Chapter 42 – The Doctor's Visit

The next morning, before the rest of the family woke up, Veeresh and Poornima quietly left the house.

They told the security guard they would be back in a while and drove to the hospital without informing anyone.

The drive was mostly silent.

Veeresh kept glancing at Poornima, while she looked out of the window, lost in thought.

After completing the registration, they were called into the doctor's cabin.

The doctor greeted them with a warm smile.

Doctor: "Good morning. Please have a seat."

Poornima and Veeresh sat down.

After taking Poornima's medical history and examining her, the doctor reviewed the reports.

A few minutes later, the doctor smiled.

Doctor: "Congratulations."

Both of them looked up.

Doctor: "The pregnancy test and examination are consistent with an early pregnancy."

The doctor looked at Poornima.

Doctor: "You're approximately one month pregnant."

Veeresh instinctively reached for Poornima's hand.

She looked at him, still trying to absorb the news.

The doctor continued,

Doctor: "Poornima, you're healthy."

The doctor glanced through the file.

Doctor: "You're 36 years old."

Doctor: "Everything looks fine at this stage, but because of your age, we'll monitor the pregnancy more closely."

The doctor wrote a prescription.

Doctor: "I've prescribed prenatal vitamins and other medications. Please take them regularly."

The doctor continued,

Doctor: "We'll also schedule regular check-ups to keep a close watch on both you and the baby's health."

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Okay, doctor."

The doctor smiled reassuringly.

Then, after a brief pause, the doctor spoke gently.

Doctor: "I know this is personal..."

The doctor looked at both of them.

Doctor: "...but may I ask you a question?"

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Of course."

The doctor folded the hands on the desk.

Doctor: "You mentioned you already have four children."

Veeresh nodded.

The doctor continued carefully.

Doctor: "Are you both ready for this child?"

There was no judgment in the doctor's tone—only concern.

Doctor: "Mentally..."

Doctor: "Physically..."

Doctor: "Financially..."

The doctor paused.

Doctor: "...and emotionally."

Then the doctor added gently,

Doctor: "There is nothing wrong with becoming parents again."

Doctor: "But you may also have to deal with questions or comments from other people."

The doctor looked at them kindly.

Doctor: "People sometimes make assumptions about parents having another child later in life."

Doctor: "Have you thought about how you'll handle that together?"

Veeresh looked at Poornima before answering.

He held her hand firmly.

Veeresh: "We've already spent fifteen years apart because of misunderstandings."

He smiled at Poornima.

Veeresh: "We're not letting other people's opinions decide our lives anymore."

He looked back at the doctor.

Veeresh: "We'll answer whatever questions come our way."

Poornima looked at him, her eyes softening.

Then she nodded.

Poornima: "I'm still scared..."

She smiled faintly.

Poornima: "...but I'm not alone."

Veeresh gently squeezed her hand.

The doctor smiled.

Doctor: "That's the most important thing."

The doctor closed the file.

Doctor: "Take good care of yourselves, keep your follow-up appointments, and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns."

Veeresh and Poornima thanked the doctor, collected the prescription, and quietly left the hospital together, carrying not only the doctor's advice but also a shared resolve to face the future as a team.