Chapter 22 : Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

The seventh month had turned even the simplest tasks into a mountain to climb. Maysha had just finished her shower and slipped into a comfortable, flowy maternity dress, her maternity support belt already fastened to help manage the heavy strain on her back. But as she reached for her hairbrush, the air suddenly felt thin, as if the room had been vacuumed of oxygen.

She stumbled back, her hand flying to her throat as she struggled to catch a full breath.

Maira, who was passing by the bedroom door, caught sight of Maysha’s pale face and wide, panicked eyes.

"Maysh?" Maira’s voice rose in terror as she saw her sister leaning heavily against the dresser, gasping. "Ayush! Maan! Quickly!"

Ayush reached the room first, his footsteps thundering down the hallway. He didn't hesitate, catching Maysha by the waist just as her knees began to give way.

"I’ve got you, Mayshu. I’ve got you," Ayush murmured, his voice a low, steadying force. He lifted her with practiced care, moving her the short distance to the bed and propping her up against a mountain of pillows to elevate her chest.

Maira rushed to the bedside, quickly grabbing the small portable oxygen concentrator. With trembling but efficient fingers, she fitted the nasal cannula. As the cool, mechanical hiss of oxygen reached Maysha’s lungs, her frantic gasping slowly began to subside.

Ayush stayed right there, his hand resting firmly on her shoulder, his eyes searching hers until the terrifying grey tint left her lips and her breathing leveled out. Once he was sure the crisis had passed, he looked at Maira, who gave him a nod of silent gratitude.

"Stay with her, Di," Ayush said softly, his protective gaze lingering on Maysha for a beat longer. "I’ll go back to the kitchen to help Maan finish up the meal prep. If she feels even a little dizzy, call us immediately."

He stepped out, his shadow retreating from the doorway. As the room settled back into a quiet calm, Maira sat on the edge of the bed and took her sister’s hand, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest.

"They’ve really been on their toes, haven’t they? and Maan has changed too" Maira asked softly, nodding toward the door where Maan had just exited. "It’s not just about the babies anymore. It’s about how they look at you.They both love you and it's undeniable."

Maira’s expression turned serious as she helped Maysha settle more comfortably. "Mayshu, we’re nearing the end. The baby shower is in two days, and soon after, the twins will be here. Have you thought about... what happens next? Have you made a choice?"

Maysha leaned her head back, her hand resting over the high, active curve of her stomach. She stayed silent for a long time before letting out a shaky breath—this one fueled by emotion rather than physical strain.

"Honestly, Di? It’s harder now than it ever was," Maysha confessed, her voice tight. "These past six months have stripped everything back. I’ve seen them both at their absolute best and their most desperate. I can’t deny it anymore... I love them both."

She looked at Maira, her eyes clouded with the impossible weight of the situation. "With Maan... it’s complicated. He was my rebound after Ayush. I jumped into that relationship to escape the pain, and then he ended up hurting me even deeper and he also became the reason between our distance. I was so angry for so long because I felt for him—that’s why it stung. But these months have lessened that pain. Seeing him break down when I was sick, seeing him carry me without a second thought... the anger has started to fade into something else."

She paused, her gaze drifting toward the window. "But then there’s Ayush. He was my first love, Di. He’s the one who knows the version of me from before all this madness. He’s been my steady ground, my comfort and my sanctuary. To be caught between my first love and the man with whom was my rebound but became so much more... while carrying a part of both of them inside me... it’s a spot I never thought I’d be in."

Maysha’s voice cracked as she looked back at her sister. "They’ve both proven they are worthy. They’ve both shown me so much care. How do I decide, Di? It feels like no matter whom I choose, I’m going to lose a piece of myself, and I’m going to break one of them. It’s just so hard to decide."

Maira squeezed her hand, offering the only comfort she could. "Your heart has been through a storm, Mayshu. Give it a few more days. Sometimes the clearest answers come when you stop trying to force them."

*

The hallway was electric with anticipation, the air thick with the sweet scent of jasmine and the hushed, nervous energy of a shared secret.

Ishaan guided a blindfolded Maira slowly towards a room , one hand resting protectively at the back of her waist while the other held her hand with steadying warmt with one . Behind them, Maysha moved with careful grace, her hands firmly held by Ayush on her right and Maan on her left, their strength providing a steady anchor for her as they approached the threshold.

With a flourish, Ishaan pulled his hands away, and the doors swung open to reveal the stunning underwater-themed sanctuary they had created.

The walls were a masterpiece of watercolor corals, sea turtles, and shimmering turquoise waves that seemed to glow under the soft light of a jellyfish chandelier.

As Maira stood frozen in awe as her blindfold was removed, the music swelled, and Ishaan began the melody with a soulful lilt:

Ishaan: "Hoo~~Hoo~~Hoo... Hoo~~Hoo~~Hoo... Aye dil laaya hai bahaar..."

He moved with a playful rhythm, stepping behind the trio of Ayush, Maysha, and Maan, placing his hands on their shoulders as he signaled for them to join in.

Ishaan, Ayush, & Maan: "Apnon ka pyar~ kya kehna!"

The joy in the room was palpable. Maysha, her eyes shining with love for her sister, stepped forward and took Maira’s hands, her voice clear and sweet:

Maysha: "Milein hum chhalak utha, khushi ka khumaar~ kya kehna."

Maira was overwhelmed, tears of happiness shimmering in her eyes. She reached out, gently touching Maysha’s chin in a gesture of pure sisterly affection, her voice joining the song with a radiant smile:

Maira: "Khile khile chehron se aaj, ghar hai mera~ Gule gulzaar~ Kya kehna~~~"

Then, the five of them moved into a coordinated rhythm of unity. Ishaan held Maira’s waist, and Maira held Maysha’s, while Maysha reached out to catch Ayush’s waist. Ayush, completing the chain of support, rested his hand firmly on Maan’s shoulder. They swayed as one, their voices filling the coral-painted room:

All: "Khile khile chehron se aaj, ghar hai mera~ Gule gulzaar~ Kya kehna~~~"

As the music softened into a more intimate bridge, the sisters shared a look of deep understanding:

Maysha: "Aye dil laaya hai bahaar..."Maira: "Apnon ka pyar kya kehna."

To finish the verse, Maan and Ayush stepped forward together, their voices blending in a rare, harmonious truce that echoed the peace they had found for the sake of the children:

Maan & Ayush: "Milein hum chhalak utha, khushi ka khumaar kya kehna."

The song trailed off into laughter and warm embraces. Maira looked around at the shell-shaped lamps, the soft plush starfishes on the rug, and suddenly gasped, a hand flying to her stomach. She looked up at Ishaan, Maysha, Ayush, and Maan with a tearful laugh.

"It’s not just me," she whispered, her voice glowing with wonder. "The baby just kicked... I think little one is just as pleased with the nursery as I am."

*

On the eve of the Godh Bharai, inside their shared room, Ayush adjusted his collar, looking at Maan with a calm, intentional expression.

"Maan, don’t worry about dinner for Maysha tonight," Ayush stated. "I’m taking her to my mansion. I want to give her a quiet dinner and finally show her the nursery I’ve built for her there. Since we’re all showing her the nursery that we both prepared for her at the Wadhwa Mansion tomorrow anyway, I thought I’d surprise her with my own space a day early."

Maan felt a sharp, cold prick of jealousy. He had been waiting for the ceremony to reveal the sanctuary he had painstakingly built for her at his outhouse. The thought of Ayush getting that "first" moment of surprise stung. If Ayush was moving his timeline up, Maan wasn't going to be left behind.

As Ayush turned to leave the room to start on lunch, Maan called out, his voice smooth despite the competitive fire in his chest.

"Ayush, don't prepare lunch today either," Maan said, leaning against the doorframe. "I’ll be taking Maysha to my place for lunch—the outhouse where Sid bhai and bhabhi are staying. Sorry, I didn't mention it earlier!"

Ayush paused, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. "No worries, Maan. I guess today is a half-day for us then, since we haven't stepped foot in the kitchen since breakfast."

Maan let out a soft, tight laugh. "I guess so."

The moment Ayush’s footsteps faded down the hall, Maan pulled out his phone and quickly dialed Roshni.

"Hello, Bhabhi? I need a favor..." Maan whispered urgently, his mind already racing through the final touches he needed for his own surprise.

*

Maan and Maysha pulled into the driveway of the Khurana Mansion, the engine cutting out as a heavy, expectant silence filled the car. Maan stepped out first, moving with a sense of purpose to the passenger side. He opened the door with careful deliberation, his eyes searching Maysha’s for any sign of fatigue.

Roshni and Siddharth were already waiting by the parking lot, their faces lighting up as the car arrived. Roshni moved in quickly to assist Maan in guiding Maysha out of the vehicle, while Siddharth went straight to the back to retrieve the portable oxygen concentrator from the trunk.

Once Maysha was steady on her feet dressed in a soft blue salwar, Roshni pulled her into a warm, gentle side-hug, careful of her bump, and Siddharth followed with a brief, affectionate embrace.

"Welcome to our small aashiyan, Maysha," Roshni said, her voice full of genuine warmth. "This is your first time here at the Khurana Mansion's outhouse, isn’t it?"

"Yes, Roshni Bhabhi," Maysha replied, a soft, slightly shy smile touching her lips. "I’m so happy to finally be invited to visit your home. But honestly, everything happened so swiftly that I didn’t even have a chance to prepare myself. Maan just mentioned we were invited for lunch and I tagged along. I’m so sorry for coming empty-handed on my first visit—especially since I haven't brought a housewarming gift for your new place."

Roshni shook her head, her expression softening into something maternal. "Sweetheart, you haven't come empty-handed. You are carrying a child that belongs to this family, and both these babies are more precious to us than any gift could ever be. Their value is beyond anything money can buy. Please, come inside. We’ve been looking forward to hosting you and this lad of ours for lunch—and of course, we’ll give you the full tour."

Maysha nodded, touched by the sincerity in Roshni’s voice. Maan stepped closer, his fingers interlacing with hers in one hand, while his other arm settled protectively around her waist, taking a portion of her weight. Behind them, Siddharth carried the oxygen concentrator with practiced ease, following Roshni as they led the way into the house.

*

Maintaining Maysha’s lunch schedule was the priority; Roshni and Siddharth made sure she was served before they even considered sitting down for a talk or a house tour. At the small, neatly set dining table, Roshni served Maysha a comforting spread of curry, chapathi, dal, and rice.

"Maysha, please make yourself comfortable and eat however much you need to satisfy your little ones," Roshni said warmly. "I’ve experienced a twin pregnancy myself, and I know it’s not easy—they are quite hungry most of the time."

"Haha, true that, Bhabhi," Maysha laughed softly. "Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to eat my fill and won't be shy." As she took a bite, she looked around. "Waise Bhabhi, where are your babies?"

"Oh, Yash and Yuvaan are sleeping right now," Roshni replied. "Their nanny is with them, but I’ll definitely take you to their nursery in a bit."

"Yes, please," Maysha smiled.

Siddharth, eager to hear Maysha’s thoughts on Roshni’s hard work, jumped in. "Maysha, well, how did you like the food?"

"Siddharth, it’s really amazing! It’s so comforting. Who made it?"

"Your Roshni Bhabhi," Siddharth said with a proud grin. "Ever since we shifted to this outhouse, we’ve only had one househelp for cleaning and the nanny to help when it gets tiring for Roshni to manage the kids, her work-from-home, and the cooking.Roughly four and a half years of our marriage back at the mansion, Roshni hadn't cooked a single meal besides her pehli rasoi. We had chefs, so Mom and Roshni seldom needed to step into the kitchen. But since stepping out of her comfort zone, she’s really become a pro."

"That’s really amazing, Bhabhi," Maysha said, genuinely impressed. "You’ve really aced it. I wouldn’t be able to make a pro-level dal like this, even though I have cooks at home and two personal cooks at Maira Di’s place. One is great at fusion, but they're both good."

Roshni chuckled. "I’m well aware that Maan is quite the fusion and continental style chef. But he hasn't prepared a thing for us since I married into this family. Sid, did he ever cook anything when you guys were in college or before we got married?"

Siddharth looked at Maan and shook his head. "Hmm, never."

"Bhai, I did prepare Maggi!" Maan protested with a grin. "And sometimes I made eggs or even parathas."

Siddharth quickly corrected him. "Frozen parathas, Maan! Not the real thing. And eggs and Maggi don't count as proper food. Please! You’ve changed, and changed for the better, I must say. It’s because of Maysha that you’ve learned to step into the kitchen and grown in so many other ways, too. Sometimes I feel like you’re someone else altogether."

Maysha looked at Maan, her gaze then drifting down to her baby bump as she continued to eat, a quiet thoughtfulness settling over her.

*

After the house tour and viewing the nurseries of Yuvaan and Yash, Maysha noticed one room that remained closed. Roshni led her to the door, stepping aside with a knowing smile.

"From here, Maan will walk you through and show you," Roshni said.

"But Roshni bhabhi, I already saw Maan’s room earlier," Maysha said, looking puzzled. "Whose room is this?"

"So many questions," Roshni teased. "You’ll find out soon; just have a little patience."

Roshni and Siddharth headed back to the hall while Maan carefully led Maysha inside, his hand entwined with hers and his other arm resting protectively over her waist. As she stepped across the threshold, Maysha was taken in awe by the delicate detailing and warmth of the space.

The room was bathed in soft, amber light from strings of fairy lights draped across a wall featuring whimsical safari animal prints. Two matching white cribs stood side-by-side, perfectly prepared with knitted blankets, while a cozy gray glider sat ready in the corner next to a bookshelf filled with stories.

"This is beautiful, Maan," Maysha whispered, taking in the serene atmosphere. "Is this our kids' nursery?"

"Obviously," Maan replied with a soft chuckle. "Since you already toured my nephews' nursery, you can guess this belongs to the other set of twins."

"It’s really amazing," Maysha said, her eyes welling up. "The fact that you went with a gender-neutral theme since we aren't sure of the genders yet makes it even better."

"Actually, Ayush and I decided that together," Maan explained. "We agreed that any nursery planning we did should stay gender-neutral, just like the surprise for Maira."

"Ayush is planning one too?" Maysha asked softly.

"For that, you’ll have to wait and see what he has done for you and the kids," Maan replied.

"How sweet," she murmured. "Thank you, guys. I’ll be sure to thank you both again when he surprises me."

As Maysha turned to step out, Maan suddenly caught her hand. She turned back, searching his eyes. "Maan?"

"Maysha, I know I’ve been like a a$$ to you," Maan began, his voice thick with emotion.Masking myself that I was in love with you earlier when we were sort of dating, but it was mainly a situationship until the day of Rudra and Palki’s marriage. But even then, I was barely in our relationship, making it feel like breadcrumbing. My ego had to crash for me to realize, I was being a psycho maniac with your sister and a creep to you." He took a shaky breath. "Being with you in that apartment 24x7 over the last seven months has changed me. I’ve learned to be accountable. Ever since the night of your fever, I realized the depth of my love for you; I was terrified to lose you. I barely breathed until Dr. Sonal cleared you after you put yourself at risk for Maira."

Maan slowly went down on one knee, holding her hand tightly. "Maysha, I know I have been a bad, sorry, worst boyfriend, but I have worked to become a better father and a better life partner for you. I love you. I really love you. Please consider this as my proposal, with this nursery and our babies as witnesses." He gently touched her belly with his other hand.

Maysha looked down at him, her expression moved. "Maan, thank you for sharing that. To be honest, I overheard you confessing your feelings while I was drifting in and out of sleep during that fever. Over these months, I’ve grown fond of you and developed feelings too. But this decision is crucial. This journey was meant to see who would be the best father and a best partner, and right now, I’m in a fix because I can't seem to conclude on a decision."

"Maysha, it’s okay," Maan said, straightening up to meet her eyes with understanding. "Take your time. I’m sure even Ayush would agree. Please don't rush; think it through as you must."

"Thanks, Maan," she said softly. He then led her back toward the hall, keeping his protective hold on her.

*

The evening air was cool and still as Ayush pulled into the driveway of the mansion. He stepped out and hurried to the passenger side, helping Maysha out of the car with steady, careful movements.

Siraj arrived immediately to assist, retrieving Maysha’s essentials—specifically her oxygen concentrator—from the dickey to escort them inside.

Ayush remained at Maysha’s side, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back while his other hand held hers.

As they reached the doorstep, they found the whole family waiting. Shristi stood ready with the aarti thal, and a grain-filled kalash had been placed right in front of the door.

"Preeta aunty... the kalash and the aarti?" Maysha asked, her voice soft with confusion.

Preeta stepped forward, her expression radiating warmth."Maysha, you are carrying the future of this family. Whether they are girls, boys, or one of each, these twins are our heirs. We wanted to perform this ceremony to properly welcome the mother of our grandchildren into our home."

A shy, touched smile spread across Maysha’s face. Preeta caught Shristi’s eye, and Shristi gracefully handed over the thal.

Preeta performed the aarti for Maysha and her baby bump; once finished, she tenderly touched Maysha’s face and then the bump, kissing her own hand in a gesture of blessing.

"Dudho nahao...phooto phalo aur saada khush raho," (May you bathe in milk (prosper in life), blossom with children (enjoy the gift of bearing kids) and always stay happy.) Preeta whispered.

Rishabh added with a hopeful smile, "Maysha beta, though we hope to one day we could actually welcome you with the kumkum thal along with the kalash, but for now, you slowly kick on this kalash and enter."

With Ayush still holding her hand for balance, Maysha slowly kicked the kalash with her right leg and stepped into the mansion. Suhana was the first to greet her, pulling her into a hug but carefully maintaining a slight distance to be mindful of her condition.

"Welcome home Maysha. So happy you are here!"

Sameer chuckled, shaking his head. "Arey, are you going to do all the talking right here in the foyer? Let her get settled first. But before that... Ayush beta, is it time for her dinner? Your mom and Chachi can have the cooks heat everything up."

Ayush glanced down at his watch. "Not just yet, Chachu. We have about an hour. I’m sure Mom and Chachi have some snacks in mind for the interim."

"We’re already on it," Shristi nodded, ushering them toward the living area. "Maysha, please make yourself comfortable. Suhana, help her to the sofa while we get the refreshments ready."

Suhana took her place on Maysha’s other side, and together with Ayush, they escorted her to the seating area. Siraj, Sameer, and Rishabh followed closely behind, a protective convoy for the guest of honor, while Preeta and Shristi disappeared toward the kitchen to prepare the homecoming feast.

*

After dinner, Maysha began a tour of the sprawling mansion. Suhana walked faithfully by her side, holding her hand to steady her, while Ayush followed closely, carrying the oxygen concentrator just in case and anchoring her with his other hand. Eventually, they came to a halt before a set of closed double doors.

Maysha noticed the sudden pause. The scene felt strangely familiar, echoing a moment she had experienced back at the Khurana outhouse. A knowing smile played on her lips as she glanced at Suhana.

"Suhana, is this your cue to give us privacy while I take in the beauty of this room—the one you’ve conveniently avoided showing me until now?"

Suhana blinked in surprise. "Maysha? How do you know?"

"You can call it deja vu..." Maysha replied softly.

Ayush muttered under his breath, a flicker of playful annoyance in his eyes. "I knew it. That guy took her to lunch for this exact reason—just so he could be the one to surprise her first."

"Anyways," Suhana said, patting Maysha’s shoulder affectionately, "you both enjoy these moments in bliss. I shall join you shortly once you’re done viewing it."

As Suhana walked away, Ayush took a deep breath and reached for the handle. He opened the door slowly, leading Maysha into a beautifully designed, serene nursery.

*

Ayush led Maysha into the nursery, carefully setting the oxygen concentrator on a side table as she took in the room.

The space was transformed into a serene sanctuary, illuminated by soft fairy lights draped across the wall behind two identical wooden cribs. Subtle cloud accents and stars danced in the warm glow, creating a peaceful, neutral-toned haven.

"Wow, Ayush," Maysha whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. "This nursery is surreal. I love the cloud theme and the neutral palette you chose. Everything about this place is beautiful."

"But not as beautiful as you," Ayush replied softly.

Maysha’s gaze snapped from the decor to his face, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Flirt karne ka mauqa mila janab ko..." she teased, her eyes sparkling. "But honestly, both of you have done such a commendable job. The themes and the overall vibe for both nurseries are just perfect."

"Well, Maysha, what we did in our respective houses is intentionally subtle," Ayush replied, his tone carrying a hint of a secret. "This cloud theme and Maan’s jungle theme are just the beginning; we didn't want to go as grand as we did for Maira Di and Ishaan Jeeju. Once the twins arrive, we’ll do our final touches then."

He paused, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "But wait until you see the ultimate nursery—the one we curated together. It’s on a much grander scale than this. We’ll show it to you at your place tomorrow."

"OMG, you guys... that is so thoughtful, Ayush. Thank you," she breathed, genuinely touched. She leaned in and hugged him warmly, mindful of her baby bump as she shared the sweet, expectant moment.

Ayush eventually broke the hug, his expression turning serious as he searched her eyes. "Maysha, I know we parted ways before because of how we handled the media and social media attention on our relationship. But over the past few months, we’ve outgrown that. We've been so far removed from the speculation that they don't even know what we’re up to anymore."

He slowly sank to one knee, never breaking eye contact. Maysha’s eyes grew moist; she recognized the gravity of the moment, having experienced a similar confession from Maan, but her heart had been longing to hear these words from Ayush.

"This pregnancy journey made me realize how stupid I was to give up on us just because I didn't like the media coverage," Ayush continued, his voice thick with emotion. "My love for you was never dependent on that attention, and it didn’t fade—even when you were with Maan to try and move on. Over these seven months, it has only grown. I love you, Maysha. I really do. Even if I'm not the one you choose to marry, I will forever love you and our kids."

Tears began to track down Maysha's cheeks. "Ayush... I... I lo—" She caught herself, swallowing the words before she could finish them. "Ayush... I wish I could give you an answer right now. But I need time to consider this. This is a crucial decision, and I don’t want to act solely on my emotions. You both have put me in such a difficult position, and it’s truly hard for me to decide."

"It’s okay, Maysha. Take all the time you need," Ayush said, straightening up to meet her eye level again. "I’m just glad you heard me and acknowledged how I feel."

Maysha wiped her tears and took a steadying breath. "Now let’s go, Ayush, before everyone starts wondering why the parents-to-be haven't retired from the nursery to the hall yet."

"Haha, okay."

Ayush picked up the oxygen concentrator, switched off the nursery lights, and gently took her hand to escort her back to the family.