It had been two weeks since Aryan and Sanju decided to stay home. Aryan worked from his study while Pradeep handled the business on Sanju’s behalf. Meanwhile, Sanju had begun to experience the early symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness became a routine, she couldn’t keep any food down and felt constantly tired and weak.
Each time she rushed to the bathroom, Aryan was by her side, lifting her gently into his arms without the slightest hint of disgust. He held her hair, cleaned her up, and rubbed her back patiently, whispering soft words to ease her pain.
They kept experimenting with different foods, hoping to find something that would sit well with her stomach. In the evenings, Aryan carried her out to the garden, hoping the fresh air would help. On some days, he even tried cooking for her, preparing meals with extra care. But even her favorite ice creams failed to comfort her.
Aryan was worried. Though he had read online that these symptoms were normal in early pregnancy, it didn’t ease his heart to watch Sanju suffer. Her face looked pale and exhausted after every episode.
Seeing his concern, Kowsalya gently intervened. “Aryan sir, take her to a doctor. Maybe they can prescribe something to help with the vomiting.”
Taking her advice seriously, Aryan called his chief doctor and arranged for a gynaecologist to visit their home.
When the doctor arrived and checked on Sanju, her concern was evident.
“She’s extremely weak. Is she eating properly?” she asked.
Aryan responded, “Her symptoms are worse than we expected. She throws up immediately after eating.”
“That’s common in pregnancy,” the doctor replied, “but if it’s this extreme, I’ll prescribe some pills to reduce the nausea. Feed her light, easily digestible foods, and ensure she gets fruits, vegetables, and greens. I’ll also recommend a protein supplement for the nights.”
She made a few notes and continued, “Next week, bring her to the hospital. We’ll need to do an ultrasound to check the baby’s development.”
“Of course, thank you so much, doctor. I’ll inform the hospital in advance.”
“Please feel free to call me anytime,” she added, handing him her card.
Aryan thanked her sincerely before she left for the hospital. She updated the chief doctor about the home visit. Meanwhile, a man who had been tailing her vehicle passed on the car details to Rajesh, who, after tracing the information, realized the car belonged to Aryan’s chief doctor. Without delay, Rajesh called Maya and informed her about the doctor’s visit to Aryan’s mansion.
Back home, Sanju lay in Aryan’s arms, resting her head on his chest while he gently caressed her hair.
“Sanju, sweetheart, please take your tablet and try to eat something,” he whispered softly. “You look extremely tired.”
“I’ll have it in a while… please,” she murmured.
“The doctor said the nausea will settle after you take it. Please, just a little. Our baby must be hungry.”
“I’m so tired, Aryan…”
“I’ll get the tablet and food here. You just stay on the bed, okay? I’ll feed you. Is that alright?”
Sanju gave a tired nod, and Aryan propped her gently against the headboard. He returned with the tablet and a small meal, helped her swallow the tablet, and began feeding her spoon by spoon.
“Tell me what you feel like eating,” he asked. “I’ll make it for you.”
“I want mango…” she said, eyes still half-closed.
“Just mango? Alright. Rest now, and I’ll get it for you.”
He kissed her cheek tenderly and waited until she drifted to sleep. Then, heading to the kitchen, Aryan prepared a few mango-based dishes—medium spicy raw mango chutney, sweet and spicy mango chutney, and sliced some fresh mangoes for her to eat raw.
When he returned, she was still asleep, so he quietly settled down to finish some office work, setting up inside their bedroom instead of the study. He wanted to be close to her, just in case she needed him.
That evening, he took her to the garden, letting her rest on his lap as they spent time watching their birds, who had now bred. Tiny chicks chirped in the cage, and seeing Sanju smile at them filled Aryan’s heart with warmth.
Later that night, he served her hot dosas with the chutney he’d prepared.
“Aryan… this is so tasty,” she said, licking her fingers. “Did you make this?”
Kowsalya smiled from the kitchen doorway. “Sir cooked everything, Sanju. Do you like it?”
“Hmm… it’s very yummy,” Sanju murmured, closing her eyes in delight as she savored the chutney.
Aryan felt a wave of contentment wash over him—he had finally managed to prepare something that pleased her appetite.
Later that night, he brought her the protein supplement the doctor had recommended. But Sanju immediately turned her face away and wrinkled her nose.
“Ewwww… I hate this smell! Take it away!”
“You need to have it,” Aryan coaxed. “It will help you and the baby gain strength. The doctor strictly advised this.”
“No! I won’t! The smell is disgusting,” she whined, pulling the comforter over her head in protest.
Aryan couldn’t help but laugh at her antics. He sighed in defeat and set the glass aside, making a mental note to ask the doctor for alternatives in the morning.
“Fine, don’t drink it,” he said gently. “But at least have your tablets and let’s get some sleep.”
“How many tablets do you want me to have every day?” she grumbled, peeking out from under the comforter.
“My baby and our baby need energy. So you need to take your vitamins regularly, okay?”
“Am I your baby?” she asked with a pout.
“Hmm… yes,” Aryan said, brushing her hair back softly. “You are my baby, my wife, my love, my sweetheart, my angel… my sexy…”
“Enough!” she giggled. “Your list seems never-ending!”
Aryan chuckled and handed her the tablets. Once she took them, he lay beside her, wrapped her gently in his arms, and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Aryan had woken up early, as usual. He quietly slipped out of bed to prepare breakfast for Sanju, wanting to let her rest for a little longer.
A while later, Sanju’s eyes fluttered open. She stretched her arms slightly, then turned to the side only to find the space beside her empty. Her heart sank. A frown slowly crept onto her face. She had hoped to wake up to Aryan beside her, like before.
Disappointed, she dragged herself out of bed and stepped into the washroom. A few minutes later, she emerged, wrapped in a towel. Just then, Aryan entered the room with a tray in hand.
Sanju glanced at him, her face unreadable, then silently walked toward the closet without a word. Aryan stood there for a moment, puzzled by her cold silence. He waited, but when she didn’t return, he walked toward the closet and paused at the doorway.
The wardrobe was a mess. A pile of clothes lay scattered on the floor, and Sanju sat on the dressing stool with her arms crossed, wearing an annoyed expression.
“Sanju, baby, what happened?” Aryan asked gently, stepping closer.
She didn’t respond. Instead, she turned her face away from him, making his brows furrow in confusion.
He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder. She immediately shoved it away.
“Sweetheart, what happened?” he asked again, this time sitting beside her.
“Nothing,” she muttered stubbornly.
“Why are you like this? Why have you pulled all the dresses out of the wardrobe?” he asked, glancing around.
“Not even one looks good. I don’t like them,” she snapped, frustration dripping from her voice.
Aryan let out a soft sigh. “Oh! It’s okay. Just tell me what kind of outfit you need, the color you want. I’ll arrange for it.”
“I don’t know,” she said, crossing her arms again. “But I’m angry with you, so leave. Don’t talk to me.”
He blinked, stunned. “Why, baby? What did I do?”
“You’ve changed, Aryan.”
Aryan looked at her, bewildered. “Sanju, what happened, baby? I’ll only know if you tell me.”
“Earlier, when I woke up, you used to be beside me. But now, you no longer wait for me. You don’t even kiss my forehead anymore. And even now—I’m standing in front of you just in a towel, but you show no reaction! I’m so close to you, yet you don’t feel anything. You only love our baby now. There’s no love left for me.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she hugged her arms. Aryan stood speechless for a moment. He hadn’t expected this wave of insecurity to hit her. But then, his mind immediately recalled the articles he had read—pregnancy mood swings, hormonal imbalances. He mentally thanked Google for preparing him for this.
He exhaled softly, composed himself, and gently pulled her up to stand in front of the mirror.
“Wifey, look at the mirror.”
“No, I won’t. Leave me,” she grumbled.
He touched her chin and lifted it, guiding her to meet her own eyes in the reflection.
“You are the only woman in the world whom I love and desire the most,” he said, his voice low and firm. “You have no idea how many times I’ve taken cold showers in the initial days of our marriage. It’s very hard for me to keep my hands off you. I could stay all day just sucking the life out of you with my kisses and love.”
Sanju’s lips parted, but he went on.
“I desire you that much. But now, you’re so weak, Sanju. Unknowingly, we made wild love during our honeymoon—which could be one of the reasons your body’s tired now. We also travelled a lot. That’s why I’m keeping my hands off you. It’s not because I don’t love you. It’s because I love you too much to hurt you.”
He smiled slightly and added, “Just a few more days, let your health improve… then you won’t be able to escape from me.”
She sniffled. “Don’t lie. I’m pregnant. How will you make love to me?”
Aryan chuckled. “What do you mean ‘how’? The same way we used to. Or maybe… we’ll try something different. I’m always ready for you.”
She turned and gave him a playful punch to the chest.
“Ouch! That hurts, baby!”
“I meant—would it even be safe to do during pregnancy?”
“Of course, we could. If madam is healthy,” he said, pinching her nose affectionately.
Then he cupped her cheeks and leaned in to kiss her lips. But he quickly pulled back, only pecking her softly.
“Don’t corrupt my mind right now,” he whispered with a smirk. “Or I won’t be able to control myself. First, your and our baby’s health is important. Everything else can wait. Now, hold on, I’ll get you some clothes.”
He walked to the wardrobe and pulled out one of his own oversized t-shirts and a pair of track pants.
Sanju squealed like a child. She quickly changed into them and kissed the collar of his shirt, inhaling his scent with a smile.
“Are you okay with this dress?” he asked.
“Double okay,” she said sweetly. “And… sorry for upsetting you this morning.”
Aryan pulled her into a warm hug, kissed her forehead, then pecked her lips.
“Come on, now. Let’s go have breakfast.”
With his arm around her, he led her out of the room—her mood now softened, and his heart filled with love.
