Chapter 22: Cravings, Cuddles & Chaos

It had been a few weeks since the news.

And the reality of pregnancy had truly set in.

Abeer, now a full-time doctor and part-time personal assistant to Reet, was learning new things every day.
Like how a simple craving could turn into a full-blown mission.

“I want mango pickle with vanilla ice cream,” Reet said one evening, lying on the couch, her face serious.
Abeer blinked. “Together… or separately?”

Reet thought. “Together.”
Abeer didn’t even argue anymore. He just sighed, grabbed the car keys, and muttered, “Okay, my queen. Your wish is my command.”

He came back 40 minutes later, looking like a survivor of a battlefield.
Reet took one bite and made a face.
“No. I think I want pani puri now.”
Abeer simply smiled, kissed her forehead, and went out again

Despite the cravings and the random mood swings (which could change from laughter to tears in exactly 6 seconds), Abeer found himself falling in love with Reet all over again.
The way she looked at the ultrasound screen.

The way she spoke to her belly like the baby was already listening.
The way she glowed when she caught him secretly smiling at her.
And Reet? She couldn’t believe how lucky she was.

Every night before sleeping, Abeer would softly place his hand on her stomach, whispering stories to their baby.

“We're building a hospital, little one. Just for people like you — soft, sweet, and new to this world.”

Reet would smile with her eyes closed
“Tell them how good their mom is,” she whispered one night.

Abeer leaned in closer. “Your mom is the bravest, kindest, most beautiful person I know.”

“And your papa,” she whispered back, “is my hero.”

They hadn’t even finished building their hospital yet, but their home was already full of love, laughter, and late-night baby name discussions.
Names like Aavya, Aariv, Saanvi, Rehaan — scribbled and crossed out in a notebook by the bed.
And as Reet’s belly grew, so did their love.

So did their dreams.
And so did the chaos.

Because one night, while half-asleep, Abeer ordered 12 baby onesies by mistake… in 3 different sizes.

Thank you for reading Chapter 22!
Stay tune for chapter 23