Tara sat nervously beside Dadi, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta.
Tara: "Dadi… are you sure? Do you really think I'm pregnant?"
Dadi smiled warmly. "Tara, you don't look happy. Aren't you?"
Tara: "It's not that, Dadi. I'm just… nervous."
Dadi: "That's natural, beta. Every woman feels it. Everything will be fine."
Around them, eight female staff members had gathered, asking Tara about her symptoms, whispering and giggling among themselves.
Tara (hesitant): "Dadi, please… don't tell Vikram yet. Let's confirm it properly first. I'll tell him myself."
Dadi patted her hand, smiling knowingly. "Of course. For now, this is our little secret. It will stay with us women only."
Just then, Vikram walked into the dining hall.
His brows furrowed. What's going on here? Why are Dadi and all the female staff huddled together with Tara?
As he approached, the staff quickly dispersed, all of them smiling mischievously at him before leaving.
Vikram (suspiciously): "What's happening here? Some kind of secret meeting? And why were you all smiling at me like that?"
The staff only giggled and slipped away to their duties.
Vikram: "Good morning, Dadi."
Dadi (beaming): "Good morning, beta."
Vikram (eyeing Tara): "Why does everyone look so cheerful today? Something special? And Tara, why do you look so tense?"
Tara's thoughts churned. Mr. Suryavanshi, I think this tension is going to last for the next nine months…
Vikram (insistent): "What's wrong? Tell me."
Tara: "Nothing. Just have your breakfast."
His tray was served.
Vikram: "You should eat too."
Dadi (firmly): "Yes, Tara. From now on, eat on time and take care of yourself."
Tara (nodding): "Yes, Dadi."
Though still confused, Vikram didn't press further and let it go.
Once Dadi left, he leaned closer.
Vikram: "What's wrong? You look unwell."
Tara: "I'm fine. Just a little weak, that's all. You go to the office."
Vikram: "Are you sure? Your health matters."
Tara: "Really, I'm fine. Just… a little weakness. Nothing more."
Vikram (gently): "Last night you skipped dinner too. Please eat something now."
She nodded, managing a faint smile.
I kissed her forehead softly. "I'm heading to the office. Take care, hmm?"
Tara: "Bye."
---
Thirty minutes later…
Dadi handed Tara a pregnancy test kit, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Tara (nervous): "Dadi… should I do it later?"
Dadi (impatiently): "No, Tara. I couldn't wait, that's why I asked for the kit so soon. Let's find out now!"
Hesitantly, Tara went into the bathroom. Outside, Dadi and the female staff crowded near the door, waiting anxiously.
Five minutes later, Tara stepped out, holding the kit in her trembling hands.
Dadi (eagerly): "Show me, Tara!"
Tara's eyes welled up as she showed it. "It's… positive."
The entire group gasped in joy. Some clapped, some hugged each other. Dadi's eyes filled with tears as she embraced Tara tightly.
Dadi (choked voice): "Thank you, beta… I had lost hope of ever seeing this day. Your Dada ji and I thought our Vikram would never have a normal family life. But you… you brought happiness back into his world. And now, this gift…"
She wiped her tears, smiling at Tara.
Dadi: "You're happy, right?"
Tara (smiling softly): "Yes, Dadi. And I want to be the one to tell Vikram."
Dadi placed a hand on her head. "Of course. That right belongs only to you."
Later in her room, Tara placed a hand over her belly, her heart swelling with emotions. I don't know if I'm happy, nervous, or just overwhelmed… but it feels beautiful knowing I'm pregnant.
---
Evening – 8 PM
Vikram returned home. Again, the female staff were smiling far too brightly at him, one after another as they crossed paths.
He frowned. Why do they all look so cheerful today? The male staff seem normal… but the women? Something's up.
Entering his room, he found Tara quickly turning to the other side, pretending to sleep.
He slid beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Vikram (concerned): "Still feeling weak? Let's go to the doctor tomorrow."
Tara (avoiding): "Change your clothes first. It's late… we'll go tomorrow."
Vikram (pressing): "What's going on? You've hardly spoken to me all day. I'm worried."
She turned to face him, trying to calm him. "Don't worry so much."
He touched her forehead, checking. "No fever. No cough, no cold… Then this weakness is from skipping meals and overworking."
Tara (hesitant, softly): "Or maybe… something else."
Vikram: "Something else? What else could it be?"
Tara (smiling shyly): "Will you change first?"
Vikram (growing restless): "Tara, I'm serious. What other reason could there be?"
She lowered her eyes, cheeks flushed. "I'm pregnant."
Vikram (blinking, stunned): "You're… pre—wait, what? Pregnant?!"
Tara (smiling, nodding): "Yes."
For a moment, Vikram froze. Then his eyes filled with tears as he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Tara (gasping): "Not so tight!"
He quickly released her, apologizing. "Sorry, sorry…"
Tara: "Are you happy?"
Vikram (eyes moist, voice trembling): "Happy? Tara… I'm more than happy. Thank you… thank you for this gift." He kissed her forehead gently. "When did you find out?"
Tara: "This morning, after you left for the office. Dadi and the staff suspected it, so I tested… and it was positive." She handed him the kit.
Vikram: "And you waited till now to tell me?"
Tara (teasing): "Should I have told you over the phone? Would that be special enough?"
Vikram: "You could've at least called me home… Anyway, we need to see a doctor. Come, let's go now."
They both sat on the bed.
Tara: "It's already late. We'll go tomorrow."
Vikram: "I'll call and get an appointment, no matter the time."
Tara (calming him): "Vikram, relax. We'll go in the morning. It's okay."
Vikram (finally smiling): "Alright. So this is why all the staff were grinning at me today…"
He cupped her face in his hands. "I'm so, so happy, Tara. This is the second-best thing that has ever happened in my life."
Tara (teasing): "Second? Then what's the first?"
He leaned his forehead against hers. "You. Always you."
Her heart melted at his words.
Tara (smiling): "I'm glad you're this happy."
Vikram (voice thick with emotion): " Not only Happy . I can't even describe the storm of emotions inside me right now."
Tara (softly): "Then change quickly, and let's go down for dinner. From now on, I'll eat on time."
Vikram (smiling, brushing her cheek): "Yes. And I'll make sure you do. Always."
He kissed her forehead once more before getting up to change.
After some time, Vikram and Tara joined Dada ji and Dadi at the dining table for dinner.
Vikram (grumbling): "Dadi, you know I don't eat sweets…"
Dada ji (chuckling): "Just for today, Vikram. Come on, have some."
Vikram (already with a plate): "I've already eaten two sweets, Dadi. And now you're feeding me more? How many varieties have you ordered?"
Dadi (smiling ear to ear): "I'm so happy today, beta. That's why… maybe around thirty types of sweets."
Vikram (shocked): "Thirty?! And you expect me to taste them all?"
Tara burst out laughing at his expression.
Vikram (pouting at her): "Don't laugh, Tara! And why aren't you having any sweets?"
Dadi (smiling knowingly): "Because now, Tara has to be careful with everything she eats."
Vikram (suspiciously): "So that means you'll feed all of them to me?!"
Before he could protest further, Dadi popped a laddoo straight into his mouth.
Tara and Dada ji couldn't control their laughter.
Dadi (excited): "I'm just so happy! Come on, Vikram, one more sweet."
She pushed another into his hand.
Vikram (groaning): "This is the fourth one…"
But before he knew it—fifth… sixth…
Vikram (pleading dramatically): "Dadi, if you feed me any more, I'll die here itself! Stop torturing me with sweets!"
Calling a staff member, Vikram quickly ordered, "Take all these sweet boxes away and distribute them among the staff!"
The staff chuckled. "Sir, Dadi already made us eat so many. No one can have more now. Better to just leave them here."
Dada ji laughed heartily. "Your Dadi is so happy, Vikram, she'd distribute sweets to the entire city if she could!"
Vikram (throwing his hands up): "This is pure torture! She'll kill me with sweets in the name of happiness."
He noticed Dadi holding yet another sweet, ready to feed him, and bolted from the table, running upstairs.
Everyone burst into laughter at his escape.
Dada ji (teasing): "Parvati, you know he's never liked sweets since childhood. Why are you torturing him?"
Dadi (defensive): "Oh, stop it. And Tara—beta, tomorrow go to the doctor, alright? And eat more. You've only had two chapatis tonight. Here, have some salad too."
She placed more on Tara's plate.
Tara's thoughts: Now even Dadi is after me, scolding me about food…
Dada ji (gentle): "Parvati, let her eat as much as she wants. Tara beta, just take care of yourself. Eat only what feels comfortable."
Tara: "Yes, Dada ji."
Dada ji (blessing her): "My blessings will always be with you."
Dadi (already planning): "Tara, I think I'll have your room shifted downstairs. Why should you climb up and down so much in this condition?"
Tara (smiling): "Dadi, I'm fine. Please don't worry so much."
Dadi: "You girls never understand. I'll make sure your room is moved soon."
Dada ji (teasing Tara): "Get ready, beta. You'll have to face your Dadi's over-excitement from now on."
Tara wished them good night and got up to leave.
Dadi (calling out): "Wait, Tara. You haven't finished your salad yet."
Dada ji (holding Dadi's hand): "Let her go, Parvati. Tara beta, you go rest."
After Tara left, Dada ji turned to his wife.
Dada ji: "Parvati, the children are sensible enough. Don't force them for everything."
Dadi (emotional): "You don't understand what I'm feeling. I'm so happy right now, I feel like dancing!"
Dada ji (laughing): "Careful! At this age, if your bones break, they won't join again easily." He shook his head, still smiling, and left the dining hall.
---
Later, in their room, Tara was still smiling on Vikram.
Vikram (mocking): "You're still laughing at me, aren't you? You know very well how I stop that smile of yours…"
Tara (teasing): "Not anymore. You can't do that now."
Vikram (grinning, stepping closer): "Of course I can."
He lifted her into his arms suddenly.
Tara (startled, smiling): "Vikram! I'm pregnant!"
Vikram (serious but playful): "Exactly. That's why I'm carrying my wife—to take care of her."
Tara (laughing): "Mr. Suryavanshi, are you planning to carry me in your arms for the entire pregnancy?"
Vikram (pretending to think): "I would… if you weighed a little less. But—" he gently laid her down on the bed— "I can't keep carrying you all the time."
Tara (fake anger): "So now you're calling me fat?"
Vikram (smiling): "Not fat. Just… a little heavy. And that's okay. I don't mind. But relax, Tara. Don't get angry—otherwise our baby will be born an angry little one."
Tara (pouting): "Wow, Mr. Suryavanshi. I'm getting princess treatment already."
Vikram: "You'll always get princess treatment from me."
They lay side by side, talking quietly.
Vikram (still laughing at dinner)" Dadi almost killed me with sweets today."
Tara (smiling): "That's because she's so happy with you."
Vikram: "So if someone's happy, the solution is to feed me sweets until I die?"
Suddenly, Tara asked softly: "Vikram… do you want a baby girl?"
Her question caught him off guard. His eyes grew moist.
Vikram (whispering): "Tara… I just want you and the baby to be healthy. That's all that matters. Don't ever stress about anything else."
He kissed her forehead gently.
Tara: "But if we have a baby girl… can we name her Ruhi?"
Vikram froze, shocked.
Vikram (quietly): "Tara… you know everything about my past, don't you?"
Tara (nodding): "Yes. I do."
Vikram closed his eyes for a moment, fighting back emotions. Tara touched his arm softly.
Tara: "Did I hurt you by saying this?"
He opened his eyes and shook his head. "No, Tara. You didn't hurt me. I just… want to leave the past behind. And if it's a girl… yes, we'll name her Ruhi. Because I want to move forward with you and our child."
He pulled her into a gentle embrace, kissing her cheek.
Vikram (whispering): "Maybe… maybe Ruhi is really coming back to me."
Tara (softly): "Maybe she is…"
Vikram sighed, remembering. "A few months ago, my manager had a baby girl. He told me, 'Sir, soon you'll have a baby girl too.' At that time, I felt so broken. Our relationship was strained, and I couldn't even dream of it with you angry at me. But now… Tara, it's really happening."
Tara (smiling): "Then his manifestation came true."
Vikram (smiling back): "Yes."
He kissed her forehead again. "Good night, Tara. Every day, my love for you just keeps doubling."
Tara (whispering): "Good night. I love you too."
---
Next Day
Vikram and Tara met the doctor, who confirmed that everything was perfectly fine. The tests looked good.
Doctor: "Just take care with the medicines and diet."
Both Tara and Vikram replied together, "Yes, Doctor."
Relieved and happy, they returned to Suryavanshi Mansion.
As soon as they entered the living hall, they saw Suhani, Tara's mom, and Prithvi waiting eagerly.
Suhani (running up): "Didi!" She hugged Tara carefully. "Don't worry, I hugged her gently… and the baby too." She placed a soft hand on Tara's tummy, making everyone smile.
Suhani (teasing): "Jiju, now I won't be the youngest anymore! And I'm happy about it."
Vikram smiled, caressing her cheek affectionately.
They all sat together on the couch.
Tara's mom had tears in her eyes. " since I heard the news, I can't explain how happy I am."
Tara (worried): "Mummy, why are you crying then?"
Suhani: "These are tears of happiness, Didi."
Dadi (nodding): "Same here. My heart feels the same."
Prithvi (smiling): "This is such a joyful occasion. Let's not get too emotional—come, let's all have sweets."
He had already asked the driver to bring in multiple sweet boxes.
The sight made Vikram's face pale instantly, remembering last night's 'sweet torture.' But this time, he couldn't run.
Prithvi (offering a box): "Dadi, you first. But just a little—we don't want your sugar levels high."
He fed both Dada ji and Dadi small bites, then turned to Tara.
Prithvi: "Tara—oops, I mean Bhabhi—your turn."
Tara accepted the sweet with a smile.
He fed Suhani, then her mother, and finally stood before Vikram with a mischievous grin.
Prithvi: "Bhaiya, since I'm becoming a chachu, you must eat two sweets at least!"
Vikram (frowning): "Shut up, Prithvi. Take that box away from me."
Prithvi (teasing): "Come on, Bhai. You're about to be a father, don't be so grumpy. Open your mouth."
Vikram: "You know I don't eat sweets."
Prithvi: "Well, you used to not do many things before… but now you do. Start eating sweets too, or when you're old like Dada ji and dadi you'll regret not being able to enjoy them."
Before Vikram could protest further, Prithvi stuffed a sweet into his mouth.
Vikram (muffled): "Enough. Done. Thank you."
Prithvi (laughing): "Not yet! You haven't even tried from the second box."
Vikram: "And I'm not going to!"
Prithvi (pleading): "Please, Bhaiya, just one more." And with that, he quickly fed him another.
Then Suhani came over with another piece. "Jiju, this one is from me!" She popped it into his mouth before he could resist.
Tara's Mom (smiling): "And one from me too, Vikram ji."
Vikram's mouth was crammed full of sweets, his eyes watering—no one could tell if from happiness or sugar overload.
Everyone laughed as they fed each other sweets and talked about the baby. The entire Suryavanshi Mansion echoed with joy and laughter.
Vikram watched it all, his heart swelling with happiness, even as he struggled to chew through yet another sweet.
---