The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, painting the room in a soft golden glow. The world outside was beginning to wake, but within these walls, a peaceful silence remained.
Sanyukta’s eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Ranvijay’s face, calm and gentle in sleep. His arms were wrapped securely around her, holding her close, as though even in his dreams he wouldn’t let her go.
Her lips curved into a quiet smile. She gazed at him, taking in every detail—the sharp lines of his face, the faint stubble, and the way his lips rested in the slightest of smiles.
She reached out, her fingers trembling slightly, and brushed a stray strand of hair from his forehead. Her touch lingered, tracing the warmth of his skin.
Her heart swelled with emotions she couldn’t put into words. She had loved him before, but now that love had grown into something far deeper, richer—like it had taken root in her very soul.
Last night had been more than just a moment of closeness; it had been the merging of two hearts, two souls. In his arms, she felt complete, as though all the missing pieces of her life had fallen into place.
She glanced at the light spreading across the room and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This wasn’t just the start of a new day; it was the beginning of something new in her life—a "whisper of a new dawn" filled with love, hope, and promises.
She leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, a silent vow to cherish him and this love for the rest of her life. Ranvijay stirred slightly, his arms instinctively pulling her closer, and Sanyukta smiled.
Sanyukta’s cheeks flushed as she stirred again, realizing the warmth against her bare skin. The sheets barely covered them, and the memory of the night before came rushing back, leaving her both shy and elated.
She bit her lip, a soft smile playing on her face as she carefully untangled herself from Ranvijay’s arms, trying not to wake him.
Her heart raced as she slipped out of the bed, clutching the sheet around her. Glancing back at him, she couldn’t help but admire how peaceful and content he looked. A blush deepened on her cheeks as she quickly made her way to the bathroom.
Standing before the mirror, she took a deep breath, her fingers brushing against her cheeks, still warm from the flush of her emotions.
She chose a multicolored floral suit, its vibrant hues matching the joy bubbling within her. The fabric felt light, almost as if it carried her happiness.
As she got ready, Sanyukta’s reflection seemed almost unfamiliar. There was a glow to her face, a radiance born not just from the love they had shared, but from the completeness she felt deep within her soul.
She carefully slid bangles onto her wrists, their soft chime filling the quiet room. She filled the parting of her hair with vermillion, its bright red symbolizing the bond she now cherished.
A delicate bindi adorned her forehead, and a soft shade of lipstick enhanced her smile. She fastened her anklets, the sound of the payal adding a gentle rhythm to her steps. Each detail she added felt like a reflection of her feelings—fresh, beautiful, and full of life.
When she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but smile. She wasn’t just dressed up; she was glowing, her happiness shining through her eyes. She felt like a new version of herself, as if her soul had been refreshed, just like the morning dew on blooming flowers.
The soft chime of Sanyukta’s anklets filled the quiet room as she tiptoed toward Avu’s small bed.
Her little bundle lay sprawled under his favorite blue blanket, his tiny arms clutching a red toy car and his bunny. His rosy cheeks and soft curls made him look like an angel, and Sanyukta’s heart swelled with love.
She sat beside him, leaning down to kiss his cheeks. “Good morning, my little sunshine,” she whispered, her voice full of warmth.
“Mumma…” Avu murmured in his sleep, turning his head and clutching his bunny tighter.
Sanyukta giggled, brushing his messy hair from his forehead. “Avu, wake up! The sun is waiting for you, and so is Mumma’s hug monster!” She nuzzled his neck, making him giggle in his half-sleep.
“Mumma, noooo!” Avu squealed, his giggles bubbling up as she tickled him. “Avu seep! No sun!”
“Avu sleepy, huh? But what about your red car? It told me it’s waiting to go vrooom!” she teased, holding up the car from his hand.
Avu’s big, sleepy eyes fluttered open, his pout immediately replaced by excitement. “Car go vrooom! Lik thisss—” He made a small zooming sound, his tiny hand mimicking a car racing.
Sanyukta laughed, pulling him into her lap. “Yes, just like that. And what about your puzzle? Did you finish it last night?”
Avu nodded enthusiastically, sitting up. “Avu mak hous ! Big hous. Dady help,” he said proudly, showing her the bunny he had slept with.
“Oh my genius boy!” Sanyukta said, showering him with kisses. “What are you planning to do today, hmm?”
“Play with Aarvi didu!” he chirped, clapping his hands. “Avu mak tower, Aarvi Didu mak tain (train) !”
Sanyukta smiled at his excitement. “And what does Avu want for breakfast today?”
“Aloo paratha!” he declared, his eyes sparkling. “Big one! Wit buterr!”
“Oh-ho! My prince is hungry!” she teased, pinching his cheek gently. “Okay, aloo paratha it is. But first, let’s get you ready.”
“No bath!” Avu protested, shaking his head and clutching his car.
“No bath?” Sanyukta raised an eyebrow, pretending to be shocked. “Then how will you look handsome for Aarvi didu?”
Avu paused, then grinned. “Okay, but quick bath. Mumma do fast-fast!”
Sanyukta laughed and scooped him up in her arms, his soft giggles filling the room. As she helped him dress, their chatter continued.
“Reddd t-shrttt!” Avu insisted, holding his favorite shirt.
“Okay, boss!” she said, helping him into it.
“Mumma, Avu wanttt payal,” he said, pointing at her anklets with wide eyes.
“Payal is for Mumma, baby,” she explained, laughing.
Avu thought for a moment. “Bunny wanttt payallll ?” he suggested, holding out his stuffed toy.
Sanyukta burst out laughing, kissing his nose. “Bunny doesn’t need payal. Bunny needs to go vroom in the car with Avu!”
“Vrooom!” Avu cheered, picking up his car and running it over her lap as she slid on his shoes.
Finally, with his hair combed and his favorite red t-shirt on, Avu stood before her, looking as adorable as ever. Sanyukta leaned down and kissed his forehead. “My handsome boy is ready to steal everyone’s hearts today!”
Avu giggled, hugging her tightly. “Mumma aso luk petty!”
Sanyukta sat on the bed with Avu in her lap, cuddling him close. She kissed his little cheek and whispered, “Mumma loves Avu a lot, my heartbeat.”
Avu grinned, his eyes sparkling. “I luv u, Mumma,” he said, wrapping his arms around her neck.
“I love you more , my sweet baby,” she said, smiling.
Avu’s face lit up as he began his list of loved ones, his tiny voice full of joy: “I luv Dadyyyyy! I luv Bae Papa, Bai Mumma, Anu Buaa, Dadiiii, Daduuu , Bai Dadi, Diduuu, Naniii.”
Sanyukta chuckled, her heart full of love for her little one. “And who do you love the most?” she asked playfully.
Without hesitation, Avu pointed toward Ranvijay, still asleep beside them, and said loudly, “Dadyyyyy!”
Sanyukta pouted dramatically, crossing her arms. “So, Daddy’s your favorite, huh?” she said, feigning sadness.
Avu giggled, climbing into her arms and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I luv u , Mumma,” he said softly, his small hands reaching out for her.
Sanyukta smiled, holding him tighter. “You’re my favorite, Avu, always.”
Avu beamed, “I luv Daddy morrrr,” he whispered, his eyes now soft with affection for his dad.
Sanyukta couldn’t help but laugh, her heart full, knowing how deeply her little one’s love Ranvijay.
Sanyukta's heart melted as she held her baby close, feeling nothing but pure love and joy. Mornings like these, filled with his innocent chatter and bright laughter, were greatest treasures for her .
Sanyukta carried Avu downstairs, and the moment his little feet touched the floor, he darted towards Pushpa Ji, who was busy in the temple, arranging everything for the morning puja.
"Good morning, Dadiiii!" Avu squealed, wrapping his tiny arms around her neck from behind. The warmth of his hug brought an instant, heartfelt smile to Pushpa Ji's face.
"Very good morning, mere bache... aaja idhar," she said lovingly, lifting him onto her lap. She began weaving enchanting tales about different gods, her voice filled with warmth, as Avu listened with wide, curious eyes.
Standing a few steps away, Sanyukta paused, her heart brimming with gratitude. She closed her eyes, offering a silent prayer, thanking God for blessings she had never dared to dream of.
They say God’s plans are always greater than our own—and today, Sanyukta truly understood the beauty of that truth.
"Arey waah… aaj toh bohot khubsurat lag rahi ho, Sanyukta," Indira Devi remarked warmly, her eyes lighting up with affection.
"Thank you, Dadi," Sanyukta replied shyly, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Koi khush khabri tum bhi dene wali ho kya?" Dadi teased, her playful tone making Sanyukta’s eyes widen in surprise as her face turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Nahi, Dadi… aisa kuch bhi nahi hai," Sanyukta stammered, shaking her head quickly, her flustered expression drawing a chuckle from Indira Devi.
“Waise, Dadi, idea bura nahi hai," Anjali chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Aarvi aur Avu ke jese humare upcoming baby ke liye bhi ek partner-in-crime mil jaayega.” Her teasing earned a dramatic pout from Sanyukta.
“Aisa ho gaya toh mujhse zyada khushi kisi aur ko nahi hogi," Pushpa Ji said with a broad smile as she stepped out of the temple, Avu toddling alongside her. Her words carried a heartfelt warmth that made everyone smile.
Ranvijay froze mid-step on the staircase, his heart skipping a beat as Indira Devi’s teasing words reached his ears.
“Koi khush khabri tum bhi dene wali ho kya?”
He tightened his grip on the railing, his mind instantly flashing back to last night. A sinking realization hit him—he hadn’t used any protection. His jaw clenched as he stood there, unmoving, listening to the light-hearted banter below.
He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop; he was simply coming downstairs to return Sanyukta’s phone, which had been ringing incessantly, disrupting his sleep. But now, sleep was a distant memory.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, his eyes fell on Avu, who was playing with Pushpa Ji, oblivious to everything around him. Ranvijay took a deep, steadying breath. One look at his son, and he knew—no matter what happened, he’d face it. His decision was clear.
“Sanyuktaa…” he called, his voice firm yet drawing everyone’s attention.
Sanyukta turned to him, her cheeks instantly flushing as her gaze met his. Her heart skipped at the intensity in his eyes, though she couldn’t decipher the turmoil behind them.
“Here… your phone. Your mother is calling,” he said, handing it to her, his tone even. Sanyukta nodded, taking the phone, her fingers brushing against his.
“Room mein aao,” he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear. His voice sent a shiver through her, the butterflies in her stomach fluttering wildly as she followed him upstairs.
Ranvijay’s mind, however, was anything but calm. Each step he took felt heavier, weighed down by the thought of his carelessness. The teasing words he had overheard replayed in his head, and he silently cursed himself. The stakes felt higher now, and his unease was impossible to ignore.
"No... she can't get pregnant. I won't take any risks," Ranvijay thought firmly, his jaw tightening as he grabbed his car keys and left the house in a rush.
He drove straight to the pharmacy, his thoughts racing as he purchased the after-pill. It was the only solution he could think of to ensure nothing unexpected happened. Once he had the pill, he hurried back home, his unease still lingering.
“Sanyuktaaaaa…” he called out as he stepped inside, his voice cutting through the casual chatter in the living room. Sanyukta, who was busy serving tea to everyone, looked up at him.
“Mere kapde…” he said quickly, using it as an excuse to get her alone. She nodded, understanding the unspoken urgency in his tone.
Pushpa Ji, however, wasn’t one to let it go unnoticed. “Yeh kya baat hui, Ranvijay? Ab tumhara personal kaam bhi Sanyukta karegi?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
Before Ranvijay could respond, Sanyukta quickly jumped in with a soft smile. “Nahi, Maa… vo khud le lete hain, par abhi maine wardrobe reset kar diya, Ranvijay sab kuch mess up kar denge . Isliye main de deti hoon.”
Her quick defense made Pushpa Ji chuckle, while Anjali’s teasing glances only added to Sanyukta’s blush. Feeling shy and slightly flustered, Sanyukta excused herself, her heart skipping a beat as she followed Ranvijay upstairs.
Unaware of the storm in his mind, she felt a mix of shyness and excitement, her thoughts dancing with the possibilities of why he had called her.
Sanyukta’s heart was racing wildly as she climbed the stairs, her hands nervously clutching the edge of her dupatta. After last night, she couldn’t help but feel shy to face Ranvijay. The memory of his touch, his closeness, lingered in her mind, making her cheeks flush deeper with every step she took.
As she entered the room, she kept her gaze low, trying to compose herself. The air between them felt charged, and she struggled to ignore the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
"Yeh lo... have this immediately," Ranvijay said, his voice firm as he handed her a glass of water with the pill, his hands slightly trembling with urgency.
Sanyukta’s brow furrowed, her eyes studying the pill with confusion.
“I forgot to use a condom last night…” he said, his tone steady but carrying an underlying weight that she immediately picked up on.
The nonchalance she expected wasn’t there; he was serious, and it sent a chill down her spine.
Her smile faltered, her heart sinking as she processed his words.
“We can’t take any risks,” Ranvijay continued, his eyes never leaving her face. “It’s better to be cautious now, Sanyukta. I won’t let this happen again, I promise you. But for now, you need to take this... for both of us.”
Sanyukta hesitated, her thoughts a whirlwind. Slowly, she swallowed the pill with the water, but the heaviness in her chest only grew.
The warmth of the room seemed to close in on her, and every word he spoke made her feel a little more distant, as if the world around them was changing too quickly.
She set the glass down, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to steady her breathing. “If I get pregnant someday... you know condoms aren’t 100% safe… what then?”
The question hung in the air, the uncertainty in her voice pulling at Ranvijay.
He didn’t flinch, didn’t hesitate. His gaze was unwavering, and he spoke as if every word he said was the only truth in that moment.
"What do you suggest, then? Should I get a vasectomy?" ( Vasectomy is a form of male birth control that cuts the supply of sperm to your semen)..His words hit her like a wave, each syllable heavy with intent.
Sanyukta’s heart skipped a beat. She stared at him, her mind struggling to grasp the seriousness in his eyes. "Ranvijayyy…" Her voice cracked as she searched for something to say, anything to explain how overwhelming his suggestion felt.
Ranvijay stepped closer, his eyes softening, yet the weight of his decision remained. "Ek baar yeh case over ho jaaye, uske baad I’ll get it done. We won’t have to worry about anything after that. No more risks."
Her chest tightened, and she swallowed hard, trying to find her breath as her emotions swirled in a vortex. Every word he said felt like it was sinking deeper into her heart, and she couldn’t escape the feeling of distance growing between them.
He reached for her then, pulling her into his arms, his hands strong yet gentle as he wrapped them around her waist. He looked down at her with a faint, reassuring smile. "By the way, you look really beautiful, biwi.
I didn’t even notice how stunning you are with everything else going on." His attempt to lighten the mood was so out of place compared to the seriousness of their conversation.
Sanyukta breathed out sharply, her chest heavy, tears threatening to spill as she felt a growing ache in her heart.
"Ranvijayyy…" she whispered again, her voice trembling with the weight of his words. She pulled back slightly to look at him, her eyes searching his face for a trace of the man she had fallen in love with.
His expression faltered, concern flooding his features as he cupped her face. "Hey... what’s going on?
Are you not feeling good?" he asked, his thumb brushing gently against her cheek, but she could feel the underlying worry in his touch.
She closed her eyes, leaning into his hand for a brief moment, but the heaviness didn’t lift.
The world around her seemed to be changing faster than she could keep up with, and with every word he said, it felt as though their paths were diverging in ways she wasn’t prepared for.
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