AM I PREGNANT
Hey hiii Mayawiyans
Enjoy the chapter????????
HAPPY?
Make me happy by comments and likes pls
Itna khrb din gaya hai so i really want some motivation????
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Devyani finished her breakfast quietly, still lost in her own thoughts.
She slowly walked paced in her room, her mind replaying everything from last night again and again. Every moment. Every feeling. Every confusion.
"How did that even happen..."
She kept murmuring to herself, her brows furrowed in deep thought, trying to connect things that simply refused to make sense.
Her fingers absentmindedly played with the end of her saree as she walked in circles.
"Why my heart was beating so fast..."
She suddenly stopped in the middle of the room.
Her expression changed.
A little discomfort.
A little uneasiness.
"Umm..."
She placed her hand on her stomach.
Something felt off.
A weird sensation.
Not exactly pain.
But not normal either.
She frowned.
She took a few more steps, but suddenly felt a strange wave rise in her throat.
Her face twisted.
She covered her mouth quickly.
She rushed a little towards the side, holding onto the table for support.
Her breathing turned uneven.
She looked around, confused, slightly scared.
Her body felt weird.
Heavy.
Light.
Both at the same time.
She walked slowly again, trying to steady herself.
Her hand stayed on her stomach, gently pressing it as if trying to understand what was going on inside.
She pouted slightly, her voice softer now.
Kaizan burst into the room like a storm that had lost all control, his tiny figure carrying a fury far too big for him. "Mummmaaaaaaaaa!" he screamed, his voice loud enough to shake the quiet walls, echoing through the space like sudden thunder.
Devyani flinched instantly, her whole body jerking at the sound, her heart skipping a beat as she turned around sharply. The softness on her face disappeared the moment she saw him.
He was angry.
Really angry.
His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, his chest rising and falling quickly, eyes burning with frustration that he didn't even know how to explain.
"Kaliyaaaaaaaaa..." she rushed toward him without a second thought, her voice filled with concern, her hands instinctively reaching out for him. "What happened? Why are you screaming like that?"
But he didn't answer.
He just stood there, breathing heavily, his anger speaking louder than any words he could form.
And for a moment
Devyani didn't know what worried her more.
His silence.
Or the storm sitting inside such a small heart.
Kaizan let out a low growl, the sound almost trembling in his chest as it rose and fell rapidly.
His breath came uneven, his emotions too big, too tangled to fit into proper words.
He tried to speak, but everything came out rushed, broken, a jumbled mess of anger and hurt spilling over at once.
It didn't make perfect sense, not fully, but it didn't need to.
The frustration was clear. The distance from his father, the silent tension, the way it had started affecting him... it was all there, raw and unfiltered.
And somewhere in between all of that, he had begun pulling away even from her, not knowing how to handle what he was feeling.
Devyani blinked at him, her brows knitting together in confusion as she tried to piece together his scattered words.
She leaned down slightly, her expression soft but helpless, like she was trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces.
"Kaju... please..." she said gently, tilting her head, her voice almost pleading now, "I am not able to understand what you are trying to say..."
Kaizan inhaled deeply, his chest rising as he tried to gather himself, to push down the storm inside him.
He simply turned his head sharply toward the door and gestured for her to follow.
It was enough.
Devyani's face instantly lit up, her earlier confusion melting away like it never existed.
She nodded quickly and followed him without question, her steps light, almost bouncing as her mood shifted again.
And just like that
She slipped back into her own little world.
"Lalalalala..." she hummed softly under her breath, a silly tune escaping her lips as she walked behind him. "I am going to wear his cloth in night... lalalalala..."
A small giggle followed.
Her thoughts drifting somewhere far away, somewhere only she understood, her mind probably busy building stories, plans, and meanings that made perfect sense to her and no one else.
As they passed through the living room, the calm didn't last long.
Aditya spotted her instantly.
A smile spread across his face.
"Bhabhi..." he called out, his voice light, "you are looking very happy today!"
Devyani stopped mid-step.
Her humming paused.
And slowly
She turned toward him.
Aradhya, who was sitting nearby, instantly sensed danger. Her eyes widened and she began signaling frantically to Aditya, waving her hands, shaking her head again and again, clearly saying no no no don't ask anything.
But Aditya
Being Aditya
Ignored her completely.
Devyani paused, turning fully toward him, and then broke into a bright, innocent smile.
"Actually na..." she said, her voice soft and cheerful, "we celebrated something last night... that's why I am happy..."
A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, her eyes sparkling without even realizing why. The memory was still fresh in her mind, but not in a complicated way... just in a simple, warm, confusing yet happy feeling she couldn't fully explain.
To her, it was just something special.
Something new.
Something that made her heart feel different.
Aditya's face lit up immediately. "Oh wow, good bhabhi! Celebration is good!"
Devyani's smile widened even more.
Her innocence taking over completely.
In her mind, she wasn't hiding anything.
Because she didn't even realize what exactly she was revealing.
Aditya nodded enthusiastically, completely missing what she actually meant. "Yeah, you should celebrate everything, be happy! Even you should celebrate every day!"
Devyani froze.
Her eyes widened so much it looked like they might pop out.
Her mouth formed a perfect little "O".
"Every day...?" she repeated, her voice rising in pure disbelief.
Aditya shrugged casually, as if he had just said the most normal thing in the world. "Yeah, you can. See, I celebrate every day and it makes me so happy!"
For a second
Silence.
Then suddenly
Devyani screamed, jumping slightly in shock.
"Chiiiiiiiiiiiii!"
She covered her mouth dramatically, her face scrunching up in complete horror.
"Without marriage???" she blurted out, her innocent brain connecting things in the most chaotic way possible.
Aditya blinked, confused by her reaction but still continuing confidently.
"Haan... you know, after marriage life is hell, so you should celebrate before marriage only!"
Devyani's soul almost left her body.
Her eyes widened even more, if that was even possible.
"What kind of life are you living..." she whispered to herself, shaking her head slowly, utterly scandalized.
Her innocence didn't even allow her to question properly
Devyani's breath hitched.
For a moment, everything around her went silent, as if the world itself paused to let her process what she had just heard.
Her face slowly lost color, the shock settling deep into her innocent mind as the misunderstanding grew bigger and bigger.
She opened her mouth to say something
Then immediately shut it.
No.
She needed to stay calm.
She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, her chest rising and falling as if she had just heard something life-changing.
"You mean to say..." she spoke slowly, carefully, as if confirming something unbelievable, "you celebrate daily...?"
Aditya smiled innocently, completely unaware of the storm he had created.
Her eyes widened again.
"You... like it?" she asked, almost scared of the answer.
"Of course, yes! Bada mazaa ata hai" he replied proudly.
She took a small step back.
Her brain refusing to accept this.
"A person can do... daily?" she asked again, her voice trembling slightly under the weight of her own imagination.
Aditya waved his hand casually. "Yeah, daily... what's the big deal? Sometimes you can rest also... no need to celebrate every day..."
That was it.
Devyani's world officially shattered.
"Ohh..." she stammered, her voice small now, almost disappointed. "I... I thought you were a good man..."
Aditya's smile dropped instantly, confusion taking over his face.
She looked at him like she had just discovered a shocking truth about the world.
Then, placing her hand on her chest dramatically, she declared with full sincerity
Her chin lifted slightly.
Pride glowing in her eyes.
Aditya chuckled lightly, completely unaware of the storm he had created. "Yes, bhabhi, bhaiya is much better than me... but he doesn't celebrate, you know... he is kind of cold and egoistic person..."
That was it.
Devyani straightened instantly.
Like someone had just challenged her entire existence.
No doubt.
Just pure, unwavering loyalty.
Then, just as quickly, her expression softened.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
A look of genuine pity appeared on her face.
Devyani suddenly turned toward Aditya again, her mind still stuck on everything he had said earlier.
Her brows furrowed.
Her tone serious.
"So... daily karte ho tum?" she asked directly.
Her eyes widened again.
This time
Anger mixed with shock.
"Din me kitni baar karte ho?" she demanded, her voice rising slightly.
Aditya scratched his head. "Depends..."
That single word
Hit her like a storm.
Devyani's expression slowly fell.
Her anger melted into something else.
Something softer.
Something... sad.
"Matlab..." she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible, "sab men's ko itna karna padta hai...?"
Her thoughts spiraled instantly.
Her innocent mind overthinking everything.
Aditya, still clueless, added casually, "Not just men's bhabhi... women's too..."
That was it.
Devyani's soul left her body for the second time today.
"And why are you taking this so complicated?" he continued, smiling. "Celebrate your special moments... if you want help I'll help you... we will celebrate with cake and all..."
For a second
Everything around her started spinning.
Her eyes widened.
Her breath hitched.
Her balance shook.
She almost fell
But Aditya quickly held her.
"Arre... what happened?" he asked, concerned.
Devyani immediately pulled herself away.
Stepping back like she had touched fire.
"Ewwwwww Bhaiyya!" she shouted, her face scrunched in pure horror. "Stay away from me!"
And before anyone could respond
She turned.
Completely shaken.
Completely traumatised.
Her innocent mind still trying to process the horrifying thought that Aditya was out there "celebrating" daily like it was some kind of festival.
Her eyes filled instantly.
Without another word
She turned.
Grabbed Kaizan's hand tightly.
And walked away
Almost running.
Tears forming in her eyes.
Heart completely shaken.
Mind completely ruined.
Because in her head
Everything had become wrong.
Confusing.
And slightly traumatic.
Aditya stood there, frozen.
Blinking.
He scratched his head slowly, watching her disappear down the hallway.
"What just happened...?" he muttered under his breath.
Still confused, he walked over to Aradhya.
She hadn't moved.
Still standing there.
Still staring.
"What happened?" he asked, genuinely clueless. "I just told her to celebrate every day... you know... celebrating small moments is good na!"
Silence.
Aradhya didn't respond.
Didn't even blink.
She just stared at him.
Eyes wide.
Soul slightly leaving her body.
Because she knew.
Exactly what Devyani had meant.
Exactly what Aditya had said.
And exactly how badly everything had gone wrong.
But Aditya?
He stood there
Still thinking he had just given some great life advice.
And in that moment
The house stood balanced between peace...
And absolute chaos waiting to explode.
Kaizan tugged her hand and finally made her stop near the garden, the fresh air brushing against them as sunlight filtered through the leaves. He stood there, still a little grumpy but calmer now, his tiny fingers pointing around as if trying to say something.
Devyani blinked at him for a second.
Then suddenly her face lit up.
Kaizan nodded immediately.
A small, quick nod.
Devyani gasped dramatically, placing her hand on her chest.
Another nod.
This time a little more excited.
She clapped her hands softly, her earlier confusion and chaos completely forgotten.
She bent down and held his cheeks gently. "Come... let's play..."
And just like that
The garden turned into their little world.
"Hide and seek!" she announced proudly, like she had just invented the game.
Kaizan's eyes sparkled slightly.
"You hide first!" she said, covering her eyes with her hands dramatically. "I am counting... okay?"
Without even waiting for his answer
Kaizan ran.
His legs moving fast, trying to find the best hiding spot.
He hid behind a bush.
Or at least
He thought he did.
Because his tail
Was clearly visible.
Wiggling slightly.
"Ten!" Devyani shouted, uncovering her eyes.
She looked around dramatically, pretending not to see him.
She walked past him slowly.
Paused.
Looked the other side.
Then suddenly
She turned and pointed.
Kaizan froze.
Caught.
Devyani burst into laughter, bending slightly as she laughed.
He frowned slightly.
Then hid again.
But again
Same mistake.
Different place.
Same visible tail.
Every single time.
And every single time
Devyani laughed harder.
Clutching her stomach, giggling uncontrollably.
Then it was her turn.
She whispered dramatically and ran, hiding behind a tree.
Completely visible.
Kaizan looked around.
Confused.
Then slowly walked toward her.
He found her easily.
And for the first time
A small smile appeared on his face.
They kept playing.
Running.
Hiding.
Laughing.
The garden filled with her giggles.
And his quiet little attempts.
And for a while
No confusion.
No chaos.
No heavy thoughts.
Just a mother...
And her child...
Lost in a simple, happy moment.
After playing for so long, Devyani finally slowed down, her laughter still lingering in the air as she walked around the garden, enjoying the soft breeze and the warmth of the sun.
A light smile stayed on her face, her mood completely lifted, her earlier confusion forgotten for now.
Just then,Yashodha entered the garden with a few of her friends, all dressed elegantly, their presence bringing a different kind of grace to the atmosphere.
Yashodha yes immediately found Devyani.
A proud smile spread across her face.
Devyani instantly turned.
"Yes maa!" she replied happily and ran toward her, her saree slightly swaying as she moved.
She gently held her hand and turned toward the ladies.
The women looked at her
And for a moment
They were stunned.
Their eyes widened slightly, admiration clear on their faces.
"She is very beautiful..." one of them said softly.
Another added with a smile, "Yashodha ... kaha se layi ho is apsara ko?"
Devyani blinked innocently.
Then replied without thinking, completely serious
For a second
Silence.
Then suddenly
The ladies burst into laughter.
Except Yashodha.
She understood exactly how innocent that answer was.
Devyani looked at them, slightly confused but smiling anyway, not fully understanding what was funny.
Then, remembering her manners, she quickly bent down and touched their feet respectfully.
The women smiled even more, clearly charmed by her simplicity and grace.
"Areh... kitni sanskari hai..." one of them whispered.
Yashodha ooked at her with soft pride.
Because in that moment
Devyani wasn't just beautiful.
She was pure.
And it showed.
One of the ladies leaned forward slightly, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Beta, where are you from?"
Devyani looked at her with that same innocent smile.
"From village," she replied simply, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
For a moment
The women went quiet.
They exchanged quick glances with each other.
Subtle.
But noticeable.
Rivan Thakur's wife...
And from a village?
Their expressions didn't change much, but the question hung in the air, unspoken yet loud.
Devyani, however
Didn't notice any of it.
She just stood there, smiling softly, completely unaware of the thoughts passing between them.
Her simplicity remained untouched.
Unaffected.
While the world around her quietly tried to measure her
She didn't even know she was being measured.
Yashodha miled, sensing the shift in the air, and gently said, "Let's go inside and talk, it's getting a bit warm here."
All the ladies nodded and walked inside together, their soft chatter filling the space as they settled in the living area.
Devyani quietly followed, sitting beside yashodha, her hands folded neatly in her lap, observing everyone with curious eyes.
At first, the women were just watching her.
Trying to understand her.
But it didn't take long.
Within minutes
Something about her began to melt them.
One of the ladies leaned forward with a warm smile. "You are very cute, Devyani..."
Another nodded immediately. "Yes, really... very pure and sweet..."
Devyani's face lit up instantly.
She started giggling softly, covering her mouth slightly, completely amused by her own statement.
The ladies blinked.
Then laughed again.
Devyani paused.
Then thought seriously.
Yashodha ressed her lips together, hiding a smile.
Another lady asked gently, "So tell us, beta... how is married life?"
Devyani blinked.
Then leaned slightly closer like she was about to reveal a big secret.
"Confusing..." she whispered.
All the ladies burst into laughter.
"Confusing?" one of them repeated, amused. "Why?"
Devyani sighed dramatically.
"Pehle sab simple tha..." she said, counting on her fingers. "Khana... sona... ghoomna..."
Then she added with a pout, "Ab... feelings aa jati hai randomly..."
The women tried hard not to laugh loudly.
"Feelings?" one of them teased. "Kaisi feelings?"
Devyani immediately looked shy.
Her cheeks turning pink.
"Wohi..." she said, avoiding eye contact. "Butterflies wali..."
Another lady chuckled. "Aur Rivan kaise hai? Does he take care of you?"
Devyani's expression softened instantly.
"Hmm..." she nodded slowly, a small smile forming.
"Woh thoda confusing hai..." she admitted honestly. "Kabhi strict... kabhi soft... kabhi scary... kabhi..." she paused, thinking.
Then smiled softly.
The ladies exchanged glances again
But this time
With warmth.
One of them said gently, "You trust him a lot, don't you?"
Devyani nodded without hesitation.
As if that alone explained everything.
There was something about the way she said it.
So simple.
So certain.
No complications.
No doubts.
Just pure belonging.
Another lady smiled and asked playfully, "And do you fight with him?"
Devyani's eyes widened.
"Everyday!" she said proudly.
The room burst into laughter again.
"Phir?" someone asked.
She shrugged cutely. "Phir main jeet jati hun..."
She raised her brow. "Hamesha?"
Devyani nodded confidently. "Haan... kyunki main cute hun..."
Silence for a second
Then louder laughter filled the room.
The earlier hesitation...
The quiet judgment...
Everything had disappeared.
Because now
They weren't seeing where she came from.
They were seeing who she was.
And it was impossible
Not to like her.
After a while, Yashodha excused herself to check on the lunch preparations, leaving Devyani alone with the group of ladies.
For a second, Devyani just sat there.
Then slowly
She moved a little closer to them.
That same innocent smile on her face.
No hesitation.
No overthinking.
The ladies looked at her, already amused, already curious.
One of them leaned forward. "So Devyani... tell us... what do you do the whole day?"
Devyani thought for a moment.
Then replied very seriously, "I think..."
They blinked.
"I think a lot..." she continued, nodding slightly. "About everything..."
"What kind of things?" another lady asked, trying not to smile.
Devyani started counting on her fingers.
The ladies pressed their lips together.
Trying not to laugh.
"And?" one of them encouraged.
"And why... after marriage... everything becomes confusing suddenly..." she added, her face completely serious.
That did it.
A few of them turned their faces away, shoulders shaking.
Another lady asked, "So... do you cook?"
Devyani's face instantly lit up like someone had asked her favorite question. "Yes!" she said proudly, sitting straight. "I cook my husband daily... especially at night..."
For a moment
Complete silence.
The ladies blinked.
Slowly.
Devyani, completely unaware, continued with full sincerity, "If I don't cook, he becomes very restless... like he cannot sit properly... just keeps looking at me... so I understood that night cooking is very important..."
One lady almost choked on her water.
"And what do you cook?" another asked, barely holding her smile.
Devyani thought deeply.
"Different different things..." she nodded. "Sometimes slow cooking... sometimes fast cooking... depends on his mood..."
Now two of them looked away, shoulders shaking.
"And does he help you?" someone teased.
Devyani immediately nodded. "Haan! Sometimes he helps too... but mostly he only start everything and then I have to manage full cooking..."
A hand flew to someone's mouth to stop laughter.
That was it.
The room almost exploded.
"And after cooking?" one lady asked, now fully enjoying this.
Devyani smiled shyly. "After cooking... I feel very tired... like full body pain... so I just sleep..."
Then she added with a pout, "And next day again same..."
The ladies couldn't control it anymore.
Laughter echoed in the room.
Devyani looked at them, confused.
"What happened?" she asked innocently. "I am telling truth only... being wife is very hard work..."
And somehow
That made it even funnier.
She paused.
Another lady leaned closer, curious. "Tell us one thing... are you scared of your husband?"
Devyani immediately shook her head.
"No!"
Then paused.
They smiled.
"When?" someone asked.
"When he becomes quiet..." she said softly. "Because then I don't understand what he is thinking..."
There was something real in that answer.
Something that made them go quiet for a second.
But then
Devyani broke it herself.
"But still... I like him..." she added with a small smile.
The ladies exchanged glances again.
But now
There was no shock.
No judgment.
Only fondness.
Because every answer she gave
Was straight.
Unfiltered.
And completely from the heart.
One of them finally said, smiling warmly, "You are very different, Devyani..."
Devyani tilted her head.
"Different achha hota hai na?" she asked innocently.
And that question
Made all of them smile.
Because she didn't even know
How rare she actually was.
I skipped along the corridor, my heart still fluttering from that silly conversation with Aditya bhaiya earlier.
What did he mean by celebrating every day?
Chiii, such a naughty boy!
But I pushed it aside today was all about the aunties' gathering in the living room.
The air smelled of fresh samosas and jasmine flowers, and their laughter filled the space like a warm blanket.
I was so excited to be here, surrounded by these pretty mummies who always had stories to share.
I didn't know much about this married life thing, but I loved how everyone treated me like family now.
They all turned toward me at once, their eyes sparkling with mischief, soft laughter already playing on their lips.
"Arre Devyani beta..." one of them leaned forward, her voice playful, almost secretive, "how's your that life, hmm?"
I blinked.
Tilted my head slightly.
"That life?" I repeated, genuinely confused, trying to understand what exactly she meant.
Then, after a second of thinking, I answered honestly
My cheeks warmed a little as I said it, unsure why they were asking something so normal.
For a second
They froze.
And then
They burst into giggles.
Some of them fanned themselves dramatically, others leaned onto each other, laughter spilling freely into the room.
"No no no, beta!" another aunty said between laughs, shaking her head. "Your married life... your... special moments..."
She leaned closer, her eyes filled with playful curiosity. "How is Rivan treating you? So handsome and strong, na?"
I blinked again.
Still confused.
Before I could answer, another voice joined in, even more excited.
"And tell us..." she said, clapping her hands lightly, "when are you going to give us the good news?"
"Good news?" I echoed, my brows knitting together.
My mind immediately started running in all directions.
"What good news...?" I asked slowly, looking at each of them, hoping someone would explain properly.
They exchanged knowing smiles.
"Arre beta..." one of them said softly, her tone now more direct but still gentle, "bacha kab kar rahi ho? When are you planning a little one?"
For a moment
Everything went silent around me.
My eyes widened.
Just a little.
Because now
This was something new.
Something I had never really thought about.
And suddenly
All their curious, smiling faces felt like a hundred questions waiting for one answer I didn't even have yet.
"Baccha... main?" I repeated, pointing at myself, my brows knitting together in pure confusion.
A baby... me?
That didn't make sense at all.
"Arey... main khud bacchi hoon!" I said, laughing lightly, shaking my head at the thought, as if they had said something completely impossible.
Then suddenly, something clicked in my mind.
"Ohhh!" I added, brightening up, "and also... I asked doctor aunty for one..."
They leaned in slightly.
Curious.
"But she said she is out of stock..." I continued, completely serious.
"So maybe I will try again this time... she might give me one!"
For a second
There was silence.
Then
The room exploded.
Laughter echoed everywhere.
Some of them bent forward, holding their stomachs, unable to control themselves.
One aunty wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still laughing.
"Arre no, Devyani!" Aunty Geeta finally managed to say between laughs, waving her hand. "Not like that!"
I blinked.
Still confused.
"We are not talking about taking a baby like that..." another aunty added, trying to calm her laughter.
Aunty Sharmila leaned closer, her voice softer now, but still carrying that playful warmth.
"We are talking about your own baby..." she said gently.
I stared at her.
"Tumhara..." she continued.
"And Rivan ka..."
And suddenly
The laughter around me faded a little.
Because this time
I understood.
Just a little.
And my eyes widened slowly.
As if a completely new thought had just entered my world.
"Ohhhh!" I exclaimed suddenly, my eyes lighting up as everything finally made a little sense. "Haan na... mere aur Pati ji ka baccha!"
A smile spread across my face, soft and excited, the thought blooming inside me like something magical.
A baby...
Like us?
How cute that would be...
But then
My smile slowly turned into curiosity.
My brows furrowed slightly.
I leaned forward eagerly, eyes shining with pure interest, completely serious.
The ladies froze.
For a moment
They just looked at each other.
Then slowly
Their expressions changed.
Curious.
Amused.
A little shocked.
"Did you... done that... hmm?" Aunty Sharmila asked, her voice dropping to a whisper, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned closer.
I blinked.
"What that?" I asked immediately, tilting my head, genuinely confused.
What that?
Which that?
My curiosity started bubbling up again, restless and impatient, like I had just missed the most important part of a story.
Because everyone else
Seemed to know.
And I didn't.
And I hated not knowing.
I looked at them again, my face completely serious, eyes wide with pure innocence, waiting almost impatiently for someone to finally explain this mysterious that to me.
"Arrey, wahi jo har couple karta hai..." one of them said, her cheeks turning slightly pink, her voice lowering as if it was some big secret.
I pouted instantly, crossing my arms like a stubborn child.
"Arey pretty mummies..." I said, a little annoyed now, "why are you all so shy? Just tell me na! Is it like playing hide and seek?"
That was it.
They huddled closer together, giggling like schoolgirls.
"Your suhagraat, beta..." one of them whispered, stretching the word teasingly. "Those special nights..."
And suddenly
It clicked.
"Ohhh, that!" I said quickly, my face lighting up, a shy smile spreading across my lips.
"Yeah yeah... we do..."
A deep blush crept up my cheeks, warmth flooding my face as memories flickered softly in my mind. The way he held me close... the way everything felt new, unfamiliar, yet strangely comforting... like stepping into a world I didn't fully understand but didn't want to leave either.
I didn't say any of that out loud.
It felt too personal.
Too... mine.
The ladies exchanged looks again, their teasing growing stronger.
"So..." one of them nudged playfully, "now planning for a baby?"
My smile faded a little.
I shook my head.
"No..." I said softly, then added with a small dramatic sigh, "I told you na... Pati ji is not allowing..."
They leaned in again, curious.
"He says I am still a kid myself..." I murmured, my voice softer now, a tiny pout forming on my lips.
There was a small silence after that.
Because this time
It wasn't just funny.
There was something tender in it.
Something protective.
"No no, Devyani!" Aunty shook her head, her expression suddenly serious, almost like she was giving some very important life advice. "Husband always runs away from these talks. You should plan it. A kid will be the key to hold your marriage strong!"
I straightened instantly.
My eyes widened.
"Oh... really?" I whispered, absorbing every word like it was something magical.
A baby...
To keep Pati ji close forever?
That sounded like something straight out of a fairy tale.
Like a little charm that ties two people together.
"All of you are saying same thing..." I murmured, looking around.
They nodded together.
Serious.
Certain.
"Okay..." I said slowly, determination building inside me. "But... what to do to have kids?"
I leaned forward eagerly, so close that my nose almost bumped into Aunty Priya's.
My curiosity had completely taken over now.
"Arrey..." Aunty Geeta said casually, waving her hand, "it just happens when husband and wife are close. You don't have to overthink so much."
I blinked.
"Close...?" I repeated softly.
Another aunty chuckled gently. "Yes beta... when two people love each other, and they share those special moments, sometimes a baby comes from that. It's natural."
I processed that slowly.
Very slowly.
"Ohhh..." I nodded, though only half understanding.
Then suddenly
Another thought hit me.
"But..." I looked at them again, confused, "how do we know when baby will come?"
"Time lagta hai beta..." one of them said gently. "It doesn't happen immediately. And both husband and wife should be ready."
I nodded again.
But my expression was still serious.
Still thinking.
Still calculating something in my own way.
Because in my mind
This had now become a mission.
A very important one.
And somewhere far away
Completely unaware
Rivan's peaceful life was about to become very complicated.
"Which protection?" I blinked rapidly. Protection from what? Rain? Ghosts? My mind whirled with questions.
They all suddenly froze, their expressions shifting from playful curiosity to pure shock.
I blinked.
Then pouted a little.
"Nope... he didn't even give me any..." I said, crossing my arms, genuinely offended.
For a second
Silence.
Then all of them gasped together.
Hands flying to their mouths.
Eyes widening even more.
"So that means..." Aunty Sharmila whispered dramatically, "you are expecting!"
"What?" I frowned immediately, straightening up. "I didn't expect anything from anyone!"
My voice turned slightly defensive.
Expect what?
Gift?
Surprise?
Why would I expect?
"No no beta..." one of them tried to explain between laughs, "we mean... you are carrying a child..."
My eyes widened instantly.
I shook my head vigorously.
"No! I am not baccha chor!" I blurted out, horrified.
"Arrey!" Aunty Priya leaned closer, trying to calm herself, her tone more direct now. "Are you pregnant?"
The word hung in the air.
I blinked.
Once.
Twice.
My mind tried to catch up.
I slowly placed my hand on my stomach.
My expression turning serious.
Confused.
A little scared.
Because suddenly
Everything they had been saying
Didn't feel funny anymore.
"Hawwwwwwwww!" I squealed suddenly, my eyes going wide as my hand flew straight to my stomach, pressing it lightly as if I could feel something right that second.
"Am I????????"
My voice echoed with pure shock and excitement, my breath catching in my throat.
Like...
I froze for a moment, staring down at my own stomach as if it might answer me back.
My heart started beating faster.
Louder.
Almost tickling my chest.
"Am I pregnant... really?" I whispered, my voice dropping into something soft, almost dreamy.
And then suddenly
My face lit up.
Completely.
"Wowwwww..." I breathed out, eyes sparkling like a child who just discovered magic for the first time.
A baby...
Mine?
Pati ji and me?
I pressed my stomach again, a small smile spreading slowly across my lips, wonder filling every part of me.
Because in that moment
It didn't feel scary.
It felt...
Magical.