CHAPTER 24: MY HEART WHISPERS

CHAPTER 24: MY HEART WHISPERS

The sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow across the master bedroom. Pia stood in front of the full-length mirror, her hands cradling the swell of her belly, now being seven months pregnant. The baby kicked gently, almost in rhythm with her slow breaths. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"So active today, aren't you?" she whispered, her fingers stroking her belly.

Arjun walked into the room with a tray in his hands — warm milk, some almonds, and the prenatal medicines she needed to take. He paused at the doorway, watching her for a moment. The way the morning light touched her skin, the way she stood — glowing, breathtaking, and entirely his.

"You look beautiful," he said softly, walking over to her.

Pia turned, startled, but the smile deepened. "You always say that."

"Because it's always true." He placed the tray on the table and came behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "How's our little one doing?"

"Restless," she murmured. "But it's a nice feeling."

He kissed the curve of her shoulder, lingering there. "We're in the final stretch now."

She turned to look at him, her eyes soft. "It's gone so fast."

Arjun didn't reply immediately. To her, yes, maybe. But for him… every day had been a battle — managing her memory loss, the fragility of her mental health, the fear of triggering something that might push her over the edge again.

But the pregnancy had grounded her in ways nothing else could.

They sat on the bed, and Pia leaned her head against his shoulder. Arjun gently took her hand, threading his fingers through hers.

"I was thinking," Pia said slowly, "have we decided on a name yet?"

Arjun looked at her, surprised. "You're actually asking me that?"

She laughed softly. "Why do you sound so shocked?"

"Because three weeks ago, you said you didn't want to think about names until the baby was out."

"I guess I've changed my mind." Her hand went to her stomach again. "Something about feeling it move like that makes everything feel… real."

Later that afternoon, Rhea came over to check on Pia. She was gentle and careful, knowing just how much stress Pia's body had already endured.

"She's perfectly fine," Rhea smiled, packing up her stethoscope. "Actually, her vitals are better than most women I see at this stage."

Pia beamed. "So we're on track?"

"Very much so," Rhea replied.

As Rhea left the room, she gave Arjun a look — subtle but filled with layers of understanding. He followed her to the hallway.

"She's stronger now," Rhea said quietly. "Both physically and emotionally. Maybe…" she hesitated, "maybe it's time you start helping her remember."

Arjun exhaled. "You think she's ready?"

"She's close. I saw the way she touched her belly today. There's recognition… not just of the baby but of something more."

That night, as they lay together, Pia stirred restlessly in bed. Arjun reached out, drawing her closer, one hand protectively over her belly. She didn't resist.

"Arjun," she whispered into the darkness.

"Yes?"

"I've been… seeing things. Flashes."

He went still.

"Sometimes I see this hospital room," she continued. "I'm lying there, and there's blood. And I'm screaming. But I don't know why."

Arjun felt the pain rise up in his chest. She was remembering.

"I also see you," she whispered. "You're crying. But not like now… it's a different kind of crying. I feel like I lost something. Something important."

Arjun gently turned her to face him. He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, kissing her temple.

"It's okay," he said. "You don't have to force yourself to remember."

"I'm not," she said, almost childlike. "It just comes."

She leaned into his chest, her ear resting right above his heart. "I feel like this baby… she's helping me."

Tears welled in Arjun's eyes. He held her tightly, feeling his heart pounding against her cheek.

"I love you," he said hoarsely.

"I know," she whispered. "And I think I've loved you longer than I can remember."

A few days later, Rhea suggested another ultrasound. Pia had grown curious, almost eager to see her baby again. The moment the monitor lit up and the rhythmic thump-thump of the baby's heartbeat echoed in the room, Pia gasped.

Tears streamed down her face.

Arjun held her hand tightly.

"The baby is perfect," the technician said gently.

As Pia watched the tiny life squirming inside her, her mind was suddenly filled with a rush — colors, sounds, voices. That heartbeat. I've heard it before. Not this baby's… another…

She blinked rapidly. Her hand flew to her mouth.

"I… I've been here before," she whispered. "I've seen something like this before."

Arjun stiffened.

"I was lying in a hospital bed. There were machines. And you… you were there. I remember crying. I remember…" Her voice broke. "I remember losing something."

She turned to Arjun, eyes wide with fear.

"Arjun… did I lose a baby before?"

He swallowed hard.

"Tell me the truth," she begged.

Arjun nodded, slowly. "Yes."

The silence that followed was deafening.

"And I forgot?" she asked in a trembling voice.

"You lost the baby in an accident, Pia," he said softly. "You were six months along. It broke us… both of us. But your mind protected you the only way it knew how. You forgot."

Pia sobbed, the sound shaking her whole body. "How could I forget our child?"

Arjun took her in his arms, tears falling down his cheeks. "Because the pain would've killed you, Pia. And I couldn't risk that. I chose to love you through it — no matter how many times I had to remind you of us."

"I remember flashes," she cried. "I remember the red lights… the sounds… the screams…"

"You're remembering because this child — our child is reminding you. It is bringing you back."

They held each other in the quiet ultrasound room, surrounded by the gentle sound of their baby's heartbeat.

And in that moment, something shifted in Pia — a deep part of her unlocking.

Not fully. Not yet.

But she was on her way back.

To him.

To them.