35. What eyes, Aksh? #2
If the pain is irregular... changes with movement... or settles after walking a little, it could be Braxton Hicks-false labour. But if it becomes regular, stronger, or doesn't ease, come to the hospital immediately.
Taking a slow breath, he looked back at her.
"Ika..."
She looked at him with frightened eyes.
"I think... It might be a false alarm."
Seeing her confused expression, he quickly continued.
"Remember what the doctor explained? Sometimes before actual labour starts, mothers experience false labour pains."
He lovingly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"But..."
His voice became reassuring.
"We're not taking any chances. If you want, we'll leave for the hospital this very second."
Shivika nodded slightly, still holding her stomach.
"It hurts..."
Rakshit's heart clenched.
"I know, baccha."
He kissed the back of her hand.
"I know it does."
Then he remembered another instruction the doctor had repeatedly emphasized.
"One minute."
He stood up before immediately helping her to her feet.
She instinctively grabbed his shoulders for support.
"I'm not leaving you."
He wrapped one arm securely around her waist while holding her hand with the other.
"The doctor told us to try changing your position or walking slowly for a few minutes. If it's false labour, sometimes the pain settles. And if it doesn't..."
He looked directly into her eyes.
"We won't wait even for a second. We'll leave for the hospital immediately."
Shivika nodded weakly.
She trusted him completely.
Rakshit adjusted his grip around her waist.
"Can you walk slowly? I'll hold you."
She took a hesitant step.
The pain was still there, making her wince.
Rakshit immediately tightened his hold around her protectively.
"Easy... Don't hurry."
"I'm right here."
Every step she took, he matched it.
His hand never left her waist.
His eyes never left her face.
Every tiny expression of discomfort on her face felt like someone was squeezing his own heart.
Inside, he was terrified.
His palms had gone cold.
His heartbeat refused to slow down.
But none of it showed on his face.
Because right now...
Shivika needed his calm more than his fear.
He gently squeezed her hand.
"Whether it's a false alarm or our little one has finally decided to meet us..."
A soft smile appeared on his face despite the nervousness.
"We're ready."
"And whatever happens..."
He pressed a reassuring kiss against her forehead.
"You won't go through any of it alone."
Shivika looked up at him through her tear-filled eyes and gave the smallest nod before taking another careful step, knowing that no matter what happened next, Rakshit would be beside her through every single moment.
"Aksh..."
"Hmm?"
"I... I don't think it's hurting anymore."
Rakshit's tense shoulders visibly relaxed.
"Really?"
She nodded with a small smile.
"Yes."
She gently placed a hand over her lower abdomen.
"The pain has stopped."
A sigh of relief escaped Rakshit's lips before he smiled thankfully.
"I think the doctor was right."
He lovingly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"It was probably a false alarm."
Shivika smiled weakly.
"I think so too."
After standing for another few moments to make sure the pain didn't return, she looked at him.
"Aksh..."
"Hmm, baccha?"
"Can you make me sit? My legs are feeling a little tired."
Without a second's delay, Rakshit wrapped an arm around her carefully.
"Of course."
Supporting her entire weight, he slowly walked her towards the bed.
"Slowly..."
He held her hand as she turned and gently helped her sit on the edge of the bed before adjusting the pillows behind her back so she could lean comfortably.
"I'll get you a glass of water."
Before she could stop him, Rakshit walked out of the room.
Within a minute, he returned carrying a glass of lukewarm water.
He sat beside her again and held the glass near her lips.
"Drink slowly."
After she finished, he placed the glass on the bedside table.
"Better?"
"Hmm."
She nodded with a soft smile.
"A lot better."
Rakshit let out another silent sigh of relief before taking her hand in his once again.
After sitting quietly for a while, Shivika looked at Rakshit and spoke softly.
"Aksh..."
"Hmm?"
"I want to sit in the balcony."
A small smile appeared on Rakshit's lips.
"Okay, baccha."
He immediately stood up before carefully helping her to her feet. One hand remained around her waist while the other held her hand as they slowly walked towards the balcony.
The evening breeze welcomed them the moment Rakshit slid the glass door open.
The city below was alive.
Vehicles moved continuously on the roads, lights had begun to illuminate the buildings, and people hurried back to their homes after another long day. The bustling city looked beautiful under the soft hues of the setting sun.
Rakshit gently helped Shivika sit comfortably on the outdoor couch. He adjusted the cushion behind her back and made sure she was sitting properly before taking the seat beside her.
The cool breeze lightly brushed against Shivika's face.
She smiled peacefully and rested her head on Rakshit's shoulder.
For a few moments, they simply sat there in silence, admiring the beautiful evening.
Breaking the silence, Rakshit looked down at her.
"Are you hungry?"
She shook her head.
"Do you want to eat something?"
"No."
She gently placed a hand over her stomach.
"My stomach still feels heavy."
Rakshit nodded understandingly.
"Okay."
"If you feel hungry later, tell me immediately."
"Hmm."
They again sat quietly, watching the city below.
After a few minutes, Rakshit smiled to himself before asking softly,
"Ika..."
"Hmm?"
"Have you thought of any names for our baby?"
Shivika's eyes instantly lit up.
"So many!"
She sat up excitedly.
"If it's a girl..."
She began counting on her fingers.
"Ishaanvi... Swara... Mihika..."
"And I have many more names written in my diary."
She smiled before continuing,
"And if it's a boy..."
"Avyukt..."
"Hridaan..."
"Kiaan..."
She looked at him with sparkling eyes.
"But you tell me which one you like the most."
She smiled warmly.
"We'll keep that."
Rakshit smiled at her excitement before scratching the back of his neck nervously.
"Ika..."
"Hmm?"
"I've actually... already thought of a name."
Shivika looked at him curiously.
"I've had one name in my heart for a long time."
He smiled sheepishly.
"And... if you don't have any problem... I want our baby to have that name."
Before he could say anything else, Shivika cupped his face with both her hands.
"Aksh..."
She smiled lovingly.
"Why would I ever have a problem?"
"If you've chosen it..."
She gently caressed his cheek.
"I'm sure it'll be beautiful. You are so good with words."
She grinned.
"So it's final. The baby's name will be decided by you."
Rakshit couldn't help smiling.
His heart filled with warmth.
Leaning forward, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.