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Airah POV:

The last two weeks had been crazy busy. Arsalan had been working non-stop, so much that he'd come home and just collapse on the bed, completely exhausted. I worry about him so much, seeing him push himself this hard. Yet, no matter how busy he is, he never ignores me. He calls me from the office just to check in and talks to me at night, always making me feel special.

Now, as I stare at the two red lines on the pregnancy test, I can hardly believe it. Is this real? Tears fill my eyes, and I cover my mouth with my hand. I lean on the washroom counter, my hands on my face, overwhelmed. How can I be so lucky?

A mix of emotions hits me all at once. Joy, disbelief, and a bit of fear. The thought of a new life growing inside me feels both amazing and a little scary. I think about how happy this will make Arsalan, and my heart fills with love. Despite everything, despite the busy days and tired nights, this baby is going to change our lives in the best way.

I quickly wash my face and retreat back to our room. Arsalan should be home in half an hour. I flop on the bed and pick up the book I was reading earlier. Not more than ten minutes later, the door opens and Arsalan walks in, his jacket hanging on his arm and his watch glinting in the light. He looks tired; I can tell just by looking at him. His hair looks tousled, like he's been running his fingers through it all day.

Closing the door behind him, he kicks off his shoes and looks at me with a beautiful smile on his face. "You're home early?" I ask, getting up from the bed and taking his jacket from his arm.

"Yeah, missed you a lot," he says warmly. I chuckle at that, but he keeps staring at me. "What?" I ask.

"Nothing, you just look so happy. I'm wondering what's making you glow," he says, his hands gently cupping my face.

"It's nothing," I lie, meeting his gaze. He looks into my eyes for a moment longer and then kisses my forehead. "I'm heading for a bath," he says, pulling away.

I hang his jacket on the chair and sit back down on the bed with my book, waiting for him. He takes off his watch and heads to the bathroom. Unaware of what's inside, he closes the door behind him, and I wait. One second passes, then two, and on the third, I hear his voice.

"My love," he calls out, opening the door. "What's this?" He emerges holding the stick in his hand. I glance at him briefly; he's taken off his shirt, his muscles taut.

"Look for yourself," I reply casually, my eyes back on the book. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him go back into the bathroom and come out again.

"What is this, by the way?" he asks. "A test," I answer simply, still focused on the book.

"Don't tell me..." he murmurs, covering his mouth. "What?" I ask.

"It's a COVID test, right?" he blurts out, not waiting for my reply. "And you tested positive," he looks at the stick. "Don't worry, I'll take you somewhere safe until you recover, my love. I'll take care of everything." He says and picks up his phone from the table.

I burst out laughing. "Ahmed," I manage between giggles. He looks at me, his finger that were typing something pause and he looks at me with a serious face.

"It's not that," I say, and confusion crosses his face. I regain control over my laughter and continue, "I think we should get a 'baby on board' sign for your car."

He raises an eyebrow, slowly realizing, and covers his mouth in shock. I stand up, and head to him, closing the distance between us, I cup his face. And his hands come around my waist.

"You're going to be a dad," I say, tears welling up.

"I'm going to be a dad," he repeats slowly, the realization sinking in. His eyes locked with mine.

"We're having a baby," I say, he doesn't say anything, his eyes slowly drifting to my lips for a brief second. "Are you happy?" I ask. His eyes come to mine and he says, "Are you?" "I'm over the moon Ahmed." I say as tears start forming in my eyes. "And I've been never been much happier," he says and wraps his arms around me and I squeal as he lifts me off the ground and hugs me. My arms wind around him as he kisses my cheeks, my nose, and my forehead.

Just then, the door opens, and we both snap our heads to look at it. Tariq stands on the other side, his hand on the door's handle. My eyes widen when I realize what he sees: Arsalan's arms under my hips, mine around his neck, his upper half naked and our faces just an inch apart. I feel my face heating up and I slowly look at Arsalan.

"Uh, come down for dinner, guys," Tariq says, starting to close the door.

"Learn how to fucking knock next time," Arsalan snaps, his voice sharp with irritation.

Tariq mutters a quick apology and closes the door. I realize we're still in an intimate position, my body pressed against Arsalan's.

"Oh my god," I mutter, my cheeks burning as I hide my face in the crook of his neck.

"Are you hungry?" he asks softly, his tone gentler now.

I nod, still clinging to him. Without another word, he carries me to the dressing room. His strong arms wrap securely around me, and I can feel the steady beat of his heart against my chest. He grabs a shirt with one hand, his muscles rippling under his skin.

"Can I put you down for a second, my love?" he asks, his breath warm against my ear.

Reluctantly, I let go and stand, my feet feeling strange on the ground after being held. I watch him through the full-length mirror, admiring the way his abs flex as he pulls on the shirt. In his presence, I feel so small and delicate, yet completely safe.

"Shall we go?" he asks, extending his hand towards me.

I take his hand, feeling a rush of warmth at the simple gesture. As we head downstairs, he glances at me, concern flickering in his eyes.

"Do you want me to pick you up?" he asks when we start descending the stairs.

"Why would you?" I reply, slightly puzzled.

"My love, you're carrying a human being," he says slowly.

I laugh, the sound echoing softly in the stairwell. As we reach the dining room, I hear him murmur thoughtfully, "I think we should get an elevator."

The corners of my mouth twitch up in a smile. In that moment, amidst the laughter and love.

In the dining room, the staff are bustling about, setting the table with meticulous care. The clinking of silverware and the soft murmur of their conversations fill the room. No one is seated yet. I instinctively head towards the kitchen, but Arsalan's hand on my arm stops me.

"Where are you going, madam?" he asks, his voice carrying a note of playful authority.

"To help the staff," I reply, meeting his gaze.

He shakes his head firmly. "You aren't going anywhere."

With that, he pulls out a chair and looks at me expectantly. I sit down slowly, feeling a mix of amusement and tenderness. Arsalan gently pushes the chair back in, then sits beside me, taking my hand in his. His touch is warm and reassuring as he inspects my fingers, rubbing them gently.

"Are you going to tell them about it?" he asks, his voice low and intimate.

"Not yet. After I visit the doctor, then I'll tell them," I say, my eyes meeting his.

He nods, still holding my hand, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my palm. For a long moment, he doesn't speak, just continues to caress my hand with a tenderness that makes my heart swell. His dark hair falls into his eyes, and he brushes it aside with a distracted gesture.

"That's the best gift you can ever give me, Airah," he finally says, his voice filled with deep emotion.

I know exactly what he's referring to. The unspoken words hang in the air between us, heavy with meaning and promise.

"Even if I work my whole life, I would never be able to repay you for that," he continues, his eyes locked on mine. "And I want nothing more. Just you and our child, healthy and safe by my side."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I squeeze his hand. Surrounded by the soft glow of the dining room lights, I know we'll face any challenges together.

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