Strings of Us

33★

Shaurya kissed him before he could finish, slow and deep. "They will never feel unloved. Not while we're here."

Mehul buried his face in his neck and smiled. "I love you."

Shaurya kissed the top of his head. "I love you more, more than anything."

The days continued with baby books, mid-night cravings, painting nursery walls, Mehul taking naps mid-sentence, and Shaurya sneaking kisses on Mehul's belly like a ritual.

Their world was peaceful, safe, beautiful... like the quiet before a storm-but for now, they were wrapped in love.

The next few days were filled with the kind of moments that settle deep in the heart-the kind you replay long after they've passed, just to feel the warmth again.

One crisp evening...

Mehul was unusually quiet, sitting on the swing in the balcony, bundled in one of Shaurya's oversized hoodies. The sky was painted in soft hues of dusk-lavenders and oranges melting together. His hands rested gently on his growing belly, gaze far away.

Shaurya stepped out with two mugs of warm almond milk. He handed one to Mehul and sat beside him, legs stretched out, shoulder brushing his.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Shaurya asked softly.

Mehul leaned against him, "I was just thinking how much my life has changed... how I've changed."

Shaurya looked down at him, brushing a strand of hair behind his ear. "You've bloomed, Mehul. Like you were always meant to... You're so brave."

Mehul chuckled, "I used to think I was weak."

"You were never weak," Shaurya said firmly. "You were just unloved. Now... you're cherished."

Mehul's eyes glistened. "And now... I want to give something back. To you. To us."

Shaurya tilted his head, "You already have. But what are you thinking?"

Mehul bit his lip, then reached under the swing and pulled out a small, square canvas wrapped in brown paper.

"I've been working on this secretly when you were in office... It's not perfect, but... it's from me to you. For our baby."

Shaurya carefully unwrapped it-and paused.

It was a painting. Three figures, standing in a garden of sunflowers: a tall man with warm eyes holding hands with a smaller, glowing figure. Between them, a little child reaching up to the sky. The background was soft, dreamlike. A home behind them. Peace. Warmth.

Shaurya's throat tightened. "Mehul... it's beautiful."

"I know it's silly-"

"It's perfect," Shaurya interrupted, pulling Mehul into a soft, lingering kiss. "Thank you. For this. For everything."

Mehul blinked back tears, heart full.

A few nights later...

They lay curled together in bed, fingers tangled, soft music playing in the background.

Suddenly, Mehul gasped softly, sitting up just a bit, eyes wide. "Shaurya ji!"

Shaurya shot up instantly, "What? Are you okay?"

Mehul grabbed his hand and placed it over his belly. "There! Did you feel that?!"

Shaurya's eyes widened as he felt it-a tiny flutter under his palm, like a gentle nudge from within.

"That's-she kicked?" Shaurya whispered, stunned.

Mehul laughed, breathless. "Or he!"

Shaurya was completely still for a moment. Then he broke into a smile so wide, so full of wonder, it made Mehul tear up.

He bent down and pressed a long kiss over the spot. "Hey, little one. It's Daddy. We felt you..."

Mehul ran his fingers through Shaurya's hair, heart overflowing.

Meanwhile...

Abeer had gone crazy. He was throwing a surprise baby announcement party with Rudra's reluctant help. There were decorations being delivered, baby-shaped cookies, a board that read: "Coming Soon: The Cutest Baby On Earth"-and Shaurya had no idea yet.

Mehul was in on it, of course. His only job?

Keep Shaurya distracted for two hours while Abeer transformed the penthouse into a mini baby wonderland.
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To be Continued...

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