Chapter Sixty One

The sound of a steady beep echoed in the room, pulling Khushi away from her sleep. She slowly opened her eyes and was struck by light, forcing her to shut them immediately. Slowly, she blinked her eyes open and became aware of the white hospital room.

I'm alive?

Khushi glanced around, when she noticed Arnav sleeping on the couch on the other side of the room.

He didn't do it.

As if he had heard her thoughts, Arnav's eyes shot open. He blinked a few times and groaned, before opening them and meeting Khushi's eyes. "Khushi."

Khushi instantly looked away, feeling hot tears stream down her cheeks. Arnav got up and went to her side, placing his hand in her hair. "Baby-"

"How could you," Khushi cried. "How could you? After I asked you to-"

Khushi broke into tears, paining Arnav.

"Khushi-"

Khushi faced him. "How could you be so selfish," she whispered. "How could you steal one's life away?"

"I-"

"You're so selfish. I thought the man I loved would do the right thing.... You are not the man I fell in love with and you most definitely do not truly love me," and she turned away again, crying.

Just then, the door opened, Dr. Fields entered.

"I'm glad you're awake Khushi," she smiled softly. "My colleague, well... she still can't believe it."

Khushi looked at the doctor in confusion as she checked her charts then turned to a monitor.

"Now then, let's check on the little one."

Now Khushi was truly confused. "What?"

"The baby of course. Although both of you are miraculously okay..."

Khushi glanced at Arnav, who was looking at Dr, Fields, and looked back at the doctor.

"...we still want to keep you under our watch, especially the baby. Now let's take a good look."

Khushi just looked at Dr. Fields in confusion as the good doctor prepared for the ultrasound. She registered the cold feel of the jelly, but her eyes stayed fixed on her. Dr. Fields checked the monitor, locating the baby, while Arnav watched.

"And there's the little one."

Khushi looked at the screen and gasped. Her child was truly there.

"Judging by the size, your baby is at least 8 weeks." She looked back at Khushi. "You're still in the first trimester and even if luck was by your side during this critical event, you must take good care of yourself. With a husband and family like yours, I'm sure you'll be fine, but still, as your doctor, I must repeat myself."

"Don't worry Dr. Fields," Arnav said, his arms crossed. "We'll take extra good care of my kidney bean."

"Almost the size of a grape," Dr. Fields smiled. "I'll leave you two to it then. Khushi, get a lot of rest, okay? I'll have letter sent home with a date and time of your next appointment."

"Thank you Dr. Fields."

"Not a problem." She made her way to Arnav and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I may be watching out for the little one and its mother, but you are the true protector."

Khushi looked at them in confusion.

"If it weren't for you faith and strong belief, who knows, we probably wouldn't have ever seen such a miracle. But the love you have for your wife and your unborn child shows how much even modern science can't do." She turned to Khushi. "You're really lucky to have a man such as Arnav who loves you oh so very much."

A lump grew in Khushi's throat as tears once again threatened to fall. The doctor left, leaving the two in the room. Khushi still couldn't believe it - her child was alive! They were both okay, and she had accused Arnav so wrongly.

"Arnav-"

Arnav grabbed his jacket from the couch and went to the door. "I'm getting a bite to eat."

"Arnav-" but he left the room.

Shalini instantly came walking in, looking confused as she watched her son's retreating back before entering the room. "Khushi dear, how are you feeling?"

"Like an absolute bitch," she cried.

"Oh, sweetie, what happened?"

Khushi told Shalini of what had happened while tears poured down her cheeks. Shalini sat down beside her, taking her hand in hers.

"I was so awful to him!"

"Oh sweetheart, you didn't know. It was just your motherly instincts reacting-"

"That doesn't excuse me of accusing him of not truly loving me."

Shalini sighed and placed her hand in Khushi's hair. "He loves you a lot. He loves you both very much. So much, he prayed and begged to DM."

Khushi's eyes widened. "He did what?"

Shalini told him of what had happened earlier and Khushi was shocked. It made her feel even guiltier of what she had said to him, making her cry even more.

"He'll never forgive me," Khushi whispered.

"Of course he'll forgive you, he can't live without you!"

Khushi sniffled wiping away her tears.

"Trust me, I know my son. He may be stubborn like his father-"

Khushi frowned at her.

"Okay," she chuckled. "He may be stubborn like both his father and I, but he'll come around."

"Are you sure," she whispered.

"Positive. Now, get some rest. I had Aryan go out and get you some food and not this crap they serve here in the hospital. Don't worry, we've asked the doctors and they've given the go. Now quickly get better, there's a little man waiting for you, who happens to be driving his Akash Chacha and Payal Chachi crazy with his tears."

Khushi nodded and Shalini placed a kiss on her forehead. She left the room and Khushi stared up at the ceiling.

I am a horrible person.

*~*

When the doctors deemed it right, Khushi was sent home. She was so happy to see Aarav and the little guy was very happy to see his mother. Khushi stayed in bed all day, getting her rest. She wouldn't let Aarav out of her sight, keeping him with her. Shalini and Aryan took good care of her. Arnav did as well, but he was cool and distant.

A little more than a month passed and the young Raizada ladies decided to get together, all of them hanging out at NK's house.

"You're still pregnant," Payal questioned.

"You're still not," Seema huffed.

"Well we are trying."

"Well here's some advice - don't. I don't know how much longer I can tolerate being pregnant!"

"How far are you again," Khushi asked.

"Well after that pregnancy test came out full bust when we told you guys back during your anniversary, we tried again and became really pregnant. I have to admit, that was quite embarrassing. But thanks to this bump, I know for sure I'm really 9 months pregnant."

"Then it's only a matter of time," Khushi smiled. 

"How are you feeling," Payal asked her.

"We're doing okay," Khushi said, placing her hand over her stomach. "Now that I'm in my second trimester, I feel slightly better."

"Is Bhai still mad at you," Lavanya asked softly. 

Khushi looked down at her folded hands and nodded. 

"I'm sorry my brothers are such idiots."

"Don't be. It's my fault really."

Everyone reached out and held her hand. 

"I was so mean to him," Khushi whispered. "He should never forgive me."

"Don't say that," Seema said softly. 

"Bhai loves you," Payal cajoled. 

"Then why won't he talk to me unless necessary. Or look at me?"

None of the ladies said anything. 

"I don't know how to make it up to him," she whispered. 

"I'm sure he knows you love him and that you know he loves you with all of your heart," Payal said. 

"Doubt it," Khushi whispered. 

"Well... why not show him then," Seema said. 

Khushi looked at her in confusion. 

"Remember, men always best understand love and show love through sex. Get a little naughty with him."

"Gross," Lavanya said, mocking distaste. 

"You know, that just might work," Payal agreed. 

"You really think so," Khushi asked. 

"Absolutely," Payal and Seema said together. 

"I can't believe I'm saying this - gross! - but yes," Lavanya said. "And I just might have an idea how."

"Tell me," and Lavanya told Khushi of her plan. 

"Are you sure this will work?"

"Of course, just have some faith."

Khushi nodded and leaned back in her chair with a sigh. I really hope this does.