Vikram's POV
Tara is 37 weeks pregnant now, and the doctor has warned us that delivery pains could start at any moment. We all have to stay prepared.
These days, my room feels less like mine and more like a public space—everyone except me seems to gather around Tara. Her mother and Suhani have shifted into the Suryavanshi Mansion as well, and Dadi refuses to leave Tara alone even for a single minute. I hardly get any time to talk to my wife anymore. Not that she seems too interested in talking to me these days.
And perhaps there's another reason—this is December, the month of our wedding.
I've been working mostly from the mansion itself, hardly stepping out, because right now nothing matters more than my wife and our child. Business can run on autopilot; profits can come even while I sleep. But this time—this moment—is something I cannot afford to miss.
The only problem? Tara still hasn't forgiven me.
It's 7 p.m. I'm sitting with my laptop, finishing some work, when Tara looks directly at me.
Tara: "Mr. Suryavanshi, what's today's date?"
I immediately realize where this conversation is going. I should shift to the study, but she stops me.
Tara: "No, Mr. Suryavanshi, sit right here. Today is December 5th. Do you remember what you did last year? You called me in the evening and gave me no option but to agree to your contract marriage."
I close my eyes, her words piercing through me.
Vikram :Am I really not a good husband? Do I not love you? Do I not care for you? I ever forc....
I look at her, knowing what's coming next.
Tara: "The answer to your first three questions is yes—you are a good husband, you care, and you love. But the answer to the unfinished fourth question is also yes—you forced me into this marriage, Mr. Suryavanshi. You took advantage of my innocence."
I fall silent, guilt stabbing me again. I kneel slightly, touching her feet.
Vikram: "Please, Tara… not again. Don't bring this up now. Forget it, for our sake, for the baby's sake. Please."
Tara (pulling her feet away, with a small smile): "It's fine. What happened, happened."
I sigh in relief, but I warn her gently.
Vikram: "Just… don't bring it up again on December 8th, alright?"
Tara: "Okay."
---
December 8th – Morning
Vikram's Thoughts
Today is my first wedding anniversary. Am I happy? Of course, deeply. This is the life I wanted. But the way I achieved it still haunts me. Sometimes I hate myself for it.
I look at Tara sleeping peacefully and whisper softly.
Vikram (kissing her forehead): "Whatever happened, Tara, this remains the best thing in my life. Happy anniversary, my love. I'll always love you."
Then I quietly leave the room before she wakes up.
A little later, everyone—Dadaji, Dadiji, Tara's mother, Suhani, and even Prithvi—come together to wish us. I accept all their wishes happily.
But Tara? She doesn't say a word. She just keeps glaring at me, silently reminding me of last year.
By evening, the family decides to arrange a small celebration. But Tara still refuses to talk to me.
---
That Evening – In Their Room
Vikram: "Tara, are you okay?"
Tara (holding her stomach): "I'm just feeling anxious."
Vikram (worried): "Let's go to the doctor."
Tara: "No… maybe… maybe it's because of last year memories".
I freeze.
Vikram: "I'm sorry, Tara…"
Tara: "This is the only date I wish I could forget, Vikram."
I take her hand, desperate.
Vikram: "Alright then—we'll change it. After your delivery, once you're healthy again, we'll get married properly. A new date, a new beginning."
Tears shine in her eyes.
Tara: "Last year I cried so much on this day. I was hurt, broken… that memory still hurts me."
Vikram: "That's why I didn't bring you a gift. I knew you'd throw it on my face."
She suddenly bursts out laughing.
Vikram (confused): "Why are you laughing?"
Tara (teasing): "At your face, Mr. Suryavanshi."
I frown.
Vikram: "Tara, stop laughing so much."
Tara: "Okay, okay… I'll stop."
But only five minutes later—
Tara (grimacing): "Vikram… I'm feeling pain. In my belly."
My heart races.
Vikram: "Okay, fine. We're going to the hospital right now."
---
At the Hospital
Everyone is tense as Tara is taken inside.
A doctor steps out after checking her.
Doctor: "Mr. Suryavanshi, it's labour pain."
Vikram (shocked): "But doctor, isn't it too early?"
Doctor: "Not at all. Thirty-seven weeks is safe. Don't worry."
The family waits anxiously. Tara screams in pain while Dadi and her mother stay by her side, comforting her. Suhani and I stand outside, horrified.
Vikram's Thoughts:
Tara is in so much pain… and my baby, too, has chosen this very day to come into the world. I feel like they've both joined forces to torment me. But it doesn't matter. I just can't bear seeing Tara like this.
Finally, the doctors announce it's time to move Tara to the labour room.
I grab her hand.
Vikram: "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. I'm right here with you, always."
She pulls my hair tightly, even in pain.
Tara (gritting her teeth): "Mr. Suryavanshi… you chose this day again to give me pain!"
Vikram (wincing): "Tara, let go! You'll hurt yourself… and me too."
Tara: "Good! You should feel some pain as well."
Even the nurses and doctor stop in shock at our argument.
Finally, Tara's mother intervenes.
Tara's Mom: "Tara, let go of his hair! Look, everyone's laughing. Who pulls their husband's hair at such a time?"
She finally lets go. I stumble to the floor, embarrassed.
Tara's Mom (to the nurse): "Please, take her inside quickly."
I somehow regain my balance, but my heart is pounding with worry. Each minute feels like a lifetime.
And then… we hear it.
The sound of a baby's cry.
The entire family bursts into claps and cheers. Suhani and Prithvi jump with joy. Dadi starts crying in happiness, soon joined by Tara's mother. Even Dadaji wipes his eyes secretly.
And me? My eyes overflow.
I Thoughts:
I never thought I'd see this day. I can't explain what I feel—crying, smiling, nervous, excited—all at once. All I want is to hug Tara and thank her for completing my life with our little one.
Suhani: "Why is everyone crying? Shouldn't we be laughing and celebrating?"
Dadi smiles through her tears.
Dadi: "We are happy, Suhani. That's why we're crying too."
But then, the baby's crying grows louder, as if demanding attention.
Suhani (teasing): "See? Even the baby's crying after hearing all of you. Tell us is it a boy or a girl?"
The doctor finally steps out, smiling.
Vikram (rushing): "Doctor, Tara… is she okay? And the baby? Both healthy?"
Doctor: "Relax, Mr. Suryavanshi. Both mother and child are perfectly fine. In a little while, you can meet them."
Suhani quickly interrupts.
Suhani: "At least tell us this—boy or girl?"
Everyone leans forward together, asking the same question.
The doctor smiles wider.
Doctor: "Well…"
To be continued…