Chapter Fifty One

"The countdown has begun Khushi."

"That it has Ammu. If only I knew how long I had."

Now heavily pregnant and in the month she was due, Khushi was very much waddling like a penguin. Here at the and, she had inflated up far more than she had before.

Shalini reached out and held her hand. "Don't worry sweetie. It's unpredictable when, but when he's ready, we'll all be prepared."

"Thank you Ammu," Khushi smiled. "And when she's ready to arrive, we'll be ready."

"Oh don't worry about me hun, I've got another month to go."

"In a way, you're lucky."

"That's true. But I really can't wait anymore, I just went her to arrive."

"Well if that's the case, her room had better be ready."

"If it isn't, then there's something wrong with her father. We found out months ago we're having a girl, so if he hasn't even picked out the wall color yet, there' going to be problems."

"Don't worry Jaaneman..."

Aryan came into the room, his son right behind him.

"It's all ready," he smiled.

"Really," Shalini questioned.

"Both are done," Arnav grinned with pride.

"So... does that mean we can see it," Khushi asked, batting her eyelashes.

"Babe, I've old you numerous times, you don't need to do that," and he held his hand out to her.

Khushi took it and with the help of Arnav, she stood up. Aryan went over to his wife and helped her up as well and both couples headed upstairs to the rooms.

"Ready," Arnav asked.

Khushi nodded, very excited, and Arnav opened the door. Khushi stepped into the room and gaped - it was absolutely adorable! The room had yellow wallpaper with cartoon giraffes on it. In the center of the room was the baby's crib and a mobile hung over it, little animals hanging on it. On one side of the room was a changing table, several products on the side, ready and prepared, as well as diapers. Against another wall was a toy chest and a bookshelf beside it, filled with books and more toys. There was a playpen on the other side of the room for when the child grew a little older. And the big teddy bear Arnav had gotten months ago with Aryan sat in the corner of the playmat, the rocking chair near it.

"Oh Arnav... it's beautiful!"

"Really? You like it?"

"Oh I absolutely love it! Thank you so much," and she reached up on her toes to kiss him.

Arnav happily kissed her back and cupped her face. "Anything for our child."

Khushi smiled and turned to the changing table. A little gray tiger sat on top of it and Khushi picked it up and hugged it. "Now I'm kind of jealous of the little one. This stuffie is so cute!"

Arnav chuckled and held her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Would mommy like a stuffie?"

Khushi looked up at him and nodded.

"Then a stuffie she shall get," and he kissed her cheek, Khushi bursting into a smile.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, love. There's just one more thing I need to add however."

Khushi turned in his hold and looks at him curiously. "And what's that?"

Arnav held his finger up to her and went to the walk-in closet. He brought out a large picture frame and Khushi couldn't help her smile - it was a picture of them on their wedding day.

"Arnav... that' so sweet of you."

"I didn't want to do this alone," he smiled softly.

"That's very sweet of you," and she went over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"So, shall we hang this up? You just tell me where and I'll put it."

"Um..." Khushi looked around the room. "Uh.... there. By the play pen. This way he can see it from his crib."

Arnav nodded and placed the frame on the floor, against the wall. Going back into the closet, he found his toolbox and took out a hammer and a nail. Positioning it on the wall, he did the handiwork and placed the frame on it.

"Perfect," Khushi clapped. "You do know you have to get rid of those tools, right?"

"Yes ma'am, I do. And I'll do it now before I forget."

Doing just that, Arnav left the room to put the box away. Khushi sighed and held herself as she looked around the room. It was all coming together now, and all that was missing was her little prince.

Khushi caressed her stomach. Can you see what your father did? Oh I wish you could, you're going to love it! I'm sorry it's not blue, or pink if you're a girl. I'm sorry we chose not to find out and will have you in yellow or white, but what can mommy say? She just wanted to get to know you when she gets to really see you, and not on a picture on a screen. You'll understand one day baby.

With one last glance of the room, Khushi waddled out of the room. She shut the door behind her and headed back to their room. She knew Arnav would fuss at her for walking around alone, but she thought he was being too paranoid-

Khushi froze. Her hand automatically moved over stomach as her eyes widened. Just at that minute, Arnav appeared and at first, he scowled at her for being on her own, when he noticed the look on her face. He rushed over to her and took hold of her arm. "Khushi-"

Arnav felt something on the floor and looked down. The floor was wet.

"Khushi-"

"My water just broke," she gasped.

Arnav took a deep breath. "O-okay, let's stay calm, deep breaths, in and out, in and out-"

"Arnav now is not the time, it's time to go to the hospital!"

"Right, right... right!"

Arnav dashed off and Khushi placed a hand at her back, the other still over her bump. Moments later, Shalini and Aryan came rushing over.

"Oh my gosh, sweetheart, are you okay? Are you in pain," Shalini asked.

"I'm okay, Ammu, I'm okay."

"I'll go get the car ready," Aryan said before dashing off.

"Take deep breaths Khushi, how are the contractions?"

"Far apart," Khushi breathed.

"Okay, baby, okay. Well we're going to go to the hospital as soon as that son of mine gets all of your stuff, hmm? Everything is going to be alright. We've been prepared for this, we're ready."

Khushi nodded, taking deep breaths.

"Now where is he? Chote!"

Arnav come dashing around the corner, holding two big, stuffy bags, full of items.

"Chote, what the-?"

"No time Ammu, time to go!"

Arnav took Khushi's hand and they headed to the staircase. Just as they did, Aryan came back and helped his wife down as Arnav helped Khushi. They all got in the car, Arnav in the driver's seat, Aryan in the passenger's seat, and Khushi and Shalini in the back, Shalini supporting her. Arnav rushed to he hospital, driving as fast as he could and avoiding as many traffic violations as possible.

Arriving to the hospital, Aryan and Shalini helped Khushi in as Arnav ran to the front desk and told them of the situation. Nurses came rushing with a wheelchair and had Khushi sat down, and they wheeled her off. The family followed behind and when they arrived to the delivery room, only Arnav was allowed inside.

"This is it," Arnav breathed.

"You can do this Chote," Shalini said, caressing his face. "I know you can."

"I hope so."

"You can," Aryan said. "Chote, I have seen you grow into the man you have become and I know with all my heart that you will be a wonderful father."

"You really think so dad?"

"I know, son, I know. After all, look who you've taken after."

Arnav rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help his smile. Shalini playfully hit him and chuckled, a few tears streaming.

"Now go in there and take care of my daughter. Be by her side, she needs you the most."

"Yes sir," Arnav smiled and he went into the room.

Nurses surrounded the room, all of them in their scrubs. Khushi had already been changed and was laying down, machines all around her.

"Arnav?"

Arnav went rushing over to Khushi. He swept her hair aside from her face and kissed her forehead. "How are you doing baby?"

"I'm okay."

The door opened and Dr. Fields came into the room. "Hello, parents to be," she smiled. "How are you feeling Khushi?"

"I'm okay, Dr. Fields."

"Well, let's see how far long you are," she said, putting her gloves on. "Nurse, have Mr. Raizada change into some scrubs please."

The nurse nodded and gestured the way for Arnav. Arnav nodded and placing another kiss on Khushi's forehead, he went away with the nurse. He immediately changed into some scrubs and quickly rejoined Khushi, Khushi laying down with her eyes shut.

"Khushi," he called out softly.

Khushi opened her eyes and smiled at him. Arnav sat down beside her and took her hand.

"How are you feeling now baby?"

"Okay. I'm hooked up to several machines and have ice chips to nibble on."

Arnav chuckled lightly and kissed her hand, which was also hooked up to one of the machines. "Are you ready?"

"I don't know. I'm excited and I really want to meet him or her... but at the same time, I'm scared."

"Why Khushi?"

"I don't know..." Khushi sighed. "What if I won't be a good mother?"

"Nonsense, of course you will!"

"Really? What if our child hates me?"

"Baby, why on earth would our child hate you?"

"I don't know... maybe I won't love it enough."

At first Arnav couldn't understand where this was coming from. Maybe it was the nerves from labor, but he knew better. The thought of her parents came to mind and of her relationship with them, and it all made sense.

"Khushi, you're nothing like your parents."

Khushi looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"Baby, you're the most wonderful, kind, generous, and sweetest person I know. You love with all of your heart! Ever since we got married, you have done nothing but shower my family with your love, and everyone loves you. And just as you showered them with your love, you will shower our child with your love. And just as everyone has loved you, our baby will as well."

"Positive?"

"With all my heart."

The door to the room opened and Aryan and Shalini came in with a nurse.

"Hi Khushi, how are you doing sweetheart," Shalini asked softly.

"I'm okay, Ammu," Khushi smiled softly.

"Any pain?"

Khushi shook her head.

"Okay sweetheart. We'll be right outside if you two need anything honey, okay?"

Khushi nodded. "Okay."

Shalini placed a kiss on her forehead and so did Aryan. The two gave Arnav a hug and went back out, as their time allowed in her room as limited.

*~*

A few hours had passed and Khushi's contractions had come slowly closer and closer.

"How are you feeling now baby," Arnav asked.

Khushi took deep breaths, remembering her lessons. "Just another contraction."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay now. I think I'm going to shut my eyes and get some rest for now. You should go check up with Ammu and Papa."

Arnav nodded. "Okay."

Arnav headed out of the room to look for his parents, however he couldn't find them. Where did they go?

"Chote!"

Arnav looked down the hall and saw his father rushing over to him. "Dad, what's wrong? Where's Ammu?"

"There's been a bit of a situation."

"What? Is she okay?"

"She's fine, nothing bad."

"Then?"

"Your mother just went into labor."

Chapter Fifty

Partying with the Raizada's was never a calm thing, especially when it's Lavanya planning it. But because she took her Khushi Bhabi's feelings into consideration, she piped it down a bit and invited only close family member's to Arnav's and Khushi's second anniversary.

"Has it really been two years? Feels a lot more than that," Arnav said to his wife.

"Oh? And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Arnav frowned. "Don't try picking up a fight with me now wifey. Pregnancy may have made you brave but I know how to turn you into putty," he smirked.

Khushi smacked his arm and Arnav chuckled. She looked around at their guests, who were only the immediate family. Lavanya had wanted to invite more family, saying that they were 'close enough', but Khushi didn't really want too many people over, so Lavanya complied.

Shalini came walking over to the couple. "How's it going you two? Feeling alright Khushi?"

Khushi nodded. "Yes Ammu, I'm fine. Though I think I may need to put my feet up," she said, looking down at her somewhat puffy feet.

Shalini led her to a chair and had her put her feet up on another.

"If only the hall had more cushioned seats," she said, looking around for one.

"It's fine Ammu, there's no need."

"That's right," Arnav said as he came walking over.

He picked up Khushi's feet from the chair and sat down on it, replacing her feet on his lap.

"Thank you Chote," his mother smiled, ruffling his hair. "Behave," she warned, and then she left.

Arnav shook his head. "Moody," he huffed.

Khushi narrowed her eyes and Arnav simply rolled his.

"Don't you go starting with that pregnancy bravery of yours."

"I am brave on my own!"

"Doubt it."

Khushi gaped at him. Annoyed, she tried to move her feet away, but Arnav gripped onto them. She squinted at him, her expression telling him to let her go, but instead, Arnav began to massage her feet. In an instant she purred, and Arnav smirked at her devilishly.

Khushi squirmed in her seat. "You know what your foot massages do to me," she nearly whispered.

"That I do."

"So stop."

"Never," and there was a gleam in his eyes.

"Ooh! Look at you two!"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked up to see Payal and Seema. The two sat down beside Khushi and looked at them with adoration.

"Foot massages are the best," Payal chirped. "Lucky you."

"If I could even get NK to get up from his seat, that would be a miracle," Seema frowned.

"Hey!"

All four looked up to see Akash and NK, NK frowning like a child who was denied of candy.

NK plopped down beside his wife. "I don't always sit my butt down on the couch."

"You sure," Lavanya piped as she walked past them, holding a tray of cupcakes to hand out to the elders.

NK glared at his sister before turning to his wife. "How does she always do that," he asked, his glare turning into confusion.

"There really is no explanation there," his wife simply shrugged.

"You deserve it," Arnav smirked.

"I do not," NK frowned.

"Stop acting like a kid."

"I agree with Bhai," Akash said with a frown. "Dude, you're a married man for more than both us couples combined! Grow up."

NK scowled. "I'll have you know that in the three years, ten months, and 27 days that I have been married, I have acted very much like a grown up, thank you very much!"

Everyone simply blinked at him.

"What?"

"Aww, baby," Seema gushed, and wrapped her arms around him.

"Way to go man," Akash said. "Now our wives are gonna be pissed at us."

"Ditto," Arnav scowled.

Both Khushi and Payal scowled at their husbands and the two Raizada men looked away.

"It seems like my younger devar is the better husband out of the three of you," Khushi scowled.

"Thank you, thank you," NK bowed.

"He is not," Arnav defended. "He doesn't give foot massages like I do, now does he," he glared at his cousin.

"No, but-"

"So there!"

Khushi scowled at her husband. "Well its not like she has fat feet like mine, filled with water!"

"Actually, that's only a matter of time," Seema said in a low voice.

Everyone hushed down and all eyes were on her. Even Lavanya, who was passing by them, froze.

"Bhabi say wah," Lavanya squeaked.

Khushi blinked. "You mean you're...."

Seema simply nodded and the other women gasped.

"When," Payal asked mischievously, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Oh good grief," Akash frowned at his wife.

"How," Khushi asked.

"What the," Arnav frowned at his wife.

"Um, I believe I'm at five weeks now so about two weeks before that, and anger."

"Ooh girl," Payal sang.

"That's the best," Khushi exclaimed.

"I know," Seema gushed.

All the men looked at them oddly and without a word, they stood up and left.

"Better them gone than here," Lavanya said as she sat down. "Now spill! What happened?!"

"Your brother is an idiot, that's what," Seema frowned. "Remember that foster sister of mine? The one I hate?"

"Ugh, her? Yes," Payal scowled.

"Who," Khushi asked.

"Remember when I told you about my foster sister who wanted to steal NK from me," Seema frowned.

"Oh yeah! Been there, over that bitch. What was her name? Tina? Trina?"

"Yeah, Trina, ugh!"

"Oh I remember that bitch. Hated her," Lavanya exclaimed.

"So what happened," Payal asked.

"Well it was date night and that bitch showed up! We went bowling and of all places she just  had to be there! And the nerve of that girl, flirting with my husband at the bar like he was single! She never even knew him when he was single! She only knew him when he was in a relationship with me!"

"Oh boy, you really are pregnant, huh," Lavanya blinked.

"She totally ruined date night and I was furious with him when we got home. Luckily no one else was home that night to hear us."

"Oh is that the night Ma, Pops, and I went out to that party?"

"The coworker one? Yes."

"Ah, I see. Continue with caution."

"Um, okay.... So we got home and I blew up on him, and he totally didn't see any problem in it! According to him, it shouldn't even matter because we're married and because he loves me, can you believe that?!"

"Men," the other ladies scoffed together.

"Exactly! They never understand! So next thing you know, we're fighting and arguing and the next I'm bent over and getting the best angry-fuck of my life."

"Who said children don't come from anger," Lavanya said, her head tilted.

"What could be better than that though," Payal said. "Angry-fucks are the best!"

"Amen sista," and the two high-fived.

"You're so lucky," Khushi said. "You got an angry fuck and I got a silent treatment," and she twitched her lips.

"No," the other three gasped.

"Yes," Khushi gasped back. "Ugh, don't even get me into it, I don't even want to say her name."

Payal turned to Seema. "Are you guys even ready? I mean you graduate in like two months and then real life begins."

"I know, but NK and I have spoken about it. We've been together for so long and married for years... now seemed to be okay."

"But what about spending free time together," Khushi asked.

"Let's face it Bhabi, we're never going to be free ever again. We were free when the only thing we had to worry about was algebra and acne. Never again will we be free, at least, maybe not until we're 60 or something."

"True... but don't you want to go away on trips and stuff and spend time together before having a third member?"

"Not really. We used to do that kind of stuff when we were in high school."

"You did?"

"These two traveled to other countries with friends in high school," Lavanya said.

"No way! How?"

"It was easy for me since my foster home didn't care enough and NK, well... he did whatever," Seema shrugged.

"Now that's true," Lavanya pointed out.

"So we've kinda done all of that. And now we're ready to settle down," she sighed.

Khushi reached out and held Seema's hand."Well I'm happy for you." The other's reached out as well. "We all are."

"Thanks you guys," Seema smiled with tears.

"Oh no!"

NK came running over and covered his wife's eyes.

"NK-!"

"If she starts crying, we'll drown in her tears," he explained.

Seema smacked his hands away and he pulled them back as the other Raizada men joined them.

"Man up bro, stop acting like a baby, you're having one," Akash said as he stood behind his wife.

"Oh ha, ha," NK said sarcastically.

"You should really listen to your elders," Arnav said, taking his seat again and putting Khushi's feet on his lap once more.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. You should also listen to me for relationship advice."

Akash scoffed while Arnav cocked his eyebrow at him.

"Excuse me?"

"After all I've been with my sexy wifey for so long," and he kissed her.

Payal smacked Akash's arm. "Why can't you be like that?"

"Like what," Akash defended. "I'm better than him and you know it."

"As if," and she rolled her eyes.

"You really are lucky Seema," Khushi said. "I got stuck with this one."

"And you thank divine above that you did," Arnav smiled.

"As if!" She placed her hands over her very big bump. "I'm sorry your daddy sucks."

"Hey! Don't make me look bad to my kid!"

"I can and I will- ah!"

Khushi gripped her stomach and while everyone else huddled to her side, Arnav smirked.

"Bhai, quit smirking and help," Lavanya exclaimed.

"Sure. Apologize Khushi."

Khushi glared at him. "Sorry."

Immediately, she felt another jab from the baby and when yelped.

"Bhai," Akash exclaimed, but Arnav simply crossed his arms.

"Apologize," he repeated.

"Okay, I'm sorry!"

Just like that, the pain went away.

"Now that's what I call being a daddy's girl," Arnav smirked.

The three ladies blinked. "Whoa."

"Oh my gosh, I can't wait for my kid to so that," NK chirped.

"I can't wait to have my own kid," Akash exclaimed.

The three Raizada bahus looked at each other and then at Khushi's bump, with the same thought going through their head.

Oh... my... Raizada!