PATHS OF HEART

29

Anupama and Anuj were preparing for her five-month checkup. The last few weeks had been peaceful, filled with moments of closeness as they shared their anticipation for the arrival of their second child. Their bond had slowly begun to heal after all the emotional turmoil they had faced, and the memory of their daughter Anika's second birthday still lingered sweetly in their minds.

The day of the checkup dawned with a sense of calm. Anuj was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Anupama sleep peacefully. She had one hand gently resting on her slightly swollen belly, and her breathing was soft and steady. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over her face.

Anika was still asleep in her room, curled up with her favorite stuffed animal, but they would need to wake her soon. She insisted on coming to every checkup, fascinated by the idea of her soon-to-be sibling.

Anuj smiled as he gently placed his hand over Anupama's. Feeling the warmth of her belly beneath his fingers, he marveled at how quickly time was passing. It felt like just yesterday when they had found out about the pregnancy, and now here they were, halfway through.

Anupama stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and she looked up at him with a sleepy smile. "Good morning," she murmured.

"Morning, love," he whispered back, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead. "It's checkup day. You ready?"

She nodded, rubbing her eyes. "I'm ready. Just... tired."

Anuj chuckled softly. "Well, we'll make sure the baby's doing all the hard work for now. You just relax."

He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her belly, and Anupama smiled, feeling his love surround her. She sat up slowly, stretching her arms. "We should wake Anika. You know how excited she gets for these appointments."

Anuj stood up and headed to Anika's room, where he found her still sound asleep, her face peaceful. He crouched down next to her bed and stroked her cheek. "Anika... it's time to wake up, princess. We're going to see the baby today."

At the mention of the baby, Anika stirred, her little face lighting up as she woke. "Baby?" she asked, her voice groggy but filled with excitement.

"Yes, baby," Anuj said with a grin. "Come on, let's get you ready."

After helping her change into a cute pink dress, he lifted her into his arms and carried her downstairs, where Anupama was already waiting with breakfast. The three of them sat at the table, enjoying the quiet morning together. Anika, full of energy as always, chattered away excitedly about seeing the baby again.

"Mama, baby dancing today?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Anupama laughed softly, placing a hand on her belly. "We'll have to see. Maybe the baby is still sleeping, but who knows?"

Anuj watched them, his heart swelling with love for his girls. After breakfast, they gathered their things and headed out for the appointment. The drive to the clinic was filled with light-hearted conversation and Anika's endless questions about her sibling. Every time they went for a checkup, it felt like a little family adventure, and today was no different.

When they arrived at the clinic, Anupama checked in while Anuj held Anika's hand, guiding her toward the waiting area. The clinic was familiar now—a place where they had already shared so many emotional milestones in this journey.

Soon, the nurse called Anupama's name, and the three of them followed her into the examination room. Anuj helped Anupama onto the exam table, and Anika clambered onto his lap, her eyes wide with anticipation as she watched the nurse prepare the ultrasound equipment.