The Royal Tatvas

Chapter 44

Vidhi crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering as she said firmly, "This is the only way." Abhay sat in silence, his expression unreadable, when suddenly a sharp scream echoed through the house. Without wasting a second, they rushed downstairs to find Riya at the bottom of the staircase.

Riya was carefully helping Aditi sit on the steps, concern etched across her face. Abhay's heart raced as he knelt beside Aditi, cupping her face gently. His thumb brushed over her cheek as he asked, his voice low but filled with worry, "What happened?"

Riya, slightly breathless, explained, "She almost fell off the stairs. I caught her just in time. Hukum sa, please, she needs to get checked. Something's off."

Without another word, Abhay scooped Aditi into his arms, his expression hardening with resolve. As he carried her toward their room, the commotion drew Heer out of her own space. Her eyes widened at the sight of Abhay carrying Aditi, and she quickly followed behind them.

Once inside the room, Aditi began protesting weakly, "I'm fine, Hukum sa. I need to finish my work, there's so much pending at the office."

Abhay's sharp glare silenced her immediately. He wasn't in the mood for her stubbornness today. Just as Aditi fell quiet, Heer, who had been observing quietly, slipped her hand onto Aditi's wrist, her brows knitting together in concentration.

A moment later, Heer's eyes widened with realization. She checked Aditi's wrist again, just to be sure. A small smile began to play at the corners of her lips, growing into a joyful expression. She turned toward Abhay, practically glowing, and exclaimed, "Bhai, you're going to be a father!"

For a split second, the room fell silent as the weight of Heer's words sank in. Then, Vivaan, beaming with happiness, hugged Abhay tightly. Vidhi and Riya rushed to Aditi, squealing in excitement, their joy palpable as they embraced her.

But amidst the whirlwind of celebration, Abhay and Aditi remained in stunned silence, processing the life-changing news. Neither had expected this moment, and now, everything had changed.

Everyone left the room after a while.

Abhay sat by Aditi's side, his heart torn between joy and despair. She was peacefully asleep, unaware of the storm brewing around them. His hand gently brushed over her stomach as he whispered, "Our child..." A smile tugged at his lips, but it quickly faded, replaced by the heavy weight of his secret.

Just then, Vidhi knocked softly on the door and entered the room. She watched Abhay for a moment, noticing the conflict in his eyes.

"Abhay," she said quietly, "we need to talk."

Abhay looked up at her, his expression hardening. He knew what she was about to say, and it made his stomach churn. "Not now, Vidhi," he muttered, trying to hold onto the fleeting happiness.

"You can't ignore this, Abhay," Vidhi continued, her tone more serious now. "You know what's at stake. If you go through with this plan, you're not just risking her life anymore. She's carrying your child."

Abhay clenched his jaw, his hands curling into fists. The truth stung. "I know that, Vidhi," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "But what choice do I have? The threats, the danger... they won't stop until she's gone."

Vidhi's gaze softened, but her resolve remained firm. "There is a choice, Abhay. You can leave her. Walk away before it's too late. If they think you've abandoned her, maybe they'll leave her alone. It's the only way to keep both her and the baby safe."

Abhay's breath hitched. Leave her? The thought of abandoning Aditi tore him apart, but deep down, he knew Vidhi was right. His enemies and oath wouldn't rest until Aditi was out of the picture. His child's life was now entwined with hers. If anything happened to her...