Neil sat at the chair next to the hospital bed. They barely reached London and Avni went into labour. Everyone had to rush her into the hospital straight from airport. Shweta, Ayesha and the others from both the family has gone for dinner, after several requests of Avni and Neil. The contractions has got some breaks now, and they were informed it would still take a while. A nurse checked Avni's temperature and pulse, and went off, reminding to ring the nurse's counter, if anything. Avni turned around to look at Neil and laughed softly. "What?... why are you laughing?" He asked, surprised. "I thought I was gonna do the delivery, but look at you.. haha." Avni couldnt help herself. Neil made a face in return. "Very funny." Avni laughed again and lifted her head a bit. She cupped Neil's face and kissed on his cheek. "I love you so much.." she mumbled. Neil smiled and caressed on her hair.
Around 2am, Avni went into a full labour. She was panting and gasping as the contractions came in. She held on to Neil so tightly, that he felt he would suffocated at times. Her white skin was all red, and her face and hair was sweaty. Neil carefully gathered her hair and put it into a ponytail. This was never the condition he ever wished Avni to be in. So much pain.. As the time neared, Avni held his hand more tightly. "Its okay, I'm right here." Neil kept on caressing on her forehead and hair with his free hand. "N—Neil!" Avni managed to say with great difficulty. "Yes. I'm here, love." He lowered himself to her and kissed on her eyes. The doctor came in and instructed her to take deep breaths and asked her not to start pushing unless instructed. Avni tried her best not to yell out, as the pain became more unbearable. "Promise me, you'd look after her if anything happens to me!" Avni squeezed Neil's hand and exclaimed. "What are you saying? We'll get through this just fine." Neil was more nervous now. "What do you mean fine?! Do I look fine to you?!" Avni shot at him. Neil's eyes widened as she had never spoken to him in such a loud tone. But he realized it was because of the situation. "N-no. I didnt mean that. Tsk, we'll settle everything once we're done okay?" He tried to calm her. "When I'm done with my life?" Avni muttered under her breath, while trying to get through the contraction. "Alright!! Its time. Do what I say, alright? You'd be all good, sweetie." The doctor's announcement raced Neil's heart even more. He thought Avni was already in unbearable pain, but what followed was even more horrifying! But Avni managed really well not to scream or cry out loud. And Neil was so proud! After about 15 minutes, Avni's grip on his hand loosened a bit and the room echoed with a tiny little cry. Neil could swear he felt his heart making an extra thud instantly!! The sight of a tiny little being lifted up by the doctor, made both Neil and Avni forget the whole world! After easing her breath, the doctor turned around to the couple. "Its the most beautiful healthy girl I've ever seen!" She exclaimed and walked towards them. Avni could not control herself when the doctor placed the little one on her chest. She kissed on the little forehead and so did Neil, despite all the amniotic fluid all over the little body. Tears rolled down Neil's cheek as he held on to the little finger. A nurse came and took the little one then, to weigh and clean her up.
Neil rested his forehead against Avni's. "You were so brave... so brave. Thank you so much! I cant tell you how much I love you Avni.." Avni could not reply, but captured Neil's lips for a passionate kiss. They didnt care of how crowded the room was. Another nurse came down as the broke apart. "Let's get you cleaned up, Mrs. Khanna." She gave a warm smile and helped Avni to get up. Avni gasped as she felt her head racing. "N-Neil.. I cant—." Neil held on to her hand. "Its okay, happens after labour. You'd need a good shower and rest. We both will help you." The nurse assured her. Avni was still hesitant, "Avni, I'm right here. I'll come with you." But Avni was still scared to make a move. Neil then lifted her in his arms and headed to the bathroom. "Shh.." he calmed her as she winced against his chest. The nurse assisted him to give a shower to Avni. Ayesha and others came in afterwards. By then, Avni was dressed up and the room was all cleaned up, no traces of anything left. Ayesha wanted to stay beside Avni during labour, but she gave the chance to Neil. She kissed on Avni's forehead. "You did it.." she mumbled through her tears. Avni hugged her tightly. Everyone took turns to pamper Avni. Neil fed her with his own hands. He was flying over the seventh sky right now.
