The next morning arrived gently, sunlight spilling softly across the room. Vamika woke with her cheek resting on Yudhveer’s chest, his arm wrapped securely around her. They were still tangled in each other’s warmth, breaths slow and easy. She smiled without even realizing it.

Yudhveer brushed a kiss onto her forehead and murmured,

“Jaldi taiyyar ho jaa, yaad hain na aaj sheher jaa rahe hain?”

["Get ready quickly, you remember we’re going to the city today, right?"]

Vamika nodded, her smile blooming softly.

“Ji.”

["Yes."]

Careful not to wake Yatharth, who was curled against them, she slipped out of bed and went into the washroom to freshen up. From inside, she could hear Yudhveer cuddling their sleepy toddler, murmuring something soft, rubbing his back in gentle circles. Yatharth made a tiny, content sound and snuggled deeper into his father’s chest. Yudhveer chuckled under his breath, the sound low and warm.

When Vamika came out with damp hair and a fresh glow on her face, Yudhveer stretched and stood up.

"I’ll be right back."

He walked into the washroom while Vamika draped her saree with slow, practiced movements, the fabric settling around her like silk water.

She then went to the next room. Her eyes drifted to their older sons sleeping peacefully in the bed, limbs overlapping like little puppies.

She sat beside them and gently stroked Yagya's and Yashaswi’s hair.

“Utho bachcho… aaj hum sheher jaa rahe hain.”

["Wake up, children… we are going to the city today."]

Yashaswi blinked awake, excitement sparking instantly. Beside him, Yagya stirred and rubbed his face into the pillow before lifting his head, a slow smile forming.

And just like that, their morning began—soft, warm, full of promises and the simple happiness of a family preparing for a day together.

They finished breakfast quickly—a simple, warm family meal full of chatter and little bursts of excitement from the children. Soon after, everyone stood near the main door, ready to leave.

Vamika knelt slightly and said gently,

“Jao, dadi se gale mil kar aao.”

["Go, give your grandmother a hug."]

All three boys—Yagya, Yashaswi, and little Yatharth—ran eagerly towards Manorama. They wrapped their small arms around her, and Manorama’s face softened as she hugged them back, placing a hand on each tiny head.

Yudhveer and Vamika walked up to her and bent down, touching her feet respectfully.

“Hum nikal rahe hain, maa.”

["We are leaving now, maa."]

Manorama placed her palm lovingly on both their heads.

“Dhyan de jaana bachhon.”

["Take care, my children."]

Vamika nodded warmly.

“Ji maa ji.”

["Yes, mother."]

But Manorama’s eyes turned a little glassy as she looked at the boys again.

“Zyada din waha mat rehna… mujhe inn bachon ki yaad ayegi.”

["Don’t stay there too long… I’ll miss these children."]

Vamika’s heart softened instantly.

“Maa ji, aap bhi humare saath aa sakte the.”

["Mother, you could have come with us too."]

Manorama shook her head with a small smile, waving her hand dismissively.

“Nahi bahu… tujhe to pata hain mere ghutno mein kitna dard hain. Ab aur ghoomne ka mann nahi karta… aur wo sheher wagera mujhe pasand bhi nahi.”

["No, bahu… you know how much my knees hurt. I don’t feel like roaming anymore… and I don’t like all that city commotion."]

Yudhveer stepped forward reassuringly.

“Chinta mat kijiye maa, hum jald aa jayenge. Bacchon ka vidhyalaya bhi khulne hi wala hain.”

["Don’t worry maa, we’ll return soon. The children’s school is about to open anyway."]

Manorama nodded, gently cupping Yatharth’s cheek one last time.

And just like that—with blessings, warmth, and a little tug of emotion—they stepped out of the house and began their journey to the city.

They finally reached the city. After the long journey, the train halted and the Chaudhary family stepped down, stretching their legs. The boys looked around, excitement bubbling in their eyes.

As soon as they exited the station, Yudhveer said,

“Gudiya ke liye khilonein le lete hain aur mithai bhi leni hain.”

["Let’s buy toys for our doll and we also need sweets."]

Vamika nodded.

“Ji.”

["Yes."]

They walked into the market and bought some dolls and toy cars for their niece. While they were paying, little Yatharth tugged at his father’s sleeve.

“Baba mere liye?”

["Baba, for me?"]

Yudhveer looked at him, amused.

“Tumhe bhi chahiye?”

["You also want one?"]

Before Yudhveer could agree, Vamika said quickly,

"Ji koi zarurat nahi hain ...ghar pe dher sare khilone pade hain.”

["No, there’s no need… there are plenty of toys at home."]

Yudhveer smiled warmly.

“Apne bachon ko nahi dunga to aur kisko dunga?”

["If I don’t give it to my kids, who else will I give to?"]

Vamika sighed softly.

“Aap bachon ko cheezein de de kar aadat bigaad rahe hain unki.”

["You’re spoiling the kids by giving them everything."]

Yudhveer winked at her.

“Tu hain to unhe sudhaarne ke liye.”

["You’re here to correct them anyway."]

Hearing all this, the older boys rushed up.

“Baba mujhe bhi khilone chahiye.”

["Baba, I also want toys."]

Yudhveer ruffled both their hair and bought toys for them too. They grinned happily, clutching their new treasures.

Soon they headed to a sweet shop. As they selected sweets, a woman entered and watched the children with admiration.

She smiled at Vamika.

“Bohut pyaare bache hain aapke.”

["Your children are very cute."]

Vamika returned the smile.

“Dhanyavad.”

["Thank you."]

Both completed their purchases and stepped outside.

Yudhveer waved to an auto.

“Vilas nagar chalenge?”

["Will you go to Vilas Nagar?"]

The auto driver agreed.

The woman from the sweet shop stepped forward too.

“Bhaiya vilas nagar?”

["Brother, Vilas Nagar?"]

So the Chaudhary family and the lady ended up sharing the same auto. The boys sat squeezed together, still examining their toys.

The lady looked at Vamika curiously.

“Aapko pehele kabhi Vilas Nagar mein nahi dekha.”

["I haven’t seen you in Vilas Nagar before."]

Vamika shook her head politely.

“Ji hum yahan nahi rehte, meri behen yahan rehti hain.”

["No, we don’t live here, my sister lives there."]

The lady nodded.

“Oh acha”

["Oh, okay."]

She smiled at little Yatharth and made him giggle, making the ride pleasant.

The auto soon stopped. Everyone got down. The children ran ahead out of excitement, almost tripping.

Vamika called out,

“Araam se gir jaoge beta.”

["Slow down, you’ll fall."]

The lady laughed.

“Yeh bache bhi na…”

["Kids, honestly…"]

Noticing the direction they were walking, she said,

“Acha to aap Lakshya ji ke mehmaan hain?”

["Oh, so you are guests of Lakshya ji?"]

Vamika nodded.

“Aap jaanti hain unhe?”

["You know him?"]

The woman smiled.

“Han ji, wo to humare hi padosi hain.”

["Yes, he is our neighbour."]

Vamika smiled.

“Acha!”

["Oh!"]

They reached the gate and rang the bell.

In moments, Yuvika opened the door. Her face lit up the second she saw them.

“Didi! aap yahan!?”

["Didi! You’re here!?"]

Vamika smiled softly.

“Socha tujhe surprise de doon.”

["I thought I’d surprise you."]

The boys rushed at their maasi.

“Maasi!”

["Auntie!"]

Yuvika hugged them all.

“Mere pyaare bache”

["My sweet children."]

Before they entered, the neighbour lady called cheerfully,

“Yuvika ji!”

And suddenly—Yuvika’s smile completely changed.

It stiffened. It trembled.

She looked… scared.

Still, she forced a small polite smile.

“Ji, Shilpa ji”

["Yes, Shilpa ji."]

Shilpa said,

“Aapki behen se main pehele hi mil li thi. Aapse bohut door se milne aaye hain.”

["I already met your sister. They’ve come from far to visit."]

Yuvika laughed awkwardly, even nervously.

Then Shilpa’s husband stepped out.

Shilpa introduced,

“Gaurav ji, dekhiye Yuvika ji ke didi jiju aye hain unse milne.”

["Gaurav ji, look, Yuvika ji’s sister and her husband are here."]

Gaurav gave a friendly smile.

“Bhabhi ji aapne bataya nahi ke aapke ghar mehmaan aa rahe hain.”

["Bhabhi ji, you didn’t tell us that guests were coming."]

Yuvika’s smile turned even more uneasy, almost shaky.

“Wo...mujhe khud bhi pata nahi tha”

["Um… I didn’t know myself."]

Gaurav said,

“Chaliye koi baat nahi, abhi—”

["It's fine, now—"]

But Yuvika cut him off sharply, almost desperately,

“Didi, jiju aap thak gaye honge, aap log andar jaiye”

["Didi, jiju, you must be tired, please come inside."]

Vamika noticed the sudden tension in her voice—but no one else seemed to.

Yudhveer nodded and entered with the children. Vamika followed.

Before going in, Yuvika turned towards Shilpa again—this time ignoring Gaurav completely.

“Shilpa bhabhi , wo main baad mein baat karti hoon ....abhi bohut kaam hain..”

["Shilpa bhabhi, I’ll talk to you later… I have a lot of work right now."]

Shilpa nodded cheerfully.

“Han han bhabhi, jaiyen aap kaam kar lijiye, mehmaan aye hain aapke ghar”

["Yes yes bhabhi, go do your work, you have guests at home."]

Yuvika nodded stiffly and closed the door.

And her face…

Her eyes…

Her body language…

All of it showed one thing clearly—she was scared to interact.

They stepped inside the house.

Yuvika quickly composed herself and said,

“Aap log baithiye, main paani le kar aati hoon.”

["Please sit, I’ll bring some water."]

She hurried into the kitchen — almost too quickly — as if escaping the awkward encounter outside.

Vamika watched her vanish behind the curtain, the uneasiness in her sister’s movements still lingering in her mind.

A minute later, Yuvika returned with a tray.

But instead of water, she had brought glasses filled with cold sharbat, the glasses clinking slightly because her hands were trembling ever so subtly.

The kids immediately reacted.

Yagya's eyes widened,

“Sharbat!” he whispered excitedly, grabbing his glass with both hands.

Yashaswi bounced slightly on the sofa,

“Maasi ne sharbat banaya!”

["Maasi made sharbat!"]

The youngest Yatharth, clapped his hands and said,

“Maasi mujhe naarangi wala chahiye!”

["Maasi, I want the orange one!"]

Yuvika forced a smile — one that didn’t quite reach her eyes — and kneeled down to hand them the glasses carefully.

She said softly,

“Arre sambhal kar… gir jayega.”

["Careful… you'll spill it."]

The children happily sipped their drinks, giggling among themselves.

As the children enjoyed their sharbat, Vamika looked around the house, noticing something missing.

She turned to her sister and asked softly,

“Gudiyan kaha hai choti?”

["Where is our little doll, sis?"]

Yuvika’s expression instantly warmed — the first genuine smile since they arrived.

She replied,

“Wo abhi so rahi hain.”

["She’s sleeping right now."]

Vamika nodded, relieved at least about that. Then she asked,

“Aur Lakshya ji kaha hain?”

["And where is Lakshya ji?"]

Yuvika kept her gaze lowered as she placed the tray on the table.

Her voice was calm… but too controlled.

“Wo hospital gaye huye hain.”

["He has gone to the hospital."]

Vamika paused for a moment.

Before she could ask more, Yuvika quickly added,

“Didi… aap bhi sharbat lijiye.”

["Please, didi… have some sharbat."]

Just then, the sound of tiny footsteps came from the staircase.

A little girl in a soft frock appeared, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“Mumma!”

The moment Yuvika heard her daughter’s voice, her entire body reacted.

She hurried towards her and scooped her up tightly.

“Mumma yahin hain Tara.”

["Mumma is right here, Tara."]

Tara — her little nickname — clung to Yuvika’s shoulder.

Hearing the child, both Yudhveer and Vamika turned around with warm smiles.

Yuvika rubbed her nose affectionately against her daughter’s cheek and said,

“Dekho Tara, aapse milne aapki maasi aur bade papa aaye hain, aapke bhaiya bhi aaye hain, dekho dekho.”

["Look Tara, your aunt and uncle have come to meet you, and your brothers too, look look."]

Tara’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

She didn’t recognise them at all.

Vamika stepped closer with a soft smile and lightly pinched Tara’s cheek.

“Maasi ko pehchaan nahi paa rahi ho Tara?”

["You can’t recognise your maasi, Tara?"]

Tara shook her head, still half-sleepy and shy.

Vamika laughed softly, then gently took Tara into her arms from Yuvika.

She carried her toward Yudhveer.

He caressed the little girl’s head, his expression full of warmth.

Then he pulled out the gifts they had bought for her and held them out.

Tara blinked, then reached out with both tiny hands and took them.

Immediately, Yuvika said in her gentle, motherly tone,

“Tara, beta jab humein koi gifts de to humein kya bolna chahiye?”

["Tara, sweetheart, when someone gives us gifts, what should we say?"]

Tara looked at Vamika and Yudhveer with her big round eyes and whispered,

“tenk…u.”

Her little voice melted everyone’s heart.

Just then her eyes wandered to her cousins — the three boys sitting and excitedly playing with their new toys.

She pointed her tiny fingers towards them, clearly wanting to join in.

Understanding immediately, Vamika put her down.

The moment Tara’s feet touched the floor, she ran towards her brothers with a little wobble.

Within seconds, they welcomed her into their game, showing her their toys and letting her sit between them.

Soon, small giggles filled the room —

and Tara blended perfectly with her cousins as if she’d always known them.

Once Tara settled with the boys and their laughter filled the room, Yuvika straightened her dupatta and turned to Vamika and Yudhveer with a polite smile.

“Aap log baithiye, main unhe call karke aati hoon.”

["You both sit, I’ll go call him."]

They nodded, settling onto the sofa while keeping an eye on the kids playing happily on the floor.

Yuvika walked towards the small wooden table, where the landline phone was kept.

She picked up the receiver and dialed a familiar number.

The moment the call connected, she said in a soft, slightly breathless tone,

“Lakshya ji… wo… didi aur jiju aaye hain ghar.”

["Lakshya ji… um… Didi and Jiju have come home."]

On the other side, Lakshya’s voice softened immediately, filled with warmth.

“Achha? Theek hain, main aa raha hoon.”

["Oh? Alright, I’ll come soon."]

Yuvika nodded even though he couldn’t see her.

“Ji.”

["Okay."]

She placed the receiver back gently.

For a moment, she paused — took one deep breath — as if steadying herself.

Then she composed her expression and walked back towards the living room where her family was waiting, trying her best to hide whatever restlessness was swirling inside her.

Yuvika stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands, but before she could head back inside, Vamika caught her wrist gently.

“Arey Yuvi, idhar baith… itne din baad mil rahe hain, baat nahi karegi kya?”

["Yuvi, sit here… we’re meeting after so long, won’t you talk to me?"]

Yuvika gave a soft smile but shook her head.

“Haan didi, lekin abhi mujhe khana bhi to banana hoga na… meri didi-jiju aur bhaanje aaye hain, kuch acha banana to banta hain.”

["Yes, Didi, but I also have to cook… my Didi-Jiju and nephews have come, I must make something nice."]

Vamika sighed lovingly.

“Arey tu itna mat soch, kuch bhi saamanya sa bana de.”

["Don’t think so much, make something simple."]

But Yuvika protested immediately.

“Arey didi aise thodi na hota hain.”

["Didi, it doesn’t work like that."]

Just then, Yudhveer came closer, folding his arms with a playful seriousness.

“Arey saali ji, hum to parivaar hain… humein mehmaan jaise treat mat kariye. Kuch saadharan sa banao, zyada kuch banane ki zarurat nahi.”

["Sister-in-law, we’re family… don’t treat us like guests. Make something simple, no need to prepare too much."]

Yudhveer then left, leaving the two sisters to talk.

Vamika quietly glanced at Yuvika.

Something…

Something felt a little off about her behavior earlier with Shilpa and Gaurav.

So when they were alone for a moment in the kitchen, Vamika softly asked:

“Yuvi, sab theek to hain na?”

["Yuvi, is everything alright?"]

Yuvika blinked, a tiny crease forming on her forehead.

“Matlab?”

["Meaning?"]

Vamika hesitated a little before saying:

“Nahi wo… bahar… tu Shilpa ji aur Gaurav ji se thodi ajeeb tareekein se pesh aai…”

["Well… out there… you behaved a little strangely with Shilpa ji and Gaurav ji…"]

Before she could complete her thought, Yuvika’s throat bobbed—

for a second she stammered.

But then she forced a small, casual smile and smoothly lied,

“Acha tab? Aap sabko ek saath dekh ke main thoda ghabra gayi thi… itne din baad aap log aaye isliye…”

["Oh, that? Seeing all of you together after so long… I just got a bit nervous, that’s all…"]

Vamika looked at her closely.

She reached out and held Yuvika’s hand gently, her voice soft with sisterly warmth.

“Chotti… tu kuch chupa to nahi rahi hain na?”

["Chotti… you’re not hiding anything, are you?"]

For a moment, Yuvika’s eyes flickered —

—but she immediately shook her head.

“Nahi didi, main pakka kuch nahi chupa rahi. Main kyun kuch chupaungi?”

["No didi, I’m definitely not hiding anything. Why would I hide something?"]

Vamika nodded slowly.

She couldn’t argue with that.

True — what would Yuvika even hide?

She had a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, and a happy home.

Vamika gently squeezed her hand in reassurance and let the topic go.

Yuvika finally nodded and went back to the kitchen.

Vamika followed her, ready to help, but Yuvika stopped her firmly with a smile.

“Nahi didi, aap aaram karo.”

["No Didi, you rest."]

Vamika sighed helplessly and returned to the living room.

Sson Lakshya returned, the familiar sound of a car stopping echoed from outside.

Tara, who had been playing with her cousins, immediately froze—her eyes widened—and she bolted towards the door, tiny feet pattering across the floor.

She stood on her toes and slapped her palms against the door excitedly.

Yuvika wiped her hands and opened the door.

The moment Lakshya stepped in, Tara hopped and raised her arms.

Lakshya scooped her up instantly—smooth, practiced, as if he’d been doing it every hour of every day.

Tara kissed his cheek with a loud baby smack, and Lakshya laughed and kissed both her cheeks back.

Then, without taking a breath, she began her rapid babbling:

“Papa papa aapko pata hain humale ghal maachi aur bale papa aaye hain! Unhone mujhe bohut saale gifts bhi diya!”

[“Papa papa… you know… my aunt and uncle have come! They gave me lots of gifts!”]

Lakshya chuckled and nodded.

“Achha?”

["Oh really?"]

She nodded vigorously, still hugging his neck.

Lakshya walked inside, greeting the couple warmly.

“Namaste Bhaiya, Bhabhi”

Then he said,

“Aap yahin baithiye, main fresh ho ke aata hoon.”

["You sit, I’ll go freshen up."]

They nodded, and Lakshya gently placed Tara down.

She immediately toddled back to her cousins.

Yudhveer watched Tara run after Yashaswi and Yagya with a smile.

“Yeh to bilkul papa ki pari hain.”

["She is exactly her papa’s little angel."]

Yuvika laughed, warmth returning to her face.

“Aur nahi to kya… saara din ‘papa-papa’ karti hain. Aur iske papa bhi saara din ‘Tara-Tara’ karte rehte hain.”

["Of course… she says ‘papa-papa’ all day. And her papa also spends the whole day saying ‘Tara-Tara’."]

Without thinking, Vamika added with a casual smile,

“Kon kahega Lakshya ji ko dekh ke ki wo kabhi bacha hi nahi chahte hain.”

["Who would believe, looking at Lakshya ji now, that he once didn’t want a child at all?"]

The words slipped out like a gentle remark.

But the effect was immediate.

Yuvika’s smile vanished.

As if someone had blown out a candle.

Vamika felt her heart drop.

She quickly reached out and held Yuvika’s hand.

“Maaf kar de Yuvi… mera wo matlab nahi tha… main to bas… bohut khush hoon yeh dekh kar ki Lakshya ji apni beti se itna pyaar karte hain.”

["Forgive me, Yuvi… I didn’t mean it like that… I’m just very happy seeing how much Lakshya ji loves his daughter."]

Yuvika shook her head softly.

A faint, understanding smile returned to her lips.

“Koi baat nahi didi… main aapki chinta samajhti hoon. Lakshya ji sach mein bohut ache pita hain.”

["It’s alright, Didi… I understand your concern. Lakshya ji really is a very good father."]

But something in her eyes lingered—

a glimmer of an old wound

and a fear she tried hard to hide.

Lakshya came downstairs after freshening up, his shirt slightly damp at the collar, Tara already clinging to his neck. She had spotted him the second he stepped out of the room and immediately attached herself to him like a koala.

Her arms were looped around his shoulders, tiny fists holding onto his kurta, her cheek pressed against his collarbone.

Lakshya walked towards everyone, bouncing her lightly.

“Bhaiya-bhabhi, aapne mujhe bataya kyun nahi ki aap aa rahe ho? Main phir gaadi bhijwa deta.”

["Bhaiya-Bhabhi, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have sent a car for you."]

Yudhveer smirked and replied with a playful scoff,

“Tum logon ko surprise dena tha… ab apne hi bhai ke ghar inform karke thodi aaoonga?”

["We wanted to give you all a surprise… I won’t inform before coming to my own brother’s house."]

Lakshya laughed softly.

Yudhveer stretched his arms toward Tara.

“Aao princess, bade papa ke paas.”

["Come princess, to your uncle."]

But Tara immediately turned her face and clutched Lakshya tighter.

Yuvika hid a smile. Lakshya chuckled and stroked her back.

“Aise nahi karte beta… dekho bade papa aapse milne kitne door se aaye hain.”

["Don’t do that, dear… look, your big uncle has come from so far to meet you."]

But Tara still refused, burying her face in his shoulder.

Lakshya shook his head fondly.

“Yeh aisi hi hain… mujhe dekh legi to kahin aur nahi jaayegi.”

["She’s like this… once she sees me, she won’t go to anyone else."]

Finally, after Lakshya gently coaxed her, she allowed Yudhveer to take her for a moment.

But her eyes never left her father.

Lakshya then walked over to his nephews.

“Kya haal bachon?”

["How are you, kids?"]

The two boys turned—confused—and stared at him blankly.

Except Yagya.

Yagya’s eyes widened and he suddenly ran forward, throwing his arms around Lakshya’s waist.

“Chachu!”

Lakshya smiled and hugged him tightly. Seeing that, the other brother quickly tried copying Yagya and latched onto Lakshya’s side too.

From Yudhveer’s arms, Tara saw other kids hugging her father.

Her face scrunched in jealousy.

She wriggled, twisted, and tried to slide down.

Yudhveer laughed loudly.

“Arey isko dekho… kaise papa ke paas jaana hain!”

["Look at her… how desperately she wants to go back to her papa!"]

Yuvika burst into laughter too.

Tara finally almost dove from Yudhveer’s arms, and he carefully placed her down. She waddled straight to Lakshya, grabbed his pant leg, and demanded his attention. He immediately picked her up, placing her securely on his lap as he continued playing with the boys.

Time passed in warmth and chatter.

The kids were now sitting on the floor with toys—cars, blocks, dolls—scattered everywhere. Lakshya sat among them, legs folded, Tara securely perched on his lap, leaning into him as he rolled a toy car for the boys.

She was watching his every movement with absolute devotion.

Then her eyes fell on a bandaid wrapped around Lakshya’s finger.

She froze.

Her tiny eyebrows scrunched in concern.

She grabbed his hand with both her tiny palms.

“Papa… chot?”

[“Papa... hurt?”]

Lakshya smiled warmly.

“Haan beta… papa ko thodi lag gayi thi.”

["Yes dear… papa got a little hurt."]

Tara’s lips trembled—her version of deep worry.

Then she lifted his hand to her mouth and gave the bandaid a soft, sloppy little kiss.

“Papa… theek?”

[ “Papa...okay now?”]

Lakshya’s heart melted.

He kissed her forehead.

“Papa bilkul theek.”

["Papa is completely fine."]

Across the room, Yudhveer watched.

Quiet.

Still.

Thoughtful.

There was something about the scene—

the softness of a daughter,

the protectiveness of her father,

the purity of that bond—

It struck him.

A daughter.

Why didn’t he have a daughter?

But before the thought could sink deeper, Yuvika’s voice broke the silence.

“Chaliye sab, khana taiyaar hain. Abhi kha lijiye… baad mein khel lena.”

["Come on everyone, lunch is ready. Eat now… you can play afterwards."]

The kids cheered.

Lakshya lifted Tara, and she wrapped herself around him like a tiny monkey.

The whole family gathered around the dining table, warm aromas filling the air.

A quiet, comfortable lunch began—

filled with laughter, chatter, and the soft sound of little Tara babbling on her father’s lap.

The lunch was finally over.

The men—Yudhveer and Lakshya—went upstairs to their respective rooms to rest for a while.

The children stayed downstairs, scattered on the carpet, playing with toys and blocks. Their laughter filled the quiet afternoon.

The women—Vamika and Yuvika—sat together in the living area, talking softly while watching the kids.

Just then, as Yuvika adjusted herself, her dupatta slipped a little from her shoulder.

Vamika’s eyes instantly fell on her neck—

There were clear handprint marks from choking.

And several fresh hickeys, dark, bold against her skin.

Yuvika noticed Vamika’s gaze—and quickly, almost anxiously, fixed her dupatta again, pulling it up to hide everything.

Vamika smirked softly and nudged her with her elbow.

“Arey wah… kaafi mazey chal rahe hain, hmm?”

["Oh wow… seems like things are pretty intense, hmm?"]

Yuvika’s cheeks turned crimson.

“Didi, bas bhi kijiye…”

["Didi, please stop…"]

“Aapko to pata hain wo uss waqt aapa kho dete hain. Unhe dheere karna nahi pasand.”

["You know he loses control at that time. He doesn’t like going slow."]

Vamika smiled wider, shaking her head.

“Ha meri pyaari behena… wo mujhe dikh raha hain.”

["Yes, my dear sister… I can clearly see that."]

Yuvika hid her face in her palm, blushing furiously, while Vamika continued teasing her with an affectionate laugh.

Time passed, and by evening they all went to a nearby park, letting the children run and play until their cheeks turned pink from laughter. Later, they headed to watch a movie.

It was the first time the kids ever stepped inside a cinema hall.

The boys watched the movie in complete awe—eyes wide, legs dangling, completely mesmerised by the giant screen.

But little Tara slowly curled into a ball on Lakshya’s lap, and within minutes, she fell asleep peacefully. Lakshya was her with one hand while the other quietly slid into Yuvika’s, their fingers intertwined gently.

On the other side, Yudhveer reached for Vamika’s hand, squeezing it softly in the dark.

Once the movie was over, they had dinner at a restaurant. Full and content, they returned home and retired to their rooms.

But the whole time…

the desire to have a daughter quietly ate at Yudhveer. Tara’s innocence, her sweetness, her bond with Lakshya—it stirred something deep in him.

When all the children finally drifted to sleep, as usual, Yudhveer pulled Vamika to his side, his hand sliding around her waist as he began kissing her neck slowly.

"Chand!" he whispered against her skin.

["Moon!"]

"Ji kahiye", Vamika breathed.

["Yes, tell me."]

Yudhveer placed his hand on her belly, caressing it with his thumb in slow circles.

Vamika’s breath hitched immediately.

He leaned to her ear and whispered, his voice deep and soft,

"Agar humari bhi ek beti hoti to kaise hoti?"

["If we had a daughter too, how would she be?"]

Vamika smiled gently.

"Bohut pyaari hoti Yudhveer ji."

["She would be very lovely, Yudhveer ji."]

Yudhveer sighed, his chest tightening.

"Bhagwan mujhe bhi ek beti de sakte the…"

["God could have given me a daughter too…"]

Vamika grew shy and whispered, cheeks warming,

"Agar aap chahte hain to hum ek beti ke liye koshish kar sakte hain."

["If you want, we can try for a daughter."]

Yudhveer’s arms tightened around her, but this time it wasn’t desire holding him still—it was hesitation.

His breath turned uneven.

His eyes softened, then clouded with something heavy.

Vamika frowned gently.

“Yudhveer ji…?”

He slowly let her legs down until she was standing, but his hands didn’t leave her waist.

He took a breath—long, shaky—then whispered,

“Nahi… main swarthi ban raha hoon.”

["No… I am being selfish."]

Vamika blinked, surprised.

“Swarthi?”

["Selfish?"]

His jaw clenched. His eyes shimmered—not with tears, but with a depth she rarely saw.

“Main tujhe dobara dard mein nahi dekh sakta.”

["I cannot watch you go through pain again."]

Vamika’s lips parted.

He continued, voice tight,

“Woh saare dard… woh raaten jab tu sahi se chal bhi nahi paati thi…

main phir se yeh sab kaise dekhun?”

["All that pain… those nights when you couldn’t even walk properly…

how can I see all that again?"]

His words cracked, truth spilling out raw.

Vamika stepped closer, her hand rising to his cheek.

“Yudhveer ji… aap swarthi nahi ban rahe.”

["Yudhveer ji… you're not being selfish."]

He caught her wrist gently, holding her hand against his face.

She whispered,

“Mujhe bhi beti chahiye…”

["I also want a daughter…"]

Her voice trembled with vulnerability.

“Maine aapko isliye nahi bola tha… kyuki mujhe laga tha ki aap aur bache nahi karenge.”

["I didn’t tell you before because I thought you wouldn’t want more children."]

That hit him deeply.

His eyes widened slightly, pained.

“Tu… tu isliye chup rahi?”

["You… you stayed quiet because of that?"]

She nodded softly.

Yudhveer moved both hands to her face, holding her as if she were made of porcelain.

“Chand… main kabhi tera icha ke khilaaf faisla nahi lunga.”

["Chand… I would never make a decision against your wishes."]

But the fear remained.

“Bas… main darta hoon.”

["I was just… scared."]

She whispered,

“Kis baat se?”

["Scared of what?"]

His voice cracked open—

“Kahin tujhe phir utna hi dard na ho…

kahin kuch ho na jaye…

main tujhe kho nahi sakta, Chand.”

["What if you go through the same pain again…

what if something goes wrong…

I cannot lose you, Chand."]

Vamika’s breath stilled.

She placed both hands on his cheeks now.

Her voice was gentle but firm.

“Main strong hoon.

Aur main akeli nahi houngi.

Aap mere saath honge.”

["I am strong.

And I won’t be alone.

You’ll be with me."]

He swallowed hard.

Still conflicted.

Still scared.

Yudhveer shook his head a little.

“Par main nahi chahta ki tu dard sehkar phir maa bane… sirf isliye ki main beti chahta hoon.”

["But I don’t want you to suffer pain again… just because I want a daughter."]

Vamika held his hands tightly.

“Sirf aap nahi… main bhi to beti chahti hoon.”

["Not just you… I also want a daughter."]

He searched her eyes.

Her determination was unmistakable.

Her longing was real.

There was no hesitation in her heart.

Finally, his shoulders relaxed… just a little.

"You… you want it that much?"

Her voice was a soft heartbeat.

"Very much."

A long silence passed.

Then slowly…

Gently…

Emotionally…

Yudhveer’s defenses broke.

He pulled her into a slow, tight embrace—his face hidden in her neck, breathing her in.

“Theek hain Chand…

hum ek aur bacha karenge.”

["Alright Chand…

we will have another child."]

She froze for a second—then melted into him.

He cupped her face between his palms.

“Humari beti…

hum dono ko pyaar karegi.”

["Our daughter…

she will love both of us."]

Vamika smiled through the overwhelming warmth.

He brushed his thumb over her lower lip.

“Ab…”

his voice grew deeper, warmer,

“…main soch raha hoon ki hum koshish kab shuru karein.”

["…now I'm thinking when we should begin trying."]

Vamika’s cheeks burned red.

“Bache hain yahan…”

["The kids are here…"]

Yudhveer smirked—slow, wicked, familiar.

“Humne pehle bhi aise kiya hain, Chand… tu bhool gayi?”

["We’ve done it like this before, Chand… have you forgotten?"]

He tilted his head towards the washroom.

Vamika’s blush deepened.

Her breathing turned shallow.

And now, with both hearts aligned—

with the fear settled

and the desire awakened—not lust, but a longing for a new life—

Yudhveer bent, slid an arm under her legs…

and the other around her back…

and lifted her in a full bridal-style carry.

Her gasp echoed softly against his chest.

Their eyes locked.

His voice dipped—

"Come, Chand… let's call our daughter."

And THIS was when he carried her inside.

As soon as the washroom door clicked shut behind them, Yudhveer turned—still holding her in his arms.

The soft light hit her flushed face, her breath trembling against his neck.

Slowly… gently… he lowered her onto her feet, his hands sliding down her waist as he set her down.

The moment her feet touched the cold tiles—he didn’t wait.

He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into him.

His lips crashed onto hers in a fervent, urgent kiss.

It was deep.

Hot.

Desperate.

All-consuming.

His hand moved to the back of her neck, fingers threading into her hair as he kissed her like he had forgotten the entire world outside that door.

Vamika clutched his kurta tightly, her body melting into his, her breath completely stolen by the intensity of his mouth on hers.

He kissed her again—

and again—

and again— pouring all his longing, relief, and love into every movement of his lips.

Her back gently hit the wall as he deepened the kiss, his thumb stroking her cheek while his other hand held her firmly by the waist.

"You've made me wait for so long," he growled against her mouth, his voice rough with need. His fingers made quick work of her saree, pushing the fabric off her body, until it pooled at her feet.

His gaze was a physical touch, scalding as it traveled over her naked body, "And there's no escape today."

He made quick work of his own clothes, his kurta and pajama landing on the tiled floor. His arousal was evident, proud and demanding.

He backed her against the sink, the cold marble a shock against her bare back. His mouth descended on her neck, sucking a mark that made her gasp.

"Yudhveer ji....bachche..." ["Yudhveer ji...the kids..."] she whispered, her voice already trembling.

"Gehri neend mein hain woh," ["They are in a deep sleep,"] he murmured, his hand sliding between her legs, finding her already wet and ready for him.

"Aur tu...tune mujhe jaga diya hain," ["And you....you have awaken me."]

He dropped to his knees, his hands spreading her thighs. His mouth on her core was relentless, his tongue laving and probing until she was writhing, her hands braced on the sink for support.

"Ahh! umm...." a high pitched moan escaped her, and she immediately bit her own lip to stifle it, her eyes wide with a mix of pleasure and panic.

He looked up, his chin glistening. "Na...mat rok apni aawaaz." ["No... don't stop your voice."] He stood up, his body aligning with hers. "Mujhe sunna hain." ["I want to hear it."]

He lifted her onto the edge of the sink, pushing her legs apart. Positioning himself at her entrance, he looked deep into her eyes.

"Tonight," he vowed, his voice low and fervent, "I will sow the seed of my daughter inside you. That is my only goal."

With a single, powerful thrust, he was buried to the hilt inside her. Vamika's head fell back, a strangled cry torn from her throat.

The feeling of him filling her was so overwhelming, so complete, that tears pricked her eyes.

She scrabbled at his back, her nails digging into his skin as he set a punishing, deep rhythm.

"Yaad aai tujhe meri?" ["Did you miss me?" he grunted, each thrust punctuating his words, making the sink creak in protest.

"Haan....Yudhveer ji...haan...." ["Yes... Yudhveer ji....yes"] she panted, her body arching into his.

She buried her face in his shoulder to muffle her cries, her teeth sinking into his firm muscle as a particularly deep thrust shattered her control. The sharp, salty taste of his skin mixed with the overwhelming sensation of him moving within her.

He was relentless, his obsession with his goal clear.

He shifted her, turning her around to bend her over the sink, her reflection a blur of passion in the mirror.

This new angle was even deeper, and he drove into her with renewed vigor, one hand tangling in her hair, the other gripping her hip possessively.

"Main tere andar jaa raha hoon," ["I'm going deep inside you,"] he rasped, his breath hot on her neck. "Breaking down every one of your silences....I will reach all the way to your womb."

Vamika was losing all sense of place, of time. The need to be quiet was a distant thought, drowned out by the roaring in her ears and the feel of him stretching her, claiming her. Her moans became louder, less controlled, mongling with his guttural groans.

She felt the familiar, coiling tension in her core, about to snap. "Main aa rahi hoon..." ["I'm coming...."] she sobbed.

"Saath mein, meri Chand," ["Together, my Moon,”] he commanded, his thrusts becoming frantic, brutal. "Come with me....and take all of me! Take my daughter!"]

With a final, deep plunge that stole her breath, he roared, a raw, primal sound as he poured into her. Vamika cried out, her own climax crashing over her as she felt the hot, pulsing rush to his release flooding her depths. The sensation was profound.

He held himself deep, his body shuddering as he emptied himself, his promise of searing reality inside her.

But he wasn't done. His fervor to impregnate her was insatiable.

As soon as they caught their breath, he was hard again,his desire a fire that wouldn't be quenched.

He took her on the shower floor, the water sluicing over their heated bodies as he took her from behind, his hands gripping her waist, his whispers of "You'll have my daughter..." a constant mantra. He came inside her again, the warm water washing over them but unable to wash away the seed he had planted.

He made love to her against the bathroom door, her back pressed against the wood, his mouth swallowing her moans. He came inside her again, his body trembling with the effort.

The night was a blur of skin, steam, and desperate, breeding passion. Every time, he finished deep within her, his obsession with creating life, a daughter, the driving force behind his relentless energy.

Finally, as rhe first grey light of dawn filtered through the high window, he pulled her out of her for the last time. They were both sliched with sweat and spent. Vamika was boneless, utterly exhausted, her body humming with a deep, sated ache.

Yudhveer's demeanor shifted instantly. The dominant, rough lover was gone, replaced by a profoundly caring husband.

He ran a bath, adding her favourite jasmine oil. He lifted her into the warn water and washed her with a tenderness that brought fresh tears to her eyes.

He soaped every part of her, his touch reverent, especially as his hand gently cupped her lower abdomen.

"Thak gayi meri jaan," ["You've tired, my love,"] he whispered, kissing her shoulder.

She could only nod, her eyelids heavy. The feeling of his cum inside her, a persistent, warm presence, was a constant, pleasant reminder of his passionate possession.

After drying her with a soft towel, he lifted her into his arms and carried her back to their bedroom. He laid her on the cool sheets and fetched a glass of water, holding it to her lips.

He then pulled the duvet over her, tucking her in securely before climbing in beside her. He drew her into his arms, her back to his chest, and his large, warm hand settled over her stomach once more.

"So jaa," ["Go to sleep,"] he murmured into her hair. "Aaj humne jo bandhan banaya hain, wo nau mahine mein ek nayi zindagi ban kar khilegi." ["The bond we forged today, will blossom into a new life in nine months."]

With the sensation of him still  inside her and the safety of his arms around her, Vamika fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, completely cherished and overflowing with her husband's fierce, breeding love.

Next morning, Vamika slowly blinked awake. Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Her sons were curled together, sleeping peacefully… and beside her, Yudhveer was fast asleep, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist even in his sleep.

She carefully slid his hand away — he didn’t even stir. He was exhausted after last night.

The moment her feet touched the floor, she winced.

A faint ache ran through her legs.

Yudhveer was really rough last night… and the memory of it made her knees tremble again.

She quietly walked to the washroom.

The moment she stepped inside, the entire flashback of last night hit her —

his hands, his breath, his voice in her ear, the intensity—

Her face instantly flushed a deep crimson.

She quickly brushed, took a warm shower, draped a soft saree, and went downstairs to help Yuvika with breakfast.

In the kitchen, Yuvika was already making breakfast, stirring the sabzi.

When Vamika reached downstairs, she paused.

Lakshya was standing behind his wife, back-hugging her from behind, his face buried in her neck while he softly kissed her.

They were in such a cozy, intimate moment that Vamika immediately turned around so she wouldn’t disturb them.

But her elbow accidentally hit the large flower vase near the pillar.

CLINK!

Lakshya jerked away from Yuvika in shock.

Both of their faces turned bright red.

Vamika immediately said,

"Wo... mujhe maaf kar dijiye, mujhe pata nahi tha."

["Um… I’m sorry, I didn’t know."]

Yuvika scratched her cheek awkwardly and said,

"Koi baat nahi didi."

["It’s okay, Didi."]

Lakshya almost ran out of the kitchen in embarrassment.

The moment he disappeared, Vamika burst into laughter.

Yuvika covered her face and said,

"Inko mana karti hoon lekin yeh hain ki sunte hi nahi."

["I keep scolding him, but he never listens."]

Vamika teased,

"Akhir bhai kiske hain?"

["Well… whose brother is he after all?"]

Both sisters laughed together.

They finished making breakfast and soon, one by one, everyone came downstairs.

They ate together. Lakshya left for the hospital, Yudhveer was reading the newspaper, and the kids started playing.

The boys were playing with cars while Tara had different plans — she wanted to play dolls, kitchen-kitchen.

She tried convincing her brothers.

"Bhaiya  aap mele saat khelo na!"

["Brothers, play with me please!"]

But all three immediately dismissed her.

"Yeh bachon ka khel hain, hum bade hain, bade log cars se khelte hain."

["This is for little kids, we’re grown-ups — grown-ups play with cars."]

Tara’s little face fell sadly.

She went straight to Vamika, tapped her thigh.

"Maachi…"

["Maasi…"]

Vamika looked down at her, her expression softened instantly.

"Bhaiya log mele sath ghal ghal nahi khel lahe."

["The brothers are not playing house-house with me."]

Vamika scooped her gently.

"Bhaiya log aap ke sath nahi khel rahe?"

["The brothers aren’t playing with you?"]

Tara shook her head sadly.

Vamika kissed her cheek.

"Koi baat nahi Tara, aap mere sath khelo, maasi aur Tara ek sath ghar ghar khelenge, theek hain?"

["It’s okay Tara, you play with me — maasi and Tara will play house-house together, okay?"]

Tara nodded happily and went to bring her dolls.

Yudhveer Joins

Yudhveer watched them from his chair —a warm, fatherly softness spreading over his face.

He walked closer and asked gently,

"Tara beta, bade papa ko khilaoge nahi aap?"

["Tara dear, won’t you play with your uncle?"]

Tara blinked at him cutely.

"Aap kheloge mele sath?"

["You’ll play with me?"]

Yudhveer melted completely.

"Han babu kyu nahi khelunga."

["Yes sweetheart, why wouldn’t I play?"]

Tara held his thumb with her tiny hand and pulled him to the toy kitchen.

She said proudly,

"Main abhi thana bana lahi hoon, aap kya thaoge?"

["I’m cooking food right now, what will you eat?"]

Yudhveer played along lovingly,

"Jo bhi aapko sabse badhiya banana aata hain main wahi khaunga."

["Whatever you make best, I’ll eat that."]

Tara nodded seriously, rushed to the kitchen, grabbed some vegetable peels that her mother—Yuvika had discarded in the morning, and put them in her toy kadhai.

She stirred it with full concentration.

Yudhveer watched her, completely entranced by her cuteness.

Soon she served the “food” to Vamika and Yudhveer on tiny plates.

Then she puffed her cheeks like an adult and said,

"Abhi galam hain, phoo kalo."

["It’s hot, blow on it."]

Yudhveer’s heart melted into a puddle.

While they were playing, Tara glanced at her brothers again — still playing with cars.

She stomped back to Vamika, sat on her lap and complained:

"Bhaiya bohut gande hain."

["The brothers are very bad."]

Vamika and Yudhveer burst into laughter.

Yudhveer patted her head.

"Acha bhaiya gande hain?"

["Oh, the brothers are bad?"]

Tara nodded angrily.

Then she turned to Vamika and said:

"Aap jab agli baal aogi to mele liye ek behen le ke aana."

["When you come next time, bring me a sister."]

Before Vamika could reply, Yudhveer smirked and said,

"Beta humne bandobast karna shuru kar diya hain."

["Dear, we’ve already started making arrangements."]

Vamika hit his arm.

"Bache ke samne to sharam kar lijiye."

["At least have some shame in front of the child!"]

He only shrugged mischievously.

Then he said to Tara,

"Aap good girl ho na?"

["You’re a good girl, right?"]

Tara nodded.

"Aapko pata hain agar good girls God se kuch mangte hain to God good girls ke wish pura karte hain."

["Did you know that if good girls ask something from God, God fulfills their wishes?"]

Tara gasped.

"Sachi!"

["Really!"]

Yudhveer nodded.

"Aap God se pray karo ki aapki maachi aur bade papa aapko ek choti si behen de."

["Pray to God that your aunt and uncle give you a little sister."]

Tara’s eyes widened.

She immediately ran to the puja ghar to pray.

Yudhveer and Vamika burst into laughter.

She soon returned and demanded,

"Kaha hain meli behen?"

["Where is my sister?"]

They laughed again.

Yudhveer said gently,

"God aapke liye ek sundar si pari bana rahi hain, thoda samay to lagega na?"

["God is making a beautiful fairy for you — that will take some time, right?"]

Tara nodded.

Then he added:

"Lekin aap sad mat ho, aapko bohut jaldi ek pyaari si behen milegi."

["But don’t be sad, you’ll get a lovely little sister very soon."]

He smirked at Vamika.

Vamika hid her face shyly.

And the three of them began playing dolls again.