Strings of Us

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Hope you like the chapter ✨

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~A Week Later...

The news of Mehul's pregnancy had changed everything-but in the most beautiful way. The home now felt even warmer, as if love itself had wrapped around its walls like a soft embrace.

Shaurya was constantly attentive-he read articles, consulted doctors, and made sure Mehul ate properly and on time. He wouldn't even let Mehul lift a cup of tea without fussing.

"Shaurya ji," Mehul whined one morning as he tried to reach for a book on the top shelf, "I'm only two months pregnant, not helpless."

Shaurya was beside him in a second, eyes wide. "But what if you stretch too much or get dizzy again?"

"I was just reaching for a book," Mehul laughed, hugging the book to his chest as Shaurya looked at him like he might crumble.

"You scared me once. Never again," he muttered, pulling Mehul into a protective embrace, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. "This little one and his papa are too precious."

Mehul leaned into him, cheeks glowing pink.

Later that week, Shaurya's two best friends finally made their way to the penthouse after hearing the news. Shaurya hadn't told them directly-Abeer had guessed something was up after Shaurya canceled a few boys' dinners and then went silent for a while.

The moment the door opened, Abeer stormed in dramatically with a giant stuffed elephant in one hand and a bag filled with baby clothes in the other.

"I KNEW IT!" he shouted, nearly tripping over himself as he ran to Mehul, who blinked in shock from the couch.

"You're having my niece or nephew!!" Abeer wailed dramatically, throwing the elephant on Mehul's lap and then immediately pulling him into a tight (but careful) hug. "Do you understand what this means, Mehul?! I get to be an uncle!! The coolest uncle!"

Mehul laughed, breathless and flustered. "Abeer bhaiya, be careful!"

"Oops! Sorry, sorry!" Abeer pulled back instantly and held Mehul's shoulders like he was made of glass. "I just-I'm so happy I could cry. I am crying. Look!"

Sure enough, Abeer's eyes were misty as he turned toward Shaurya. "You didn't tell us this, you idiot! I had to find out through Neha's little accidental slip!"

Shaurya just rolled his eyes fondly. "I wanted to wait until things were confirmed and stable."

Rudra, who had entered behind Abeer, stood quietly with a gentle smile, a small wrapped gift in hand. He nodded toward Mehul. "Congratulations, Mehul. Truly. You've given our ice-block of a friend his softest smile."

Mehul smiled shyly, his hands resting protectively over his stomach. "Thank you, Rudra bhaiya..."

"Here," Rudra said, handing over the gift. "It's a custom-made onesie. I figured Abeer would bring the over-the-top things, so someone had to be practical."

Abeer gasped. "Excuse you! I bought five! Each cuter than the last! This baby's going to be a fashion icon!"

Mehul's cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

"Also," Abeer added, dropping beside Mehul, "I'm already claiming godfather rights. I will spoil this child endlessly. Ice cream for breakfast? Done. Midnight movie marathons? You bet. Matching outfits with me? Absolutely."

Shaurya narrowed his eyes playfully. "Not happening. I'm screening everything you give."

"But I already got a baby-sized leather jacket!" Abeer pouted.