𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖘𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓

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Aarohi POV:

"Rooh!" I heard Ajju calling, and I shouted back, "Ajju! I'm in the garden!"

Seconds later, I felt his arms wrap around me from behind, warm and comforting, though they couldn't quite reach all the way around with my baby bump in the way.

At seven months along, the bump had definitely grown!

"Hey, baby, how are you?" he murmured, his hand gently caressing my stomach.

I leaned back against him, sighing contentedly. "I'm all okay, Ajju. But you look tired—is there a lot of work at the company?" I couldn't help but ask.

I hated seeing him do everything alone, I wanted to help, but he insisted I take it easy for the baby's sake.

"Everything's under control, baby," he assured me. "Let me just freshen up and I'll be right down." I hummed in response, watching him head upstairs.

"Oh, where's Aryan?" I called after him.

Ajju chuckled. "Ran off to his room—said 'nature's calling!'"

I laughed and made my way to the living room, easing myself down on the couch just as I heard the main door open. I glanced over my shoulder and instantly broke into a huge smile.

"BABAAA!" I shouted, walking quickly to him (since running was off-limits with my growing belly). Baba's face lit up as he wrapped his arms around me, patting my head.

"How's my princess doing?" he asked warmly.

"I'm doing very good, Baba. How are you? How was the trip?" I asked, giving Papa a big hug as well when he entered behind Baba.

Papa chuckled. "It went well, princess. And as you can see, I'm all good," he said, squeezing me gently.

Just then, Parth Chachu came bustling in, struggling with several bags. "You two grown-ass men," he grumbled, "how dare you leave me to haul all this luggage alone?" He dropped the bags dramatically, earning a laugh from me as I hugged him.

"Chachu, you know the guards would've brought it in, right?"

Chachu pouted, crossing his arms. "Well, we made a bet, and I lost, so this is my punishment."

Papa chuckled, "Exactly why we left him to deal with it."

I laughed, watching the three banter just as Ajju and Aryan came downstairs.

"Maa, what's all the noise? Are you fine?" Aryan was rushing over, looking panicked, only to break into a wide smile when he saw everyone.

"Welcome back, grandfathers and Dad!" He said and quickly came to my side, eyeing me with concern.

"Maa, you should be sitting. Why'd you walk all the way to the door?" He took my hand and guided me back to the couch.

Baba and Papa both smacked his head playfully. "You little rascal!" Baba scolded. "We're back after such a long trip, and all you can say is 'welcome back'? Ungrateful brat!"

Aryan shrugged, grinning. "Maa's my first priority." He shot me a cheeky smile as I giggled and cupped his face.

"I'm totally fine, Moonpie," I assured him.

"Oh, Papa, Dad, Chachu! When did you all get here?" Ajju asked, joining us. Soon, the whole family was talking at once, everyone excitedly catching up.

Suddenly, the door opened again, and a familiar voice echoed through the house. "BABEEE!" I couldn't help but laugh, knowing exactly who it was.

"Myra? What a surprise!" I said, my eyes lighting up as she came over and hugged me, both of us laughing as our bumps bumped together.

We were only a week apart in our pregnancies, and I couldn't believe we'd both be welcoming babies so close together.