Shadowed Desires

Chapter 45

Three Months Later...
Kritika and Atharv were at the hospital for a routine checkup. The doctor asked Kritika to lie down on the bed for her scan.

After applying a jelly-like liquid to her lower abdomen, the doctor placed the probe to trace the baby's movement.

Kritika gripped Atharv's hand nervously. The doctor’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion—something both Atharv and Kritika noticed immediately.

Atharv asked, “Doctor, is our baby fine?”

Kritika’s heart sank. The doctor replied, “Mr. Shekhawat, it’s not a baby.” Kritika was on the verge of tears.

But the doctor smiled and announced, “It’s not the baby, but the babies. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Shekhawat, you are expecting twins.”

A bright smile lit up Atharv’s face, his eyes sparkling with joy.

Kritika sat up as the ultrasound ended, and the next moment she was swept into a bone-crushing hug by Atharv, celebrating their double blessing.

Few Months Later...
Kritika had just started her maternity leave, as her health wasn’t coping with her work schedule. Although she wanted to continue working for a few more weeks, Atharv insisted that her health was more important.

Now, she spent most of her time on bed rest. Pregnancy mood swings and other effects made her even grumpier, especially with Atharv.

One moment, she would shout at him for being too controlling. Next, she would hug him tightly and cry, feeling guilty.

Their pregnancy journey was an emotional rollercoaster for both of them, but every moment became a cherished memory.

One evening, Kritika was sitting on the bed when Atharv returned home late from the office. As soon as he entered, she broke into sobs, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Atharv quickly sat beside her, putting his phone and wallet aside. He cupped her face and asked,
“Kya hua Kritika, tum ro kyu rahi ho?”
("What happened, Kritika? Why are you crying?")

Kritika sobbed harder,
“You stopped loving me now. That’s why I’m sad.”

Atharv slapped his forehead, exasperated,
“Aur madam, ab aapko aisa kisliye lagta hai?”
("And madam, why do you think that now?")

Kritika replied,
“Tumne mujhe kitne time se I love you bhi nahi bola. Tum aaj late ghar aaye. Mujhe lagta hai tum mujh se bor ho gaye ho, kyunki main sundar nahi hoon na. I have gained a lot of weight, that’s why you…”
("You haven’t said 'I love you' to me for so long. You came home late today. I feel like you’re bored of me because I’m not beautiful anymore. I’ve gained so much weight, that’s why you…")

Before she could finish, Atharv pressed his lips to hers, capturing her in a soft, lingering kiss that showed how much he still desired her. He deepened the kiss, and she pressed her hands against his shoulders to steady herself.

When she was breathless, he pulled back, resting his forehead against hers.
“I love you, Kritika, and nothing will ever change that. The weight you’ve gained has only made you more beautiful. Your chubby cheeks and plump lips are even more attractive now. You have no idea how much I desire you, even now. I just don’t want to initiate intimacy because I want you to be comfortable with all the changes you’re going through. You are the first and last woman I will ever love. No other woman matters to me—she’s not the woman I love, she’s not as beautiful as my wife, and she’s not the mother of my future children.”

He placed his hand on her belly,
“Am I right, my little champs?”

At that moment, she felt a kick in her womb. Even Atharv felt it. Kritika said,
“Tumhare babies bhi tumhari hi sunte hain.”
("Even your babies listen to you!")