Epilogue:
8 months later:
"And whatever you do, don't faint!!" Riddhima gave Arnav a last piece of advice before he half ran into the room where Khushi was to deliver her baby.
Armaan scowled at his wife, who was currently holding their 8 month old son, who they'd named Dhruv.
"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" Armaan questioned the giggling spectators behind him.
Kripa and Angad simultaneously replied in a "Nope", popping the P'.
"Nobe!" A year and 2 months old Kaira, gracefully nestled in her father's arm, tried to imitate her parents. "Nobe nobe nobe."
"Sweet heart, it's nope...with a P like when you say Papa'" Angad tried to explain.
"Papa!" The child exclaimed, a sudden rush of joy on her face that appeared every time her papa' was mentioned. She giggled at him making him laugh with her. Even at the age of 13 months, Kaira was deeply attached to Angad. Her face would light up like a light bulb when her parents returned home from work and she would first walk to her father. She needed him to put her to sleep. She needed him to be there when she woke up. Even now, she sported a cute little dress that proudly read "Daddy's girl".
Not that he was any less. The first thing did after waking up every morning, was practically run to Kaira's room after kissing his wife a good morning. He would sit his daughter in his lap and feed her breakfast every morning. He called every hour to check up on her while he was at work. And as soon as he returned home, the first person he would look for was Kaira. Even Kripa didn't stand a chance there, although, she was easily the second person he looked for. As fate would have it, the thing he was running from the most-the child-had now become the most essential part of his life.
"Uh...In case you've forgot...Mommy's here too." Kripa feigned being offended.
Angad draped and arm around her and kissed her cheek, making Kaira giggle even more. Something about her parents' display of affection made her laugh every time.
"Papa!" Kaira chanted to get his attention. He smiled brilliantly at her too and kissed her cheek.
Armaan raised an eyebrow at Dhruv, who was wiggling in Riddhima's arms.
"Oye! Come on...look at me...say it...Pa. Pa." Armaan made a funny face.
"Armaan! He's too young! And he's trying to make sense of his baby talk..." Riddhima argued.
"Here they go again..." Dilip rolled his eyes.
Since the age of 3 months, poor Dhruv was getting pestered by his loving father. Not that Armaan wasn't aware that babies don't talk that soon...it was just that he was too excited to wait for the little kid to call him Dad'. Riddhima's moods had change drastically once they'd returned home with their son. She was calmer, less hyper, and a lot more affectionate than before. Her anger was in check, she was being reasonable, and she promised her husband that she would make it up to him for the nine months of misery that he had to endure during her pregnancy.
Armaan, of course, made sure he used that as an excuse to get whatever he wanted these days. From stealing kisses to making love at odd hours in the day. Any time she tried to refuse, his instant response would be "but you promised" and Riddhima was given no choice but to gladly oblige to his wishes. She secretly wondered if the man was still hoping to have enough kids to make up a cricket team!
After about 12 hours of waiting around, Arnav finally stepped out looking triumphant.
"I have a son now!" And before he had a chance to say much more, Kripa and Riddhima had already jumped at him, embracing him in sisterly hugs. The nurse in the waiting area scowled at the five adults who were treating the silent area like a party house.
"Sorry!" Angad apologized to her and excused himself to make a call to his parents who had gone home with a very annoyed Kaira.
As soon as Khushi was transferred to her suite, everyone filed into the room.
"ARNAV DIDN'T FAINT!!" Khushi announced cheerfully, making everyone laugh, except Armaan who just groaned.
Arnav sat next to her, pulling her into a gentle hug and kissed her temple. He had expressed his gratitude to her through that simple gesture, thankful for the beautiful baby he was holding, thankful for the blissful married life she had provided, thankful for the family she had given him, thankful for all the love she unconditionally showered on him.
"I love you." He spoke in her ear, making her blush a scarlet red.
"And I love you." Khushi responded with a smiling before touching his lips with hers.
"Awww" Kripa and Riddhima squealed.
"Everyone...please meet Mr. Aarav Singh Raizada." Arnav looked at his son.
"So much for your plans of 'Arushi', Khushi." Kripa teased.
Khushi shrugged. "Maybe next time."
The next day, everyone gathered in the living room of Khanna mansion. The entire family, including Kripa's, Armaan's, and Riddhima's parents were gathered for the welcoming of the new member of the family.
The usual rounds of teasing and romantic one liners were going around. The giggles of Kaira, the baby talk of Dhruv's, and the tiny wails of Aarav added an odd sort of melody to the environment. The grandparents kept throwing loving glances to their children and their grandchildren, admiring the precious gifts God had bestowed them with. The couples appreciated their partners and cherished the love they shared for the symbols of their love were present in front of them to hold and love. Life was good for all of them. Insanely busy...what with budding careers, young relationships, parental responsibilities...but blissful nonetheless.
"Chalo...now that the rapid fire of pregnancies is done...things will be a little less hectic for a few days." Naina giggled light heartedly.
"You're right...I was completely prepared for another one of their "we're pregnant" announcements!" Gayatri chimed in with another light hearted laugh.
Angad cleared his throat loudly to get everyone's attention.
"Actually..." he began.
"We have news." Kripa completed for him with a big smile on her face.
Cricket
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
35