SORRY GUYS FOR LATE UPDATE 

The reception hall was glowing.

Warm golden lights reflected off crystal décor, soft music floated in the background, and the low hum of conversations filled the air. Everywhere Anu looked, there were familiar faces—relatives, friends, elders—smiling, judging, observing, celebrating.

She stood near the stage, adjusting the pleats of her saree absentmindedly.

That's when she noticed her father approaching.

Krishna.

He walked toward her slowly, his expression unreadable. He looked proud—but there was hesitation in his eyes.

"Anu," he called softly.

"Yes, nanna?" she replied, smiling instinctively.

He glanced at her blouse, then quickly looked away.

"Why did you wear sleeveless?" he asked gently, but the words still landed heavy.
"You're married now. People will talk."

Her smile faded.

Not because she agreed.
But because she hadn't expected this from him.

"Nanna..." she began, unsure how to respond.

He continued, not harsh, but firm in the way only parents can be.
"It's not about you. Society doesn't change so easily. I'm just worried."

Worried.

That word stung more than criticism.

Anu felt her throat tighten. She looked around unconsciously, suddenly hyper-aware of the hall, the people, the glances.

"I didn't do anything wrong," she said quietly.

"I know," Krishna replied. "But still—"

Before he could finish—

A familiar warmth settled at her waist.

A hand.

Steady.
Secure.

Vedansh.

He stepped beside her, close enough that she could feel his presence instantly. His palm rested at her waist—not gripping, not claiming—just grounding her.

"I told her to wear it," Vedansh said calmly.

Krishna turned, startled.

Vedansh's voice was controlled, respectful—but unmistakably firm.

"She didn't choose this alone," he continued. "I liked it. I encouraged it."

Anu's breath caught.

"And even if I hadn't," he added evenly, "she can wear whatever she wants."

The surrounding noise seemed to dim.

Krishna looked uncomfortable now. "Vedansh, I didn't mean—"

"I understand you're worried," Vedansh said, still calm.
"But no one gets to question her dignity. Not family. Not society."

His hand tightened slightly at Anu's waist—support, not possession.

"She's my wife," he said simply.
"And no one can stop her from being herself."

Krishna stood silent for a moment.

Then his shoulders dropped.

"You're right," he said quietly, embarrassed. "I shouldn't have said anything."

He looked at Anu. "I'm sorry, kanna."

"It's okay, nanna," she replied softly.

Krishna nodded, clearly flustered, and walked away into the crowd.

Anu stood still for a second, emotions swirling inside her chest.

She turned toward Vedansh.

Before she could overthink it, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

Once.

Then again.

"Thank you," she said softly, eyes shining.
"You are the best."

Vedansh raised an eyebrow.

His grip on her waist tightened just a little.

"Aha," he murmured with a teasing smirk, leaning closer,
"support cheste 'you are the best'... lekapothe regret aa?"

"If i support then you will tag me as "you are the best" if i didn't then "you regret loving me" huh?

Before she could react, he pinched her waist lightly.

"Vedansh!" she gasped.

"Ahhh... hmm," she pouted dramatically, rubbing the spot.
"Why do you always do that?"

He chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction.

"Don't blame me," she said, mock-serious.
"Blame your baby. These hormones are changing everything."

His expression softened instantly.

The teasing disappeared.

His hand slid gently from her waist to her stomach. He rested his palm there carefully, rubbing small circles with his thumb, eyes filled with something tender.

"Na baby ni em anaku, bangarukonda," he said softly.
"Na kuthuru."

"Don't blame my baby anything she is sweetheart."

She blinked and looked up at him, pouting.

"How are you so sure it's a girl?" she asked.
"Why not a boy?"

He smiled—slow, confident, full of quiet certainty.

"I just know," he said. "Because i injected it in you..so fuckin deep"

She slapped his arm lightly. "That's not logic."

He laughed. "It's father's instinct."

She shook her head, but her smile gave her away.

"Boy or girl," he added gently, leaning closer, "I don't care."

Then, quieter
"As long as they have you."

Her chest tightened.

She rested her forehead against his chest, her voice barely audible.

"So you are not angry with me.." she asked.

He kissed her hair.."How can i be angry with my darling.."

She smiled.

And for the first time that evening, she felt completely at ease.

Wrapped in his arm.
Grounded.
Seen.

.

.

Nidhi was in the kitchen, trying to reach for the top shelf.

Her hands suddenly trembled.

The room spun.

Her vision blurred, sounds faded, and before she could even call out—

"N...Rah—"

She collapsed.

"NIDHI!"

Rahul's shout echoed through the house as he ran towards her, catching her just before her head hit the floor.

"Nidhi! Open your eyes... please!" His hands shook as he patted her cheek. "Someone call the doctor—NOW!"

Within minutes, the house was in chaos.

Lakshmi rushed in, Kavitha followed, Anu stood frozen at the doorway, heart pounding.

The doctor checked her pulse, lifted her eyelids, and after a few tense moments, Nidhi slowly stirred.

"Water..." she whispered faintly.

Rahul let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

After examining her properly, the doctor straightened and smiled softly.

"She fainted due to weakness and ," she said. Then paused.
"Congratulations... she is pregnant."

For a second—

Silence.

Then happiness exploded.

Lakshmi clasped her hands. "Ayyo, devuda(OH GOD)! Such good news!"

Kavitha's eyes filled with tears. "Our house will hear baby laughter again."

Anu smiled wide, rushing to Nidhi's side. "Nidhi... you're going to be a mother."

Nidhi lay there stunned—then her lips curved into a shy, emotional smile.
Her hand slowly went to her stomach.

"I... I'm pregnant?" she whispered.

"Yes," the doctor nodded.

Happiness glowed on her face.

But Rahul—

He didn't smile.

His face went pale.

His chest tightened.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, he asked sharply,

"Nidhi... nuvu aa apple juice tagav kada?"

"Did you drink apple juice that day given by me right?"

Everyone looked at him.

"I gave it to you that day," he continued, voice trembling. "Did you drink it?"

Nidhi's smile faded.

She lowered her head.

Rahul's breath turned uneven.

That was his answer.

His voice rose, cracking with panic and anger.
"WHY didn't you drink it?!"

The room froze.

"I added pregnancy pills in it!" he shouted. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE IT?!"

"Rahul!" Lakshmi shouted.

"rahul nana!" Kavitha tried to stop him.

But Rahul had lost control.

"You know what have happened?" he yelled, pointing at Nidhi. "Do you even realize—"

Nidhi flinched.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as fear overtook her.

"I... I don't like apple juice," she cried in hiccups. "I told you... I don't like it..."

Her voice broke.

Everyone's heart sank.

Lakshmi stepped forward angrily.
"Why are you yelling at her like this?! She just fainted!"

Rahul turned to his mother, eyes red, jaw clenched.

"Amma... she's too young," he said bitterly. "She has dreams, education, a future. This is not the right time."

His voice trembled now.

"That's why I mixed the pill," he admitted. "I was trying to protect her."

"I'm sorry..." Nidhi whispered, sobbing.

 "it's okay... we can abort." rahul said.

The word hit the room like a slap.

Rahul immediately said, "Yes. We will abort."

Everyone stared at him in shock.

"No!"

Nidhi pushed herself up, panic and strength mixing together.

"No, Rahul," she cried. "I won't do it."

"Nidhi, THINK!" Rahul shouted again. "Your dreams—"

"I can still pursue them!" she said stubbornly, tears falling freely.
"I can study. I can grow. By being a mother."

The house erupted.

Lakshmi argued.
Kavitha cried.
Anu held Nidhi tightly, whispering, "You're not alone."

Rahul stood there shaking—
torn between fear and guilt,
between control and love.

And in the middle of the chaos—

Nidhi held her stomach, scared yet determined,
choosing her child
against all odds.

.

.

.

The house had gone silent.

No arguments.
No crying voices.
Just the heavy stillness that followed a storm.

In the dimly lit bedroom, Nidhi lay curled on the bed, facing the wall. Her shoulders shook silently as tears soaked the pillow beneath her. She pressed her hand to her mouth, trying not to sob aloud—but the pain refused to stay quiet.

The door creaked open.

Rahul stood there for a moment, watching her fragile form.
All the anger from earlier had drained out of him, replaced by something worse—guilt.

He sighed deeply and walked in, closing the door softly behind him.

"Nidhi..." he called quietly.

No response.

He sat beside her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She flinched slightly but didn't turn.

He pulled her towards him carefully, lifting her up and settling her on his lap like she used to rest when everything felt safe.

"Stop crying, baby," he whispered, voice hoarse.

She tried to resist at first, but the moment his arms wrapped around her, she broke.

Her sobs spilled out uncontrollably as she buried her face in his chest.

Rahul held her tighter.

"Shhh..." he murmured, stroking her hair. "I'm here."

He wiped her tears with his thumb, one by one, like he had done a hundred times before. Then he kissed her cheeks gently—left, right—slow and apologetic.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he said softly. "I just... panicked."

She sniffed, eyes red and swollen.
"You shouted," she said weakly. "I was scared you'll hate me."

His chest tightened.

"I could never hate you," he said immediately, pressing his forehead to hers. "Never."

He cupped her face and looked straight into her eyes.

"Nidhi," he began carefully, choosing his words, "I'm not saying I don't want this baby ever. I'm just saying... this is not the right time."

She stiffened.

"You're still studying. You have dreams. I don't want you to lose yourself," he continued, voice gentle. "Motherhood is beautiful—but it's also hard. I want you strong, ready."

Her tears returned, but this time her eyes burned with resolve.

"I am ready," she said, pulling away slightly. "You think I don't know it's hard?"

Rahul tried again.
"You're too young—"

"I'm not weak!" she suddenly shouted, voice trembling with emotion. "Just because I want a child doesn't mean I'll stop living!"

Rahul froze.

"I can study," she continued through tears. "I can chase my dreams. I don't need to choose one or the other!"

He reached out, but she pushed his hand away.

"You tried to decide for me," she cried. "You mixed pills without telling me! That hurt more than anything."

Her words hit him hard.

Rahul closed his eyes.

He realized—
arguing more would only wound her deeper.

Slowly, he pulled her back into his arms, surrendering.

"Okay," he whispered finally. "Enough."

She sobbed into his chest.

"I won't fight you anymore," he said quietly. "I see how badly you want this."

She clutched his shirt tightly.

"I'm scared too," she admitted softly. "But I already love this baby."

Rahul's throat tightened.

He hugged her firmly, pressing a kiss to her hair, then her forehead... her eyes... her cheeks... every place his lips could reach, as if apologizing without words.

"We'll figure it out," he murmured. "Together."

Nidhi slowly relaxed in his arms.

That night, the argument didn't end with answers—
but with acceptance.

Two scared hearts holding on to each other, choosing love over fear. 

.

.

The early morning light slipped softly through the curtains, painting the room in pale gold.

Nidhi was still asleep.

Curled slightly on her side, one hand resting protectively over her seven-month-pregnant belly, her breathing slow and peaceful. Sleep had become her safest place these days—no nausea, no questions, no emotions spilling over.

Rahul lay beside her, awake long before the sun.

He turned slightly, propping himself on one elbow, just watching her.

The way her face looked softer now. Fuller cheeks. Lips slightly parted. Dark circles faint but visible—proof of carrying life inside her.

He leaned closer, carefully, as if even his breath might disturb her.

Slowly, he buried his face in the crook of her neck.

Warm. Familiar. Home.

He inhaled deeply and pressed a soft kiss there.

Another.

Then another—lingering.

Nidhi stirred.

Her brows creased slightly before her eyes fluttered open.

She smiled sleepily.

"Lechava?" she murmured, voice heavy with sleep.

Rahul hummed against her skin.
"Hmm... ."

He kissed her neck again, then her jaw, then her cheek—slow, unhurried, lazy kisses meant only to wake her gently.

She giggled, pushing his shoulder weakly.
"bava... stop..."

"Why?" he asked innocently, kissing her again. "Morning kisses are compulsory."

She laughed again, the sound light and airy.

Before she could protest further, Rahul slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back.

"Hey—"

He lifted her effortlessly.

"bava!" she squealed, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Careful," she warned.

"I am careful," he replied softly. "With you... always."

He carried her to the bathroom and gently placed her on the counter.

She sat there, legs dangling, pouting.

He picked up her toothbrush, applied paste carefully, and handed it to her.

"Brush."

She rolled her eyes but obeyed.

While she brushed, Rahul stood between her knees, one hand resting on her waist, the other occasionally brushing stray hair from her face.

After she finished, he helped her rinse, wiped her mouth himself with a towel.

She watched him quietly.

"How did you become like this?" she asked suddenly.

"Like what?"

"So... patient."

He smiled faintly but didn't answer.

He helped her down and guided her to the hall, settling her on a chair before tying her hair loosely.

"Now," he said cheerfully, "what is madam craving for?"

She thought for a second.
"Upma."

He leaned down and kissed both her cheeks—his rasagullas, as he lovingly called them.

They were fuller now. Softer. Irresistible.

He bit them lightly.

"bava!" she scolded.

He grinned. "You're even cuter now."

She shook her head, embarrassed.

Rahul brought the upma within twenty minutes, hot and fragrant.

He placed it in front of her and sat beside her.

She took one bite.

Paused.

Then pushed the plate away.

"I don't want upma now."

Rahul blinked.

"...Okay," he said calmly. "What do you want then? Say. I'll make again."

She stared at him.

Something inside her cracked.

Her eyes filled suddenly.

"Why... why are you not angry?" she asked, voice trembling.
"How can you be so patient with me?"

Before Rahul could react, she broke down.

Big tears. Silent sobs.

Rahul immediately pulled her into his arms.

"Shhh... shhh..." he murmured, rocking her gently. "What happened, baby?"

She clutched his shirt.
"I keep changing my mind... I cry for no reason... I trouble you so much..."

He cupped her head and pressed her face to his chest.

"This is not trouble," he said softly. "This is pregnancy."

Lakshmi entered at that moment.

She froze seeing Nidhi crying.

"Why is my kanna crying?" she asked anxiously.

Rahul explained gently.

Lakshmi smiled knowingly and sat beside Nidhi.

"What do you want to eat, kanna?"

Nidhi sniffed.
"Ghee karam dosa."

Lakshmi laughed.
"Okay, I'll bring."

Rahul shook his head, smiling at Nidhi's antics.

When the dosa came, Rahul fed her patiently, bite by bite, wiping her lips, waiting when she chewed slowly.

After she finished, he kissed her forehead.

"Bangaram, I'll be back within one hour," he said.
"Don't move anywhere."

She nodded obediently.

Truth was—
Rahul barely left her side these days.

From morning brushing to evening brushing.
From water reminders to walks.
From medicines to foot massages.

He took care of her like she was a one-month-old baby, not seven months pregnant.

Later, Nidhi woke from a nap feeling extremely thirsty.

Rahul wasn't in the house.

She slowly sat up and reached for the water jug on the table.

Her hand brushed it accidentally.

The jug slipped.

Crash.

Water spilled everywhere.

She panicked.

"Rahul?" she called softly.

No response.

She got down carefully, heart pounding, and stepped out of the room to call him.

As she came down the small step near the hall—

She didn't see it.

Her foot missed the step.

She slipped.

"ahhhh!"

Her scream tore through the house.

She fell hard.

Pain exploded through her body.

She looked down—

Blood.

Her cry turned into hysterical sobs.

At that exact moment, Rahul came running.

The moment his eyes fell on her—

He went numb.

The blood.
Her scream.
Her curled body.

"N...Nidhi..." his voice broke.

He rushed to her, hands shaking, afraid to touch her.

"I'm here," he whispered desperately. "I'm here."

She cried uncontrollably.

"My baby... bava... my baby..."

Fear unlike anything he had ever felt wrapped around his chest.

He gathered her into his arms, trembling, tears blinding his vision.

"Nothing will happen," he said, though his own voice betrayed him.
"Nothing will happen to you or our baby."

He lifted her carefully and shouted for help.

At that moment—
the man who once feared her pregnancy
was terrified of losing it.

.

.

The hospital corridor was chaos.

Stretchers rushed past. Nurses shouted instructions. The smell of antiseptic burned Rahul's lungs as he carried Nidhi in his arms—her blood staining his shirt, her face pale, her cries weak now.

"Please... please save her," he begged no one in particular as doctors wheeled her away.

"Sir, you can't go inside," a nurse said firmly, blocking him.

Rahul stumbled back as the OT doors closed with a sharp clang.

That sound—
it broke something inside him.

A junior doctor rushed toward him holding a clipboard.

"Are you the husband?"

"Yes," Rahul said instantly, stepping forward. "She's pregnant—seven months—please—"

The doctor didn't look up.
"You need to sign this consent."

Rahul grabbed the paper.

His eyes scanned the words—

The hospital will not be responsible if any complications occur during surgery... including loss of patient or fetus.

His vision blurred.

What is this?" Rahul whispered, then suddenly shouted, "What nonsense is this?!"

He grabbed the doctor's collar violently.
"You're telling me you might lose her?!" His voice echoed down the corridor. "You're doctors! Save her!"

"Sir!" nurses shouted.

Before anyone could react, Vedansh stepped in and held Rahul's wrist tightly.

"Rahul!" he said firmly, eyes intense but calm. "Look at me."

Rahul's chest heaved. His grip tightened.

"Don't waste time," Vedansh said quietly, almost pleading.
"She needs to be operated. Right now."

Rahul's eyes filled instantly.

Tears spilled down his cheeks—hot, unstoppable.

He looked at the OT door again.

Behind that door—
his wife.
His child.
His whole world.

His hands shook violently as he picked up the pen.

"I... I can't..." he choked.

Vedansh gently guided his hand.
"You can," he said softly. "For her."

Rahul signed.

The pen slipped from his fingers and fell to the floor.

At the same time, Anu stood a few steps away, holding her own nine-month pregnant belly, tears streaming silently as she watched Rahul crumble.

"What if..." she whispered, fear gripping her.

Vedansh immediately moved to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Nothing will happen," he said, though his own eyes were wet. "God won't be so cruel."

Lakshmi clutched her chest, murmuring prayers under her breath.
Kavitha sobbed openly.
The elders stood frozen, helpless.

And Rahul—

He sat down slowly near the OT door.

Not crying anymore.

Just... empty.

His eyes were fixed on the red OPERATING light above the door.

No one dared to go near him.

Not a word.
Not a touch.

Because the man sitting there didn't look alive—
he looked like someone waiting for a sentence.

Minutes passed.
Then an hour.

The silence grew unbearable.

Finally, Lakshmi gathered courage and walked toward him.

She knelt in front of him.

"Rahul..."

He didn't react.

She placed a trembling hand on his shoulder.

That was all it took.

Rahul broke.

He turned suddenly and hugged her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder—
crying like a child who had lost everything.

"Amma..." he sobbed.
"What if something happens to her?"

Lakshmi held him, tears soaking into his hair.

"Nothing will happen," she whispered again and again, though her heart was screaming fear.

Suddenly—

The OT door opened.

Everyone jumped to their feet.

The doctor stepped out.

His face was grave. Too calm.

Rahul stood up instantly, hope and terror colliding inside his chest.

"Doctor?" he asked, voice barely audible.

but what he said next collapsed his world....

Like a dead man breathing.

SO HOW IS THIS CHAPTER...QUIET EMOTIONAL RIGHT?? WHAT DO YOU THINK NEXT GONNA HAPPEN ANY GUESS..?