Soon after, Richa came downstairs and said, “Kaushik, can we leave now?” Maithili and Abhi exchanged a concerned glance.

“Richa di, is everything okay?” Maithili asked gently.

Richa offered a small, practiced smile. “Yeah… it’s just early pregnancy discomfort. The usual—headache, fatigue, mood swings.”
She placed a hand on her stomach and chuckled. “First trimester drama.”

They nodded, though something in her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

She bid goodbye to everyone.

Mihir, who had been silently watching her, stood hoping—pleading—for a final glance, a gesture, anything that might lead him to Prachi.

But Richa didn’t look back. She simply walked away, Kaushik by her side, Kairav skipping ahead with Vikrant.

Mihir exhaled deeply, lost in disappointment.

Soon after, the rest of Maithili’s family took their leave, warm goodbyes and hugs exchanged before the house finally settled into silence.

That night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Abhiram and Maithili sat together on the bed in their room.

Maithili turned slightly toward him, her voice soft.
“Ram… can I ask you something?”

Abhi looked at her and gave a light nod “I know we’ve never really talked about this,” she began .… do you want kids? I mean, our kids?”

Abhiram blinked, surprised not by the question, but by how long it had taken them to have this conversation. Before he could speak, Maithili quickly added, “I mean, it’s okay if you don’t. We have Myra. She’s ours. She’s our world. I was just wondering…”

He cupped her face gently, stopping her ramble. His thumb brushed her cheek.
“I’d love to have kids with you, Maithili,” he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. “A little version of us. I’ve thought about it more times than I can count.”

Maithili's eyes widened slightly. “Really? You do?”

“Of course,” he said. “Why did you think I didn’t?”

She looked down. “I don’t know. You always remind me to take the morning-after pill. You’re careful, always use protection. So I assumed maybe you didn’t want more kids…”

Abhiram let out a soft chuckle, bringing his forehead to hers. “That’s only because I didn’t want to pressure you. You’ve already taken on so much sweetheart—being Myra’s mother, my wife, managing your career. I thought if I brought up having kids, it would just add weight to your shoulders. I never wanted that.”

Tears welled in Maithili’s eyes, not from sadness, but from the depth of his thoughtfulness.
She whispered, “I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you.”

He grinned. “Hey, that’s my line. Don’t steal it.”

She laughed softly through her tears and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. His arms tightened around her in return, holding her like she was the most precious thing he had ever received.

“I always dreamt of this,” Abhiram murmured into her hair. “Us… having children together. Imagining you with a baby bump, holding your hand through the whole thing, seeing the child that’s born out of our love.”

Maithili slowly lifted her head to look at him, her voice almost hesitant. “Until yesterday, I hadn’t really thought about it. But when Myra asked about a baby brother or sister… something shifted. For the first time, I wanted it too. “A boy. A little you. He’d be the luckiest boy to have you as a father. And Myra would be the best big sister.”

Abhiram laughed.

Then, after a pause, she looked at him seriously and said, “I’m ready, Ram.”

His hand brushed her hair back behind her ear. “Are you sure? I mean, it’s only been a few months since we got married. I don’t want you to feel like you need to rush—”

“I’m sure,” she interrupted gently. “It’s not about time. It’s about feeling it in your heart. And I do. I’m ready… if you are.”

He smiled at her—slow, warm, and completely in love.
“Then no more protection. No more reminders for pills. We’ll let nature decide, and we’ll do our part.”

She nodded and snuggled into his chest again, heart full, lips curled in peace.

His hands moved gently over her back, holding her close, and then one kissed landed on the crown of her head. Another behind her ear. Another along her collarbone. Slowly, lovingly, like promises whispered in the dark.

“Ram…” she whispered as he continued to kiss her in all the places he knew she felt most.

“What?” he teased with a smirk. “We just agreed we’re ready, didn’t we? Time to take the first step.”

She giggled, her laugh muffled against his throat, and soon their room was filled with love—not just the kind that ends in sighs and kisses, but the kind that begins new stories.

That night, beneath soft sheets and whispered names, they didn’t just make love.
They started dreaming together—of little hands, of tiny footsteps, of a future written in the eyes of the family they were building.

The morning sun streamed softly through the curtains as Maithili helped Myra into her school uniform. The little girl chattered excitedly.

“Sit still, baby,” Maithili murmured as Myra giggled, bouncing a little.

“I am still, Mamma!” she grinned mischievously.

Just as Maithili finished adjusting Myra's socks, the nanny stepped in, holding out a leather wallet.

“Madam, I found Sir’s wallet near Myra baby’s bed,” she said.

Maithili took it with a quick “Thank you,” but frowned slightly as she examined it. This wasn’t Abhi’s wallet. His was darker, sleeker—and this one had a different logo embossed on it.

Before she could think more, Myra skipped toward her and peeked at the wallet.

“That’s Meer Mamu’s, Mamma!”

Maithili blinked. “Mamu’s?”

“Yes!” Myra declared proudly. “Yesterday when I brought Mamu to play in my room, we sat on the playmat. He said something was poking his bum and he pulled this out of his pocket, put it on the side, and forgot!”

She burst into laughter at the memory, and Maithili smiled despite herself. Shaking her head, she said, amused, “Alright, I’ll give it back to him. Now go downstairs and start eating your breakfast. Mamma and Papa will be right there.”

“Okay!” Myra called, skipping off. “Dadi! I want strawberry jam today!”

Maithili placed the wallet on the dresser for a moment while she brushed her hair and fastened her earrings. Just as she reached for her handbag, Abhi entered, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt.

“You ready?” he asked.

“Almost,” she replied, slipping the wallet into her bag.

Abhi raised an eyebrow. “Whose wallet is that?”

“Mihir bhai’s,” Maithili said, zipping the bag. “Apparently, he forgot it while playing with Myra. Didn’t even realize he was missing it.”

Abhi chuckled. “And he hasn’t even called?”

“Nope,” she smirked.

They made their way downstairs. After breakfast,with the usual warm goodbyes and kisses, they dropped Myra at school, waving as she bounded off toward her class, her tiny backpack bouncing behind her.

On their way to the office, Abhi was checking his mails while Maithili took out her phone and called her brother.

Mihir picked up within two rings.

“Yeah, Maithili?” he said casually.

“Bhai, you forgot your wallet in Myra’s room yesterday,” she said. “You didn’t even realize it was missing?” she teased.

Mihir paused, then chuckled. “Oh no, I forgot completely.”

Maithili laughed too. But then Mihir added, “Anyway, I was about to call you.”

She frowned slightly. “Why? What happened?”

“Can you share Richa’s number with me?”

Maithili blinked. “Richa di? Why?” Her eyes met Abhi’s as he glanced over with a curious raise of his brow.

Mihir cleared his throat. “Nothing serious. She mentioned yesterday that she’s looking for a good gynaecologist. I just thought of sending her a couple of names.”

“Oh,” Maithili said, still surprised. “Alright. I’ll share it with you, Bhai. But about your wallet?”

“I’ll swing by and collect it, no problem,” Mihir replied.

After hanging up, Maithili sat back, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

“What was that?” Abhi asked gently.

She looked at him. “I don’t know. He said Richa di was asking for a GYN reference.”

Abhi looked and said “Why? Richa already has a doctor, doesn’t she? A very good one. She’s the one who delivered Kairav, even Myra.”

“Then why would she want a new doctor?” Maithili wondered aloud. “Is everything alright with Di? Even yesterday, she seemed... different.”

Abhi looked at her, concerned, but said nothing.

Soon, they reached the office. As they entered, they bumped into Vikrant, who had just arrived. The morning swept them quickly into work mode.

Later, Maithili received a message from Mihir. Opening it, she saw a simple reminder:
"Richa’s number?"

With a small sigh and lingering uncertainty, she replied and shared the contact.

Just as Maithili hit send, sharing Richa's contact with Mihir, her fingers lingered over the screen longer than necessary. The corners of her lips curved slightly, but her brows furrowed. Something felt… off.

She was still staring at her phone when a knock on her glass cabin door startled her.

“Hey, Maithili,” Vikrant peeked in, a coffee cup in one hand, tablet in the other. “You joining the vendor call?”

She blinked out of her thoughts and gave him a soft nod. “Yes, coming.”

As they walked down the corridor toward the conference room, Maithili turned slightly toward him and asked, “So… how’s Di’s health? Everything okay?”

Vikrant raised a brow. “Bhabhi’s? Everything’s fine. Why?”

She hesitated. “Then… why is she looking for a new GYN?”

Vikrant stopped mid-step, his expression tightening. “Bhabhi looking for a new GYN? Impossible. Mrs. Deshmukh has been her doctor for years. She’s the one who delivered Kairav and even Myra. Richa trusts her blindly.”

“Abhi said the same, but Mihir bhai called this morning asking for di number he said di asked him for a few good GYN recommendations.”

Maithili offered a soft shrug. “Maybe it’s nothing. A second opinion? Or maybe someone asked her on behalf of a friend?”

“Hm,” Vikrant muttered, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

“Sir, vendor call,” an intern reminded as she passed by.

Vikrant nodded “Yes, coming.”

As they stepped into the room, Maithili felt a curious mix of amusement and confusion. Mihir asking for Richa’s number… under the pretext of doctor recommendations… didn’t align with the woman who stuck to her routines like gospel.

There was something unusual in the air. Whether it was just a misunderstanding or something beginning to stir quietly beneath the surface, Maithili couldn’t tell.

Maithili returned to her cabin after the vendor call, her mind already shifting gears. She’d barely sat down when her phone buzzed with a message.

Tina: Hey, I’m nearby your office. Wanna join for lunch?

Maithili smiled to herself.

Maithili: Sure. Give me 15 minutes.

Without wasting time, she got up and headed toward Abhi’s cabin. She found him inside, seated comfortably at his desk, with Vikrant leaning over discussing some data points on his tablet.

“Hey,” she greeted casually.

Abhi looked up, smiling. “Hey. Vikrant was just updating me about the vendor call.”

“Yeah, everything went smooth,” Maithili said, walking in and perching on the edge of Abhi’s desk.

She glanced at him, then at Vikrant. “Acha, Tina just messaged. She’s around and wants to have lunch. Free to join?”

Abhi shook his head slightly. “Nah, I’ve got a few calls lined up.”

Maithili then turned to Vikrant. “Why don’t you join us instead?”

Vikrant hesitated only for a heartbeat. “Sure.”

Abhi looked at him with one eyebrow slightly raised, catching the speed of that response.

Maithili didn’t seem to notice. “Perfect. I’ll order Abhi’s lunch. Vikrant, give me 10 minutes—I just need to send a mail, and we’ll leave.”

“Sure,” Vikrant nodded.

As the door clicked shut, Abhi leaned back in his chair, folding his arms with a knowing smirk. “You agreed too quickly. As if you were waiting for that invitation.”

Vikrant glanced back over his shoulder. “What? No—”

“Oh, come on,” Abhi interrupted smoothly. “I’ve known you too long. Spill it.”

Vikrant rubbed the back of his neck, clearly debating. Then, quietly, “Tina.”

Abhi’s brows rose in mild surprise. “Tina?”

Vikrant gave a sheepish shrug. “Yeah. Since your wedding, we’ve been… talking. Seeing where it goes. Nothing serious yet. Just casual for now.”

“Woah,” Abhi said, leaning forward. “That’s something. You’ve kept it pretty under wraps.”

“It’s not a secret,” Vikrant said quickly. “We’re just… getting to know each other. Honestly, I don’t even know what she really feels. From my side, I like her.”

Abhi stood and gave Vikrant a friendly clap on the shoulder.
“All the best, brother. But just know—these sisters are really hard to impress. They don’t fall for grand gestures.”

Vikrant chuckled. “Yeah, I figured that out.”

At the restaurant Tina was already seated at a cozy corner table when Maithili and Vikrant arrived. Tina stood with a grin and pulled Maithili into a hug.

“Hey, finally dragged you out of the office!” Tina beamed.

Maithili chuckled. “It was long overdue.”

Then Tina turned to Vikrant, feigning surprise with a mock gasp. “Oh, you’re here too?”

Vikrant gave a casual shrug, though his smile lingered a little longer than it should have. “Maithili invited. Couldn’t say no.”

Maithili, sensing something in the exchange, narrowed her eyes just a little between the two but chose not to comment—yet.

As they sat down and the waiter took their orders, Tina glanced around and said, “Would’ve been nice if jiju joined too.”

Maithili nodded, sipping her lime soda. “Yeah, he had meetings. Besides, you could’ve told bhai too he could’ve joined us.”

Vikrant looked up. “He hasn’t joined the hospital?”

Tina nodded. “From next week.  The conversation drifted to random topics. Suddenly, Tina paused mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing toward a corner of the restaurant. “Wait—Richa di is here,” she said, subtly pointing behind the large aquarium separating the two seating sections.

Maithili turned and followed her gaze. “Where?”

“There,” Tina pointed again. Through the blur of water and floating plants in the tank, they could make out Richa—sitting across from a man. The light shimmered through the aquarium bubbles, distorting faces slightly. But not enough to hide identities.

Vikrant squinted. “That’s… that’s Mihir, right?”

“What’s bhai doing with Richa di?” Maithili asked, her voice uneasy.

Tina was equally confused. “Wait… isn’t that Kaushik too?”

Sure enough, Kaushik had just walked up to the table, his face tight, expression tense.

The three of them instinctively stood. “Come,” Maithili said, her voice serious. “Let’s go check.”

They walked across the restaurant, weaving between tables and dodging servers. As they approached, they could hear Kaushik’s voice, low but firm, layered with unmistakable anger.

“…Look, Mihir, this is the last warning,” Kaushik said through clenched teeth. “What happened in the past is the past. You lost what you lost, and I’m sorry for that. Even though its a misunderstanding, you’ve been late. But don’t bother my wife again.”

Mihir looked composed, though his voice was low and steady. “I’m not here to create problems. I promise. Just give me the details, and I’ll leave.”

Kaushik continued, eyes flashing, “I’m keeping calm because you’re Maithili’s brother. But cross the line and I’ll have no problem filing a complaint. You won’t find what you’re looking for here, Mihir. Pack up and leave.”

Mihir turned to Richa, his voice softer now. “Richa… please. I can’t leave India knowing my kid is here somewhere. I need to meet them—both. Please tell me. You know where they are, but are still choosing to stay silent.”

Tina and Maithili exchanged stunned glances.

“Kid?” they whispered.

Vikrant stepped forward first. “Bhai, what’s going on here?”

Kaushik turned, caught slightly off guard. His jaw clenched, but he didn’t speak immediately.

Tina and Maithili came up behind.

“Bhai?” Maithili asked, her voice caught between concern and confusion. “What are you talking about? You know Richa Di and Kaushik Bhai from before?”

Richa visibly tensed, clearly not expecting the three of them. Mihir looked anywhere but at them.

Kaushik sighed heavily, then spoke. “This isn’t the place for it.”

“But it’s already happening here,” Vikrant said firmly. “We all deserve to know.”

Tina’s eyes flicked between her brother and Richa. Her chest tightened. “Who is the kid you’re looking for, Bhai? You came to India to settle here, right?”

Mihir finally spoke, his voice quiet but clear. “I came to India on purpose. I… I just need to find someone. That’s all.”

Richa closed her eyes briefly, then looked away.

Kaushik, seeing the confusion still growing in Maithili’s eyes, added, “It’s complicated, Maithili. Let’s not do this here. Not in front of everyone.”

Maithili looked at Mihir, her throat dry. “Bhai… tell me you’re not hiding something from us right?”

He gave a weak smile, filled with regret. “I’ll explain everything. But not here.”

The air between them all grew heavier.

Vikrant placed a calming hand on Maithili’s shoulder. “Let’s talk. Privately.”

Kaushik nodded. “At our home. All of us.”