Zaaine woke up around 7 the next morning. He just hugged Jeevika who was still sound asleep as well as Viren.
Viren woke up seeing Zaaine sitting in between.
v - "Zaaine, let go to the bathroom. Come on" he said getting up from bed even though he was exhausted. He wanted Jeevika to rest a bit more.
z - "But me want mommy"
v - "Zaaine let mommy sleep. Come on I'll make breakfast. Let's go brush our teeth first"
z - "But daaa"
By the time he could finish his sentence Jeevika had woken up and was trying to sit up.
v - "Go to sleep, I'll take him down"
j - "It's okay. Can you help me get up Viren, my back is really hurting me. I couldn't sleep well last night"
Viren went over to Jeevika's side and took her hand in his. He placed one of his hands on her back helping her get up from the bed. Then he picked Zaaine up and put him down. Zaaine ran into his bathroom and Viren followed. Jeevika went to her bathroom. Zaaine brushed his teeth with the help of Viren and then waited patiently for Viren to come with him downstairs. Jeevika came down after half an hour and saw Viren feeding Zaaine.
v - "Are you okay?"
j - "My back is just hurting way to much"
Viren got up from the table and helped her lay down on the sofa.
v - "Zaaine finish your food, I'll be right back"
Viren went upstairs to grab a muscle relaxer. When he came back down he put rubbed it on her back. Jeevika moaned in pain as Viren tried helping her.
v - "Just lay down okay"
Viren went back to the kitchen and made sure Zaaine finished eating. He went and made a cup of coffee for Jeevika.
v - "Here Jeevs, have a cup of coffee"
j - "Thank you" she said sitting up.
Zaaine ran upstairs to his room.
v - "Why is your back hurting so much today?"
j - "This week was so hectic Viren, standing on my feet almost 18 hours a day walking around the hospital. Plus I tried taking over Zoya's shifts because her feet start sweeling up. So she did my charts while I go see her patients"
v - "Gosh her feet swell up too, yours did a lot when you were pregnant"
j - "Yeah, man those days were so hard. Studying, working, and being pregnant at the same time. I don't know how we did it"
v - "Seriously, it was so hard. I mean I freaked out seeing you in pain on my graduation night"
j - "You just freaked out, you didn't even go through the pain and stress I did Viren. The whole day even at the ceremony Zaaine was kicking, but it started feeling so weird. I was so petrified that day"
v - "That's your problem, you hide everything from me. If you had told earlier you were in pain we could have gone to the hospital"
j - "I didn't want to ruin your day Viren. I was so proud of you, everything you had managed. I mean financially paying for the both of us, your job, everything. You took such good care of me while I was pregnant, that was the least I could do"
v - "I didn't take care of you at all, you were always at the hospital working Jeevs. You did everything yourself"
j - "No Viren, its because of you. If you weren't with me, I dont know what I would have done"
v - "Well I'm always going to be here with you no matter what" he said as he kissed her forehead.
j - "Viren should we take Zaaine out somewhere? Anyways his pre-school is starting on Monday"
v - "What about your back?"
j - "It's feeling better. Where should we go?"
v - "Uhm we can take him for a movie or we can go to Sea World again. Still have our yearly passes"
j - "Yeah let's to San Diego and Zaaine loved Sea World. The weather will be nice there today also"
v - "Will you be able to sit in the car for a two hour drive?"
j - "Yeah, it should be fine"
v - "Should we go get ready?"
j - "Ten minutes" she said smiling and moving so she sits in front of Viren's body"
Viren just wraped his arms around Jeevika hugging her and getting comfortable.
v - "What's your schedule for next week?"
j - "Start at noon on Monday so we can both go drop Zaaine but I'm on call till Tuesday evening. And then Friday to Sunday off again. What about you?"
v - "Meeting on Tuesday, and got to go to court also"
j - "Let's do something on Monday after we drop Zaaine"
v - "What do you want to do?"
j - "I don't know. Turn your romantic brain on. Someone got pissed at me last night, so now here's your opportunity"
v - "I didn't get pissed. You saw what happened, your back is hurting now because you couldn't sleep well"
j - "Viren stop"
v - "And anyways Zaaine won't ever listen if you keep letting him get what he wants"
j - "I know Viren but he was upset the past two days. I won't let him now okay"
v - "Okay. What is he doing? Let's go see"
Viren got up first then helped Jeevika up. They both walked upstairs to Zaaine's room holding hands. They stood there outside the room watching him.
v - "Zaaine what are you doing?"
z - "Da me finish the puzzle, look" he said walking to Viren and holding his hand. Viren and Jeevika walked inside and saw the puzzle that Zaaine had assembled.
j - "Wow did you do this all by yourself"
Zaaine nodded yes
v - "Zaaine is an expert at puzzles, Jeevika. He's faster than me also"
j - "Really Viren?" she said smiling.
v - "Zaaine let's get ready"
z - "Why da?"
v - "We're going out"
Zaaine got really happy "Whereee"
j - "Too see the dolphins. Remember we went to see them on your last birthday"
z - "Fishiess also mommy?"
j - "Yeah fishies also. Okay go to the bathroom, you need to take a bath"
Zaaine ran to the bathroom in excitement.
j - "I'll go with him. You go get ready"
v - "I'll go, you go get ready"
j - "Viren"
v - "Jeevika"
j - "You're so stubborn"
v - "You are as well"
j - "Fine let's both go"
They both went inside the bathroom and gave Zaaine a bath. Jeevika wrapped him in a towel and Viren carried him to his room.
j - "Viren I'm going shower. Do you know where the tickets are?"
v - "They are in the office downstairs"
j - "Okay, I'll be back"
Jeevika went to her bedroom and quickly took a shower, being careful as much as possible with her back. When she came out she was Zaaine sitting on her bed looking through his book again.
j - "Zaaine where's daddy?"
z - "Downstairs mommy"
j - "Okay, are you hungry?"
z - "Noo. Me want to see fishies"
j - "I know, we are leaving soon don't worry"
Jeevika was going downstairs as Viren walked up.
v - "You ready?"
j - "Yeah, let me just go pack some food and books for Zaaine. He's going to be so impatient in the car"
v - "We can take his movies, he'll be distracted"
j - "He shouldn't watch movies and TV all the time Viren"
v - "He doesn't, I don't let him"
j - "Okay I'm going make breakfast. What do you want to eat"
v - "My wife's special french toast would be nice"
j - "Sounds good"
Jeevika went to the kitchen and made Viren's favorite french toast. Pretty soon Zaaine came down. He climbed up the sofa and opened his other books just looking through the pages and pictures. Jeevika just smiled looking at him. Most kids his age liked to watch tv and be hyper whereas Zaaine was the calm and sweet boy. He really was a mini Viren, different from everyone. He was intelligent just like Viren also, had a tendency to ask questions regarding everything. He already knew his colors, numbers, and some of the alphabet.
j - "Zaaine what book are you reading"
z - "elmo book and puppy book"
j - "Do you want to eat something?"
z - "No thank you"
Viren came down after another twenty minutes and could smell his amazing French Toast. He went inside the kitchen to help Jeevika. They both went and sat on the table eating.
j - "Zaaine take a bite"
z - "No mommy, me reading book"
j - "You can read in the car. You're going to be hungry soon if you don't eat"
Zaaine closed his books and then walked over to Jeevika and gave him a bite.
z - "Mommy"
j - "Yes Zaaine"
z - "Me want doggy"
Jeevika looked at Viren who had the biggest NO stuck on his face.
z - "Please mommy"
j - "Ask daddy, not me"
z - "Daa me want doggy"
v - "But Zaaine you're not going to get time to play with a doggy anymore"
z - "Why daa?"
v - "Remember Zaaine starts school on Monday"
Zaaine smacked his hand on his forehead and said "oopsie. Me forgot"
v - "Now does Zaaine remember"
z - "Yes daa" he said walking away
j - "Nice save"
v - "You trapped me. Couldn't say no yourself, involved me then huh"
Jeevika just giggled.
v - "Let's leave now before we hit traffic"
The three of them got there stuff and placed it all in the trunk. Zaaine carried his books and his blanket waiting for Viren to put him in his car seat. Viren buckled him up and handed him his stuff. He then got in his seat and they left for Sea World. Zaaine hated long car rides as he didn't like sitting in one place for so long. He hated the seatbelt and he hated how sometimes the sun would be on him all the time.
z - "Mommy how much longer?"
Jeevka didn't respond as she had fallen asleep.
v - "Zaaine mommy fell asleep"
z - "Mommy tired?"
v - "Yeah she's tired"
z - "Daa how much longer"
v - "Zaaine we just sat down in the car 10 minutes ago. It's going to take two hours"
z - "why daa"
v - "Because the fishes are far away. Do you want to watch a movie?"
z - "Noo da me wanna get out, please da" he said starting to get really irritated
v - "Zaaine doesn't want to see fishes? Fine we can go back home them and then I can finish my work and Zaaine will play by himself"
z - "Noo daaa, me wanna see fishies" he said crying
v - "Zaaine don't cry"
Jeevika woke up listening to Zaaine crying.
j - "Zaaine what happened?"
z - "Me wanna get out mommy"
j - "Here, eat this candy" she said getting it out from her purse. She opened it and gave it to Zaaine. Zaaine started getting quiet again.
j - "I think he gets like extreme car-sickness"
v - "He really hates sitting in the car for so long"
j - "Yeah, well there went my nap"
v - "Go back to sleep, I'll turn on his movie for him"
j - "Can't, back is starting to hurt again"
v - "Should we just go back home? Even Zaaine is going to be cranky the whole way there"
j - "No, its fine"
Just then Jeevika's phone started ringing. It was Zoya. Jeevika picked up and started panicking and quickly told Viren to stop the car nearby. Viren was worried looking at Jeevika and what happened all of a sudden. She cut the phone after a little bit.
v -"What happened? Is she okay?"
j - "Viren quickly drive to the hospital"
Viren exited the freeway and started driving towards the hospital.
v - "What happened?"
j - "Zoya lost balance and fell down in the hospital. Karan is in surgery and he doesn't even know yet"
v - "What the hell. How did she fall down?"
j - "I guess she was feeling dizzy and just lost balance. Drive faster Viren"
Viren tried speeding as much as he could. He dropped Jeevika at the nearest entrance while he went to park the car.
z - "Daa what happened?"
v - "Zaaine you remember Zoya masi? She fell down"
z - "How da?"
v - "I don't know. Come on let's go inside" he said stepping out the car and getting Zaaine outside his car seat.
Viren carried him inside and tried finding Jeevika. They couldn't see her anywhere so Viren just patiently waited in the waiting room with Zaaine.
z - "Daa what about fishes"
v - "Sorru Zaaine, I don't think we can go today"
Zaaine got all sad again and just criss crossed his feet and looked down.
v - "Zaaine would you want mommy to stay with you if you fell down?"
z - "Yes"
v - "Well this is the same thing. We will take you out somewhere soon, okay. I promise"
z - "Pinky promise" he said putting his pinky pout towards Viren.
v - "Pinky promise" he said doing the pinky handshake and smiling.
They were both waiting in the waiting area for an hour before Jeevika finally came. She was in her scrubs again. Viren got up and Zaaine did also and they both walked up towards Jeevika.
v - "What happened? Is everything okay?"
j - "Yeah she's fine now. She had a high fever since this morning and Karan didn't even know because he had to report early this morning. She had to finish paperwork so she came to the hospital and fell down due to exertion"
v - "She really is your soul sister"
j - "What do you mean?"
v - "You forgot? You did exactly the same thing too. You fell down and then Zoya admitted you. You hadn't eaten all day plus you had a high fever and didn't even tell me"
j - "Ohh yeah'And then when I woke up she did my ultrasound and we found out we're having a boy" she said smiling
j - "Sorry Zaaine we can't go see the fishes today"
z - "Its okay mommy. We go later"
Viren looked at Jeevika and smiled.
j - "You guys can go home. I'm going to stay here till Karan comes. Her parents are on the way also"
v - "We can stay"
j - "No Viren go home. Zaaine will get cranky soon enough"
v - "Okay, and don't stand for too long please. Sit down or you're back will get worst"
j - "Okay, thanks"
v - "Do you want me to drop some food for you guys later?"
j - "I'll let you know"
z - "Bye mommy"
j - "Bye Zaaine. I love you"
z - "Love you too mommy" he said getting his hands out.
Jeevika bent down and gave her son a hug and pecked in a kiss on his cheek.
Viren and Zaaine left to go home. Viren was thinking what he should do all day now with Zaaine as Jeevika wasn't going to be home. They got home and Zaaine was getting bored.
v - "Zaaine do you want your coloring book?"
z - "Yes please"
v - "Okay here, let me put you on the chair" he said picking him up.
z - "Daa"
v - "Yes Zaaine"
z - "Me want new backpack please, Cars one"
v - "Ohh yeah, well let's do this. Let's wait for mommy to come home and then we can go buy you a new backpack and maybe even a new toy for Zaaine"
z - "New toy" he said getting all happy again
v - "Yeah because Zaaine is being a really good boy. But Zaaine has to sleep in his own room today okay?"
z - "But daa me like sleeping with you and mommy"
v - "I know but big boys sleep in their own room. Is Zaaine a little baby?"
z - "No"
v - "Then you have to sleep in your own room"
z - "Okay, me sleep in my room"
v - "Good boy. Here eat this" he said giving him a banana. Viren sat near Zaaine on his laptop
z - "Daa what me do in school?"
v - "Zaaine is going to make new friends and he's going to learn so many things from his numbers to the alphabet"
z - "Really? Me read books also"
v - "Yup, you'll get to read books also"
z - "Me love books. Daddy me want more books"
v - "Okay we'll go buy more books for you when mommy comes"
z - "Daa"
v - "Yeah Zaaine"
z - "Me give this to mommy" he said showing Viren his coloring page.
v - "Mommy will like it a lot"
Zaaine just smiled.
z - "Daddy me done. Me want to go to my room"
Viren picked him up and put him down on the ground. Zaaine ran upstairs to his room while Viren was doing his work on the laptop. Around 1:00 pm Jeevika called Viren.
j - "Viren can you pick me up please?"
v - "Okay, coming. Hows Zoya?"
j - "She's better. Karan just took her home right now"
v - "That's good. Did you eat lunch yet?"
j - "Nope, getting hungry though"
v - "Okay we haven't either. I'm leaving with Zaaine right now. Be there in 15 minutes"
j - "Okay, love you"
v - "Love you too"
Viren cut the phone and told Zaaine to come downstairs. Zaaine didn't respond so Viren went upstairs. He saw Zaaine had fallen asleep on top of his books on his bed. He just laughed and took a picture of him. He picked him up from the bed and took him downstairs to the car. He drove to the hospital and saw Jeevika waiting for him outside. She came inside the car and gave Viren a kiss.
j - "He's sleeping"
v - "Yeah, I was coming here and I went to get him and found him asleep on his books. Look at my iPhone"
Jeevika looked at the photos Viren took and started laughing.
j - "He's so cute. Just like you"
v - "No like you"
j - "Okay I'm hungry now. Viren we have to go get groceries also"
v - "And Zaaine wants to buy a new backpack. Cars one in particular"
j - "How cute. Let's take him shopping. I was thinking how about we buy a fish aquarium for him. He'll love it"
v - "How boring"
j - "Fine then let's get a puppy"
v - "Please don't even think about that. We have no time to take care of a puppy. Aqarium is fine"
j - "Even I want a puppy"
v - "Look who's becoming a baby now"
j - "I always wanted a little cute puppy. Please Viren"
v - "Absolutely not Jeevika"
j - "You're a loser"
v - "Thank you. Now what should we eat"
v and j at the same time - "PANCAKES!!!"
j - "Gosh we are so obsessed with the Pancake house" she said laughing.
v - "Always, thats like our favorite place" he said smiling.
j - "Viren I feel like having popcorn"
v - "What is wrong with you"
j - "I don't know. That too with cheese"
v - "Are you pregnant?"
Jeevika hit Viren on his shoulder.
j - "Very funny. I kind of wish I was though"
v - "Oh really, I can fulfill your wish if you want"
j - "you're such a weirdo Viren. I don't know I kind of miss having a little baby. But I want to wait till I'm free so I can enjoy it. Stay home and be with you and Zaaine and a little baby. I feel like with Zaaine everything was rushed. I wasn't able to give him time and still am not"
v - "I know what you mean. Even I feel we should wait. Maybe until Zaaine starts going to proper school. You know once he starts getting busy"
j - "I know. Viren I was thinking something"
v - "What my love?"
Jeevika loved it when he talked to her with so much affection.
j - "I'm thinking of just going for general surgery"
v - "Why? You don't want to specialize? I thought you like gastro"
j - "No, I just want to do general. If I finish general then I'll be done with it this year by June and I can take my boards"
v - "Why would you do that when you're capable of so much more. Going for just general? Have you lost it"
j - "Viren shutup. You made me do this surgical program in the first place. Now let me decide my speciality. I'm so done with long hours. I want a vacation. I need to relax now"
v - "I mean yeah I feel for you. And you definitely do need a break. But you're so close to being done anyways. Why now?"
j - "Because I'm being pushed to my limit now. I want to stay at home"
v - "Okay, well its up to you. I made you a surgeon thats all I wanted" he said with a biggest smile on his face.
j - "Of course. Mr. Viren Vadhera is the only reason I am a surgeon today. Hatts of to you for working so hard on me" she said sarcastically.
v - "Thank me later now pick up Zaaine and lets go inside"
j - "No you pick him up. My back is hurting"
v - "Loser"
Jeevika smiled. Viren closed his door and opened Zaaine's door. He was still asleep like a baby.
v - "Zaaine, get up. Let's go eat come one"
z - "Daa two minutes"
v - "No look mommy is waiting for you"
Zaaine rubbed his eyes and immediately started looking for Jeevika who was standing right behind Viren.
z - "Hi mommy"
j - "Hi Zaaine, come on let's go eat. Get up fast"
Zaaine got up and Viren put him down. The three of them walked inside. After lunch Viren and Jeevika decided to pamper Zaaine a little. They took him to the pet store to buy Zaaine an aquarium.
v - "Zaaine which fish do you like?"
z - "That blue one and red one, and yellow one. Me like all daa"
v - "Well you can only pick three of them. Which ones?"
z - "We take fishies home?"
j - "Yeah, we're going to take them home. Now pick which one you want"
Zaaine went and pointed out which fishes he wanted to Viren and Jeevika. They couldn't help but notice how extremely happy Zaaine was. He had the biggest smile on his face. They then picked up the food and tank for the fishes. Zaaine was so excited to go home now and feed his fish. As soon as they went back home Viren set up the tank near the family room area. Then Viren and Zaaine both gave the fishes food. Zaaine was now entertained and didn't need anything else anymore. He just stood in front of the tank looking at them swimming. Viren and Jeevika were sitting on the couch watching tv.
j - "Zaaine aren't you tired of standing. Come sit in my lap"
z - "Mommy fishies no sleep?"
v - "No Zaaine they don't sleep"
z - "Whyy daa?"
v - "Because they like swimming"
z - "But why they no sleep at bedtime?"
Viren and Jeevika just look at each other and wonder how this boy wants an answer for every question.
j - "Zaaine come sit here"
Zaaine came near the sofa and sat on Jeevika's lap. He lay his head down on Jeevika's lap and she covered him with a blanket.
