The Shekhawat Bride

Career or Baby........?

Chaitanya's POV

Two years had passed since our wedding, and life with Hukum had been nothing short of a dream. We had built a beautiful life together, balancing love, career, and the small joys of everyday moments. But as time passed, a question loomed over us—a question that neither of us had directly confronted until now.

The pressure had started subtly, with casual remarks from family members. "When will we hear the good news?" "It's time to start thinking about a baby!" "Don't wait too long, Chaitanya. You know, women have biological clocks."

At first, I brushed them off with a polite smile, but lately, they had become more persistent. Especially now, when I was on the verge of a major career milestone—a promotion that I had worked tirelessly for.

Sitting in our living room, I flipped through work documents on my laptop, trying to focus. But the weight of my thoughts pressed down on me. Hukum walked in, holding two cups of coffee, and sat beside me. "Still working? It's Sunday, Jaana. Give yourself a break."

I smiled at his concern, placing the laptop aside. "I know, but this project is important. If it goes well, I'll finally get promoted to regional head."

He handed me a cup, watching me carefully. "You seem tense. What's wrong?"

I hesitated, then sighed. "Our families. The pressure. The constant reminders about having kids. I don't know, Hukum... I feel so torn. I want to be a mother someday, but this promotion is everything I've worked for. What if taking a break now affects my entire career trajectory? What if—"

"Hey," he interrupted, cupping my face gently. "Slow down. Breathe."

I closed my eyes as his thumbs traced soothing circles on my cheeks. "I just don't know what to do. It's like I have to choose—either be a good daughter-in-law, a good wife, and start a family, or chase my dreams and be seen as selfish."

He sighed, pulling me closer so I rested against his chest. "Bacha, listen to me. This is your life, our life. Not theirs. I want kids with you, of course I do. But I don't want you to feel forced. And I would never let you give up on your dreams for anyone."

His words warmed my heart, but the doubt still lingered. "But what about our parents? They expect—"

"They will have to understand. And if they don't, I will make them understand. We decide when we're ready, no one else."

I let out a shaky breath, absorbing his words. "You really mean that?"

He tilted my chin up, looking deep into my eyes. "You are my priority. Your happiness, your dreams. We will have a family when we both feel ready, not because society demands it. And if that means waiting a little longer, then so be it."

Tears pricked my eyes, and I hugged him tightly. "I love you, Hukum."

He kissed my forehead, his voice firm. "And I love you more. We'll face this together, always."

The next day, his parents visited us in Mumbai  for dinner. As expected, the topic came up again. Massi maa and Dadisa, sighed dramatically at the dining table. "So many relatives are asking when they will get to see their grandchild. We don't want you both to wait too long."

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, Hukum placed his hand over mine under the table and spoke calmly yet firmly. "Maasi Maa, we will have children when the time is right. Chaitu's career is important to her, and I support her. Just like Papa supported you when you had dreams before marriage."

Massi maa looked taken aback but eventually nodded. "Of course, beta. We just worry because time doesn't wait for anyone."

I smiled softly, squeezing Hukum's hand in silent gratitude. He had once again stood by me, proving that our love was stronger than societal expectations.