PATHS OF HEART

32

The morning of Anupama's six-month checkup dawned bright and early. The air was crisp, and the household was alive with excitement. Anuj had been extra attentive ever since Anupama reached her second trimester, fussing over her with the kind of endearing worry that made Anupama smile.

Anika, their bubbly two-year-old, was bouncing around the house, eager to come along. Though she didn't fully understand the details, she was endlessly fascinated by the idea of the baby growing inside her mother's belly. Every morning, she would talk to the baby, kissing Anupama's stomach and asking when it would finally come out to play.

Today, the whole family seemed a little more on edge than usual. Anuj couldn't hide his excitement and nervousness, and Anupama, though calm on the outside, could feel the butterflies in her stomach. Today's appointment felt like a milestone. They were going to see the doctor, Mrs. Sarabhai, for a thorough checkup, and the anticipation of hearing the baby's progress made everything feel more real.

"Are you ready?" Anuj asked, coming into the room with a soft smile. He was carrying Anika, who was proudly clutching a small stuffed elephant, her favorite toy.

Anupama smiled back, pushing herself up gently from the couch. "As ready as I'll ever be. I swear, this baby is making me hungrier by the day."

Anuj chuckled and reached out his hand to help her up. "That just means the baby is healthy, right? You're both doing great."

Anika, perched in her father's arms, leaned down and patted Anupama's belly. "Baby hungry too? Baby want food?"

Anupama laughed and stroked her daughter's cheek. "Maybe. But first, we need to go see Dr. Sarabhai."

The drive to the clinic was filled with chatter. Anika kept asking questions about the baby, her curiosity and excitement showing in every word.

"Papa, when baby come out? Baby big now?"

Anuj glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his eyes sparkling. "Not yet, Anika. But soon, the baby will start kicking. You'll be able to feel it!"

Anika's eyes widened. "Kicking? Like football?"

Anupama chuckled, turning slightly in her seat to look back at her daughter. "Not quite like football, sweetheart. But you'll feel the baby moving. It's a little different."

Anika frowned in concentration, clearly trying to imagine what it would feel like. "I want to feel baby kick!"

Anuj and Anupama exchanged amused glances. "Patience, my little one," Anupama said gently. "The baby's not ready to kick yet, but soon."

As they pulled into the clinic's parking lot, Anuj squeezed Anupama's hand. "You ready for this?"

Anupama smiled, though her heart was racing. "Yes, let's go see how our little one is doing."

Dr. Sarabhai's clinic had a warm, inviting atmosphere. The walls were painted in soothing shades of blue and green, and there were cheerful posters of babies and happy families. The waiting area was filled with other expectant parents, all with that same mix of excitement and nervousness in their eyes.

As they waited for their turn, Anuj couldn't help but fidget. He kept looking at his phone, tapping his foot, and glancing at Anupama every few seconds. Anika, meanwhile, was playing with her stuffed elephant, completely oblivious to the tension.

Finally, the nurse called Anupama's name, and they were ushered into Dr. Sarabhai's office.

The doctor, Mrs. Sarabhai, greeted them with a warm smile. She was in her late forties, with kind eyes and a calm, reassuring demeanor. "Ah, the lovely family!" she said as they walked in. "How are we doing today?"