At first, I was too unsure about having Aafia and especially, at a time like this. I don't know how Rishu would take this but to my utter surprise and happiness, he was very supportive. When I brought Aafia to Newcastle and told him about this, his first sentence was "We need to buy a crib and a pram."
I had tears in my eyes. It was also him who named her Aafia C. Sehgal. My man is the best man in the world.
Coming back to today, it is a happy day. Today we will exchange our rings, say I do, and will be a couple. And not to forget, parents. Everyone is here, friends and family. The dream of Happily Ever After which I have been watching my whole life, is coming true.
The Chawlas, my in-laws, are here. Reena aunty is here. My friends are here. The ceremonies start in an hour.
We are all sitting together and there is just one question which everyone has asked me, "Whose baby is this?"
"It is ours. Everyone, meet Aafia. Our daughter."
"Stop it Rishabh! We know she is not biological yours. And since you're both yet to be married, the adoption is not possible. So tell us already. Who is she?" Aarvi says.
Both of us start laughing.
"Oh god, you guys. Figure it out from her name, okay? She is Aafia C. Sehgal."
"Aafia C. Sehgal. Aafia, Chawla, Sehgal. What's there to figure out?" Pratyush says.
"Aafia means a healthy kid, and that doesn't help too." says Ana.
"Z, would you?" I look at her for help.
"Stop messing with them, you two. Tell the truth now or I will."
"Okay, okay, fine! So meet our dearest Aafia Choudhary Sehgal, daughter of Rishabh Chawla and Arjun Sehgal. Rings a bell?"
:Aafia Choudhary Sehgal. Choudhary. Ahana Roy Choudhary. Holy Shit. She is Ahana's daughter? Why would she give her to you?" asks Rajat.
"It was a complicated case. Aafia was a pre-mature baby. The doctor said that they could only save one of the two. Ahana wanted Aafia to live. Now, since her husband was already dead, she wanted Aafia to be in safe hands. She asked Zoya to contact me and ask me to come down to Mumbai urgently.
When I reached there, Z and Dr Parul explained me the situation and also about Ahana's wish. She wanted to talk to me. When I went into her room, she was with the baby. She said to me, 'Arjun, look at her. She is so cute and beautiful. How can I take such an innocent life? Mom and dad have grown old and so has Dadi. I have no friends, Arjun. I am giving you a very big responsibility today. Please take my daughter. Since you're getting married, take her as a gift from me. The wedding would make the adoption process easier. For more help, I am leaving a letter and legal documents which claim you as her godparent and her future guardian. Zoya has taken care of all this. I don't think there is anyone else I can trust her with. Please tell me you'd keep her.'
I couldn't say no. Aafia looked so serene and lively. Her smile looked so precious. I couldn't afford to lose her.
Ahana died in front of me. Her last words were, 'Take care of her.' It was more of a command for me. Her last wish. So, on that day, I decided to adopt Aafia. And my dearest to-be husband has been really supportive of this decision of mine."
"Why wouldn't I be? I get to be a father to this little munchkin. I am too selfish to let that opportunity pass."
"And where was she yesterday? I didn't see her during the haldi ceremony." Jay says.
"She was at my hospital. I took her for a routine check-up and she had to stay there for the night."
"Is that why your uncle went out late in the night?" Vivaan asks.
"Yes. Someone had to stay with her. So chachu volunteered."
"Is she healthy now? Like has it been the proper time?" asks Aniruddh.
"Yes. She is perfectly alright. She had been under observation for a month. And now we can keep her at home with us."
"That is so good. I am sure that both of you will be very good parents." Shubhit says.
"And do you plan on telling her all this anyday?" Syaahi says.
"Yes, Syaahi. We have decided that will tell her when she is old enough to understand everything about this."
"Yeah. I know it will be very difficult to tell her. And also, the news of your parents' death is always saddening. But I guess she deserves to know this."
"I am so happy today. Our idiot is getting married! No more interviewing now. It's party time!" Matt cheers everyone up.
Shibani calls us, since the ceremony is about to begin.
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