Loyal fellow

The Little Heart Between Them The night was unusually quiet. The city lights outside the apartment window shimmered softly against the darkness, and the cool night breeze moved the curtains near the balcony. Inside the living room, however, there was one person who had absolutely no intention of sleeping. She was sitting comfortably on a chair, one leg folded beneath her, holding a large bowl of ice cream. Her husband stood nearby, staring at her with an expression that was somewhere between amusement and disbelief. “You are eating ice cream again?” he asked. She looked at him innocently. “No.” He raised an eyebrow. She immediately hid the bowl behind her. “I mean… this is not ice cream.” He laughed. “Then what is it?” She looked at the bowl. “Cold food.” He shook his head. “You've already eaten dinner.” “I know.” “And then you ate a banana.” “Yes.” “And then you asked me to make you toast.” “Yes.” “And now you're eating ice cream.” She smiled proudly. “Yes.” He walked towards her and sat beside her. “You're always hungry.” She took another spoonful. “Our baby is hungry.” He laughed. “Of course. Everything is the baby's fault now.” She pointed the spoon at him. “Don't say that.” “Why?” “Because our baby is listening.” He immediately placed his hand over her stomach. “Sorry, baby. Your mother is blaming everything on you.” She laughed. “See? You're already teaching our child to tease me.” He looked at her lovingly. “I think our child will learn everything from you.” She smiled. Then, while eating another spoonful, she suddenly noticed him staring at her face. “What?” “Nothing.” “Why are you looking at me?” “Just looking.” She narrowed her eyes. “You're definitely planning something.” He smiled. “No.” She continued eating. Then he suddenly laughed. She stopped. “What?” He tried to control himself. “Nothing.” “What?” “Nothing.” “Tell me!” He pointed towards her nose. “There is…” She touched her nose. “What?” He started laughing again. “What is it?” “There is ice cream on your nose.” Her eyes widened. “What?” She quickly wiped her nose. He laughed even harder. “You didn't even notice?” “Why didn't you tell me earlier?” “I wanted to see how long you would continue.” She gave him an angry look. “You're terrible.” She wiped her nose again. Then she looked at him. “Is it gone?” He nodded. “Yes.” She narrowed her eyes. “You're lying.” “No, I'm not.” She grabbed a tissue and wiped her nose carefully. He smiled. She suddenly realised that he had been secretly taking a picture of her. “Did you take a photo?” He froze. “No.” “You did!” “No.” “Give me your phone!” He immediately stood up. “No.” She tried to get up from the chair. “Come here!” “Don't run!” He quickly stopped her. She was pregnant, and every movement had become something he watched carefully. “Slowly,” he said. She looked at him. “I can walk.” “I know you can. But you don't have to hurry.” She sighed dramatically. “You're treating me like a little child.” “Because you behave like one.” She stared at him. “Excuse me?” He smiled. “Nothing.” She laughed despite herself. That was how their nights had become. Simple. Silly. Beautiful. They had once dreamed of a life together. Now they were living it. And somewhere between their arguments, laughter, worries and quiet moments, a tiny heartbeat had become the centre of their entire world. --- The Days That Changed Everything Pregnancy changed her in ways neither of them had expected. Some mornings she was energetic. Other mornings, she simply wanted to stay in bed. Sometimes she wanted spicy food. Ten minutes later, she wanted something sweet. Sometimes she became angry over the smallest things. And sometimes she became emotional without knowing why. But he never complained. He simply adjusted. One afternoon, she tried to walk quickly across the room. “Slow down,” he immediately called. “I am walking normally!” “You're walking too fast.” “I'm fine.” “Sit down.” She stopped. “Why are you ordering me around?” “Because you were about to trip over the carpet.” She looked down. The edge of the carpet was indeed folded. She became quiet. He smiled. “See?” She crossed her arms. “You could have told me nicely.” “I did.” “You said, ‘Sit down!’” “Because you don't listen when I speak nicely.” She looked at him. “Then scold me.” He blinked. “What?” “Scold me.” “Why?” “I don't know. Just scold me.” He couldn't stop smiling. “You're strange.” “Scold me!” He pretended to become serious. “Fine. Don't run. Don't climb. Don't carry heavy things. Don't skip meals. Don't stay awake all night. And don't pretend you are stronger than you are.” She listened carefully. Then she smiled. “Again.” He laughed. “You actually like being scolded.” She leaned against him. “I like knowing that you care.” His expression softened. He wrapped his arms around her. “I care about you more than anything.” She rested her head against his chest. “And our baby?” He kissed her forehead. “Both of you.” --- The Wheelchair As the pregnancy progressed, even simple things became difficult. One evening, after they returned from a hospital appointment, she looked exhausted. “I'm tired,” she whispered. He immediately noticed. “Come here.” “I can walk.” “I know.” He brought the wheelchair. She looked at it. “I don't need that.” “I know.” “Then why did you bring it?” “Because I want you to rest.” She sighed. “You're becoming too protective.” “Maybe.” She finally sat down. He carefully pushed the wheelchair through the house. She looked back at him. “You're enjoying this.” “Very much.” “Why?” “Because for once, you're allowing me to take care of you.” She smiled. He pushed her from the bedroom to the living room. Then from the living room to the balcony. Then back again. She laughed. “Where are you taking me now?” “Anywhere you want.” “Take me to the kitchen.” “Why?” “I'm hungry.” He stopped. “Of course.” She laughed. “You already know me.” “I know you too well.” He took her to the kitchen and prepared something for her. She watched him quietly. There was something beautiful about seeing the man she loved caring for her without expecting anything in return. He wasn't doing it because he had to. He was doing it because he wanted to. --- The Massage Some nights, her legs hurt badly. One evening, she sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her legs. He noticed immediately. “Pain?” “A little.” “Lie down.” “I'll be fine.” “Please.” She looked at him. “Okay.” He gently helped her lie down. Then he began massaging her legs carefully. She closed her eyes. His hands moved slowly and gently. “You don't have to do this every day,” she whispered. “I know.” “Then why?” “Because I want to.” She opened her eyes. He was looking at her with such tenderness that she became quiet. “You're staring again,” she said. “I can't help it.” “Why?” “Because you're beautiful.” She smiled. “I look terrible.” “You look beautiful.” “My hair is messy.” “Beautiful.” “My face is swollen.” “Beautiful.” “I've eaten too much.” “Still beautiful.” She laughed. “You have only one answer.” “Yes.” “What if I become angry?” “Beautiful.” “What if I shout?” “Beautiful.” “What if I throw something at you?” He paused. “Still beautiful… but I'll move first.” She burst out laughing. --- Three Months One morning, she received an unexpected surprise. She walked into the room and found a document lying on the table. “What is this?” He smiled. “Open it.” She picked it up. Her eyes widened. “What?” She looked at him. “You took three months' leave?” He nodded. “For me?” “For you.” She stared at the document. “But why?” “Because I want to be here.” “You could have worked.” “I could.” “You didn't have to take leave.” “I know.” She became emotional. “You're wasting three months because of me.” He walked towards her. “I'm not wasting anything.” He placed his hand gently on her stomach. “These three months are for you and our baby.” Her eyes filled with tears. “You're crazy.” “Maybe.” She hugged him tightly. He hugged her back. She whispered, “I don't know what I did to deserve you.” He kissed her forehead. “You loved me.” --- The Morning Routine The next morning, she woke up and realised he wasn't beside her. She looked around. Then she felt something warm beneath her head. She looked down. She was sleeping on his legs. He was still asleep. She smiled. “Idiot.” She gently moved his leg. His eyes opened. “Good morning.” “You let me sleep on your legs?” “You looked comfortable.” “Your legs must hurt.” “A little.” She immediately sat up. “Why didn't you wake me?” “Because you needed sleep.” She looked at him with affection. “You're impossible.” He smiled. She sat in front of him. “My hair is a mess.” “I'll fix it.” “You?” “Yes.” He carefully gathered her hair and tied it. She looked at him suspiciously. “You know how to do this?” “No.” “Then why are you doing it?” “Learning.” She laughed. He tried again. After several attempts, he finally tied her hair. She touched it. “This is terrible.” “I tried.” She turned around and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.” He smiled. Then he brought her breakfast. She looked at the plate. “That's all?” “You said you wanted a light breakfast.” She stared at him. “I changed my mind.” He laughed. “How much?” “Everything.” “Everything?” “Yes.” She began listing foods. He listened. “You're going to eat all that?” She nodded. “The baby is hungry.” He laughed. “Of course.” --- Her Cute Anger One afternoon, she wanted to go outside. He immediately said, “Not today.” She stared at him. “Why?” “It's too hot.” “I'll be fine.” “No.” She crossed her arms. “I want to go.” “Tomorrow.” “Today.” “Tomorrow.” “Today.” “No.” She became angry. “Fine!” She turned away. He watched her. After a few seconds, he smiled. “Are you angry?” “No.” “Definitely angry.” “No.” He sat beside her. She moved away. He moved closer. She moved again. He followed. Finally, she looked at him. “Why are you following me?” “Because my wife is angry.” “I'm not angry.” “Then smile.” “No.” He hugged her. She tried to resist. “Leave me.” “No.” “Leave me!” “No.” She finally gave up and rested her head against him. “You're annoying.” “I know.” “But…” “What?” “I love you.” He smiled. “I love you too.” --- The Parents Who Stayed Away There was one sadness she carried quietly. Her parents. She missed them. She wanted them to be there. She wanted her mother to touch her stomach. She wanted her father to see how happy she was. She wanted them to meet their future grandchild. But they had never accepted the man she had chosen. They had believed that she had made the wrong decision. They had refused to accept their relationship. Still, she called them. Again and again. Sometimes there was no answer. Sometimes there were short conversations. Sometimes silence. But she never stopped hoping. One evening, she sat on the balcony looking at her phone. He came and sat beside her. “Did they call?” She shook her head. “No.” He didn't ask anything else. He simply held her hand. She leaned against him. “I want them to come.” “I know.” “I want my mother here.” “I know.” “She should see the baby.” He swallowed his emotions. “She will someday.” “What if she doesn't?” He had no answer. So he hugged her. She cried quietly against his shoulder. “I don't want our baby to grow up without knowing them.” He gently stroked her hair. “We'll tell our child that they were loved.” --- The Pregnancy Function As the months passed, the family began preparing for the traditional pregnancy celebration. Her friends and a few relatives helped organise everything. She was excited. But beneath that excitement was one unanswered question. Would her parents come? She called them. “Amma…” There was silence on the phone. “I have the function next week.” Another silence. “Please come.” Her voice trembled. “Just for me.” She listened. Her expression slowly changed. She didn't argue. She simply said, “Okay.” Then she ended the call. He stood nearby. She looked at him. “They're not coming.” He walked towards her. She tried to smile. “It's okay.” He knew it wasn't. On the day of the function, the house was filled with laughter. Traditional decorations covered the walls. Flowers were arranged beautifully. Relatives arrived. Friends came. There was music, food and happiness. She wore a beautiful traditional outfit. He stood beside her, unable to stop smiling. She looked around the room once. Her eyes searched for two people. They weren't there. He noticed. He gently held her hand. She looked at him. Then she smiled. “I have you.” He squeezed her hand. “And you have our baby.” Her eyes filled with tears. The function continued. Everyone blessed her. Everyone spoke about the baby. Everyone laughed. And although one corner of her heart hurt, the celebration was filled with love. At the end of the day, she looked at the photographs. She smiled. “Our baby will see these someday.” He nodded. “And I'll tell our child how happy you were.” She leaned against him. “I was happy.” --- The Little Wall After the function, they began preparing the baby's room. One wall was kept empty. They decided it would become the baby's memory wall. The first picture they placed there was the scan photograph. They stood together looking at it. The tiny image didn't look like much to anyone else. But to them, it was everything. Their baby. Their future. Their little miracle. She touched the photograph. “Look.” He smiled. “I know.” “That's our baby.” “Yes.” “So tiny.” He wrapped his arm around her. “One day we'll be looking at a grown-up child standing here.” She smiled. “Don't make me emotional.” He laughed. She looked at him. “Do you think our baby will look like you?” “Hopefully.” “Why hopefully?” “Because I'm handsome.” She laughed. “No.” “What?” “Our baby should look like me.” He nodded. “Fine.” She smiled. “But if our baby gets your stubbornness…” He interrupted. “That's from you.” She hit his arm gently. “Hey!” They laughed. --- A Kiss for the Baby That evening, they stood in the bedroom. She was tired. He helped her sit comfortably. Then he gently placed his hand on her stomach. “Hello, little one.” She smiled. “What are you saying?” “Talking to my baby.” “Our baby.” “Our baby.” He leaned forward and kissed her stomach. She looked at him with a soft smile. “What did you tell the baby?” He whispered, “Your mother is the most precious person in my world.” She became emotional. “Really?” “Yes.” He kissed her stomach again. “And you're already the most loved little person in our family.” She placed her hand over his. “I can't wait to meet our baby.” “Me neither.” They stayed like that for a long time. No music. No television. No phones. Just the two of them. And the tiny life between them. --- The Pain It happened suddenly. One ordinary evening. She was sitting on the bed when her expression changed. He immediately noticed. “What happened?” She held her stomach. “I don't know.” “Are you okay?” She breathed slowly. “I have pain.” His smile disappeared. “Where?” “My stomach.” He sat beside her. “Is it very painful?” She shook her head. “I don't know.” He tried to remain calm. “Okay. Breathe slowly.” She held his hand tightly. He looked at her face. She looked frightened. “Don't be scared,” he said. “I'm scared.” “I'm here.” He gently rubbed her back. The pain returned. She closed her eyes. He placed his hand on her stomach. “Baby…” His voice trembled. “Please don't scare us.” She looked at him. He tried to smile. “Everything will be okay.” Then another wave of pain came. She gripped his hand. He immediately stood. “We're going to the hospital.” She nodded. He reached for the phone. His hands were shaking. He called the ambulance. “Please come quickly.” He gave the address. Then he returned to her. “Stay with me.” She looked at him. “I'm here.” “I love you.” “I love you too.” He held her tightly. Outside, the night remained strangely quiet. Then, from somewhere in the distance— the sound of an ambulance siren broke through the darkness. He froze. She looked towards the window. The sound grew louder. Closer. Closer. He held her hand even tighter. “It's coming.” She nodded. He looked at her stomach. Then at her frightened face. For the first time that night, neither of them spoke. The ambulance siren became louder and louder. And in that moment, all the laughter, arguments, little surprises, family pain and beautiful memories disappeared from his mind. There was only one thought. Her. And their baby. He kissed her forehead. “I'm not leaving you.” She closed her eyes and held his hand. The siren came closer. And then— the ambulance stopped outside their home. The doors opened. The footsteps of the medical team rushed towards them. He stood beside her, terrified but determined. Whatever happened next, he knew one thing. He had spent his entire life searching for love. And now that love was lying in front of him— carrying their little heart. Their story was far from over. To be continued...