Amor Eterno

Chapter 5

In the months between the time they received the news and Annika's delivery date, Shivaay made sure he would be there every single moment, whenever she needed him, there by her side. He would carry her around when she felt too tired, feed her like she was a little kid who would skip meals, cook for her because he wanted his wife and baby to be the healthiest...he had literally charted out everything. Who could say this man was ever not ready to be a Dad? Annika's midnight cravings, her medications, her every little need even before she'd say...he took care of it all. Dadi believed at this time a woman needs her mother the most, and even though Shivaay's mom took up the task of not letting Annika feel she doesn't have a mom, she practically didn't need to do anything. Shivaay was everything right now, Annika's husband, counselor, best friend, cook, chauffeur, half doctor, full dietician and even a little bit of her mom. Half heartedly he would let her give in to some unhealthy cravings, but only because of the beaming smile he got to witness. Annika was always his queen and yet his baby, and now that she was expecting, all that got multiplied by a hundred. Shivaay was ecstatic, practically the happiest man on the planet right now.

Annika looked up at the pink and white roses hanging above her head. The entire hall was decked up with them. They didn't even try to identify their baby's gender, but Shivaay seemed so sure that it had to be a girl. So he'd already started picking out things for her, some that wouldn't even fit her the first few months or more. But that was okay, that was just Shivaay, who couldn't wait to cradle his child in his arms. He was more prepared for what all he would do after the child's birth than Annika was for her delivery.

Annika closed her eyes as she whiffed the scent and rest her hand on her bump. "You're blessed with the best father you could ask for my child. Like your mother is blessed with the best husband she couldn't even dream of. I still remember the first time we met. Who would've thought we'd come so for. I used to fight a lot with your Dad, and I still do. But everything else between us has changed. I love him the most and I know you will too. My Stone Singh Oberoi is a tough nut to crack, and I'm the only one who was capable of touching his heart, but you're the one who will make him melt. His princess."

He stood there in the background watching her talk to their child. "This girl talks a lot, looks like she'll never stop. My poor child has to listen to her banters even before she's come into this world." He blinked away the tears. She turned around, maybe she'd sensed him like he always does. She signaled him to come closer so he did as he was asked. He rested his hand on top of her's and Annika rested her head on his shoulder. The silence and the warmth of their love was enough to say everything they chose to not let their lips convey.