Three weeks passed and Vaishu had completed a series of public meetings in several states before taking a break since Zara was close to delivering the babies any day now. Ayaan never left Zara’s side. Despite appointing nurses and caretakers, he insisted on looking after her himself. His heart ached watching her struggle even to sleep. Whenever she walked, he held her hand and supported her shoulder. He made sure she ate properly and most of the time, he fed her himself.
After a long and exhausting hour, Zara finally drifted into her afternoon nap. Ayaan carefully placed pillows around her to keep her comfortable and then stepped out into the balcony with his mobile, leaving the door slightly ajar, just enough for him to hear her if she called out or woke up.
Sameer answered the call the moment he saw Ayaan’s name flash on the screen.
“Sameer, Zara might go into labor anytime and Suryadev may see that as the perfect moment to make his move. So make sure he receives a gift while I’m busy welcoming my babies and taking care of my wife. He needs to understand he’s not in control of his life anymore.” Ayaan said, his voice was low and calculated. He paused for a moment, thinking of a plan.
“Arrange for someone to meet the girl’s parents and tell them to push the police about their missing daughter’s complaint. Let them clearly state she left for an interview at one of Advik’s office and never returned. Have them meet the media too, just enough noise to keep Suryadev in check. And keep an eye on his every move. I don’t want to be disturbed unless it’s serious.” Ayaan said and Sameer responded with a firm acknowledgment before ending the call.
Ayaan walked back into the room and found Zara sleeping, her brows drawn together in discomfort. His heart clenched. He placed a tender hand on her baby bump and bent to kiss it.
“Please don’t trouble your mama too much. She has already endured so much in her life. Everyone has only caused her pain… even me.” he whispered and lay beside her, gently rubbing her back until her expression softened and she slept peacefully again.
In the evening, when she finally woke up, he helped her freshen up with all the patience and care of a man whose entire world lay in her wellbeing.
They were in the garden, sitting on the swing, with Zara leaning against his shoulder. She felt unusually tired since morning…different, drained and nothing like her usual self. She even refused her usual walk and the discomfort on her face worried him deeply.
“Zara, let’s go back to the room and let the doctor check you. You don’t seem fine,” Ayaan said and scooped her into his arms.
As soon as Ayaan carried her into their wing, Reyansh shot to his feet in concern.
“Dad, I don’t think Zara is fine. Let the doctor check her,” Ayaan said and Reyansh and Vaishu immediately followed them inside.
The doctors, who stayed at the mansion, examined Zara and informed them that she was experiencing minor contractions. Given that she was carrying twins, they advised shifting her to the hospital immediately for safety.
Ayaan didn’t waste a second. He called Sameer to get the car ready. Vaishu quickly grabbed the maternity bag and Ayaan carried Zara to the car with steady urgency.
Within minutes, the convoy of cars was racing toward the hospital. Seeing Rey’s family vehicles arriving, paparazzi gathered in front of the hospital to catch the breaking news.
Sameer addressed them briefly and informed that Zara Ayaan Rey has been rushed to the hospital for delivery. Any updates will be provided later.
Zara was taken to the doctor’s room for a full check-up and an ultrasound to monitor the vitals of the babies. After the initial assessments, she was shifted to a VVIP suite to wait for her contractions to intensify. But only a few hours later, even with mild contractions, her water broke unexpectedly. The sudden urgency pushed the doctor to recommend an immediate C-section.
“Waiting any longer will risk the babies,” the doctor warned gently and fear flashed across Zara’s face. Ayaan felt his heart drop but he quickly took her hand and squeezed it firmly.
” Zara, I’m right here. I’ll be with you the entire time. Nothing will happen to you or our babies.” he whispered.
He was scared and too terrified but he refused to let it show. Within minutes, the OT was prepared. Zara was wheeled in and Ayaan followed after changing into the sterile scrubs. His hands shook as he fastened the cap but he forced himself to breathe steadily.
Inside the OT, he immediately went to her side and held her hand as the anesthetist prepared the spinal block. His throat tightened when the needle pierced her spine and he felt her grip his hand.
” I love you Zara,… I’ve got you,” he murmured, even as his own eyes stung.
A screen was raised, shielding the surgical procedure from their view. All Ayaan could do was wipe the tears gathering in Zara’s eyes and press a long kiss to her forehead.
“I love you, Zara, I love you so much.” he whispered in a trembling voice. Just minutes later, the air filled with a sharp, strong cry and Ayaan froze, Zara gasped.
The doctor smiled beneath her mask. “Congratulations… your boy is here “
Ayaan was called forward and with shaking hands, he cut the umbilical cord. The moment he saw his son…healthy, pink, crying his lungs out, Ayaan’s lips curled into a trembling smile he couldn’t control.
Before he could recover, another tiny cry echoed.
“And here’s your daughter,” the doctor announced softly.
This time, Ayaan could barely see through his tears. She was small… so tiny… too fragile-looking. His hands almost shook as he cut her cord.
“You are perfect,” he whispered to her in a breaking voice.
The doctor wished them and gently placed the babies one after the other on Zara’s chest. Zara burst into tears and kissed their foreheads, whispering thanks to God, to Ayaan, to fate.
Ayaan carefully carried both babies one by one, his heart swelling at the sight. Soon, the newborns were taken for cleaning and checks and Ayaan remained by Zara’s side, stroking her hair as the doctors completed the procedure.
“Inform the family,” he told the medical team quietly, still holding Zara’s hand as she blinked up at him, exhausted.
Outside, a nurse stepped out into the waiting area where the entire family had gathered in anxious silence.
“Congratulations, madam Zara has delivered a healthy boy and girl.” she said with a warm smile.
For a moment, everyone froze and then the room erupted with joy.
Reyansh and Vaishu hugged each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces. Pari covered her mouth, trembling. Ishaan broke into a wide smile. Laughter, relief and pride filled the air as the family celebrated the arrival of the new heirs of the Rey household.
Zara was shifted to the VVIP ward once the doctors completed the procedure and ensured she was stable. Ayaan stayed glued to her side, holding her hand, brushing her hair back and wiping the faint tears that still lingered at the corners of her eyes. Their room was quiet, warm and softly lit yet both of them waited with racing hearts for their babies to be brought in.
Minutes felt like hours.
A soft knock echoed and the door opened. A doctor stepped inside, gently cradling a tiny bundle wrapped in a blue blanket. Ayaan and Zara’s breath hitched at once, fear and anticipation hitting them together.
The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Your baby boy is perfectly fine,” she said, walking closer and placed the boy in Ayaan’s arms.
Both Ayaan and Zara noticed the doctor hadn’t brought their daughter and their eyes immediately filled with worry.
” Where is our daughter ? ” Ayaan asked immediately.
“Please don’t worry. Your baby girl is also fine. But she weighs less and needs some time in the warmer,” the doctor said understanding their fear.
Zara’s lips parted in shock, her heart tightened. Ayaan’s hands stilled, the joy in his eyes dimmed with concern.
“She is stable. She is breathing well and responding normally. It’s just that with low birth weight, she needs controlled warmth to help her adjust. We will place the warmer right here in your room and she will be with you all the time so you don’t have to worry about her ” the doctor said and both Zara and Ayaan let out a shaky breath they had been holding.
“Can we… hold her?” Zara asked in a fragile voice.
“You can touch her but holding her for long periods won’t be possible yet. Once she gains a little strength, you will be able to carry her just like your son. Until then you will carry her out of the warmer only to feed her. ” the doctor explained to the new parents.
They both understood the need for the extra care and nodded their head. Ayaan placed their boy carefully beside Zara and knelt next to the bed, pressing his forehead to hers.
“She will be fine, our little girl is strong.” he whispered softly and gently squeezed her palm.
Zara sniffled, giving him a small, hopeful smile as they both waited……hearts full, nervous and overflowing with love for their daughter to be brought into the room.
A few minutes later, the hospital staff entered quietly, wheeling in a neonatal warmer. They positioned it in the corner of the room, close enough for Ayaan and Zara to see every movement of their little girl.
Soon after, the doctor walked in, carrying a tiny bundle wrapped in a delicate pink cloth. Zara’s breath caught and Ayaan immediately stood, his eyes glued to the small face peeking from the blanket.
The doctor carefully placed their daughter in the warmer, adjusted the settings as the soft glow surrounded her. She looked small…pink, fragile and beautiful, like a delicate doll.
Ayaan stepped forward slowly, his heart pounded in his ears. He leaned close, his eyes was moist and gently brushed his finger against her cheek. Her skin was warm, softer than anything he had ever touched.
A shaky smile broke through his tears. “My baby, You are our precious, strong girl.” he whispered.
He kissed his forefinger, then lightly touched it to her cheek, passing the kiss to her tiny face. For a moment, he just stood there, soaking in the sight of his daughter.
He turned to Zara, his voice was warm, overflowing with tenderness. “We’ve got a little Zara, sweetheart. She’s cute and already ready to win hearts.”
He walked back to the bed, lifted their son and cradled him close as he sat beside Zara.
“Look at him… cute little Ayaan,” he murmured, his voice filled with awe.
But instead of smiling, Zara’s face crumpled and more tears streamed down her cheeks.
Ayaan immediately panicked and he placed the boy gently in the crib and cupped her face with both hands, his thumb wiped away her tears.
“Zara? What happened? Does it hurt too much? Tell me… I’ll call the doctor right now.” he asked already half rising to call the doctor but Zara shook her head.
” I don’t feel any pain now but it hurts that I couldn’t give birth normally. I couldn’t even sit up to hold our babies. Look at me… I can’t lift them, I can’t hug them and I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait to hold them in my arms ” she whispered and her words shattered him.
Ayaan sat back down immediately, hugged her gently as he could, mindful of her stitches and exhaustion. His throat tightened painfully, his heart twisted at her vulnerability.
He kissed her forehead softly, his lips lingered just a second longer than usual, as if his warmth alone could melt all her fears.
“Zara… sweetheart, you brought them into this world safely. You fought through fear, pain and everything life threw at you. Our babies are alive, healthy and breathing because of you. Let me call the doctor and we’ll find a way. I don’t want you worrying over anything right now.” he whispered and brushed his thumb along her cheek.
Before she could protest, Ayaan had already reached for the call button. Within minutes, the doctor entered the room with the nurse beside her. Ayaan questioned Zara’s worries and the doctor gave her a warm, reassuring smile.
“Zara, this is completely normal after a C-section. You’ve just been through major surgery. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to sit up and walk with assistance in about twelve hours to 24 hours. You would be able to hold your babies, feed them. The nurse will help you with every movement. We’ll not let you strain yourself ” she said kindly and hearing her words Zara blinked, a mixture of relief and disbelief softening her expression.
The nurse nodded reassuringly. “We’ll be right outside your room all night. Any discomfort, any need, just call us. You’re not alone in this.” she said with a smile.
Zara’s shoulders relaxed and Ayaan sat back beside her, taking her hand again and squeezing it gently.
As the doctor and nurse stepped out, Ayaan turned to Zara, brushing her hair back from her forehead.
“See? just a little time, sweetheart… then you’ll hold both our babies” he murmured with a soft smile and Zara nodded with a soft smile.
After the couple had taken a little time to settle, the family was finally invited into the room. The moment they walked in, the atmosphere shifted with soft gasps, teary smiles and heartfelt whispers filled the space as everyone gathered around the crib and the warmer.
Vaishu gently cupped her mouth, eyes instantly brimming with joy. Reyansh stood frozen for a heartbeat before breaking into the widest smile Ayaan had ever seen. Kajal, Pari, Ishaan, Ishika, Advika, Hari, Leela, Mithun, all of them gushed over the babies as if they had just witnessed the arrival of angels.
Ayaan stepped forward with a calm tone, “Our daughter is perfectly fine, but she’s very tiny right now. So please… don’t carry her or touch her too much. The doctors want her in the warmer for now.” he said and everyone nodded immediately, their expressions shifting to protective tenderness as they admired the little girl from a careful distance.
Warmth, love and relief filled the room……..three generations gathered around two tiny new lives, hearts fuller than ever.
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A/N:
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