Kk: "No way. I just asked out of curiosity, that’s all."
Meera: "Come on, Mom. You can tell us. We won’t breathe a word to Dad, promise."
Kk: "No, Meera. I’m not missing him. Now go to sleep. It’s getting late. Good night, kids."
All: "Good night, Mom."
She quietly heads to her room, the smile on her face fading as she closes the door behind her. She lies down, staring at the ceiling, her heart heavy but hidden well behind her usual calm.
It’s been almost a month now… and Kk still hasn’t said a word to Mass.
On the other side, Mass tries everything in his power to mend things—texts, calls, even gifts—but nothing works. Each attempt is met with silence.
The next day, Kk and the kids are gathered in the living room, laughter and random chatter filling the space.
Kk: "So… tomorrow’s a big day, huh? How does it feel?"
Meera: "Honestly? I haven’t really thought about it yet."
Kk: "Are you serious, girl? I can’t believe it! You’re turning eighteen and you haven’t planned a thing?"
Sahil: "Why don’t we throw a party?"
Kk: "A party? We’re not talking about a kiddie birthday with balloons and cake, Sahil. Let’s do something real… how about… a night club?"
Samar: "Dad will never allow that."
Meera: "He’s right. You know how strict he is."
Kk: "And who’s going to tell him? Hmm? It’s a weekend. He won’t be coming home. How will he even know?"
Sahil: "But Meera's an adult now. We’re not. They won’t even let us into a club."
Kk: "Don’t stress about that, baby. You just focus on having fun, okay? Let me handle everything else. And don’t forget to call your friends. It’s going to be a night to remember."
She leaves for her room, confidence in her stride.
Meera: "What are we going to tell Dad? He’s going to find out sooner or later."
Samar: "He made it very clear the last time—if Mom plans anything like this, we have to inform him."
Sahil: "Honestly? I think we should tell him. Not just for us… but for Mom’s safety too."
Meera: "You’re right. I’ll call him now."
She takes a deep breath and dials.
Mass: "Hello?"
Meera: "Hi, Dad… um, can I talk to you for a minute? Are you free?"
Mass: "Of course, sweetheart. What’s going on?"
Meera: "Well… tomorrow’s my birthday and… Mom wants to take us to a club to celebrate. She said since you’re not going to be home…"
Mass: "I see. Alright, Meera. Don’t worry. I’ll arrange security to keep an eye from a distance. Just one thing—don’t let her know about this, okay? Have fun. And happy birthday in advance."
Meera: "Thank you, Dad." She ends the call and smiles.
Meera: "Dad’s okay with it. He’s got our backs."
Sahil: "That’s a relief. I was starting to get nervous."
Samar: "I’m so f**king excited now. Let’s party like never before!"
---
Next Day,
They’re all dressed up for the evening, looking their best for the big night.
They settle into the car as Kk takes the driver’s seat.
Kk: "So, Meera… ready for your very first club experience?"
Meera: "Oh yes, super excited!"
They reach the club, where the neon lights are glowing, music thumping in the background.
Friends: "Hi Meera! Hey Samar, Sahil!"
Meera: "Hi guys!"
Meera: "Mom, meet my friends."
Kk: "Hi, kids."
Friends: "Hi, aunty!"
Kk: "Ugh… no 'aunty,' please! Call me whatever you want, but not that."
Goldy: "Okay okay… we’ll call you Kk. Deal?"
Kk: "That works perfectly."
Henry: "You look absolutely stunning tonight."
Jaden: "And $exy too, not gonna lie."
Samar: "Guys! That’s my mom—and she's married!"
Kk (laughs): "Relax, boys. Let’s go have some fun!"
They step inside the club—the place is vibrant, lights dancing across the walls, music pulsing with life.
Meera: "Woooow! This place is amazing!"
Meera: "Let’s head to the bar counter!"
Kk: "Bartender, 8 shots please!"
Kk: "Come on, guys—take it!"
Jaden: "You’re not joining us?"
Kk: "Sadly, no. I’m pregnant, remember? Not the best idea for the little one."
Goldy: "Ohhhh… got it."
Kk: "But you all should drink. Go w!ld, just be safe."
Kk: "One orange juice for me, please."
They clink their shot glasses and down them with laughter and cheers. Kk raises her juice.
Kk: "Cheers to the newest adult in the crew!"
She takes her seat near the bar, sipping her juice and watching the kids dance with unrestrained joy.
Kk’s inner thoughts: "It’s strange how everything changed in just a blink… from chaos and heartbreak to this peace. This new life… it's surreal."
Eventually, the music calls to her. She joins them on the dance floor, laughing and moving freely.
The night stretches on. They finally return home, tired and content, and drift into sleep.
Five Months Later,
Kk is now in the ninth month of her pregnancy. Her belly full-grown, her movements slower. But one thing remains unchanged—her cold silence with Mass. She still hasn’t spoken a word to him. Yet, every single day, he tries. He shows up, tries to talk, to reach her, but she never responds. Still, Mass never gives up—not even once.
Right now, Kk is sitting in the living room, casually scrolling through her phone. The house is quiet… until a sh@rp pain hits her. She gasps, then screams, clutching her stomach.
Kk: "Aaaaahhh!"
Meera, Samar, Sahil, Jaden all come running into the room in panic.
Meera: "Mom! What happened? Are you okay?!"
Kk: "My… my water just broke. We need to go. Now!"
They scramble into the car, all their hearts racing as they drive to the hospital.
At the hospital, the doctors take Kk into the labor room immediately.
Jadav dials Mass with trembling hands.
Jadav: "Mass… we’re at the hospital. It’s happening. She’s in labor. Please, hurry!"
Mass: "I’ll be there in 15 minutes!"
Fifteen minutes later, Mass rushes in, eyes wild with concern. Everyone is waiting outside, pacing, praying, holding their breath.
After what feels like an eternity, the door opens and the doctor steps out with a smile.
Doctor: "Congratulations, Mr. Khan… it’s a beautiful baby girl! She’s healthy, strong—no complications at all."
Everyone: "Oh my god! A girl!"
Mass: "And… my wife? Is she okay? Can I see her?"
Doctor: "She’s doing just fine, Mr. Khan. It was a smooth delivery. You can go in now."
They all walk into the room slowly. The air is thick with emotion—joy, relief, love.
Kk lies in bed.
And for the first time in a long time, her eyes meet Mass’s… soft, unsure, but open.
All rush toward the baby, except Mass. He walks straight to Kk.
She looks exhausted but undeniably radiant — the glow of new motherhood shimmering across her face.
Mass places both his hands gently on her cheeks, cupping her face with the utmost care.
Mass softly, voice trembling: "Are you okay? Are you fine? Do you feel any pain right now?"
She just gazes into his eyes. Not answering, not pushing him away — just silently listening.
Mass pleads: "I know… I know you're still upset with me. I know you haven’t spoken to me in months. But just for today… only today… I promise, I won’t ask for anything else ever again… but please, just this once — answer me. Are you okay?"
She slowly nods her head — yes.
Mass's eyes brighten, relief flooding his expression like a dam breaking.
"Do you feel pain anywhere else?" he asks gently.
Another soft nod, this time a no.
He leans in and gently kisses her forehead.
"I’m so happy today. You… you’ve given me the biggest joy of my life. And it’s all because of you. I love you, Kk. I know… I know you haven’t accepted me yet… but you accepted my family — and that means the world to me. Thank you… for giving me this happiness. One day… I believe… one day, you’ll accept me too. And I’ll wait for that day — no matter how long it takes."
Kk is already frozen, stunned by the kiss. Her heartbeat echoes in her ears. She hears his words… but she’s not sure how to respond.
"Aahhhh! She looks SO cute! Dad, look at her!" Meera squeals.
"She looks like Mom," Samar smiles.
"Look at her tiny fingers… like little cotton buds!" Sahil says.
"Bhai, honestly… she doesn’t look like you at all!" Jadav teases.
Everyone bursts into laughter — everyone except Mass and Kk.
Mass gently takes Kk’s hand in his. He sits on the edge of her hospital bed, and at Jadav’s remark, both he and Kk glance at each other — their eyes holding unspoken words. For a moment, time stands still. Their eye contact lingers… until a voice breaks the moment.
A nurse enters, smiling as she hands the baby to Kk.
Kk looks down at her daughter. Her eyes soften. Her lips stretch into the most beautiful, heartfelt smile she’s smiled in months.
Then the nurse quietly leaves.
"Do you want to talk to your Dad… and your sisters?" Mass asks gently.
Kk’s smile slowly fades. The sentence crashes her back into reality. It's been six months… six long months since she married — and not a single word exchanged with her family.
"Hey… I’m talking to you. Where did you go?" Mass waves his hand.
She blinks, coming back to the present, and nods her head — yes.
"Okay. Wait here, I’ll call them," he says.
Mass pulls out an iPad and dials Mr. Kaif.
The screen lights up with her father’s face.
Mr. Kaif, concerned: "What happened, sir—?"
Mass replies calmly: "Mr. Kaif… Kat wants to talk to you."
The screen freezes for a second — Mr. Kaif’s face turns pale as he sees Kk, in a hospital gown, holding a newborn baby.
"Don’t tell me… that baby is yours?" Mr. Kaif stammers.
"Unfortunately, what you're thinking… is right," Jadav answers dryly.
Mr. Kaif looks directly at Kk.
She nods gently.
"It’s a baby girl," Mass adds.
Mr. Kaif, still stunned: "That means… I’m a grandfather?"
He yells suddenly, voice full of disbelief and excitement: "Wait, wait, wait… Nargis! Aaisha! Come here, fast!"
"What is it, Dad? Why are you shouting?" Nargis asks.
"It’s midnight, for God’s sake," Aaisha groans.
"You’re both AUNTS now!" Mr. Kaif grins like a child.
"WHAT?" Aaisha shrieks.
Mr. Kaif turns the camera. They both see Kk with the baby.
"No way… that baby is… yours?" Aaisha asks.
"Yes," Kk replies softly.
"NO WAYYYY," Aaisha screams.
"Any issues?" Mass asks with a straight face.
"I can’t believe this. I’m an aunt… we’re AUNTS!" Nargis laughs, stunned.
Kk chuckles quietly — the first real laugh they’ve heard in a long time.
"Don’t laugh! You didn’t call us… not even at your wedding! No texts, no calls… and now suddenly — BAM — baby!" Aaisha pouts.
Kk stays quiet. She doesn’t answer.
"We're coming there first thing tomorrow morning! And we’re NOT talking to you — we’re only coming for the baby!" Nargis declares.
"Okay, fine," Kk replies with a soft smile.
"Alright. See you soon," Mass says and ends the call.
"I’m going to talk to the doctor, finish the paperwork, and check your discharge timing," he adds before walking out.
"Mom… can I hold the baby in my hands? Please?" Meera asks excitedly.
"No chance! She’s too small. You’ll drop her!" Jadav teases.
"Come here, Meera. Sit on the bed," Kk says gently.
Meera climbs up, eyes wide with wonder.
Kk places the baby in her lap, carefully.
"Oh my God… she’s SO tiny. So soft… I’m scared I’ll hurt her," Meera says, overwhelmed.
Just then, Mass re-enters.
"I spoke to the doctor — we can go home tomorrow morning. Meera, Jadav, Samar, Sahil… you all go home now. I’ll stay with Kk tonight."
"Nooo, Dad! We want to stay!" Meera protests.
"Kk needs rest. You can come again first thing in the morning, okay?" Mass explains.
"Okay… fine. Bye, Mom. Bye, baby!" Meera waves as the kids leave.
Mass sits on the sofa nearby.
The nurse enters and says, "Ma’am, it’s nursing time."
Kk blankly stares at Mass.
He instantly understands.
"I have to make a call. I’ll be back in a few minutes," Mass says and quietly leaves the room.
Mass thinks to himself: "After everything… maybe now our relationship can begin to mend. It’s been six goddamn months… and she hasn’t said a single word to me."
The nurse helps Kk nurse the baby. Afterwards, the baby is placed gently in the crib and the nurse exits.
Mass walks in quietly.
"Is the baby asleep?" he asks.
Kk nods silently.
"Good. Now come on… you should sleep too. We’re going home tomorrow, remember?" he says.
He helps her lie down. She keeps staring at him.
"I know I’m handsome, but that doesn’t mean you get to keep staring at me with those drop-dead gorgeous blue eyes," Mass grins.
She instantly turns her face away, trying to hide the ghost of a smile.
Mass chuckles softly at her reaction, sits on the sofa, and switches off the lights.
Write a comment ...