The haveli glowed softly under the marigold garlands.

It was the fourteenth day since the baby was born, and the intimate namkaran ceremony[naming ceremony ] was about to begin.

Vamika stepped slowly into the decorated hall, dressed in a deep red saree.

Her steps were gentle — still tired, still recovering.

Yagya walked beside her, his tiny hand wrapped tightly around hers.

He was careful… almost protective.

Every time Vamika winced, he slowed down, sensing her discomfort without a word.

Yudhveer walked ahead of them, wearing a yellow-coloured kurta.

In his arms, he carried the newborn — sleeping peacefully in the tiny yellow kurta that matched Yagya’s.

Father and sons—

twinning in spirit,

glowing under the soft diya light.

Across the hall, Yuvika entered wearing a purple saree that complimented her dusky skin perfectly.

She looked ethereal.

One of the maids gasped softly.

"Yuvika ji, aap kitni khubsurat lag rahi ho… agar main ladka hoti toh aapka peecha hi nahi chhodti."

["Yuvika ji, you look so beautiful… if I were a man, I wouldn’t leave you alone."]

Yuvika blushed, lowering her eyes.

Another maid chimed in, smiling brightly.

"Bilkul sahi kaha tune… Thakurain ji aur unki behen dono kitni sundar hain."

["You’re absolutely right… the Thakurain and her sister are both so beautiful."]

Yuvika’s cheeks turned pink.

She smiled, shy and flattered.

But someone else heard it all.

Lakshya.

He stood behind a pillar, watching her.

Listening.

His jaw tightened.

Yes, she was beautiful.

Yes, she looked like a dream in purple.

But she was his to compliment.

His to look at.

His to admire.

Why were other people praising her?

Why were their eyes on her?

A dark, twisted feeling curled in his chest.

He wanted — for a moment —

to pull her inside her room,

force her to open that saree,

and make her wear something plain…

something that would draw less attention.

The thought alone burned hot inside him.

And when his gaze shifted from Yuvika to Vamika and Yudhveer — standing so close, a family glowing in love — something else twisted deeper in his mind.

A darker desire.

He wanted Yuvika.

He wanted her completely,

entirely,

obsessively.

He wanted her the way Yudhveer had Vamika.

He wanted her by his side, in his room, in his life.

A claim.

A possession.

And he knew—

she liked him too.

Her blushes, her shy glances, her softened voice around him…

they were all cues.

Enough cues.

So he made a silent vow.

She will be his.

Soon.

Very soon.

No matter what he had to do.

___________

The soft hum of conversation faded when Pandit ji stepped forward, adjusting his shawl.

He looked at Yudhveer and said respectfully:

"Thakur ji, pooja ka muhurat ho gaya hain."

["Thakur ji, the auspicious time for the ritual has begun."]

Yudhveer nodded once.

He gently placed their newborn son inside the decorated cradle, the baby wrapped in yellow cotton and sleeping peacefully.

Then he turned to Vamika.

She was already breathing a little heavier from standing too long.

Pandit ji gestured to the floor.

Manorama also said softly that the mother should sit down as per tradition.

But before Vamika could even try, Yudhveer’s voice cut through the hall — calm but absolute.

"Nahi. Voh neeche nahi baithegi."

["No. She will not sit on the floor."]

A quiet shock moved through the room.

He continued, eyes steady:

"Usne sirf chouda din pehle bacha paida kiya hai. Main use zameen par nahi bithaoonga."

["She gave birth just fourteen days ago. I will not make her sit on the floor."]

No one dared argue after that.

He personally brought a stool, placed it with care, and helped Vamika sit on it slowly — supporting her back, steadying her hand, making sure she felt no pain.

A small gesture.

But to Vamika… it meant everything.

Her eyes softened.

Even in this crowd… he was hers.

Her strength. Her shield.

The pooja began.

The air filled with incense, warmth, and the rhythmic chant of Sanskrit mantras.

Everyone folded their hands and closed their eyes, repeating after the pandit.

Everyone except little Yagya.

He sat right beside the cradle — his yellow kurta glowing like sunlight — murmuring half the mantras correctly, half incorrectly…

because half his attention was fixed on the tiny bundle kicking softly.

Every now and then, he would lean in and lightly brush his finger over,

his baby brother’s cheek,

or his forehead,

or his round little belly…

just to check if he was okay.

Every time the baby’s lips twitched or he stretched a tiny arm, Yagya grinned proudly — chest puffed, eyes shining, as if he had personally brought this miracle into the world.

And amidst chants, incense, and divine silence…the Chaudhary family sat together, wrapped in devotion, warmth, and beginnings.

As the mantras slowed, Pandit ji turned a page in his worn scripture and looked up.

"Kya naam rakha jaa raha hai bache ka, Thakur ji?"

["What name have you chosen for the child, Thakur ji?"]

The room fell into a reverent silence.

Yudhveer’s eyes immediately went to Vamika.

She looked tired… fragile… but glowing in a soft, maternal warmth.

When she felt his gaze, she lifted her eyes gently and gave a faint nod — a silent yes… go ahead.

That one small gesture was all he needed.

He turned back to the pandit, his chest lifting with pride, voice deep and steady.

"Yashaswi Chaudhary."

The name echoed through the haveli like a blessing.

Pandit ji smiled warmly, approvingly.

He sprinkled holy water around the cradle and began chanting:

"Om… Yashaswiḥ nāma tasya… sukh-sampatti vardhanam… Yashaswiḥ ayushmaan bhavatu…"

["Om… May he who is named Yashaswi… grow in prosperity and happiness… May Yashaswi be blessed with long life…"]

The name flowed into the air with divine resonance.

Vamika felt her throat tighten with emotion.

Yudhveer placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

And little Yagya whispered the name softly to himself—

as if memorizing the title of the most precious person in his world:

“Yashaswi…”

The puja was over and time passed and now lunch was served , neatly arranged on the dining table.

The aroma of fresh foods filled the air, warm and comforting.

Everyone sat around the table.

Yagya, as usual, insisted first.

"Maa… aapke haath se khaunga."

["Mom… I want to eat from your hand."]

Yudhveer opened his mouth to reason, but Vamika gave him a soft look — it’s okay, I’ll manage.

She fed Yagya the first bite, then the second.

On the third bite, Yashaswi suddenly cried out — hungry and restless.

Vamika’s eyes widened.

"Bhookh lagi hai usse…"

["He’s hungry…"]

Yudhveer nodded, calm but firm.

"Tu jaa, usse doodh pila de."

["Go, feed him."]

The third bite never reached Yagya's mouth.

He didn’t say anything.

He barely got any time with his mother since the baby was born.

So he quietly started trying to eat by himself.

Rice slipped from his fingers, dal dripped, but he managed somehow.

Manorama moved to help, worry on her face.

"Abhi nahi, usse sikhne dijiye. Chaar saal ka ho gaya hain."

["Not now. Let him learn. He’s four years old now."]

She stepped back, knowing Yudhveer was right.

After ten minutes, Vamika returned to the table, exhausted and pale.

Her eyes fell on Yagya — still struggling, still messy, still trying on his own.

Her heart ached.

She reached out instinctively to feed him, but Yudhveer caught her wrist.

"Khane de usse akele."

["Let him eat by himself."]

Vamika hesitated.

"Par…"

["But…"]

Yudhveer’s tone was strict, leaving no room for argument.

"Par-war kuch nahi… Tu usko chhod de. Wo bada ho raha hain.

Tere haath se khilaa–khilaa kar uski aadat bigaad degi tu.

Abhi ghar mein ek chhota bacha hain… ek saath kitna kaam karegi? Abhi tu khane baith."

["No ‘but’. Leave him. He’s growing up. If you keep feeding him like this, he’ll become dependent.

There’s a newborn in the house now… how much work will you handle at once? Sit and eat."]

Vamika opened her mouth, but her body was too weak.

She hadn’t eaten properly since morning.

Her milk was draining her energy.

Her limbs felt heavy, and her eyes slightly blurred.

Quietly, reluctantly, she sat down.

Her hands moved slowly over her plate, but her eyes kept darting to Yagya — struggling, learning, growing.

And he never looked up at her.

Not once.

Because he knew…

She was there.

But also… not really his anymore.

Once lunch was over, everyone slowly returned to their rooms.

The haveli grew quiet, soft light spilling across the furniture.

Yagya quietly went into Vamika’s room.

He wanted to spend time with his mother.

The three of them — Vamika, Yagya, and Yashaswi — were on the bed now.

Yagya pulled out his small book and began narrating a story, his voice bright and animated.

Vamika leaned against the headboard, Yashaswi laying beside her, and listened eagerly.

"Aur phir… phir pata hain kya hua, Maa?"

["And then… do you know what happened next, Mom?"]

Her eyes sparkled as she followed the story, completely absorbed in her elder son.

Her fingers gently stroked Yashaswi’s tiny hands while she encouraged Yagya’s excitement.

But suddenly, Yashaswi started crying, sharp and insistent.

Vamika instinctively turned towards her newborn, placing a finger up to Yagya to stop him mid-sentence.

"Ruko beta… abhi thoda ruk jao."

["Wait, dear… just a moment."]

The baby had peed, and she needed to change him.

She carefully cleaned him and dressed him in a fresh little outfit, all while keeping Yagya nearby.

Yagya understood what was happening — he knew she had to take care of his brother —

but still, he felt a tiny pang of being ignored, a little twinge of longing for her full attention.

Yagya watched quietly, understanding what had happened — but still, he felt a small pang of being ignored.

He curled slightly, hugging his knees, while Vamika finished tending to the newborn.

Even though he understood, a little piece of his heart wished it could be just him for a moment.

Yagya’s little brows furrowed, and he frowned at his baby brother.

"Yeh kitna rota hai…"

["Why is he crying so much…"]

Vamika laughed softly, brushing his hair back.

"Bhai, abhi chhota hain na… isliye rota hain."

["He’s just little, that’s why he’s crying."]

Yagya puffed out his cheeks.

"Huh… main jab chhota tha tab mein itna nahi rota tha."

["Huh… I didn’t cry this much when I was a child."]

Vamika giggled again, shaking her head.

"Aap abhi bhi bache ho aur aap bhi bachpan mein itna hi rote the… aap abhi bhi bacche ho! Jab aap bhai jitna the, tab bhai ke jaise hi rote the."

["You are still a kid and even you cried just as much as a child… you’re still a little kid! When you were as old as your brother, you cried just the same."]

Yagya scowled, trying to look serious.

"Main bada ho gaya hoon!"

["I’m grown up now!"]

Vamika smiled warmly, leaning forward to kiss his cheek.

"Arey mera bacha… tu to sabse acha hain."

["Oh, my little one… you are the best."]

Yagya smiled and hugged her tightly.

Vamika stroked his hair and said softly:

"Baad mein kahani padh lenge… abhi maa thak gayi hain. Maa ko thoda sona hain."

["We’ll read the story later… Mom is tired now. She needs a little rest."]

Yagya scrunched his face, pretending to pout, but finally said:

"Theek hain… lekin main bhi aapke sath sounga."

["Okay… but I’ll sleep with you too."]

Vamika chuckled.

"Toh padhai to karni nahi hain tujhe."

["So, no studying for you then."]

Yagya sheepishly smiled, his little face softening.

She gently shifted Yashaswi to the cradle, now sleeping peacefully.

Then she lay down on the bed beside Yagya.

Vamika faced him; his small hand curled around her neck.

She slowly tapped his back, soothing him into sleep.

And just like that…

the three of them slept, entwined in warmth, love, and the quiet peace of a family together.

Yudhveer quietly opened the door to his room.

And there, on the bed, he saw his entire world.

Vamika lay peacefully, her face soft and pale from exhaustion.

Yagya was curled up beside her, little hand still wrapped around her neck.

The baby, Yashaswi, slept soundly in the cradle, his tiny chest rising and falling gently.

A sense of profound calm and happiness washed over Yudhveer.

He stepped closer, eyes glistening.

His heart swelled with love, pride, and gratitude — this was his family, his life, his everything.

He paused, just watching them, careful not to disturb the fragile peace.

A soft smile tugged at his lips.

For a moment, time itself seemed to hold its breath, letting him simply revel in the quiet perfection of his world.

Yudhveer couldn’t resist the sight of them.

Quietly, he stepped closer and slipped onto the bed behind Vamika.

He gently draped his arm around her waist.

The sudden weight stirred her, and she woke slightly.

Turning her head, she whispered,

"Aap kab aaye?"

["When did you come?"]

"Abhi aaya."

["Just now."]

Yudhveer extended his hand, a silent cue for her to rest her head on it.

Vamika obeyed, sliding her head onto his strong bicep.

With that arm, Yudhveer wrapped her closer, fingers tracing her bare waist in gentle, lingering caresses.

His other hand cupped her face, tilting her chin upward.

He leaned down, lips brushing hers softly at first, then deeper, more insistent.

Vamika responded without hesitation, melting into his touch, her mind entirely on him.

For a moment, everything else disappeared — the room, the cradle, even Yagya sleeping beside them.

All that existed was the warmth, the closeness, and the fire between them.

Her hand instinctively touched his chest, pressing closer, as they shared a long, intimate kiss — slow, sensual, and filled with unspoken longing.

Soon, they slowly broke the kiss.

Yudhveer’s hand still cupped her face, his thumb gently stroking her cheek.

"Tu aaj bohut khubsurat lag rahi thi."

["You look absolutely beautiful today."]

Vamika blushed, looking down shyly.

"Aap bhi bohut handsome lag rahe the."

["You looked very handsome too."]

Yudhveer’s lips curved into an amused smile at her almost-perfect English accent.

"Galat ucharan kiya kya maine?"

["Did I pronounce it wrong?"]

"Nahi, Madam ji, bilkul sahi ucharan kiya aapne."

["No, Madam, your pronunciation was perfect."]

He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

Then, his fingers moved into her hair, massaging her scalp tenderly.

Vamika stared into the soft shadows of the room, her mind empty, her heart full.

A peaceful silence settled around them.

Yudhveer broke it quietly, his voice low but sincere:

"Agar tujhse nahi milta… to pata nahi jeevan mein kitni achi cheezon se waaqif nahi ho pata."

["If I hadn’t met you… I don’t even know how many beautiful things in life I would have missed."]

Vamika smiled softly at him, warmth filling her chest.

Then Yudhveer’s tone shifted playfully:

"Lekin mujhe tujhse ek shikayat hain."

["But I do have one complaint about you."]

Vamika turned serious.

"Kya?"

["What is it?"]

"Tune humare bete ko apni jaise hari ankhein kyu nahi diya?"

["Why didn’t you give our son green eyes like yours?"]

Vamika eased down into the bed, smiling softly.

"Yeh mere haath mein thodi tha."

["That wasn’t really in my hands."]

Yudhveer tilted his head, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Waise acha hi hua ki usko hari ankhein nahi mili."

["Actually, it’s better that he didn’t get green eyes."]

"Aur wo kyu?"

["And why’s that?"]

He joked, smirking:

"Kyuki usko teri aankhein mil jati to wo most handsome ladka ho jata… phir ladkiyan usse nahi, uske chehre se pyaar karti."

["Because if he had your eyes, he’d have been the most handsome boy… then girls wouldn’t love him, they’d love his face instead."]

Vamika laughed softly, a teasing gleam in her eyes.

"Toh matlab aap bhi mujhse nahi mere chehre se pyaar karte hain?"

["So… you don’t love me for my face either?"]

Yudhveer chuckled deeply.

["Aur nahi to kya?"]

["Of course I don't.Why would I love you?"]

Vamika playfully hit his chest.

"Bohut bure hain aap."

["You’re really naughty."]

He laughed, voice softening, eyes shining with sincerity:

"Jaan… tujhse jitna pyaar karta hoon, utna kisi se nahi karta main… tere liye sab kuch gawane ke liye bhi taiyaar hoon main."

["Darling… I love you more than anyone else in this world… I’d be ready to give up everything for you."]

Vamika’s eyes glistened with tears.

She knew the truth in his words, felt the depth of his love, and her heart overflowed with emotion.

They had been lying like that for almost an hour, wrapped around each other in warmth, until sleep finally pulled them under.

But the baby's crying broke their rest. Both of them stirred awake at the same time.

Yudhveer murmured softly, still half-asleep,

“Tu baith yahin.”

["You stay seated here."]

He stood up, walked to the cradle, and lifted Yashaswi into his arms.

“Kya hua mera beta… aise kyu ro raha hain? maa-baba ko sone nahi dega kya?”

["What happened, my son… why are you crying like this? Won’t you let your parents sleep?"]

Vamika rubbed her eyes and said,

“Laiye… bhookh lagi hogi. Kaafi der ho gayi doodh piye.”

["Give him to me… he must be hungry. It’s been a long time since he fed."]

Yudhveer rocked the baby gently, trying to soothe him, while Vamika unhooked her blouse with practiced ease.

When she was ready, she said softly:

“Laiye… dijiye.”

["Give him to me."]

Yudhveer passed Yashaswi to her.

Vamika guided him towards her chest, and the baby immediately latched on, sucking greedily.

She brushed his tiny head lovingly as he fed.

Watching him drink so fast, Yudhveer whispered,

“Bohut bhookh lagi isko.”

["He was starving."]

Vamika smiled softly,

“Haan… dekhiye kaise doodh pi raha hain.”

["Yes… look how eagerly he’s drinking."]

Yudhveer gave a teasing smirk.

“Lagta hain mere liye kuch nahi bachega.”

["Seems like nothing will be left for me."]

Vamika frowned slightly,

“Matlab?”

["Meaning?"]

He leaned closer, his voice low and playful.

“Sara doodh yeh pi lega to main kya piyunga?”

["If he drinks all the milk, what will I drink?"]

Vamika’s cheeks flushed hot.

“Aap bhi… kuch bhi bolte rehte hain.”

["You… you say anything at all."]

His expression turned serious in an instant.

“Main mazaak nahi kar raha, Chand. abhi teri tabiyat theek nahi hain… pehle tu poori tarah theek ho jaa.”

["I’m not joking, Chand. You’re not well yet… first recover completely."]

Vamika flushed deeper and muttered,

“Bache hain yahan, Yudhveer ji…”

["Kids are right here, Yudhveer ji…"]

She kept feeding quietly, avoiding his eyes.

When the baby was done, Yudhveer said,

“Isse abhi aur mat sula… raat ko pareshaan karega. Waise bhi subah se soya hi jaa raha hain… isko jaga ke rakh.”

["Don’t let him sleep more now… he’ll trouble you at night. He’s been sleeping since morning anyway… keep him awake."]

Vamika nodded,

“Sahi keh rahe hain aap… lekin yeh yahin rahega to royega, aur phir Yagya bhi uth jayega.”

["You’re right… but if he stays here, he’ll cry, and then Yagya will wake up too."]

Yudhveer sighed, then said,

“Theek hain… phir neeche chalte hain. neeche sab log hain, khel lenge iske saath.”

["Alright… then let’s go downstairs. Everyone is there, they’ll play with him."]

He picked up the baby again, supported Vamika as she stood, and together they made their way downstairs.

They reached downstairs.

Manorama, Yuvika, and Lakshya were sitting in the living room, chatting softly.

The moment Yuvika saw them coming down with the baby, she instantly stood up and hurried toward Yashaswi, who was resting in Yudhveer’s arms.

Yudhveer joked lightly,

“Chhote maalik aa gaye hain… ab aap logon ka kaam hain isko jagah ke rakhna… isko sone mat dena.”

["The little master has arrived… now it’s your job to keep him awake… don’t let him sleep."]

Yuvika laughed,

“Ji bilkul… hum sab iske saath aise khelenge ki yeh so hi nahi paayega.”

["Of course… we’ll play with him so much that he won’t even get a chance to sleep."]

Yudhveer handed her the baby carefully.

“Sambhal ke.”

["Careful."]

She nodded, took the baby gently, and sat cross-legged on the chair.

Yuvika brushed her finger against his tiny nose; the baby cooed softly, responding to her voice.

Everyone’s attention was on the baby—

Except Lakshya.

Lakshya’s eyes weren’t on the baby at all.

They were fixed on her.

The softness in her smile, the warmth in her eyes as she held the baby—

He felt a familiar tightening in his chest.

He wanted to pull her away from here…

from everyone…

from every gaze except his.

His obsession sharpened silently.

While Yuvika played, the baby kept cooing back, making the entire room smile.

Until suddenly—

“Arre!”

Yuvika jerked.

“Isne toh mutravisarjan kar diya!”

["He just peed on me!"]

Yudhveer burst out laughing.

“Badmaash kahin ka… maasi pe susu karta hain!”

["Naughty boy… peeing on his aunt!"]

Manorama walked to her quickly.

“Ise mujhe de… tu kapde badal ke aa.”

["Give him to me… go change your clothes."]

Yuvika handed the baby to her and hurried to her room.

Yudhveer also went upstairs to bring clean clothes for the baby.

Manorama now held Yashaswi and cooed at him.

Seeing that Yudhveer wasn’t around, she said to Vamika:

“Dekh bahu… ab ek beta ho gaya hain… ab humein chinta ki zarurat nahi ki agla bacha ladka hoga ya ladki.”

["Look, daughter-in-law… now that you have a son, we don’t have to worry about whether the next child will be a boy or a girl."]

Vamika stayed quiet.

Manorama continued:

“Iske ek saal hone ke baad hi dusra bacha kar lena… phir tu dono ko ek saath aaram se paal legi… warna dikkat ho jayegi.”

["Once he turns one, have the second baby… then you can raise both together easily… otherwise it gets difficult."]

Before she could continue, Yudhveer re-entered the room with fresh clothes.

His voice cut through the air:

“Abhi koi teesra bacha nahi aayega ghar pe.”

["There will be no third child in this house."]

Both Manorama and Vamika froze in shock.

Manorama frowned,

“Kyu?”

["Why?"]

Yudhveer answered without hesitation:

“Main Vamika ko dard mein nahi dekh sakta. Yashaswi ke samay dekha maine… kitna dard hua tha. Main usse phir kabhi uss dard mein nahi dekh sakta.”

["I can’t see Vamika in pain. I saw how much she suffered during Yashaswi’s birth. I can’t watch her go through that pain again."]

Manorama argued,

“Lekin aise thodi na hota hain… kamse kam do bachhe to hone hi chahiye khud ke.”

["But that’s not how it works… you should at least have two children of your own."]

Yudhveer remained firm.

“Do bachhe toh pehle se hi hain, Maa. Maine soch liya hain… Yashaswi humara aakhri bacha hain. Iske baad hum dusra bacha nahi karenge.”

["We already have two children, Maa. I’ve decided… Yashaswi is our last child. After him, we will not have another."]

Lakshya, who had been silent all this while, finally spoke:

“Bua ji, chhodiye na… yeh bhaiya-bhabhi ka niji maamla hain. Aur waise bhi… Yashaswi to hain hi. Abhi humein usi pe dhyan dena chahiye.”

["Bua ji, let it be… this is between brother and sister-in-law. And besides… we already have Yashaswi. We should focus on him for now."]

His tone was casual—

but his eyes flicked toward the stairs where Yuvika had gone.

Manorama wanted to argue more, but she had no words left.

Vamika sat still, stunned.

They had never discussed this.

How could Yudhveer make such a big decision…

for both of them…

all by himself?

Her silence was heavy—

not with anger,

but with a question she didn’t know how to ask.

The doorbell rang.

Vamika looked towards the hallway and said softly to Yudhveer,

“Yagya ki adhyapika aayi hain… aap usse jagaa dijiye.”

[" Yagya’s tutor has arrived… please wake him up."]

Yudhveer nodded and went upstairs.

He gently shook Yagya awake, then said,

“Chalo… utho… padhai ka time ho gaya.”

["Come on… get up… it's time to study."]

He sent Yagya to his room with the tutor.

Meanwhile, Vamika carried the baby and went to their bedroom, where Yudhveer was already sitting on the bed.

Yashaswi had fallen asleep again, tiny breaths warm against Vamika’s shoulder.

She laid him gently beside Yudhveer.

Yudhveer lay down next to the baby, brushing his son’s soft hair with slow, protective strokes.

Vamika watched them for a moment, then said quietly:

“Yudhveer ji…”

He looked up at her.

“Aap neeche kya bol rahe the?”

["What were you saying downstairs?"]

Yudhveer frowned.

“Kya bol raha tha matlab?”

["What do you mean, what was I saying?"]

Vamika inhaled.

“Aapne kaha… ki aap aur bache nahi karenge.”

["You said… that you won’t have any more children."]

Yudhveer answered simply, without emotion:

“Haan. main aur bacha nahi karunga.”

["Yes. I won’t have another child."]

Vamika felt a pinch in her chest.

“Kyu?”

["Why?"]

He didn’t hesitate.

“Kyuki main tujhe aur dard mein nahi dekh sakta.”

["Because I can’t watch you suffer in pain again."]

Vamika whispered,

“Lekin mujhe aur bhi bache chahiye.”

["But I want more children."]

This time, his tone hardened instantly.

“Maine keh diya ki aur bache nahi honge… to matlab nahi honge.”

["I said there will be no more children… and that means there will be none."]

Anger flickered in her eyes.

Her voice rose, trembling.

“Aap akele kaun hote hain faisla lene wale? Jab pehle mujhe bacha nahi chahiye tha tab aapne zabardasti ki mere saath— aur ab jab mujhe bacha chahiye to aap keh rahe hain ki bache nahi honge!”

["Who are you to decide alone? When I didn’t want a baby earlier, you forced yourself on me— and now when I want one, you’re saying we won’t have any more!"]

Yudhveer’s jaw locked.

First in guilt—

then in anger.

His voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Main tera pati hoon.”

["I am your husband."]

“Aur main nahi chahta ki humare aur bache ho. Maine ek baar keh diya hai— main baar baar nahi dohraunga.”

["And I don’t want us to have more children. I’ve said it once— I won’t repeat it again."]

Vamika’s temper snapped.

She shouted,

“Aap aise nahi bol sakte—”

["You can’t talk like that—"]

But before she could finish,

the baby stirred and let out a soft, upset coo.

Both of them froze.

Instantly, Yudhveer leaned forward and gently rubbed the baby’s tiny chest, soothing him.

Within seconds, Yashaswi drifted back to sleep.

The room was silent.

Then Yudhveer straightened, eyes cold, voice iron.

“Mujhe iss baare mein aur koi baat nahi karni.”

["I don’t want to discuss this any further."]

Without even glancing at her again,

he got up…

opened the door…

and stormed out, his anger filling the room even after he was gone.

Vamika stood frozen beside the bed, her fingers trembling as she watched the door slam shut—

and she couldn't understand what hurt more…

His decision.

Or the fact that he didn’t care to discuss it with her.