Talab - Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Narration:
The last night was more than just passion — it was the union of souls. They had seen each other raw, vulnerable, and emotionally bare.
As soft sunrays kissed John's face, he slowly opened his eyes and smiled at the sight beside him.
Arohi lay snuggled into his chest, her arms wrapped tightly around him. Their bare bodies tangled under the sheets — a memory of the night where love spoke louder than words.
He gently caressed her hair and kissed her forehead. She stirred, blinked at him, and smiled.
"Love you, sweetheart," he whispered, pecking her lips.
"Love you too, ji," she replied, her smile tender.
She tried to get up but winced and hissed.
John sat up immediately, his eyes full of concern. "Are you sore? Is it hurting down there? Don't you dare lie to me, wife."
Blushing, she gave a small nod.
He looked heartbroken. "I should've been gentler. I behaved like a wild animal..."
She cupped his face lovingly. "But I loved that side of you, too."
He kissed her again and held her close.
"Let me prepare a warm bath for you," he said.
As he stood up, she let out a cheeky whistle. When he turned, she pointed at his naked body and smirked.
Blushing hard, he huffed, "Dirty woman! No shame in looking at your naked husband?"
He shut the bathroom door with a thud while she burst into laughter. "Nooooo!"
He returned, towel wrapped around his waist, kissed her forehead, and lifted her in bridal style.
"You know, wife... last night was the most beautiful experience of my life. I love you so much."
He gently lowered her into the bathtub. She sighed in relaxation.
As he turned to leave, she grabbed his wrist. "Stay... please give me a massage."
With a soft smile, he nodded, removed his towel, and lay behind her, his hands gently massaging her sore body under the warm water.
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Arohi's POV – One Week Later
It's been a week, and I feel weird — nausea, dizziness, constant fatigue. But I haven't told John yet; he's been busy with work.
"Sweetheart, I'm hungry!" he shouted from downstairs.
"I'm coming!" I called back and slowly walked down, feeling lightheaded.
I served him food but just as I was about to sit, the room spun... and everything went dark.
"Arohi! Bacha!" he cried, catching me before I fell. Panic flooded his voice as he carried me to the bed and called the doctor.
Moments later, the doctor examined me. As I regained consciousness, I saw John's anxious face and the doctor smiling.
"Congratulations! Your wife is pregnant."
John was stunned, then whispered, "Thank you, doctor," and left to see her out.
I blinked away happy tears but felt my heart sink. Why wasn't he happy?
Suddenly, I heard rapid footsteps.
John rushed back in, eyes wide, tears glistening. "Is it true?" he asked.
I nodded, and he immediately pulled me into a hug. "Wife... this is our baby! I'm going to be a dad... and you a mom!"
He cupped my face gently. "From now on, you're not even getting out of bed. I'll bathe you, feed you, carry you. You're my everything!"
I chuckled and said, "Shhh, I'm pregnant, not sick."
He bent, lifted my dress, kissed my belly, and whispered, "Hi baby. This is your daddy. I love you already. And I'll take care of your mom, too."
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Five Months Later
Arohi's baby bump was as big as a seven-month pregnancy. The back pain and swollen feet made her nights unbearable.
One midnight, she stood against the wall, watching John sleep peacefully.
She caressed her bump. "Baby... please let mama sleep tonight..."
John stirred awake and saw her.
"Sweetheart? Why are you up? Does it hurt?" He rushed to her.
She nodded silently. He made her sit between his legs and massaged her back gently. She sighed in relief and soon fell asleep in his arms.
John's POV:
She bears so much... and still smiles. Why does she think of me first, always? I promise to give both of you every happiness in the world.
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The Delivery Room – Nine Months
Arohi screamed in pain, gripping John's hand tightly.
"I can't breathe... ji... it hurts," she cried.
"Shhh, bacha. I'm here. Breathe. Just breathe."
The doctor stepped in. "Are you ready, Mrs. Elliot? Let's do this."
Arohi opened her legs and tried pushing. Time dragged — the pain was unbearable.
"I can't... anymore," she cried, losing her grip on John's hand.
The doctor called out, "Just one more push, Mrs. Elliot. I can feel the baby's head!"
John leaned close and whispered, "Bacha, just once more. Remember our love. Our fights. Just once more... for our baby."
She nodded, clenched his hand, and screamed with one final push.
A tiny, perfect cry filled the room.
John cut the cord himself, eyes tearing up. A baby girl... tiny and pink, just like her mother.
He held her close. "Hi, baby. I'm your papa. My princess. My heart."
Arohi slowly opened her eyes.
"Sweetheart... it's a girl," he whispered.
"Can I see her?" she asked, voice trembling.
He carefully placed the baby in her arms. "She's just like you."
The baby began to cry. The nurse entered. "She's hungry. Sir, please step outside while I assist—"
"No," Arohi interrupted. "I want him here. He was there in my rawest pain... why not in this sacred moment too?"
The nurse smiled and taught both of them how to breastfeed.
As the baby latched, soft slurping noises filled the room. Both giggled.
They named her Anna.
Arohi looked up at John and whispered, "We are complete."
John kissed her temple and held his little family tightly.
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