Together, Every Step of the Way

One sunny afternoon, as Ria was heading home after a long work meeting, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. Her heart raced with panic, and she quickly grabbed her phone to call Arun.

"Arun," she said, her voice trembling, "I don't feel right. Can you come get me?"

"Stay where you are. I'm on my way," Arun replied instantly, his voice steady despite the fear she knew he must be feeling.

Within minutes, Arun arrived, his face etched with worry. "Let's go," he said, helping her into the car and heading straight for the hospital.

After what felt like an eternity in the waiting room, the doctor finally came in with a reassuring smile. "The baby's fine," she said, and Ria let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "But you need to slow down, Ria. Reduce your workload and prioritize rest."

That night, as they lay in bed, the weight of the day still lingering, Arun pulled Ria close, wrapping her in his arms.

"I don't want you to push yourself too hard," he said softly, his voice steady and filled with concern. "Your health and the baby's health are all that matter now."

Ria sighed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. "I know, Arun. I do. It's just… I hate feeling like I'm letting people down. My team, my boss—"

"Ria," Arun interrupted, his tone firm but kind. "You're not letting anyone down. You're literally growing a whole human being. That's extraordinary. You're extraordinary."

She turned to look at him, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Arun reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "We're in this together, okay? Every step, every challenge—I'll be right here."

For the first time that day, Ria felt a sense of calm wash over her. "Together," she repeated, resting her head on his chest.

And as the quiet of the night enveloped them, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.