His Bride

Epilogue

Arushi's Pov

Two Years Later

"Dhruv!" I yelled from the bedroom, clutching my stomach.

Dhruv appeared in record time, his eyes wide with panic as he rushed toward me. "What happened? Are you in pain? Should I call the doctor?"

I glared at him. "No, I need ice cream. Now."

He blinked. "Ice cream? Aru, it's past midnight—"

"Ice cream," I repeated slowly, my tone sharp enough to cut glass. "Chocolate and mango. And sprinkle some chili flakes on it."

Dhruv's mouth dropped open. "Chili flakes? On chocolate and mango?"

"I don't care if it sounds weird!" I snapped. "I'm carrying your child, so the least you can do is get me some ice cream with chili flakes!"

He sighed, running a hand down his face. "Alright, alright. Ice cream with chili flakes coming right up."

I sat back against the pillows, cradling my very large, very round belly. Eight and a half months pregnant and I was an emotional time bomb. Dhruv had learned to take cover when necessary.

Five minutes later, Dhruv returned with a bowl of ice cream. He sat on the edge of the bed, handing it to me. I took one bite and froze.

"This is strawberry."

Dhruv's brow furrowed. "It's chocolate and mango!"

I held the spoon up accusingly. "No, it's strawberry. Do you even care about me?"

Dhruv pinched the bridge of his nose. "Aru, it's—"

Tears pooled in my eyes. "You don't love me anymore!"

Dhruv's eyes widened in horror. "What? No! Of course I love you!" He grabbed my face gently. "Baby, you're pregnant and hormonal. I'm doing my best here."

"I'm sorry," I sniffled. "I just really wanted the right ice cream."

"I know," he chuckled, brushing my hair back. "And I'll go get the right one."

As Dhruv leaned down to kiss my forehead, Aadhi peeked into the room.

"Mama, why are you crying?"

I smiled at her. "Mama's just a little emotional, sweetheart."

Aadhi climbed onto the bed and carefully hugged my belly. "Baby is kicking again?"

I nodded. "Yes. Your baby brother or sister is very active tonight."

Aadhi placed her tiny hands over my belly and grinned when the baby kicked. "He likes me!"

"He definitely does," Dhruv said, smiling.

"I hope it's a girl," Aadhi said confidently. "I want to braid her hair."

Dhruv's phone buzzed. He glanced at it and frowned. "It's from the hospital. I need to check on something."

I nodded. "Go. I'll be fine."

Dhruv leaned down and kissed me. "No more crying, okay?"

"I'll try," I said sweetly.

As Dhruv walked out of the room, Aadhi cuddled up next to me. "Mama, what if it's a boy?"

"Then you'll still love him, right?"

Aadhi wrinkled her nose. "I guess so."

I laughed, brushing her hair back. "You'll be a great big sister."

Suddenly, a sharp pain rippled through my stomach. My breath hitched. "Oh..."

Aadhi's eyes widened. "Mama?"

I gripped the side of the bed. Another contraction followed. My face twisted in pain. "Aadhi... go get Papa."

Aadhi jumped off the bed and ran toward the hallway, screaming at the top of her lungs. "PAPA! THE BABY IS COMING!"

Dhruv's footsteps thundered down the hallway. He rushed into the room just as another contraction hit me. "Aru!"

I gritted my teeth, clutching his hand. "Dhruv, it's happening."

"Okay, okay—stay calm. I'm calling the doctor."

"I'm NOT calm!" I yelled as another contraction tore through me.

Dhruv scrambled for his phone. "Baba! Chachu! Get the car!"

Within minutes, the entire household was awake and in chaos. Dhruv's brothers ran to get the car, Chachi handed me a glass of water while Baba helped me up.

"I swear, Dhruv Chauhan," I hissed through the pain, "if you ever put me through this again—"

Dhruv rubbed my back soothingly. "Yes, yes, I know. You'll kill me."

"I mean it this time!"

"I know you do." He kissed my temple. "Just breathe, Aru. We'll get through this."

Twelve Hours Later

The soft cry of a newborn filled the air. Exhausted and barely able to keep my eyes open, I lifted my head as the nurse approached me, holding a tiny bundle wrapped in a white blanket.

"It's a boy," the nurse said, smiling warmly.

A boy.

Tears filled my eyes as I held my son for the first time. He had a full head of dark hair and the tiniest fingers I'd ever seen.

"Hello, little one," I whispered. His small hand curled around my finger. "You're perfect."

Dhruv leaned down beside me, his eyes wet as he gazed at our son. "He's beautiful," he said, brushing a kiss on my forehead.

"Aadhi," I murmured.

Aadhi peeked into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. Dhruv picked her up and sat her beside me on the bed.

"That's your little brother," I told her.

Aadhi smiled. "Hi, baby." She touched his hand carefully. "He's so small."

"He'll grow," Dhruv said softly.

Aadhi leaned closer to me. "What's his name, Mama?"

I smiled at Dhruv. "I was thinking... Aarav."

Dhruv's gaze softened. "After your brother?"

I nodded. "To honor the family we lost... and the family we've built."

"Aarav Chauhan," Dhruv whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

I smiled. "Welcome to the world, Aarav."

Dhruv kissed me, his hand resting over mine as Aarav nestled in my arms. Aadhi leaned her head against my shoulder, her small hand resting protectively over her brother.

In that moment, surrounded by my husband, my daughter, and my newborn son, I realized—my past would always be a part of me. But my future... my future was filled with love, hope, and endless new beginnings.

And finally... finally, I was home.