PATHS OF HEART

39

Anuj and Anupama were excited but also a little nervous as they made their way to the doctor's clinic for the seven-month check-up. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the city, and the couple felt a wave of peace wash over them. They had already experienced so much together during this pregnancy—the excitement of hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time, the joy of the first movements, and the amazing experience of feeling their little one kick for the first time. But this check-up, in particular, felt like an important milestone, marking the final stretch before the arrival of their child.

Anika, now a lively 2-year-old, was sitting in the backseat of the car, giggling and pointing at passing cars, occasionally blurting out the names of animals she saw outside. "Cow! Dog! Car!" she shouted, her eyes wide with excitement. Anuj couldn't help but smile at his daughter's contagious enthusiasm.

As they drove through the busy streets, Anupama took a moment to glance at Anuj, her heart full of affection. She still couldn't believe how far they had come, both as a couple and as a family. There were moments when she would catch herself staring at her belly, wondering who their baby would be—what he or she would look like, what their personality would be like, and how their lives would change. But more than anything, Anupama felt a deep sense of gratitude. She had always longed for a family, and now it was becoming a reality.

Anuj noticed her quiet reflection and reached over to squeeze her hand. "You okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

Anupama smiled and nodded. "Yeah, just thinking about everything."

"We're in this together," Anuj said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "And I'm so excited to meet our little one. I know Anika can't wait either."

Anika piped up from the backseat, "Baby! Baby!" She was clearly in a great mood, her excitement infectious as she bounced in her car seat.

Anupama laughed. "Yes, baby, we're going to see the baby soon."

The drive to the clinic was quick, and soon enough, they were parked outside the building. Anuj helped Anupama out of the car, and together, they walked hand-in-hand toward the entrance, Anika holding onto Anuj's finger as she skipped along beside them.

The clinic was bustling with activity as always, but the moment they stepped inside, the receptionist greeted them warmly. "Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Anuj Kapadia! Your appointment is right on time. Please have a seat. Dr. Sarabhai will see you shortly."

They sat down in the waiting area, Anupama feeling a little jittery as she glanced at the time. She had been here several times already, but somehow, each visit made her feel like a nervous first-time mother. Anuj noticed her nervousness and gave her a reassuring smile. "Everything's going to be fine," he said, trying to calm her.

"I know," she replied with a soft laugh. "It's just... I don't know. I'm always nervous before these check-ups. I guess that's just part of being a mom, huh?"

Anuj laughed. "You're going to be the best mom ever. I can already tell. And this baby is lucky to have you."

Before Anupama could respond, they were called in by the nurse. The three of them made their way to the examination room, where Dr. Sarabhai was waiting. She was a kind woman with a calming presence, always making her patients feel at ease.

"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Kapadia," Dr. Sarabhai greeted them with a smile. "How are you both doing today?"

"We're doing great!" Anuj said cheerfully, taking a seat next to Anupama. "How about you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking," Dr. Sarabhai replied. "Now, let's get started. How have you been feeling, Mrs. Kapadia? Any new symptoms or changes since your last visit?"