The gentle sunrays through the lace white curtains fell cordially on my closed eyes, stirring me awake. I turned to my left, my hand accidentally touching a soft, small palm. I smiled. Opening my eyes, I adored the sight of my son sleeping so peacefully snuggled to my chest. His cheek was pressed to my left side of chest, his full lips parted slightly as he snored softly.

I let my fingers brush through his silky raven hair and he sighed in content. I chuckled soundlessly. I was busy admiring him when a gentle caress on my head startled me. I looked up without raising my head and sweet honey eyes met mine. They were droopy, sleep half embracing them. She lazily smiled at me, and my heart skipped a beat.

I was never this happy ever before.

I was trying to find peace in chaos, when God had already gifted me with it. I just failed to recognize it.

Garnering my sleeping son in arms, I laid him on my chest. Curling my arm around her shoulders, I pulled her closer and she cuddled to me. Kissing the top of her head, I pressed another kiss to my son and breathed out feeling fulfilled.

I wish to see morning similar to this everyday in my life.

"What are you thinking?", She asked in whisper, careful of her voice so not to disturb our sleeping sweetness.

"Only if his health wasn't an obstacle, we would have been much more happy.", I said in low voice.

"Everything will be fine. God is preparing us to be stronger.", She said tilting her head to meet my eyes. I looked down at her and smiled with a small nod.

We had to separate because of her morning sickness. I laid Reyansh down on bed and accompanied her in bathroom. While she puked her guts out, I held her hair back so she could be relaxed from the obstacle.

When she was done, I pulled the flush and helped her stand. She leaned against basin before opening the tap and washing her face. I grabbed her toothbrush and squirted out some toothpaste on it. Handing it to her, I repeated the same for myself. We brushed alongside, while she continued doing childish things. Like trying to take up most of the space or pushing me away, or faking to spit on me. I endured all silently with a smile. She is my one small spitfire.

"I'm hungry. I wanna eat cookies.", She ordered me and I nodded before drawing in a hoodie over my naked upper body.

"Come down after Reyansh wakes up. The cookies will be ready until then.", I told her pecking her lips and she nodded submissively.

As I strolled downstairs, the smile on my face was like a permanent tattoo. It had no intention of leaving. Only if I had embraced life like this before, may be I would have been able to trust people and avoid some cruel mistakes. However, I can't change the past but I'm all ready to work hard for my future with these three.

I guess that's life. What you have, make it better. Instead of crying and regretting over that has already happened.

"You're the lady of the house it seems. More than her, I see you in the kitchen.", Taila commented as soon as she spotted me coming.

"You're making me shy.", I giggled, trying to sound lady like. The middle aged woman in front of me laughed heartily and I felt satisfied seeing the crinkled smiled on her face. She's one beautiful lady.

I manoeuvred front and gathered the necessary ingredients. Taila helped me with the details, adding some of her own suggestions over which I acted on. I pushed the tray inside oven before setting the timer.

"Where are the cookies!?", I was sharing a light conversation with Taila about different bakery recipes when two loud squeals startled me.

My eyes took in Rivaah's appearance. She was wearing a green knee length dress that cascaded free past her waistline. There was a simple knot encompassing her body below the chest and sleeves were loose and baggy. I definitely love her when she wears tight formal outfits, but in this dress she looks more young, vibrant and carefree and the sight is surely enough to make me fall for her all over again.

"Daddy, how do I look?", A sweet voice asked and I snickered as I looked down at my son who was trying to get my attention. He was wearing a loose olive tee and blue jeans. Also, not to forget his current addiction. The pair of imported Louis Vuitton black sneakers.

"Charming. You're all ready to break hearts.", I cooed and he bit on his lip, shying away from me and hugging his mother's legs.

"My son is a keeper. He'll be committed to only one girl. Who do you want to be with, Rey?", Rivaah asked caressing his head and he looked up at her, his arms still encased around her knees.

"He has someone?", I asked, surprised.

"Hmm. He does. Tell Daddy, Rey.", She replied as she urged him to tell.

"Jahnavi.", He mumbled before hiding his face in her dress. We all laughed.

"Who's Jahanvi?", I asked her.

"Jiya's daughter.", She replied and I nodded, distracted by the beep sound of oven.

Getting the tray out, I slid it on kitchen counter before removing the glove. "C'mon! They are done!", I ushered them close and both of my babies came rushing to grab some.

Later, Taila told us to leave so she could prepare some healthy breakfast. I left Rivaah and Reyansh in dining hall to devour the cookies and readied myself in formal suit for the day. When I trudged back downstairs, they were already downing the breakfast that consisted vegetable sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruits and orange juice.

"I'm leaving to Vegas day after tomorrow.", I said catching their attention. Reyansh's face fell but he said nothing and focused back on his breakfast.

"Why?", Rivaah questioned.

"For the new business venture. I'm planning to gain some overseas shareholders.", I explained and she nodded. "I also plan to meet Ishaan. He's settled there.", I added as an afterthought.

"Ishaan Malhotra?", I nodded. "Why?"

"I need to talk to-"

"About what?"

"About why he did what he did. How could he plan to deceive my sister like that!", I glared at table to avoid looking at her.

"I don't think that is necessary.", She said and my eyes snapped up to meet hers. "What you did was nothing different. You both did the same. So leave that chapter untouched. Things ended badly, I agree. But scratching at the healed wounds will only worsen the situation. Ahana is trying to move on. And a guy like Aaryan is interested in her. That man is satisfied with his life there. We've no right to meddle in their lives anymore.", She said gently, carefully, as if her words might anger me. But on positive side, I was noticing the facts in her words. What she said is not wrong. What will I get by doing this? Nothing.

"Instead, you should focus on what you're planning now.", My face morphed into a frown. "About this new business. I'm with you but is it the same with everyone else. I understand you but will Mom do? Dad is already all hyped up to make you chairman and Reyansh to be the next heir in line. Focus on the problems that needs attention, Kabir. Not the ones that no more matter.", How can she be so wise with her words when she was acting so childish this morning. My woman is a total package.

"You're right. I should pay attention to more important matters. And one among them is the reality of our relationship.", I said and her face brightened up like first ray of sunlight through the blanket of dark clouds. Her smile elated her stunning features, eyes gleaming in excitement.

"When!?", She struggled to control the squeal.

"Today.", I smiled and she laughed contently.

"I'm done. Let's go, let's go!", She said as she stood up and scurried out of dining room. Probably to get her bag and other stuff.

"What are you thinking, son?", I asked as I noticed him staring at wall. He looked at me, his eyes droopy and tired. The sweat on his forehead glistened. "Rey?"

His body collapsed down but before it could touch the floor, Murphy took the blow on his back. I came out of my shock and pushed the chair back before cradling his unconscious body in my arms.

I ran out of house and towards my car, opening the door I placed him on backseat and Murphy jumped inside before I closed the door. I came back and noticed Rivaah searching for us.

"Where were you?"

"Rey-- We need to take him to the hospital.", I said breathlessly and her eyes widened before she ran past me.

"Is everything okay?", Taila asked and I nodded forcefully.

"I'll give you a call.", I said to her before following my wife out.

We reached hospital within half hour. Rivaah was with Reyansh in the backseat along with Murphy. I knew dogs are not allowed so I instructed him to stay in the car and he ducked his head inside with a whimper. Locking the car and leaving one window open, we rushed inside.

"Because of anemia.", The doctor sighed. "I suggest you to not let him exhaust himself too much. Otherwise, fatigue like this may get frequent.", He said before walking past us with a tap on my shoulder.

Rivaah collapsed down on chair, dropping her head in her hands as she took deep breaths.

"Rivaah?"

"Just a minute please.", She murmured.

Understanding that she needs some time alone, I stepped inside room. Reyansh was attached to fluids, his breathing even and he looked in a state of peaceful slumber. I sat by his side, waiting for him to open his beautiful onyx eyes and gaze at me like he always does.

A tear rolled down my left eye and I let it. Carefully cradling his left hand, I kissed the base of his palm and rubbed it on my cheek. His smooth skin caressed me and I closed my eyes, endearing the silky touch.

A hand on my shoulder straightened me. I turned and tilted my head up, her amber eyes sent strength and courage through them. She stood behind me, circling her arms around my shoulders and threading her fingers through my hair. We stayed like that until our little superstar opened his eyes.

We took him back home and Taila assured us and that she'll take good care of him. Reluctantly, we left home and headed to office. It was already 1:00 in the afternoon when we reached.

I guess she has forgotten about revealing the reality of our relationship. Because she asked me to stop the car at the end of the main road and preferred to walk alone. I drove past her and parked my car inside underground carpark. Breathing out, I laid my forehead on the steering wheel and stayed like that until I felt a little light.

Karthik was beside me the moment I was on my floor.

"How's he now? I've told my wife to take Dev there. He'll feel much better if he has a company.", He fed me and I nodded gratefully.

"Thanks. He's okay now.", I mumbled.

"Don't lose hope, sir. Everything will turn out okay in the end. How's Rivaah?"

"She is spacing out a lot since that incident. I think she just needs some time for herself.", I shrugged as I halted in front of my office. "Get me a strong coffee please.", I said to him realizing that my headache was getting worse.

"Right away, sir.", He dashed back.

He came sooner than I expected and I felt slightly better after having the coffee. I busied myself in work. I've to wrap up everything here so that I could focus more on my business trip to Vegas.

It was in the evening that there was a knock on my office door. "Come in."

Karthik barged in hastily. He looked out of breath. "Sir!", He panted.

"What happened, Karthik?", I sat alarmed.

"Rivaah-- the cafeteria-- she- just come with me.", He said before turning around and speed walking out. I followed him immediately.

He took me to the cafeteria of ground floor, all the while avoiding my question of what has happened. He just said that he doesn't know how to explain so it's better if he shows me.

"Now I know why our team leader suddenly disappeared. You fired him through boss, right!?"

"I can't believe this! Is this how you won this project?"

"God! She's pathetic!"

"I know right. I even heard that she was involved with him in past. Remember the news outlets that suddenly broke out of him getting intimate with one of his employee in club. This is her!", A female employee with brown hair said.

"What news?"

"It was wiped off from social media and news channels afterwards. But I know because I'm his ardent follower since he entered the business world.", The same brunette replied.

"And she followed him here!? Wow!"

"Wha-"

"Enough!", I yelled and the cafeteria was sweeped with silence. Marching in, I grabbed Rivaah's wrist and pulled her to my side. "Everyone, in the hall right now!", I announced before walking out and dragging her along with me.

"How do they know?", I asked her once we were inside the hall.

"Vineet, Rishabh's team member saw me coming out of your car.", She answered meekly.

Half hour later the hall was flooded with people. Grabbing the wireless mic, I brought it closer to me. "Eyes on me!", I signaled. "I guess many of you have some questions!? Well, let me answer them.", I said and everyone looked alarmed. "Rivaah Verma. Is my wife.", The gasps filled the large hall as whispers rose to murmurs and chaos began. "Attention here, please!", I gritted out. "We had our own problems to tackle and therefore we had to keep our relationship a secret. But that, in no way means that we don't respect our relationship. I love my wife and won't tolerate a word against her. We've a lovely son at home and we're pregnant with other. Therefore, even a little trouble to my wife caused by anyone, will end up losing their job and career. Old and trusted employees might already know about this-", I noticed some nodding heads and then my glare landed on one particular brunette "- and some of my ardent followers claims to know everything about me yet keeps her silence of revealing the whole thing and instead creates more misunderstandings. Don't worry. You'll soon receive the resignation letter.", I said and noticed sheen layer of tears gathering in her eyes. That certainly satisfied me.

"Now that you know everything, please leave and get back to your work. Remember, I tolerate no disrespect to my wife or our relationship. You all are dismissed.", I declared before tossing the mic on table behind me and walking down with my arm around her waist. The employees dispersed, making way for us to walk out. I stirred her to underground parking after telling Karthik to collect her belongings from her office.

This day was definitely not good for us.

"You could have said something. Why did you keep silent?", I asked as we reached our car and waited for Karthik to come back.

"I'm so scared, Kabir.", She whispered brokenly.

"Scared of what?"

"I don't want to lose Reyansh. But since morning, I can't help these thoughts. They are eating me out.", Her lips quivered and she crashed into my arms. Sobbing quietly. I held her and placed my chin on her head as I rubbed her back soothingly.

Karthik came but stood in distance to give us some space.

"Take me back home.", She murmured as she stood straight and wiped her eyes with the back of her palms.

I complied with her wish and we headed back home after I took her stuff from Karthik and told him to handle rest of the work.

She was quick to abandon every other thought and sprint upstairs to our room. I left my blazer and her handbag on couch before following her.

"Oh! Daddy came too!", Reyansh pointed at me as soon as I stepped inside. I smiled and nodded. He was on her lap, protectively cocooned in her embrace.

"Hello, Uncle.", Dev greeted me.

"Hi, Dev. Where's your Mom?", I asked as I sat down on the edge of bed.

"Me and Rey wanted to eat pasta so she went to grocery store with driver uncle.", He answered.

"But the ingredients are available-"

"They are not.", Taila cut in as she appeared with two glasses of water. She handed both to us and I downed it quickly. "I told her that I'll go instead but she was too stubborn to tame. She has already arrived though. She's in kitchen now."

"I should help her.", Rivaah said in the process of lifting Reyansh up to place him down.

"No! Don't go!", Reyansh ignored the ludo game and latched to her neck.

"Yes, he's right. Don't worry I'll help her.", Taila said with a smile before leaving with our empty glasses.

Me and Rivaah stayed in room with the two kids and participated in their game sometimes. While I helped Dev, Rivaah helped Reyansh.

"I'm sorry, Uncle. But you don't know how to play.", Dev said pitifully when he lost third time. I covered my offended look with a cough.

"What a loser, Kabir.", Rivaah teased and I looked at her amusedly.

"Yes! What a loser, Daddy!", Reyansh repeated after his mother.

"You!", I pointed at Reyansh. "Shut up or I'll tickle you!", He quickly put his finger on his sealed lips. "And you!", I pointed at Rivaah. "Shut up or I'll make you in some other ways!", I said and she understood my sexual innuendo as she quickly looked away all colored. I smirked. See! I know how to bring manners to my family.

We enjoyed the pasta that Dev's mother prepared and then she insisted to leave as it was already turning dark.

"Thank you so much.", Rivaah said holding her hands as she smiled genuinely.

"It's fine. I hope he gets well soon.", She looked lovingly at Reyansh who was busy chattering away with her son.

"I hope so too.", Rivaah sighed.

I hope the almighty heard this. Because I hope the same.

The next day I took a day off and we headed out for picnic. I've to leave tomorrow and I plan to spend every minute of today with them. I heard there was snow fall yesterday in Jaunpur range and I want them to see the beauty of nature. It snow falls here too, but not so heavily. Although we would have to trek to get to the Nag Tibba, but I've decided to carry Rey on my back. Also, I'm not very keen to take them to peak because of Rivaah's pregnancy. So we'll just enjoy around.

After three hour drive, we reached there and as planned I carried him on my back. Rivaah wanted to go to the peak along with other trekkers but with my one glare she kept quiet. No way in hell will I jeopardize with her health for few moments of fun.