JOURNEY FROM YOU TO US

✦ | CHAPTER 51 | ✦

Author's POV 

The night had settled into a serene calm as Vennela rested against the cushions, her hands gently cradling her swollen belly. The soft glow of the bedside lamp bathed the room in warmth, and Karthik sat beside her, tracing light circles on her hand. He glanced at her belly, the home of their twins, with a mixture of awe and joy. Eight months had flown by, and now they were only weeks away from meeting their little ones.

Vennela smiled faintly, adjusting her position, feeling a slight discomfort she had grown used to during the last stretch of pregnancy. Karthik, noticing her shift, gently asked, "Are you okay, Baby? Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine," she whispered, giving him a reassuring smile. "Just... you know, they're getting heavy now. But we're so close."

He chuckled softly. "I can imagine. You've been amazing through all this. You're going to be the best mom."

Vennela's face softened, a tender expression forming. "And you're going to be the best dad, Karthik. Do you ever wonder what they'll be like? I mean... who will they take after?"

Karthik leaned back, "There's no thinking, our daughters would definitely be as beautiful, as smart and as intelligent as us. And I hope one should be sassy and bossy. A perfect Bitch."

Vennela gasped and looked at him, "What.. shhh Karthik, what are those words even, I would love to have a son at least. I would love him so so much, he should have your fairness and I would shred him into pieces if he grows beard like his dad" It made Karthik laugh.

"Our son? I bet he'll be curious, always asking questions, wanting to learn how everything works. And a little mischievous, too. Like when he figures out how to turn on the TV by himself and refuses to go to bed. Put a bowl of lucky charms and pour milk by himself."

Vennela laughed, imagining their little boy already causing playful trouble. "And our daughter? I hope she'll have your calmness, your patience. Maybe she'll love dancing, like me. I can't wait to teach her."

Karthik smiled at the thought. "I think she'll be a perfect mix of both of us—smart and graceful, with your smile and my... impeccable sense of humor, which I guess I do not have."

Vennela rolled her eyes playfully. "If she has your jokes, we're in trouble. Because then she would forget to know what is a joke"

They both laughed, their voices filling the room with a soft, loving warmth. As they continued discussing the future, their plans, and dreams for their twins, the reality of parenthood started to sink in. The conversation drifted from parenting strategies to silly arguments about who would handle the midnight feedings.

"And don't even think for a second you're getting out of diaper duty," Vennela teased, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Hey, I'm fully prepared to get my hands dirty. Equal partnership, right?" Karthik grinned, squeezing her hand.

"And how about they dirty each other's mess" she quickly composed herself for what comment she made.

"We must clean at any case." he laughed and she too. 

As they spoke, however, Vennela felt a sudden tightening in her lower abdomen. At first, she thought it was another Braxton Hicks contraction, the harmless practice contractions that had become more frequent in recent weeks. She grimaced slightly, hoping it would pass.

But it didn't.

In fact, the discomfort started to spread, intensifying with each passing minute. Vennela's breathing became shallower as the pain radiated through her body, and she instinctively clutched Karthik's arm.