PART 68

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THE SECOND TRIMESTER-

Kavya is standing in front of the mirror, examining herself from every angle. She places a hand on her stomach, which has started to show the faintest hint of a baby bump. Abhay walks into the room, towel over his shoulder, and stops in his tracks when he notices her.

Abhay: smiling softly "Is that... the bump?"

Kavya: turning to him, her voice tinged with awe "I think so. It's tiny, but it's there."

Abhay: walking closer and kneeling in front of her "Hey there, little one. You're already making your presence known."

Kavya: laughing lightly "It's surreal, isn't it? One moment, it feels normal, and the next... everything's changing."

Abhay: placing his hands gently on her stomach "You look beautiful, Kavya. Glowing, even."

Kavya: mock-scowling "I look like I ate a big lunch."

Abhay: grinning "Well, it's the best lunch ever."
*****

Kavya and Abhay are at the mall, surrounded by racks of loose-fitting maternity dresses. Kavya holds up a floral one and makes a face.

Kavya: groaning "Why does everything have to look like a tent? Can't they make something cute for pregnant women?"

Abhay: holding up a dress with exaggerated enthusiasm "How about this one? It has polka dots!"

Kavya: snorting "Polka dots? Are you serious? I'll look like a giant ladybug."

Abhay: laughing "Okay, okay. Let's find something that doesn't scream 'picnic tablecloth.'"

After much deliberation, they finally find a simple, stylish dress. Kavya tries it on, and when she steps out of the fitting room, Abhay's eyes light up.

Abhay: grinning "You look amazing. Seriously."

Kavya: smiling shyly "You think so?"

Abhay: walking up to her and placing a hand on her bump "I know so. You're glowing, Kavya. Both of you are."

*****

Kavya and Abhay are at a team dinner, and everyone's attention quickly turns to Kavya's noticeable bump. Ritika is the first to react.

Ritika: excitedly "Kavya! Look at you! The bump's here!"

Hardik: leaning closer with mock seriousness "Does this mean we can start planning a baby shower?"

Virat: grinning "Or a naming ceremony? I have some great ideas for names!"

Kavya: laughing "Hold on, guys! Let me survive the second trimester first!"

Rohit: patting Abhay on the back "How are you holding up, soon-to-be dad? Ready for sleepless nights?"

Abhay: smiling nervously "One step at a time, Rohit Bhai. Right now, I'm just focusing on keeping up with the cravings."

Ishan: teasing "And dodging mood swings. Good luck, bhai."
******

Later that night, Kavya is lying in bed, propped up by pillows, while Abhay massages her feet. She lets out a contented sigh.

Kavya: sleepily "You know, you've been amazing through all of this, Abhi. I don't say it enough."

Abhay: smiling softly "You don't have to say it. I know."

Kavya: reaching for his hand "But I want to. You've been so patient, so kind. I couldn't do this without you."

Abhay: squeezing her hand "We're a team, Kavya. Always. And besides..." placing his other hand gently on her bump "How could I not love every moment of this? Our baby's already the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Kavya: tears in her eyes "You're going to be such a good dad, Abhi."

Abhay: leaning in to kiss her forehead "And you're already an incredible mom. Our baby's lucky to have you."

In that quiet moment, amidst the chaos and changes, they both feel a profound sense of peace and gratitude for the journey they're on together.

******
The team, their wives, and kids are gathered at a lush green park for a picnic. Kavya and Abhay are sitting on a mat under the shade of a tree. Kavya rests her back against Abhay's chest, her hand lazily tracing patterns on her baby bump as the others play nearby.

Samaira: running up to Kavya with a flower in her hand " Kavya Chachi ! This is for you and the baby!"

Kavya: beaming and taking the flower "Thank you, Sammy! The baby loves flowers already, just like you."

Rohit: calling from a distance "Sammy, don't tire Kavya out!"

Abhay: smiling as he strokes Kavya's hair "She's not tiring her out, Rohit Bhai. Kavya loves the attention."

Samaira: placing a hand on Kavya's bump and whispering "Baby, when you come, I'll share my toys with you."

Kavya's eyes well up as she leans down to kiss Samaira's head.

Kavya: softly "You're going to be the best big sister figure, Sammy."

Meanwhile, Virat is teaching Vamika how to fly a kite, while Hardik is chasing Ishan and Shubman, who are playfully throwing water balloons at him. Ritika,Sakshi , and Anushka sit nearby, laughing at the chaos.

Sakshi : nudging Kavya "How's the second trimester treating you?"

Kavya: smiling "Better than the first! The nausea's gone, but now I'm always hungry. Abhay's become an expert at midnight snack runs."

Abhay: grinning "What can I say? She keeps me on my toes."

Anushka: teasing "Better get used to it. Once the baby arrives, it'll be a whole new level of chaos."

Kavya: laughing "I think Abhi's more nervous than I am."

Abhay: mock-serious "Nervous? No. Terrified? Yes."

Ritika: patting Abhay's shoulder "Don't worry. You've got all of us to help. And trust me, the team loves babies."

Rohit: walking over with Sammy in his arms "She's not wrong. We're all ready to spoil this little one."

The team's kids are gathered in Kavya and Abhay's living room, coloring pictures for the baby. Samaira, Vamika, and a few others are deeply engrossed in their art, while Abhay helps them write messages.

Samaira: showing her picture to Kavya "This is for the baby! It's a rainbow!"

Kavya: beaming "It's beautiful, Sammy. The baby's going to love it."

Vamika: holding up her picture "And this is the baby as a superhero!"

Abhay: grinning "Looks like our baby already has fans."

Later, as the kids leave, Kavya and Abhay sit together, looking through the colorful drawings.

Kavya: tearing up "They're all so sweet. Our baby's going to be surrounded by so much love."

Abhay: holding her close "And so are we. This journey might be new, but with everyone around us, it feels like we're ready for anything."

******

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