Chapter 22 — Shadows Beneath Joy

The news spread through the house like sunlight—warm, inevitable, impossible to ignore.

Mareena is pregnant.

Laughter echoed in corners that had long been quiet. Blessings were whispered. Hope returned, dressed in celebration.

But not every heart felt light.

Mareena called everyone and gave the good news. She told Priya and Aryan too. Priya sat by the window of her room, fingers absently tracing the edge of her dupatta. From where she sat, she could hear voices downstairs—happy, excited, alive with plans for a child not yet born.

Her chest felt tight.

She pressed a hand against her stomach instinctively, her thoughts spiraling into places she didn’t want to visit.

What if everything changes now?
What if Abhinav forgets…?
What if my child becomes second?

The thoughts felt ugly, selfish—but fear rarely arrives politely.

A soft knock sounded.

“Priya?” Aryan’s voice.

She wiped her eyes quickly. “Come in.”

Aryan entered, one look at her face enough to tell him the truth she hadn’t spoken.

“You heard,” he said gently.

She nodded, her voice barely steady. “I shouldn’t feel this way. I know that. But I keep thinking… what if Abhinav starts caring more about Mareena’s child? What if my baby is no longer enough?”

Aryan moved closer, kneeling in front of her.

“Hey,” he said softly, taking her hands. “Look at me.”

She did.

“Love doesn’t get divided,” he said. “It multiplies. Abhinav isn’t that kind of man. And your child will never be less. Mareena’s baby is also his baby. He has the right to love the baby. And don't forget this baby is coming naturally, Mareena conceived because they both love eachother they planned for it. But Abhipriyo, you gave him birth for your selfish gains without consulting Abhinav. Still Abhinav has accepted him and cares for him. Maybe he is feeling more joyful because this baby is a result of his love life and the baby will stay with him everyday unlike Abhipriyo who stays with us half of the days. Still Abhinav takes all his expenses and doesn’t allow me to pay for Abhipriyo. Abhinav knows at the end of the day Abhipriyo is also a part of him. And this unborn child will definitely bring joy to his life. Both of them are equivalently important to him.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks.

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

“I know,” Aryan replied. “But you’re not alone in this. Not even for a second. And I'm always there for Abhipriyo as a second father.

She leaned into him, drawing comfort from his certainty.

At the hospital, Mareena sat quietly while Abhinav listened to the doctor with unwavering focus.

“Everything looks good,” the doctor said with a reassuring smile. “The baby is healthy.”

Mareena exhaled in relief.

“However,” the doctor added gently, “you’re thirty-three. That means extra care. Proper rest. No stress. This pregnancy needs attention.”

Abhinav nodded immediately. “She’ll have it. All of it.”

Mareena glanced at him, surprised—and deeply moved.

“You heard the doctor,” he said, squeezing her hand. “From now on, you rest. I’ll handle everything else.”

She smiled softly.

For the first time since the news, she allowed herself to feel joy without fear.

Mareena and Priya

One glowing with cautious hope.

The other battling silent insecurity.

And somewhere between them stood the men who loved them—unaware that even happiness can cast shadows when hearts are already fragile.

End of Chapter 22

What do you think of Priya will she create troubles again?

Stay tuned!