Page 152 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Nani,” Aanya’s voice trembled, rushed. “Di… she’s in labour. We’ve admitted her to the hospital.”
“Oh… how is she?” Nani asked, panic creeping into her tone.
“She’s holding on,” Aanya replied, forcing calmness. “It was early. The due date was fifteen days away.”
“Keep me informed. I… I really wish I could be there right now.”
“I understand. Please keep praying. Di and the baby… they’ll be fine.”
“I hope so too,” Nani whispered, trying to hold back tears. “I’ll inform Reyansh.”
“Thank you.”
Aanya ended the call just as Rishi returned.
“Jeeju, what did the doctors say?” she asked, rushing to him.
“They’re preparing her for an emergency C-section,” he answered.
Aanya swallowed the lump rising in her throat. The waiting was agony.
Reyansh, upon hearing from Nani, called Rishi’s number for constant updates. Two hours passed before the operation concluded, and finally, the doctors emerged with smiles.
Both mother and child were safe. And it was a girl.
Aanya jumped up, her joy uncontrollable.
“Congratulations, Jeeju!” she beamed, embracing Rishi from the side. His eyes shimmered with tears.
“Go on, meet them first,” she encouraged.
“I… I’m a father,” he whispered, almost in disbelief.
“And I’m the proud aunt,” Aanya chirped, her voice catching with joy.
Rishi nodded, dazed and overwhelmed, before hurrying in to see his wife and daughter.
Day 81
Aanya cradled the baby in her arms for the first time. She stared in awe at the tiny miracle before her, and to her surprise, tears welled up in her eyes.
“She’s so tiny,” she whispered in awe.
Radhika, pale but peaceful, watched her from the hospital bed, her eyes glowing with quiet satisfaction.
“She has your eyes, Di,” Aanya said, studying the baby’s features. “And Jeeju’s nose.”
Rishi chuckled from the other side of the room.
“And that little frown she’s wearing?” Aanya continued. “Straight from her uncle.”
Laughter erupted among them.
“But she’s got your build,” Radhika added.
“Yeah, but don’t worry. We’ll fatten her up with love and milk,” Aanya teased.
The baby let out a tiny whimper, her first soft cry. Aanya panicked slightly and instinctively rocked her.
