I hummed softly in response, standing there in my nightgown.
“Have you eaten?” he asked, pulling me gently toward him and settling me onto his lap.
I bit my lip, suddenly unsure whether to smile or scold him.
“You should ask both of us,” I said softly.
He furrowed his brows, searching my eyes.
Smiling timidly, I guided his hand to my belly. His eyes widened in shock as his gaze dropped to my stomach.
“What?” he asked.
I chuckled.
“Wh… what?” he asked again, louder this time.
I laughed even more.
“No…” he whispered.
I nodded.
The smile slipped from his face as concern took over.“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in bed?” he asked.
I wrapped my arms around him and kissed his forehead.
“You are my bed and my comfort, Agastya,” I said, inhaling deeply.
Then, softly, he asked,“Are you sure about this?” His hand was still resting on my belly, and I nodded.
“Yes.”
He breathed out slowly and kissed my cheek.“I really hope it’s a girl.”
I lowered my gaze, understanding exactly why he said that.
“Me too,” I murmured.
He pulled me into a tight embrace.
“Oh, God,” he said, half-laughing, half-overwhelmed.“After being a father figure to two, I’m finally becoming a father with my own seed, with my wife.”
I laughed out loud, unable to hold it in.
Since that day, his love for me only deepened. He indulged every silly craving of mine, from sour treats to late-night cravings. If I asked him to cook something in the middle of the night, he would do it without a word of complaint, as if it were his greatest joy.
He helped me bathe, combed my hair, dressed me, and took care of me in ways I never knew love could look like.
As my belly began to swell, my condition worsened. Certain smells and fragrances made me nauseous, and he grew even more attentive. He massaged my feet before sleep, caressed my stomach gently, and spoke to the baby for long stretches while I drifted in and out of light naps.
Seeing him so absorbed in caring for me, Princess Rudraja grew a little envious. Noticing that, he gave her the time and affection she needed, too.
Then, finally, the day arrived.
The labour pains struck at midnight. It was raining, not the gentle monsoon rain, but a cold winter downpour.
During childbirth, I felt as though my bones were breaking, my body tearing apart, but he never left my side for even a moment. He helped me push, encouraged me, and steadied me when I faltered. He felt neither embarrassment nor hesitation even in front of his sisters-in-law; his only concern was me.
