She sighed and opened the door. Taking the plastic stick from the sink counter, she stretched it towards him. Looking at the small, plastic thing, he was confused.
”So?”
“Yeah, we’re pregnant.” She whispered.
“What? Really? Are we…”
She nodded before he could complete, tears running down her cheeks. “I think we were a bit careless this time around with protection during the trip to your parents’ last month. Perhaps, that’s when…With the endo, I thought the chances of conception were slim. That’s why I didn’t bother to...”
“Stop! Does it look like I’m complaining?” He then gave an excited whoop and scooped her into his arms. Peppering her face with kisses, he murmured in between. “This is amazing...I’m thrilled...this time I won’t let anything happen to both of you.”
“Armaan, stop.” She giggled and then sobered. “What if…”
“No! This time it will be fine. I’ll call the specialist right now. We will get to her right away so that we don’t let anything happen.”
“Okay.” She agreed, happy to lean on to him. She had a feeling things would turn out fine this time around. Right from how they’d made this baby, to her finding out with him and his reaction, it was happier and just...perfect. And that’s how their son or daughter was going to be, she thought. Perfect!
A month later, they called the gang for dinner and revealed to them over desserts. Tanya was sobbing, much to the horror of Armaan. “I’m so happy for you guys…” she hiccupped. “I knew the two of you would end up together. I mean, who remembers a pie after years, otherwise?”
Natasha smiled; her own eyes were misty. “We were all worried about you and Mia after the miscarriage. You came out soaring; can’t be happier for you. And, you honey, deserve all the happiness and more.” She hugged Mia, thankful their friends had come together. They were perfect together, even if they couldn’t see it earlier themselves.
“So, is marriage on the cards?” Rahul, who’d come over for a quick weekend, asked quietly.
Mia immediately looked at Armaan, her heart on her mouth. In a way, his answer would reveal everything she needed to know.
“No. At least, not yet.” He smiled.
“Oh?” Arjun looked surprised.
“I don’t want to rush into anything Mia doesn’t want. I’m happy to wait; we have all the time in the world. She’s with me and that’s all that matters. When she's ready, I’d be happy to pop the question.”
Mia gave a grateful smile to her man. He’d handled their friend’s question effortlessly without putting her in a spot. Under the table, she squeezed his hand, silently telling him she loved him one more time.
Epilogue
“You look gorgeous.” He kissed her shoulder, gently caressing her bulging tummy. Standing in the hotel room in Jaipur, she looked glowing and gorgeous in her black and gold pleated dress. She was seven months pregnant, and things couldn’t have been happier with the two of them. Once they started the medical care, Mia had settled down, her anxiety slowly coming down. Armaan too helped her soothe all her fears every single time.
His parents had come for a visit, and they’d taken to Mia completely. Both were overjoyed at the prospect of a grandchild. They wanted to make amends with the grandchild. It was their way of apologizing to their son, who had suffered thanks to their selfishness.
Although Mia had some morning sickness, with some help at her restaurant, she’d managed well. Armaan had ensured she did not do any heavy lifting or put in long hours. If she’d had any doubt about his love, everything vanished in the last few months with the way he hastened to take care of every little thing for her.
She was all ready to go to Natasha's dad’s wedding with his long term girlfriend who was also his assistant - Mrs. Mehra. The couple had flown to Jaipur, to have a hush-hush wedding, and only very few people had been invited. Mia and Armaan were amongst the chosen few.
“Ready?” He turned her around.
Mia’s breath caught at Armaan’s dapper look. He really looked stunning in a dark suit, his hair styled perfectly and his beard, again, groomed to perfection. “My handsome man. I’m lucky to have you in my life.” She kissed him lightly.
“I’m the lucky one. I got you, and a bonus.” He placed a hand on her abdomen, grinning when she giggled. “Care to tell me what’s bothering you?” He asked her in a deceptively-light tone. By now, he was attuned to Mia’s moods and her thoughts. He could easily pick up when she was nervous or anxious.
“What makes you think something’s bothering me?”
“I know you.”And I love you. He didn’t say the latter part, but she could very well feel it.
“I need to ask you something.”
“What do you want, Sugar? You know you can ask me anything.”
They were staying in the Palace Hotel in Jaipur, and she was standing with her back to the stunning view of the palace gardens. Taking a deep breath, she led him to the beautiful terrace and went down on her knees with some difficulty.
