𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"87. The heartfelt moment"

"Ek duje mein khokar,
Humne khud ko paaya hai,
Aankhon se hokar aap rooh mein utar gayi,
Ab aapka ishq hi mera saaya hai."

-Vaidehi
(Fictionflare_)

Ruhanika was six weeks pregnant, and today marked a special milestone, the day of her first sonography. Both she and Rudraksh were filled with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation, but it was clear that Rudraksh was a bit more on edge. The idea of seeing their baby for the first time, of hearing that tiny heartbeat, had overwhelmed him to the point that his hands were trembling.

Knowing how emotionally charged the day was, they decided to take the car with a driver so Rudraksh wouldn't have to manage the wheel. He couldn't trust his hands to stay steady, not when his mind was racing with a thousand thoughts, hope, fear, love, and awe.

They sat quietly in the backseat, the barrier between them and the driver drawn up to give them privacy. The silence in the car was gentle, filled with an unspoken emotion that didn't need words. Ruhanika turned toward Rudraksh and noticed the nervous tension in his eyes. Without saying anything, she reached out and gently held his hand, her fingers lightly caressing his as if to calm the storm brewing inside him.

Rudraksh turned to look at her, his eyes wide with vulnerability. His gaze searched hers as if he was looking for reassurance, and in that soft moment, he found it. Ruhanika's touch was enough to steady him a little, reminding him that they were in this together. Her calm presence was his anchor, and though he was still anxious, her quiet strength helped him breathe a little easier as they made their way to the hospital, toward the first glimpse of their little miracle.

Rudraksh: "Ruhh, humari tiny Ruhh theek hogi na, uski heartbeat sunenge, use dekhenge.. betu vo..."
(Ruhh... our tiny Ruhh will be okay, right? We'll hear the heartbeat, we'll see the baby... Sweetheart, that...)

Ruhanika cupped his face with both hands, her thumbs gently brushing against his cheeks as a soft, affectionate smile played on her lips. Rudraksh's eyes softened, his earlier tension melting away under her tender touch. He leaned into her palm, closing his eyes for a moment, as if soaking in the warmth and love radiating from her.

Ruhanika: "Shant ho jaiye Akshh, sab theek hoga.. nanha baby bilkul theek hai"
(Calm down, Akshh. Everything will be fine. The little baby is perfectly okay.)

Rudraksh: "Betu, main aap dono ka theek se khayal rakh raha hu na??"
(Sweetheart, am I taking good care of you both?)

Ruhanika: "Aapse behtar humara aur nanhe baby khayal aur kon hi rakh sakta hai, shant ho jaiye ab."
(Who else can take better care of me and our baby than you? Please calm down now.)

Ruhanika softly assured him, her voice calm and comforting, and he visibly relaxed a little. Yet, the worry hadn't completely left his eyes. Still holding her hand, he gently pulled her closer as if needing her presence to steady his heart. He wrapped one protective arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side, while the other hand came to rest gently over her belly, their baby. 

She smiled tenderly at his gesture, her heart melting at how deeply he cared. Without a word, she placed her hand over his, letting him feel the quiet rhythm beneath. Then, resting her head on his chest, she closed her eyes, listening to the steady beat of his heart, a sound that had become her favorite comfort. Wrapped in that warmth and stillness, they found peace, holding each other and the little life they'd created together.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital and made their way toward Dr. Naina's cabin. Rudraksh was attentive as ever, he first helped Ruhanika settle into her seat comfortably, ensuring she was at ease. Once she was settled, he took the seat beside her, his hand still gently holding hers. Dr. Naina welcomed them warmly with a kind smile, her presence instantly putting them at ease as she prepared to begin the check-up.