with the gentlest of touches, she pressed the baby's tiny feet into red alta and took her footprints on a white silk cloth — a family tradition to mark the arrival of the youngest generation.
Tears welled up in my eyes.
We entered the house to applaud and laughter, but the baby girl, overwhelmed by it all, began to cry.
“Maybe she’s hungry,” Mrs. Yuvantika said gently, sharing a knowing glance with Chachi.
“Give her to Avni, let her feed,” Chachi added with warmth.
Avni, tired but smiling, nodded and took her daughter in her arms. She was ushered to her room, which was also beautifully decorated — a soft canopy above the bed, pink and gold balloons that read "Welcome Baby Girl", fairy lights casting a magical glow. Her face lit up at the sight, even through the exhaustion.
We quietly closed the door to let her rest.
As the others mingled and chatted in the living room, I turned to Abhimanyu — still silent, distant, and… so heartbreakingly unreadable.
“Come with me,” I whispered softly, threading my fingers into his.
He didn’t resist. But he didn’t respond either.
I led him to my room, shut the door gently behind us, and locked it.
And I made him sit down on the couch , and I sat down carefully on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck — a soft, slow, longing touch.
“Shivnya,” he said, voice tired, restrained, “Please leave me. I have work.”
I didn’t let him continue. I gently placed my index finger on his lips.
“Quiet.” I whispered.
His eyes met mine — sharp, questioning, yet filled with so much fatigue… and something else. Something unspoken.
But this time, his gaze didn’t affect me. Not the way he thought it would.
I wasn't here to fight.
I was here… to heal.
I softly spoke, resting my head near his jaw, “Abhii… I know I made a mistake. I took the painkiller even after you clearly told me not to.”
My voice cracked just a little, “But try to understand naa… it was just this once. I have so many responsibilities as her bua, so many rituals to perform. I didn’t want you carrying me around the whole time. It looks embarrassing, Abhi. No one says anything to you, but I can see the smirks, the judgment in their eyes.”
Abhimanyu didn’t say a word. He looked at me… then huffed, as if controlling the wave of emotions inside him. Without saying a word, he gently made me sit beside him, stood up, and walked out of the room.
Arghhh! Why is this man so hard to convince?! 🙄
Later that day, Chachi came and softly said, “Shivnya beta, stay till the baby’s naming ceremony. Spend time with her, she already loves you.”
I gave her a soft smile, but inside, I wasn’t at ease.
Staying in this house wasn’t easy. Not with those faces… the ones responsible for tearing apart my past, killing my first love.
But I knew Abhimanyu wouldn’t leave me alone here. No matter how angry he was, he knew this place triggered me. And I knew him — he'd rather suffer in silence than let me fall into that dark hole again.
So I stayed.
In every little moment when the baby wasn’t feeding or sleeping, she was with me. My little bundle of joy. My sunshine. I played with her, hummed lullabies, told her silly secrets. And every time I walked in with her in my arms, I saw Abhimanyu stealing secret glances — pretending not to, but failing every single time.
One evening , the baby was lying on the bed, blinking and cooing, while Abhimanyu and I sat beside her. He was pretending to work on his phone — but I could tell he was watching us from the corner of his eye.
Trying to lighten the air, I nudged him, “Abhimanyu, see! She’s trying to say something!”
He leaned in with sudden focus, eyes wide and curious.
I smiled cheekily and said in a baby voice, “Mamu… please na, forgive my mami… she promised not to take any pills again… she’s very sorry.”
Abhimanyu looked at both of us — me and the tiny girl — and turned his face the other way, trying to hide the smile forming at the corners of his lips.
I huffed and crossed my arms dramatically.
“Okay fine! Now it’s enough of your tantrums, Mr. Rathore. Either you forgive me, or me and your niece will boycott you. Hmph!”
And suddenly — he laughed.
Like really laughing, for the first time in days.
“You look so cute when you speak in a baby tone,” he chuckled, shaking his head.
I scooted closer to him and looked at him with big puppy eyes, “Toh you forgave me na? Please? Pretty pretty please?”
He softened instantly. “Yeah… I understand, Shivu. I really do. But just… try to understand me too, okay? If I stop you from something, it’s not to control you. It’s because I love you too much to risk anything.”
I cupped his face with both hands, eyes brimming with love, “I know, baba… I know. And I’m sorry. Truly.”
Then I did the most dramatic puppy face ever, “Please, please, forgive your little wifey? Please baby please?”
He broke into a smile and pulled me into a warm hug. “Yes, I forgive you. But promise me… no more pills. Ever.”
I nodded into his chest and whispered, “Promise.”
And right on cue, our little baby girl let out the cutest giggle ever — like she approved the patch-up herself.
Abhimanyu looked at her and smiled, “See? Even she agrees now.”
I leaned down, kissed her tiny forehead and whispered, “We love you too, princess. So, so much.”
The next day was her naamkaran sanskar — the name ceremony — and I was super excited! I had already thought of so many names in my head, but before finalising anything, I turned to Avni and asked softly,
“Bhabhi, have you already thought of a name?”
And to my surprise, she had.
She told me the name — and oh god, it was adorable.
It felt like the name was already made just for her.
So I smiled and said, “Then let’s keep that name only. After all, she’s your baby girl. You have the first right.”
The next day, the entire house glowed in shades of yellow. Everyone was dressed in bright hues of sunshine — I wore a yellow saree with soft gold embroidery, and Abhimanyu, as always, looked too good in a light yellow kurta with white churidar. We both sat beside Aarav and Avni during the hawan, while little baby started to get irritated from the smoke.
So, of course, I took her in my arms.
While the pooja went on, Abhimanyu and I tried everything to keep her distracted — playing with her tiny fingers, rocking her gently, making silly faces. And then, the priest finally announced:
“Now the bua will whisper the baby’s name in her ear, and then announce it.”
My heart did a soft flutter.
I held Avya close, brought my lips near her ear and whispered gently,
“Avya.”
She immediately giggled.
I grinned, eyes glowing. “Her name is Avya,” I announced.
A round of happy claps echoed in the hall, and everyone blessed her.
She truly was a happy baby — giggling, twinkling her eyes — our sunshine.
Later, I sat with her in a quiet corner, cradling her like she was my own. Sanj and Divit kept trying to snatch her away.
“Bas na diiii , thodi der toh rehne do mere paas!” I argued. “I’m leaving soon… let me soak in every second.”
( enough na dii let her be with us also for sometimes )
But of course, Mr. Rathore decided to ruin the moment.
He walked up and said, in the most casual tone ever, “Shivuu… we have to go back now. Come.”
Both Sanj and Divit giggled as they grabbed Avya from my lap.
I pouted and crossed my arms, making the most dramatic crying face ever.
I didn’t want to leave.
We had already been here for 12 days. And even though it felt like home again with only and only my sunshine , leaving Avya felt like leaving a part of myself.
Everyone walked out, but I stayed back, holding Avya’s tiny fingers and whispering,
“Sunshine… your bua is going to miss you so much. I know you’ll miss me too. But I promise—whenever—”
And of course.
“Yeah, yeah,” Abhimanyu interrupted from behind, arms folded smugly, “She’ll come meet us and we’ll come meet her. She won’t cry missing you because, well… she can’t even see properly yet. She’s a newborn, Shivu. She won’t even remember your face.”
I turned around and shot him a glare that could burn a hole in a wall.
Everyone laughed.
But I? I stormed out like a heartbroken person.
As soon as we sat in the car, I snapped.
“I HATE YOU. I hate you! I hate you, you idiot. You didn’t even let me say a proper goodbye to Avya!”
He smirked like the smug devil he is and said,
“I know exactly how much you hate me.”
And just like that, he drove off — like nothing happened.
Because this man… this man knows me too well.
The next few days were strange. The house felt too quiet. My arms felt empty. I missed Avya’s baby scent, her soft giggles, the way she held my finger like it was her whole world.
I think… I had a baby fever.
But I didn’t tell Abhimanyu.
Because he doesn’t get this type of baby fever.
And maybe… maybe Radhika and Avni were lying when they said “Abhimanyu loves babies.” 🙄
Because now I’m sure he isn't in babies that much
✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:
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