Sneak peek
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Ten minutes into the walk, her breath grew slightly difficult, and the weight of her pregnant belly made each step feel heavier.
Finally, unable to continue, Annika gently tugged at her father's sleeve, bringing his steps to a halt. "I'm tired," she said softly, her voice tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and apology. "Aur nahi chala jata."
Bhanu immediately turned to her, concern etched on his face. Without a word, he nodded, his hand instinctively moving to support her.
"Bas, bas, beta," he said quietly, his voice broken but full of understanding. "We'll stop here. Tumhe zyada chala diya."
He guided her to a nearby bench, helping her sit down carefully. Her mother, who had been walking slightly ahead, quickly returned to them, her face mirroring the same concern. As Annika settled onto the bench, she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her father stayed close, his hand still on her arm, while her mother knelt beside her, offering her water.
"Let's sit for a while," Annika said, leaning back against the bench's support, her voice soft. She glanced up at her parents with a tired smile. "Maa, Baba, aap bhi beto please."
Her mother and father exchanged a quick look, then nodded in unison. They both sat down on either side of her.
Annika took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension in her body. "Usually, I can walk for 15 to 20 minutes after dinner either with Shiv or Daddy Ji or Shubh bhai," she explained, her voice tinged with a bit of frustration at her fatigue. "But today, I can't walk another step."