Chapter 41 – One More for Us

That night, the Devraj mansion was quiet except for the soft breathing of its sleeping residents. Ravi lay curled around Gayathri, his arms snugly holding her close, while Inayat and Rivan slept peacefully nearby. Gayathri rested her hand on her belly, a soft smile on her lips as her fingers traced gentle circles.

“What if this one… is mine and Ravi’s?” she whispered to herself, imagining the tiny life growing inside her. A flutter of hope and excitement warmed her chest. “I’ll be happy… not worried,” she murmured, closing her eyes and drifting into sleep with a contented sigh.

Days passed in a comforting routine, yet Gayathri began to notice she had missed her periods. At first, she brushed it off, too busy with the kids and the household. But Ravi, observant as ever, noticed subtle changes—her appetite shifted, she seemed a little more tired, and her mood carried a soft, unfamiliar glow.

“Gayu… you need to take a pregnancy check,” he said one evening, his tone gentle but insistent.

She paused, then smiled shyly. “Ravi… I already missed my periods.”

He raised an eyebrow, a quiet anticipation building between them. “Then…?”

Gayathri went and checked, her eyes widening in happiness. Ravi’s grin mirrored hers the instant he saw her expression. He pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, her lips, savoring every moment.

“Are you happy?” he asked softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I… yes,” she whispered, understanding his unspoken question fully. She hugged him firmly, pressing her body close. “I love you, Ravi.”

“I love you too,” he murmured, his hand settling over hers on her belly. “One go, huh? You got knocked in one go.”

Gayathri laughed softly. “Ravi…”

“Should we tell the family?” he asked, playful mischief in his eyes.

She nodded, already imagining the teasing they would get. Poornima, of course, would be the first to poke fun.

And as they held each other close, the quiet mansion felt warmer than ever—filled with laughter, love, and the promise of another little heartbeat joining their world.