𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼 [*Complete*]

Ch. 54 ⭐

Three weeks later. 

[Naina 8 weeks pregnant & Nandini 13 weeks pregnant.]

Naina was assigned to the Delhi headquarters, a decision that clearly bore the hallmark of Lala Gehlot's overprotective nature. He had issued a firm directive to the entire military board, strictly prohibiting them from deploying Naina on any field missions for the next two years. While Naina was furious about being sidelined, deep down, she understood Lala's intentions. His concern wasn't unwarranted—he wanted to ensure she had a safe and stress-free pregnancy and ample time to bond with her child before resuming the grueling and dangerous demands of her job.

Meanwhile, Rajveer had been reinstated into the military after an exhaustive review of his medical reports and the investigations into Sujal and Abhimanyu's cases. His return was anything but straightforward. After spending 14 long months in a coma and enduring an intensive and grueling rehabilitation process, Rajveer had barely managed to regain his former strength. The military board, recognizing his dedication but acknowledging his need for continued recovery, decided to assign him a less demanding role—also in the Delhi headquarters. This arrangement allowed him to stay close to Naina, and both were granted permission to return to on-field missions only after two years.

Rajveer couldn't help but suspect that Lala Gehlot had played a significant role in orchestrating this arrangement. Lala, with his strategic mind and unparalleled influence as the defense minister, likely persuaded the military board that this setup was in everyone's best interest. Though Rajveer was grateful for the time to heal and the chance to be with Naina during her pregnancy, he also knew that Lala's motives were deeply personal. It was about making sure of his godson and his daughter-in-law's safety, and ensuring that Rajveer and Naina had the space to navigate their new journey into parenthood without the constant shadow of risk and danger.

.. .. - - - - .. ..

The Raizada family was invited to a special dinner at the Shikhawat house, and with the Garewals having recently moved to Delhi, they too were part of the gathering. The evening was significant for three joyous reasons: celebrating Rajveer's safe return home, sharing the news of Naina's pregnancy, and deciding the wedding date for Khushi and Arnav.

The Raizada family's pandit had been consulted, and he presented two possible dates for the wedding. One was just a month away, while the other was five months later. Arnav, ever the practical one, said thoughtfully, "I think the second date will give us more time to prepare."

Before anyone could respond, both Naina and Nandini screamed in protest, startling everyone in the room. All eyes turned to the two women, who looked equally distraught.

"If the wedding is five months later, I'll have to attend with a HUGE belly! I'll look so ugly!" Nandini wailed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. "I wanted to look pretty and enjoy Khushi Di's wedding!" She dissolved into sobs, prompting Manik to immediately pull her into his arms, whispering soothing words to calm her down.

"And I'll be seven months pregnant by then!" Naina exclaimed, stomping her foot in frustration. "How am I supposed to help anyone in that condition? I'm only two months along, and already no one lets me do anything! They will wrap me in bubble wrap by the time I'm seven months. I had so many dreams for Khushi's wedding!"

Rajveer stepped forward and gently pulled Naina into his arms, stroking her hair to comfort her.

Arnav, on the other hand, looked bewildered. "But... it's our wedding," he muttered defensively, only to be met with sharp glares from both Manik and Rajveer.

Anjali, Arnav's older sister, broke the tension with a tentative smile. "Actually, I was also thinking we should go with the first date," she said hesitantly. "My husband, Shyam, has been working on relocating to Canada, and he recently got his visa approved. We'll be moving in three months, so if the wedding happens later, I might not be able to attend."