15. Hello, Princess!
Faint sunlight entered the room as birds chirped outside, it was early morning.
Rakshit slowly opened his eyes and looked at Shivika, who was sleeping beside him. They weren't cuddling, yet they were close enough for him to feel her warmth.
His hand rested on her stomach, with hers placed softly over it.
A smile curved his lips as he admired the beauty in front of him. He adjusted his position slightly to look at her face more clearly.
Her cheeks looked a little chubbier, making her appear even cuter, he thought.
(I've slept many nights, but for the first time, I found real sleep.)
Shivika stirred slowly. She turned to her side, coming face to face with Rakshit.
Her eyes were still closed, but Rakshit's gaze remained fixed on her face. Slowly, she opened her eyes just a little and found him already looking at her.
She closed them again, then opened them once more, lazily.
Rakshit chuckled softly, knowing she didn't want to wake up, even though her sleep had already been broken.
After a few minutes, Shivika finally opened her eyes completely and looked at him. Rakshit was still watching her, as if afraid to look away.
"Good morning," she said softly as she slowly sat up.
"Good morning," he replied, sitting beside her.
Before Shivika could even take a calm breath, a sudden wave of nausea hit her.
She hurried toward the washroom, Rakshit immediately following her. She leaned over the basin and threw up, her hands gripping the edges tightly.
Rakshit rubbed her back gently, but his heart was pounding fast. Seeing her like this made his chest tighten.
After a while, Shivika rinsed her mouth and washed her face, but she stayed there, holding the basin as her head kept spinning.
Rakshit took the towel from the hanger.
Holding her with one hand, he wiped her face gently with the other. Shivika closed her eyes, trusting his touch.
He placed the towel back and pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back softly, slowly.
"Does this happen every day?" Rakshit asked quietly.
Shivika only hummed, leaning into him a little more.
Rakshit tightened his hold, pulling her closer. A quiet guilt settled in his heart, not because of distance, but because he wished he was there earlier too.
Now that she was in his arms, seeking comfort without hesitation, he silently promised himself, he would be there for her in moments like these, no matter how small or ordinary they seemed.
Shivika slowly broke the hug once she felt a little better.
"I should take a bath and get ready. I'll feel fresh after that," she said, passing him a small smile to ease his worry.
Rakshit only looked at her, unsure whether to let her go or not.
She turned to leave, but couldn't because Rakshit still hadn't released her hand.
"Aksh," she called softly.
"Ika… can I shift your clothes and everything into my closet? That way, you won't have to go to that room every day. And I can be there with you every morning when you feel nauseous or weak. But if you don't want that, it's completely fine-"
Before Rakshit could finish, Shivika placed her palm gently over his mouth.
She smiled, though the paleness on her face hadn't faded.
Rakshit blinked, still processing her words. Shivika removed her palm and walked toward the room that had been hers earlier.
You wanting to be there with me every morning is enough for me to agree with anything you say, Shivika thought as she walked.
Now she would live in his no their room.
Rakshit remained standing there, his mind replaying her words again and again.
He ruffled his hair, smiling and chuckling softly, his cheeks turning red as he finally snapped out of his thoughts.
Soon after, he decided to start his morning routine as well.
Later, Rakshit and Rashmi aunty were both working in the kitchen when Shivika came out.
Shivika walked toward them, smiling, looking much better and fresher than earlier.
Rakshit lifted his gaze the moment he heard her footsteps and smiled instantly. That bright face of hers was the reason his own life felt bright.
"Good morning, aunty," Shivika wished softly.
"Good morning, beta," Rashmi aunty replied, caressing her cheek with affection.
"Breakfast is ready. Let's go to the dining table," Rakshit said.
Shivika nodded and went to sit there.
Rakshit followed with her plate and tea.
He placed the tea in front of her while he sipped the coffee Rashmi aunty handed him, and then just like always—he fed her breakfast with calm patience.
"So… not going to the office today as well?" Shivika asked mischievously, noticing he was in casuals.
"Yes," Rakshit replied simply. "I want to stay with you. And Rashmi aunty and I will arrange the closet."
"You know, Rashmi aunty and I can do that too," Shivika said lightly.
"Yes, you can," Rakshit agreed, "but not now. You just rest and order us around."
He fed her the last bite and stood up.
Before leaving, he gently wiped the corner of her lips with his thumb and walked into the kitchen as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
But it wasn't normal at all.
And looking at Shivika, it was anything but ordinary.
"Ika… baby didn't kick today?" Rakshit asked from the kitchen.
"One, two… maybe three times. That too when I was bathing," Shivika replied.
"Okay," Rakshit said softly.
That simple word was relief, love, and a quiet promise to always ask, always care.
Rakshit came out of the kitchen wiping his hands on the towel, his eyes immediately going to Shivika, who was still sitting at the dining table, her legs tucked in comfortably.
"Come," he said softly. "Tell me what things I should shift first."
Shivika looked at him, surprised.
"Right now?"
"Yes, right now," he replied simply, as if there was no other option.
She hesitated a little and then slowly stood up. "Aksh, you don't have to rush. We can do it later too."
"I know," he said, walking closer and holding her hand gently.
"But I want to. Now come… just stand there and order."
She smiled at that, small, warm, helplessly fond.
They walked into the room that had been hers till now.
Shivika stood near the door, leaning lightly against it, while Rakshit went straight to the cupboard, opening it as if he had already decided this was his task for the day.
"So?" he asked, looking back at her.
"What first, Ika?"
She folded her arms, pretending to think very seriously. "Hmm… my daily wear. Those suits and kurtis. They'll be needed most."
Rakshit nodded and got to work immediately, carefully taking each folded piece out and placing it neatly on the bed.
He didn't rush. Every movement was slow and deliberate, as if he was not just shifting clothes, but welcoming them into his space.
He picked up the dupattas and folding them properly.
Shivika took a step forward.
"Give them to me, I'll-"
"No," Rakshit said immediately, not even looking at her.
"You stand there."
"I'm fine now."
"I know," he said calmly.
"Still no."
She sighed and leaned back again.
"You're impossible."
"And you're ordering," he reminded her.
"So order."
She smiled and pointed.
He shifted things slowly into his room.
His room.
Their room.
Shivika followed him quietly and stood near the bed, watching as he opened his closet and began arranging her clothes on one side.
"You can take more space," he said, noticing her hesitation.
"This side is yours."
"All of it?" she asked softly.
"Yes," he said without a second thought. "All of it."
She swallowed, emotions rising quietly in her chest.
After a few minutes, Shivika unconsciously bent down to pick up a fallen scarf.
"Ika," Rakshit’s voice came instantly.
She froze.
"Sit," he said, pointing to the chair placed before mirror in the closet.
"Aksh-"
"Sit," he repeated, softer but firmer.
She obeyed, sitting down and folding her hands on her lap like a child being scolded.
"Happy now?"
"Very," he said, placing the scarf properly.
Rashmi aunty joined them then, having finished cleaning the kitchen.
She started helping, folding and arranging, occasionally asking Shivika where something should go.
Shivika answered from her chair like a queen on her throne.
"No aunty, those sarees together."
"That drawer is for nightwear, Aksh."
Rakshit glanced at her.
"You're enjoying this too much."
She smiled sweetly.
"You told me to order."
Hour passed like that small talk, light laughter, soft movements.
Rakshit straightened up after arranging the last stack of clothes.
"I'll be back," he said, and stepped out of the room for a moment.
Shivika turned toward Rashmi aunty, who was checking the drawers carefully.
"Beta, only this one drawer is left," Rashmi aunty said casually.
"You can keep your undergarments here. Where are they? I'll put them."
Shivika froze.
Her cheeks instantly warmed with embarrassment.
She had already planned to do that later quietly, on her own because explaining that to either Rakshit or aunty felt far too awkward.
"Aunty… I'll do that," Shivika said quickly, waving her hand a little.
"Don't worry."
"No beta, why will you do it when I'm here?" Rashmi aunty replied lovingly. "You just tell me, I'll do it."
Before Shivika could think of what to say, Rakshit walked back into the room, a plate of cut fruits in his hand.
"What to do? I'll do it, tell me," he said naturally, handing the plate to Shivika.
She took it and started eating, partly to hide her nervousness. Only then did she notice he was being unusually careful today.
His eyes kept coming to her, his movements slower, more attentive than usual.
Maybe it was because of the morning… she thought.
Shivika looked at Rashmi aunty with silent panic, hoping, praying that she wouldn't say anything.
The thought of explaining this to Aksh made her stomach twist.
Rashmi aunty met her gaze, understood instantly, and simply shook her head with a soft smile.
Without a word, she turned and walked out of the room.
Rakshit frowned slightly, watching her leave so suddenly. He turned back to Shivika.
"What happened?" he asked, confused.
Shivika let out a half-laugh, trying to act normal. "Nothing."
She focused on the fruit plate, eating quietly.
But Rakshit didn't look convinced.
Something was definitely going on and the way Shivika was avoiding his eyes only made him more certain.
Rakshit decided to let it slide. Maybe she just wasn't comfortable telling him and that was okay.
He didn't want to push her.
"Ika… don't you want new clothes or something?" he asked gently while checking the cupboard, making sure everything was properly arranged.
"You haven't asked for anything since the first time I got all this for you."
Shivika smiled and chuckled softly, the sound warm and honest, coming straight from her heart.
"Jab bina maange itna de diya aapne, agar main maang leti toh apna ghar kapdon se bhar dete aap," she said, still smiling.
(When you've given me so much without me even asking, if I had asked, you would've filled the entire house with clothes.)
Rakshit paused, his hand still on the cupboard door. He looked at her, really looked at her and in that moment, he understood.
It wasn't about clothes or needs.
It was about gratitude, about feeling seen without having to ask.
A small smile appeared on his lips, soft, proud, and full of quiet affection.
Rakshit closed the cupboard slowly and turned toward her. He just walked closer, his steps unhurried, as if he didn't want to break the warmth that had settled between them.
"That's exactly why I keep asking," he said softly. "Because I want you to want things… without thinking twice."
Shivika looked up at him, still holding the fruit plate in her hands.
"Ika," he added with a small smile, "next time you like something clothes, books, bangles, anything you tell me. Even if it's silly. Especially if it's silly."
She laughed quietly.
"You say that now, but when I actually start asking-"
"I'll still say yes," he interrupted immediately.
She shook her head.
"You don't even hesitate."
"Because I don't want to," he said simply.
She looked at him, her gaze steady. "Aksh?"
"Haan."
(Yes.)
He didn't answer with words. Instead, he reached out and rested his forehead lightly against hers.
He took the plate from her and kept it aside. Since breakfast, he had been feeling an urge to pull her close.
He knelt in front of her and hugged her while she was still sitting on the chair.
Rakshit leaned back slightly and kissed her forehead.
Just then, Shivika felt a kick and a soft chuckle escaped her lips.
Rakshit frowned. "What happened?"
"Baby kicked," Shivika said, making him smile instantly.
"Whenever you kiss my forehead, baby kicks," she added softly.
"Really?" Rakshit asked in shock.
Shivika nodded and placed his hand gently on her stomach.
"Now kiss my forehead," she said.
Rakshit leaned in and kissed her forehead again and yes, the baby kicked once more.
"Whoooaah!" Rakshit shouted in amazement, his eyes widening, while Shivika laughed softly.
He looked at her, still stunned, and suddenly said, "You know… I feel it's a girl."
"Why?" Shivika asked softly.
Shivika looked at him in shock.
"You know," Rakshit added with a smile, "we can ask the baby."
"And how exactly?" Shivika asked, raising her eyebrow.
"Can I kiss your stomach?" Rakshit asked gently.
Shivika nodded, smiling.
Rakshit held her hands, resting them on her lap, and leaned closer.
He kissed her stomach softly and whispered, "Hello, princess."
And just then-the baby kicked.
With both legs.
Both of them froze in shock, eyes widening at the same time.
Shivika's breath caught, and Rakshit slowly looked up at her, disbelief and happiness shining in his eyes.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Rakshit suddenly threw his arms around Shivika, hugging her tightly. He didn't say anything he just held her, as if he needed that closeness to breathe properly.
Shivika felt his arms firm around her, his hold different… deeper.
He rested his head near her shoulder, his grip tightening for a second before slowly relaxing. His chest rose and fell unevenly, and Shivika understood, he was overwhelmed.
She placed her hand on his back, rubbing it softly.
Rakshit pulled back a little, not completely breaking the hug. His eyes were moist, but he smiled, shaking his head lightly.
"I didn't expect that," he said quietly.
Shivika smiled, her thumb brushing his cheek. "Neither did I."