She asked. Trying her best to keep her voice normal. But it broke at the end. Yash looked at her with a frown.

“What? Why would I do that? I love you.”

She shrugged, not meeting his eyes.

“You loved her for 9 years. It’s not easy to forget your first love. And it’s…it’s ok if you still have feelings for her…I…I understand….I mean if you…want to get back with-”

Her monologue was cut off by his lips. He kissed her hard. As if punishing her for her words.

Nisha’s hands flew to his shoulder to balance herself because he was suddenly all over her. He leaned closer and they fell back on the couch with her under him.

He cupped her neck and cheek, before pulling back and looking into her eyes.

“Still have any doubts?”

His voice was husky and hoarse due to the emotions and arousal. Nisha wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him, hiding her face in his neck.

He smiled against her skin and closed his eyes. But they shot open the next second when he heard her.

“Let’s get married, Yash.”

He pulled back and looked at her with wide eyes.

“What?”

“Let’s get married. We’re not getting any younger. I mean both of us are 27 and will turn 28 next year. I think it is the right time. Unless you’re not sure and need time. It’s ok if you do. We can wait. I just want to be with you no matter-”

“Let’s get married. Let’s do it.”

He cut her off again. She looked at him for a moment, before processing his words and melting against his arms.

2 years later

“This one or this one?”

Yash asked, holding two packets of different shaped pastas in his hands. Nisha pouted with a frown as she considered. When she still couldn’t figure out which one after two minutes, he decided to take the matter in his hands.

“Ek kaam karta hu. Dono mix kr deta hu.”

(I will do one thing. I will mix both.)

She instantly beamed and nodded.

“Yes! That’s a good idea. And mix sauce. Since I cannot decide on one of them either.”

He smiled and kissed her forehead, before nodding and getting back to his work.

She followed him and carefully took her place on her designated stool in the kitchen, which he had specifically placed for her. So that she doesn’t have to stand for too long.

“I feel bad.”

She mumbled seeing him work around the kitchen. He immediately stopped and turned to her.

“What’s wrong? Do you feel dizzy? Or nauseous?”

“No. Not that. I feel bad ki mere hote huye tumhe ye sab krna pad raha hai.”

(I feel bad that you have to do all this even when I’m here.)

She pouted and motioned around the kitchen. He cupped her face and said.

“Ye sab koi gender specific kaam thodi na hai. Tumne kia maine kia ek hi baat hai.”

(This is not gender specific. You do, I do, it’s the same thing.)

“Haan par. Tum kaam bhi krte ho. Mai toh leave pr hu abhi. Itna toh kr hi skti hu na.”

(Yes but. You work in office also. I am one leave. I can do this much.)

“Iss waqt tumhara kaam sirf apna aur baby ka dhyan rakhna hai. Baaki sab mai dekh lunga. Okk?”

(Right now your job is to take care of yourself and the baby. I will handle the rest.)

They caressed her nine month bump and she nodded. She was due anytime now.

Yash had been working from home for the month. He went to the office only when very much required. 

Nisha was watching TV in the living room and Yash was working in his room when he heard her yell. 

He immediately rushed out to her and saw her clutching her stomach from one hand and the edge of the couch from another. 

“Nisha? Are you okay?”

“My water broke…Yash.”

She closed her eyes in pain. He immediately rushed back inside to get her bag and a towel.

He helped her to the car and made her sit in the backseat after laying down the towel.

“But why can I not go inside? She’s my wife and that’s my child!”

He argued with the nurse who was not letting him go inside the delivery room. 

“I’m sorry sir. That’s not allowed. Aap please yaha bahar wait kriye.”

(You please wait here outside.)

“I NEED MY HUSBAND!”

He heard Nisha yell from inside. The nurse looked back at the room and then at him. Another nurse came out running and looked at him.

“Aap hamare saath chaliye sir.”

(You come with us, sir.)

He thanked the nurse and was prepared for the delivery room. He immediately clutched Nisha’s hand seeing her laid down on the bed.

Her breathing was heavy and her entire body sweated. She had tears flowing down her eyes.

“I can’t do it. Mujhse nhi hoga Yash.”

(I can’t do this, Yash.)

She whispered, her eyes closing. He pushed her hair back and cupped her face.

“Nisha! Nisha, look at me. It’s not for you. It’s for the little one. For the promises we made to her. For all the love we promised her. Everything we did not get as kids. Remember the moments we imagined. Remember the life we imagined. Remember our baby, Nisha. For her.”

As if his words gave her strength, she closed her eyes and gave one hard push. She felt something slide out of her and slumped back with a cry.

Yash’s eyes teared up as he looked at the doctor holding his baby. He kissed Nisha’s head and whispered sweet nothings in her ear.

The baby cried and both of them smiled amidst their own tears. Their baby was here. 

“You did amazing, love. I love you.”

“I’m so tired, Yash.”

“Get some rest. I’m here.”

He kissed her head and she instantly slipped into deep slumber. When she woke up next, she saw Yash sitting across the room without his shirt, holding the baby against his chest.

“Why are you naked?”

“The doctors suggested body warmth. Good for the baby.”

She kept looking at them. Her husband and her baby.

“It’s a boy. You won.”

He said, making her smile. He got up and walked towards her. He sat beside her and bent down to her level, placing the baby on her eye level.

“He’s beautiful. Our son.”

Nisha cried and kissed his little head, cradling him to her chest. She looked up at Yash and he pecked her lips sweetly.

Right that moment, their world was complete.