A warm spring morning bathed the Rathor mansion in golden light, the serene quiet disrupted only by playful barks and laughter echoing through the halls.
"Sia! Slow down, beta!" Devika called out, following her daughter-in-law with a tray of food. "You're nine months pregnant! You should be resting, not running after those puppies!"
Sia barely slowed her pace, her cheeks flushed from exertion and joy as she tried to catch Candy and Snowy's mischievous two-month-old pup, a feisty little ball of fur aptly named Mischief. Her heavy belly did little to deter her determination, though her waddling run made the family laugh.
"Mischief, come here!" Sia scolded, her tone firm but laced with laughter. "You can't chew my sandals! That's your dad's job!"
From the couch, Arjun burst into laughter, lounging comfortably with his arms crossed. "I chew your sandals? Interesting accusation, Mrs. Rathor."
Sia shot him a glare but couldn't hide her smile. "If you're not going to help, at least stop enjoying the show!"
Vijay leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. "These two never fail to entertain."
Aarav and Neha were perched on the stairs, chuckling as they watched the chaos unfold. Aarav added, "Arjun, this is your future, brotherâpuppy chases and a bossy wife."
"I already have the bossy wife part," Arjun retorted, earning a playful swat from Sia as she passed by.
Shalini and Sanjay sat by the dining table, enjoying tea with Vijay. "Honestly," Ishika remarked, "it's amazing how Sia bhabhi still manages to run faster than Arjun bhai even with that baby bump."
Arjun raised an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a challenge."
Before anyone could blink, he stood, swooped Sia off her feet, and cradled her in his arms. She squealed in protest, Mischief barking excitedly around them.
"Arjun!" Sia exclaimed, laughing despite herself. "Put me down!"
"Not until you agree to sit and eat," he said firmly, carrying her to the dining table and settling her into a chair. "Mom's orders."
Sia pouted, crossing her arms, but her defiance was short-lived as Devika placed a bowl of fresh fruit in front of her. "You're going to be a mother soon, beta," Devika said gently, brushing Sia's hair back. "You need to take care of yourself."
The room grew quiet for a moment, the weight of those words sinking in. Sia's hand instinctively went to her belly, her eyes softening as she felt the baby kick.
"Fine," she relented, taking a bite of fruit. "But only because I don't want our little one to gang up with Mischief against me."
Laughter erupted again, filling the house with warmth.
A Moment of Stillness
That evening, as the house settled into a peaceful hush, Sia sat by the window, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Snowy and Candy curled up beside her, while Mischief dozed in her lap.
Arjun walked in quietly, wrapping his arms around her from behind and resting his hands over her belly. "You're glowing," he murmured, kissing her temple.
She leaned into him, her heart full. "I can't believe this is my life now," she whispered.
"Believe it," he said, his voice warm and steady. "You deserve every bit of happiness, Sia. You've made this house a home, filled it with love, laughter, and chaos."
Sia turned her head to look at him, her eyes shining. "And you, Arjun Rathor, are the center of it all. My rock, my everything."
"Okay, Mischief, you win," Sia huffed, finally collapsing onto the couch, rubbing her very round belly. "Your mom is officially out of energy."
Arjun strolled in, carrying a glass of water. "That's because you refuse to rest," he said, handing her the glass before kneeling in front of her. His hands rested gently on her belly, his expression softening.
"Hello, my little princess," he murmured, leaning closer. "Are you having fun in there? I can't wait to meet you. I hope you know how much your mommy and I love you already."
Sia rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. "Arjun, you talk to her more than you talk to me."
He smirked, pressing a kiss to her belly before looking up. "Well, she's not bossy like you."
"Bossy?" Sia gasped, feigning outrage. "You're the one whoâ"
Before she could finish, a sharp sensation made her freeze. Her eyes widened as a sudden warmth spread. "Arjun," she whispered, her voice shaking. "My water just broke."
Arjun blinked, his face turning pale. "What? Now? Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure!" Sia snapped, clutching his arm. "Stop panicking and help me!"
The Chaotic Drive
Aarav and Neha were the first to respond to Arjun's panicked call. Aarav grabbed the car keys while Neha helped Sia into the backseat.
"Breathe, Sia," Neha said, holding her hand. "You've got this."
Arjun sat beside Sia, looking like he might faint. "Aarav, drive faster!"
"Relax, bhai," Aarav replied, keeping his focus on the road. "We'll get there. Just keep calm."
"That's easy for you to say! You're not the one about to become a father!"
Neha stifled a laugh while Aarav rolled his eyes. "And here I thought you were the calm, collected Rathor brother."
Meanwhile, the rest of the family followed in another car, Devika clutching her husband's hand tightly. "Pray for Sia and the baby's safety," she whispered.
A New Life
Hours later, the waiting room buzzed with anticipation. Doctor emerged, his face glowing with joy. "It's a girl," he announced.
Cheers erupted as the family rushed to congratulate him. Aarav hugged his brother tightly. "Congratulations, Mr. Dad."
Inside the room, Sia cradled a tiny bundle in her arms, her face radiant despite her exhaustion. Arjun walked in, tears glistening in his eyes as he knelt beside her.
"She's perfect," he whispered, touching the baby's tiny hand.
"She is," Sia agreed, her voice soft. "Meet your daughter, Arjun."
Arjun takes her in his hands, scared, but feels peace as soon as the little one smiles in her sleep.
One by one, the family came in to meet the newest Rathor. Vijay and Devika held their granddaughter, their eyes brimming with love.
"She's our little miracle," Devika said, her voice trembling.
Aarav and Neha stepped forward next, Aarav gently taking the baby in his arms. "Welcome to the world, little princess," he said.
Neha smiled. "She's going to be so spoiled."
Ishika came last, her eyes misty. She took the baby carefully, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Hello, Arshiya," she whispered. "You've already stolen all our hearts."
Sia and Arjun exchanged a look, both smiling. "Arshiya it is," Sia said softly.
Arshiya sleeping peacefully in her crib.
"You did amazing today," Arjun whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Sia's face.
She smiled, her eyes heavy with sleep. "We did amazing."
Arjun kissed her gently, his heart full. "I love you, Sia."
She opened her eyes, her smile widening. "I love you too, Arjun."
The laughter, love, and chaos that defined their lives promised only to grow. With Arshiya's arrival, a new chapter had begunâa perfect imperfection, just like their love.
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THE END