Estranged lovers

Chapter 52

Seven Months Later...

ANNIKA'S POV

Annika had always thought of herself as someone who could handle things, someone who could bear whatever life threw her way. But as she stood in front of the mirror this morning, looking at the reflection of her rounded belly, she felt a new weight settle in her chest. The realization was both beautiful and overwhelming. Seven months of carrying new life, a new beginning, and yet the magnitude of it all had barely hit her until now. This wasn't just about her and Siddharth anymore......it was about a family they were building, an entirely new world they were about to step into.

She had been nervous for weeks now. The pregnancy, though expected, had been a whirlwind....one minute, she felt elated and full of hope, and the next, her heart would tighten with fear.

It wasn't just the unknown of motherhood, but everything else that came with it. She was still recovering from the shock of everything that had happened.....her aunt's betrayal, the media storm, and the weight of the past. And now, this. This new chapter.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps behind her. Siddharth appeared in the doorway, his eyes immediately catching hers. He had been more attentive than ever, his love and support a constant source of comfort. Yet, even he seemed to notice her distant gaze.

"Hey," he said gently, walking towards her. "You okay?"

Annika turned toward him, offering a small smile despite the storm brewing in her mind. She nodded but could sense that he wasn't convinced.

"I've been thinking, Siddharth," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "There's something I need to tell you."

He raised an eyebrow, concern flickering across his face. "What is it, Annika? You're scaring me."

Siddharth's eyes widened as he stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers, waiting for her to continue.

Annika took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "Siddharth... it's not just one baby." She reached out, placing his hand gently on her belly. "There are three. We're having triplets."

The room seemed to hold its breath. Siddharth froze, his expression shifting from concern to confusion, and then to disbelief. His eyes scanned her face as though he was searching for some sign that this was a joke, but when none came, the gravity of her words sank in. 

Siddharth's hand remained on her stomach, as though he was processing the weight of her words. Triplets. Three. The realization hit him like a wave, sweeping away all his rational thoughts. His heart pounded in his chest, a strange mix of emotions flooding his mind.....excitement, shock, panic, and a deep sense of awe.

"Triplets?" His voice cracked as he whispered the word again, still unable to fully grasp it. He stepped back slightly, his eyes searching hers for confirmation. "Three babies, Annika?"

She nodded, her own eyes brimming with uncertainty. "Yes. Three."

A deep breath escaped Siddharth's lips as he ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. He had imagined many scenarios, many ways this moment could unfold, but this.....this was beyond anything he had anticipated. The excitement of being a father had always been there, but now the responsibility of it felt so much heavier. How would they handle this? 

Annika's heart ached as she saw the storm in his eyes. She could see his worry, his fear, and she knew exactly how he felt. The unknown was terrifying for both of them, but she needed him more than ever.

"Siddharth," she said softly, stepping closer to him. "I know this is a lot. It's a lot for me, too. But we'll figure it out. I promise."

He took a moment before speaking again, his voice low, heavy with emotion. "I want this. I want us to have this family, Annika. I do. But... I'm scared. I'm terrified. How do we even begin to process this? Will I be enough for you and them? For our family?"