Unexpectly Yours:The Journey Of An Arranged Marriage

PART 69

THE THRID TRIMESTER-

Kavya sits on the couch, propped up by pillows, rubbing her lower back. The clock shows late night, and the house is quiet except for the soft hum of the AC. Abhay walks in with a warm glass of milk and a concerned expression.

Abhay: handing her the glass "Back pain again?"

Kavya: nodding tiredly "And swollen feet. I feel like a balloon that's about to pop."

Abhay: kneeling in front of her and gently massaging her feet "You're not a balloon. You're my superhero. Growing a whole human is no joke."

Kavya: smiling faintly "It doesn't feel very heroic at 2 a.m."

Abhay: teasing "Well, you're still my hero. Let me get your hot water bottle. Anything else? Ice cream, maybe?"

Kavya: laughing softly "You're spoiling me."

Abhay: grinning "I'll spoil you more once the baby's here. For now, let me make you comfortable."

*****

Abhay and Kavya are at the hospital for their routine check-up. The doctor smiles as she conducts the ultrasound, showing the baby on the screen.

Doctor: "Your baby is growing perfectly. Everything looks good."

Kavya: staring at the screen, her discomfort forgotten "Look at those tiny hands, Abhay."

Abhay: his voice soft with awe "And that nose. Is it just me, or does the baby look a little like you already?"

Doctor: smiling "Third trimester can be tough, but moments like these make it worth it, don't they?"

Abhay: squeezing Kavya's hand "Every single moment is worth it."
****

The team visits Kavya and Abhay at their home, armed with snacks, foot rub creams, and jokes to lighten the mood. Kavya sits with Devisha, Ritika, and Dhanashree, who are all sharing tips for the final stretch.

Ritika: "I remember when Sammy was this close to arriving, I couldn't sleep for days. But the moment you see your baby, all the discomfort melts away."

Sakshi: nodding "And trust me, Kavya, you'll forget all about swollen feet and backaches when you hold that little one."

Kavya: smiling "I can't wait. But some days, it feels like I've been pregnant forever."

Anushka: grinning "We've all been there. That's why you have us. Need a break? We'll babysit Abhay."

Meanwhile, with the boys:

Ishan: dramatically holding his back "Abhay, I'll never understand how Kavya's doing this. Just watching her makes me feel tired."

Shreyas: teasing "That's why you're nowhere near ready for parenthood, Ishan."

Rohit: patting Abhay on the shoulder "Just hang in there, buddy. Third trimester is tough, but you've got the whole team behind you."

Abhay: smiling gratefully "Thanks, Bhai. It really means a lot."
*****

The team throws a surprise baby shower for Kavya. The room is decorated with pastel balloons, a "Mom-to-be" sash for Kavya, and a cake with "Almost There!" written on it. The wives lead the celebration, and the players join in with their usual humor.

Samaira: handing Kavya a tiny onesie "This is for the baby!"

Kavya: gushing "This is adorable, Sammy. Thank you!"

Virat: handing over a wrapped box "And this is for the parents-to-be. Something practical."

Abhay: opening it to reveal a stack of diapers "Practical is an understatement. Thanks, Virat Bhai."