Chapter Twenty Five

Needing to be positive, Arnav had taken Khushi to the doctor first thing the next morning. After taking a pregnancy test, it was confirmed that there would very soon be a new member joining the family. Khushi couldn't believe it, nor could she believe that she would be able to see the baby right now. Seeing all of the technology around her had her very confused, though her doctor convinced her she would be okay. After an awkward procedure, Khushi and Arnav awaited anxiously - Khushi being more anxious - to see their baby.

"Now let's see... ah, there you are!"

Khushi looked at the black and white, grainy screen with confusion.

"There's your baby," the doctor smiled.

Arnav looked at the screen in wonder but Khushi still couldn't understand where her child was. She felt stupid for not being able to recognize her own child, that she actually began to start crying.

"Khushi? Khushi, don't cry," Arnav soothed.

"How can I not," Khushi wailed. "I don't even know where my child is! All I see is a black dot!"

"The embryo is right there," the doctor pointed out to a white circle-like shape withing the black circle.

"Embryo?"

"It isn't exactly a baby yet, but forming into one - it's an embryo."

Khushi's lips formed into an O as she looked at the screen in wonder.

"By the size of your baby, I would say that you're... five weeks along. So I want you to come back within two weeks so we can get the heartbeat."

"Heartbeat?" Khushi couldn't believe it.

"Mm hmm. Usually you don't hear it till at least six weeks."

"Not a problem," Arnav said.

Done for the day and making an appointment, Arnav took Khushi home.

"Arnav?"

"Yes Khushi?"

"Um... could we not tell the family yet?"

Arnav glanced at her with confusion. "Why not?"

"Well... after you left the room so I could change, the doctor mentioned how people usually don't announce their pregnancy until they're at their third month, when the first trimester ends, because there's less risks of loosing the baby."

"Khushi-"

"I know, but...."

"But what?"

Khushi looked down at her stomach and placed her hand over it. Arnav reached out and took hold of her free hand, giving it a light squeeze.

"Tell me," he simply said.

"What if... what if..." Khushi let out a heavy sigh. "What if Payal and my stepmother overhear? Who's to say they won't try to do anything?"

Arnav glanced at her.

"She killed my father for his property Arnav. Who's to say she won't try to kill my unborn child for revenge."

Bringing her hand to his lips, he placed a soft kiss over it. "Khushi, I would never let that happen. I am now not only responsible for you, but for our unborn child - I won't let anything happen to either of you."

"But-"

Arnav pulled up in front of the mansion and looked at her. "Khushi," he admonished, "I won't let anything happen to either of you. I promise."

Khushi pursed her lips, but she nodded.

"Good. Now I'll respect your decision to not tell the family until after your first trimester. Until then, its our secret. Okay?"

With a soft smile, she reached over and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Arnav cocked his eyebrow. "Is that how you thank your husband?"

Khushi couldn't help but to grin. "You will get what your Malkeen gives you."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Arnav leaned in to kiss her when Khushi caught someone from the corner of her eye. She looked to see that it was none other that Payal herself, struggling as she tried to hold a heavy watering can to water the plants. Arnav noticed her attention was elsewhere and turned to see what it was. Both watched as the girl struggled and cried out for her mother. Garima appeared seconds later holding a heavy watering can of her own. Both bickered and the couldn't help but to snicker.

"Karma's a bitch, isn't it," Khushi snickered.

"You can say that again," Arnav smirked.

For some reason the mother and daughter stopped bickering and turned to them. The grin on Khushi's face went away and a scowl formed.

"Remember Khushi," and Arnav turned to her. "Nothing will happen."

Khushi looked at him. "I trust you," and she covered his lips with hers.

Khushi was sure she heard the two gasp and growl, but she didn't care. She suddenly felt the urge to be with her husband and her husband felt the same with her. So the two got out of the car and entered the mansion, leaving the growling mother-daughter duo, steaming behind.