Love Me Again

Chapter 34

Every morning began the same in Hardik and Rahul's room-a battle against the relentless waves of morning sickness. Rahul crouched by the toilet, retching as Hardik held him, trying to provide comfort through the ordeal.

Rahul, pale and exhausted, looked up at Hardik with a mix of frustration and fatigue.

"You said this would be the best decision," Rahul murmured, his voice edged with irritation. Hardik scratched the back of his neck, unsure of what to say.

Rahul rinsed his mouth and splashed water on his face, trying to wash away the lingering nausea. Hardik reached out, wanting to hug him, but Rahul stiffened, his voice sharp. "Don't touch me."

Hardik stepped back, respecting the boundary. He watched as Rahul leaned against the sink, taking deep breaths to steady himself.

The morning sickness had been relentless, turning what should have been a joyful time into a grueling routine of exhaustion and discomfort.

It had been two months since they found out Rahul was pregnant. Despite the rough mornings, Rahul never questioned the decision to have a child again.

He was happy-happy to be building a family with Hardik, just as Hardik was overjoyed by the news. But the sickness was wearing on him, and he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed some days.

Hardik had shared the news with Rohit and Virat, his excitement overflowing. Rohit was thrilled for his brother, celebrating the way he always did-with a big smile and warm hugs.

But Virat's reaction was muted. He congratulated them with a polite nod but didn't show the same enthusiasm as he once had when they were closer. Rahul remembered the time when Virat had told him about his own pregnancy with Samira-how they had laughed, danced, and celebrated the news together. But now, Virat barely acknowledged him.

Rahul's heart ached at the thought. He missed his best friend-the bond they used to share felt distant, overshadowed by the cold, detached person Virat had become.

It stung to see the changes in Virat, the way he had pulled away, leaving Rahul feeling abandoned.

Hardik, sensing Rahul's sadness, tried his best to be the supportive partner Rahul needed.

He knew how easily Rahul's thoughts could spiral into overthinking, and he wanted to shield him from regret or doubt about the pregnancy.

Hardik made sure to be there every step of the way, whether it was rushing to the store for whatever food Rahul could keep down or sitting with him during the endless mornings of sickness.

Rahul noticed Hardik's efforts, and it warmed his heart. Despite the rough patches, he was grateful for Hardik's unwavering presence. Hardik was trying so hard to make things better, to bring some light into the difficult days, and that made a world of difference.

One evening, after another bout of sickness, Rahul lay on the bed, exhausted. Hardik brought him a glass of water and sat beside him, gently brushing Rahul's hair out of his face.

"Thanks," Rahul whispered, taking a sip. He glanced at Hardik, who was watching him with concern. "I'm sorry...for being difficult."

"You're not difficult," Hardik said softly. "You're just going through a lot right now. And I'm here for you, okay? We're in this together."

Rahul nodded, his eyes welling up with tears. He was overwhelmed-not just by the sickness, but by everything. The changes, the loss of connection with Virat, and the immense responsibility that lay ahead. But Hardik's words were a balm to his aching heart. Despite everything, Hardik was there, and that was enough to keep Rahul going.