12. Babys First Kick #2
Rakshit was standing there, sleeves rolled up, completely focused as he prepared stuffed naan.
The aroma of the food filled the whole house—rich, buttery, mouth-watering.
Her stomach growled.
"Aksh," she called softly.
He startled a little, then turned and smiled at her—that smile, the bright one, not the tiny forced smile he used to give.
The one that made her heart melt every single time.
"What have you made? It smells so good," Shivika said, reaching to lift the lid.
But Rakshit quickly held her hand.
"It's hot," he warned gently.
Then, proudly, "It's Butter Paneer Masala. And I already made Dal Makhni."
Shivika clapped happily.
He smiled even brighter hearing her call him Aksh.
That little name somehow made him feel more… at home.
"I told Rashmi aunty not to come today. I already finished lunch, and I'll make dinner too since I'm home," he said.
"Okay, but we'll make dinner together. You already cooked lunch alone." Shivika said.
She didn't ask why he wasn't going to the office. She didn't want to. She loved that he stayed.
"I ordered something sweet for you," Rakshit added, pulling a chair for her to sit.
"You were craving it yesterday. And since our baby kicked today…"
Shivika's eyes sparkled.
"What did you order?"
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"It's here," Rakshit said with a small laugh at the perfect timing.
He went to receive the order, and Shivika followed him eagerly, unable to wait.
Rakshit shut the door and turned to her. Her eyes were fixed on the parcel like a kid waiting for chocolate.
"So happy?" he teased.
"How did you know I was craving waffles?" she asked.
She had told him she wanted something sweet but never mentioned waffles.
"You were watching waffle reels nonstop," Rakshit replied.
"Your face was expressing everything. I wanted to order it then only, but I wasn't sure if it was healthy for you. So I made the cooks at my restaurant prepare it specially—with all good ingredients."
Shivika didn't know whether to cry or laugh at this sweet, caring, innocent man.
She simply stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
He hugged her back without hesitation.
It had become normal, whenever she felt overwhelmed, emotional, or happy, she hugged him.
And he always understood.
She broke the hug, but before leaving, she quickly kissed his cheek.
Rakshit went red instantly.
She giggled, took the parcel, and hurried to the dining table, too excited to wait.
Rakshit returned to the kitchen to finish cooking.
A few minutes later, Shivika walked back in, holding a piece of waffle in front of his mouth.
He looked at her, her mouth was covered in chocolate.
He raised an eyebrow.
Something fluttered in his stomach.
He leaned forward and took a bite.
"It's nice," he said.
"No. It's heaven," she corrected, and walked back to the dining table.
Rakshit suddenly shouted, "shit!"
Shivika got startled; she had just stepped inside the kitchen after washing her mouth.
He immediately turned to her, worry flashing in his eyes at how she shrinked.
"Sorry, Ika… I am so sorry," he said quickly.
"It's fine, Aksh. But why did you shout?" she asked, confused.
Rakshit rubbed the back of his neck, guilt written all over his face.
"Actually… I called my PA home. I didn't even ask you before doing that. I should've asked. It might be uncomfortable for you. I'm really sorry." He pulled his phone out, already ready to cancel.
Before he could dial, Shivika gently held his hand, stopping him.
"Aksh, it's fine. Don't panic like this," she said softly.
"This is our home. You can call anyone you want. I won't feel uncomfortable—and even if I do, even a little, I'll tell you immediately. Okay?"
Rakshit looked at her carefully, still unsure.
"Are you sure? I can tell him not to come right now."
He asked it while unconsciously tightening his hold on her hands.
Shivika gave him a warm, reassuring smile.
Hearing that, Rakshit finally relaxed, a little smile appearing as the worry in his eyes softened.
"Let's have lunch before he comes," Shivika said.
"Come," he murmured, guiding her toward the dining table where he had already arranged everything neatly.
Just as she sat down, she looked at him and said,
"Aksh… I want to go to your restaurant."
Rakshit blinked, a small chuckle escaping.
She frowned.
"When did I go?"
Her eyes widened a little.
"Oh… that was our restaurant?"
He nodded.
"Yes. And you said you liked the ambience."
There was pride in his voice, but quiet, humble—just like him.
She smiled like she had discovered a new piece of him.
Rakshit's face softened even more than before.
He started feeding her when she suddenly asked,
"If it was our restaurant, then why did you pay that day?"
Rakshit paused for a second, his expression softening. Then he gave her a small, warm smile.
"That story is for some other day," he said gently, lifting another bite towards her lips.
"Right now, just eat."
Shivika happily accepted the bite.
Rakshit looked at her—at the peace on her face, the softness in her smile—and something in his heart melted.
He whispered.