Selfish Desires

chapter 56 (2nd last)

Chapter 56

I know I disappeared for months, and I’m really sorry for keeping you all waiting for so long. ❤️

Life became extremely busy while I was focusing on my career and trying to build my future, and somewhere in between, writing slowly took a backseat. But not a single day passed where I forgot this story or the love you all gave it.

Coming back to these characters after so long made me emotional, because this journey was never just mine — it became ours. Thank you for staying patient, supporting me, and still being here even after the long silence.

We’re finally nearing the end of this story, and I truly hope the remaining chapters stay with you the same way they stayed with me. 💗

The episode starts....

​The penthouse was silent, bathed in the silver glow of a full moon filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Arjun was in a rare, deep sleep, exhausted from a day of boardroom battles and the emotional toll of preparing for his Tokyo Venture. His arm was draped protectively across Kavya, even in his slumber.

​Kavya gasped, her eyes snapping open. A sharp, rhythmic tightening coiled deep in her abdomen.

​"Arjun..." she whispered, nudging his shoulder. "Arjun, wake up."

​Arjun didn't move at first. He let out a long, heavy sigh. "Mmm... it's nothing, Jaan," he murmured into his pillow, his voice thick with sleep. "It's just your mind... or Braxton Hicks. Go back to sleep. I'm right here."

​Kavya bit her lip. He was right, she thought. They had rushed to the hospital twice in the last month for "fake" pains, only to be sent home embarrassed. She tried to settle back into the pillows, convinced that her own anxiety was playing tricks on her again.

​But ten minutes later, the wave returned-this time with the force of a crashing tide.

​"Arjun!" she cried out, her voice straining as she gripped his forearm, her knuckles turning white.
​Arjun bolted upright as if he'd been struck by lightning. The sheer raw pain in her voice killed his drowsiness instantly. He saw her hunched over, her face pale and damp with sweat, her breathing coming in ragged hitches.

​"Kavya? What-" He reached for her, his hands trembling.

​"It's not... it's not fake this time, Arjun," she gasped, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and realization. "It's happening. Now."

​For months, Arjun had been the pillar of strength. He had planned every detail, commanded every doctor, and acted as if he were the master of this biological process. But as he looked at her-at the reality of the life about to enter the world-the bravado he had worn like armor shattered.

​"Now?" he repeated, his voice cracking. "But... but the bags are by the door... I have the car ready... wait, I need to call Dr. Rao..."

​He tried to stand up, but his legs felt like lead.

The man who could stare down a hostile board of directors was suddenly unable to find his shoes. His breathing became fast and shallow.

The sight of Kavya in true, uncontrollable pain stripped away his executive coldness, leaving behind a man who was terrified for the woman he loved more than life itself.

​"Arjun, breathe," Kavya managed to say between contractions, ironically being the one to ground him.

​"I'm scared, Kavya," he whispered, his eyes filling with an uncharacteristic vulnerability. He took her hand, his palm sweating. "I thought I was ready. I thought I could handle this for you. But I can't stop this... I can't fix this for you."