Saturday was finally around the corner. The sun was relentless with the rays sweltering even the rocks which lay motionless on the ground. The hot loo was enough to make anyone stay at home but Saumya had no alternative. Esha and Pia were still sound asleep. As she went about doing her mundane chores, various thoughts assaulted her mind.

Why is Akshit being so helpful? Every time he says something sweet, something reassuring, why does my heart race like I am running in a marathon? Why am I unable to contain my emotions? I have never cried in front of anyone. How is he an exception? Have I really started liking him?

No it can't be- her mind argued.

But then why do I feel like I can trust him, that he will understand me and support me. Why? Why do I feel so comfortable, so contented when I'm with him?

That's because you have started liking him dummy-her heart chided.

How can I like him? I have always restrained myself. How can he suddenly come and change everything?

Remember mom's words- Man proposes, God disposes. As much as you would like to have everything under control, you simply can't. You're not God. Love is His power and only he decides upon its dispensations to mankind.

A blush crept up her cheeks as she clutched the edge of the kitchen slab tighter.

Is it really true? Have I really taken a liking to him? No, no it's not true. I should focus on Pia and my patients. Always remember Saumya, you don't want the past to become your present.

Thinking this, she busied herself in work. After successfully feeding two giant-sized kids, Pia and Esha, she made her way to the hospital.

It was quite a hectic day with numerous surgeries and appointments. She didn't even have the time to eat her lunch. The scorching sun rays had finally left the surface and it was growing dark outside. This meant that it was finally time for her to go home. All she wanted to do now was to go home and sleep but she knew those times had long gone.

She was walking on the concrete floor of the hospital's parking area. A bag was hung on her shoulder. The moonlight was the only exception to the dark scenario. However, it seemed quite peculiar to her that even in the darkness, her eyes were looking for Akshit. It had been long since they talked to each other.

Finally her eyes landed on the silhouette of a man she was sure was Akshit. She couldn't comprehend how or why but she knew it was Akshit. Standing there in front of his car, he was staring at his phone's screen, which was securely held in his hand.

She went towards him taking slow steps. As soon as she was behind him, she put a hand on his shoulder.

Why Saumya? You could have called out to him? Like his touch so much?

She immediately withdrew her hand just as he said, "Hi Saumya."

She stood there with her mouth agape. How did he know it was her? She was facing his back after all? Maybe the reflection in the car's mirror, she mused.

He turned around to face her with a heart-melting smile.

"Hi. Isn't it vacation already?" she asked.

"Yeah but I'm working on this research piece with a few interns so I decided it would be good if I came."

She didn't know if she felt disappointed. It was a far-fetched thought after all. Why would he come to meet her?

"Oh so how's it going?"

Smiling, he replied, "It's going great. Where is Surbhi, by the way?"

"Oh actually she has a night shift. She must be on her way here."

"Don't you think it's unhealthy for her? I mean she should take ample of rest. The first trimester is almost over."

"Nah, she'll be fine. Moreover, I'm sure she must have spent her day sleeping while Akash was here."

Laughing lightly, he said, "So on your way home, I suppose."

"Yes but I have to make a slight detour. Pia wants some art supplies for her project so I have to go to the market first."

Akshit's phone started ringing ending their conversation.

Saumya checked out her phone while he was talking. Suddenly, she noticed that his voice grew panicked and rushed. She looked up to find that he had already hung up.

"Hey, what's the matter?"

"Di has gone into labour and Harsh is not in town," he answered, his voice more tense than before. His eyebrows furrowed as he stared at her.

"Well get going. Bring Di here. I will ask my colleagues to get everything ready. You just get her here."

"Yeah... yeah, I'll go," he said as he fidgeted with the keys.

Keeping a hand on his shoulder, Saumya said softly, "All will be good, Akshit. Don't worry. You need to stay calm. Also, it's not the first time for Di. I'm sure she will be holding up alright."

"You don't know her, Saumya. She can't bear the pain."

"Akshit, you don't know to what lengths a mother can go for her child. I'm sure she will be able to bear with the pain," Saumya said seriously.

Akshit only stared at her, astounded.

"Go now. She is waiting for you."

As if just brought out of his trance, he quickly went to his car. Saumya turned on her heels after flashing him a reassuring smile.

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It was already past midnight as Akshit and Saumya sat on the chairs in her cabin.

"So would you like to meet your neice?" she asked, smiling.

He scratched his neck nervously.

"I don't know. I'm afraid to hold babies."

She stared at him with incredulity. This man who was a great psychologist couldn't even hold a baby in his arms?!

"Are you joking?" she asked, her sleepy self long gone. Her droopy eyes now alert.

"Why would I joke at this hour?" he fired. After all, you can't be good at everything.

Saumya shrugged.

"What do I know?"

Sighing, he said, "I can't. I'm afraid that the baby will fall down."

Saumya couldn't contain her laughter anymore. He looked so cute with his pouty face and brown tired eyes, almost like a child.

He scowled seeing her laughing. However, her guffawing was contagious and soon both of them were laughing hard.

"Hey stop. This is a hospital."

Saumya's whisper made them stop.

"To be honest though, I never expected that you would be afraid of holding babies. Did you never hold Ashmit in your arms?"

"I did but the first time I met him, he was over a year old."

"No doubt you lack the skills. Well I asked Dr. Shalini. She said that Di is alright. She just needs a lot of rest and care. What about Aunty and Jiju? When will they return?"

"They will return tomorrow. I mean today."

Saumya smiled at that. She had never seen him so nervous and panicky before.

"Saumya, I believe I should drop you home now. It's quite late. Esha and Pia must be waiting for you."

"It's fine, Akshit. Sayukta Di is my sister. Moreover, I love babies. I'm so excited to meet her." Saumya smiled brightly. The dimly lit cabin provided an ethereal glow to her face as she sat beside him on the couch.

"Let's go then."

"Are you sure? I mean aren't you afraid?"

"Well you want to meet her. I can just see her from afar."

Shaking her head, Saumya got up followed by Akshit.

The two walked down the hall abuzz with activity even at this hour.

So many nurses and doctors ran hastily from one room to the other. Most of the wards were dark as the inmates slept peacefully. A strange yet familiar smell of disinfectants graced the air.

Finally they reached the babies' ward.

A nurse was looking after the babies as Saumya went inside. The room's walls were decorated with various paintings and murals of cartoons. The cots were beautifully decorated with ribbons and toys as their occupants slept.

"Good night, Ma'am," the nurse greeted Saumya.

"Can you please tell me where is baby number 78?"

"Sure, Ma'am."

The nurse directed Saumya towards a cot where a beautiful baby girl was sleeping. Saumya carefully took the baby in her arms as she went outside.

Akshit had never seen her so happy before. She smiled at the baby who was sleeping so contentedly. Her eyes twinkled with glee as she whispered incoherent words in the baby's ears.

When she came out, she showed Akshit the beautiful girl she so lovingly held in her arms.

"Hold her in your arms, Akshit," she commanded.

All the colour drained from his face.

"There's no need to be afraid. Here, I will teach you how to hold her."

After practising for many minutes, she finally handed him the baby.

"Now, put a hand below her neck for support and hold her gently."

Akshit did as he was told. He felt an indescribable feeling numbing his senses as he held her close.

"She's so tiny," he remarked as she lovingly kissed her forehead.

Saumya giggled. "That's why they are called babies because they are tiny. I can't believe you have never seen a newborn baby before."

After spending some time with the baby, the two headed back to her cabin.

"Let's go home Saumya. You haven't eaten anything."

"So have you, Akshit. Moreover, skipping a meal won't affect me much."

"Then, do you want to stay here?"

"Yes, of course. I don't think it matters where we sleep. I mean it's 2:00 am already. I don't think it's safe."

"Well, I'll drop you."

"No, Akshit. Di might need you. Besides it's a holiday tomorrow. I can sleep as much as I want."

Shaking his head, he said, "You will never listen to me, will you?"

"No," she replied smiling.

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