Come Closer

Chapter 36

“Aaargh!” Lyena’s scream was heard by the ones who were waiting outside the room. James held Adrian’s hand so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He was resting his face on his palm, covering his closed eyes. Ryan was pacing back and forth in front of them, and Noah was biting his nails, leaning forward in his seat. Adrian patted James’ hand reassuringly. “It’ll be alright,” he whispered, more to reassure himself than James. “It is almost two hours”, Noah said, and rubbed his face with his palms.

With another cry from Lyena, Ryan’s steps halted. “Uff! Why is it taking so long?” he muttered to himself and went to sit next to James, unable to control his shaking legs. Everyone was anxious and scared. They knew that they couldn’t help Lyena. They could not do anything other than pray; hoping everything, would be alright.

Lyena’s painful cries and screams stopped after another half an hour, giving relief and joy to the people who anxiously awaited for the little bundle of joy to come out into the world. Correction- two bundles of joy.

“They are so cute!” Ryan again squealed like a girl in her teenage years after coming home.

It was two days after Lyena gave birth to her and James’ babies. Currently, they were in the room that James had decorated with Ryan, Adrian and Noah, for the babies.

“James, why are you the only one carrying her? Give her to me now.” Adrian said, more like demanded. Lyena laughed at Noah, who was caressing the baby boy’s soft cheeks with his pinky, like he was afraid that he would pop the bubble of the baby by accidently poking it. “Well, this is my daughter. So I can carry her however long I like.” She heard James argue. “Well, I am her uncle. I too have a right. Give her to me now!” James’ and Adrian’s voices were getting louder by the second, and Lyena got worried that they would wake the two devils up. “Guys! Let’s place them in the crib. Else we’ll wake them up.” Lyena spoke in a low voice, carrying the baby in her arms.

“Lyena, you should rest now. We’ll prepare lunch,” James said, holding Lyena by her waist, when they came out to the hallway. “Maids can prepare it.” Lyena leaned her head on his chest, hugging him. James placed his chin on top of her head. “Yes, but I want to make something for you today. You can take a nap.”

Ryan, who was coming out of the babies’ room, heard what Lyena said; “I can’t. I have to look after the babies.”

“Hey. I’ll look after them. You should rest.” Lyena gave a tired smile to Ryan. “Thank you, Ryan.” And James slowly directed her to their room.

……..

After feeding milk to their babies, James and Lyena were lying down on the bed. It was a lot calmer than when the babies and James’ friends were awake. It was quiet. Peaceful. Just the thing that two tired parents need at the end of the day. The lights in their room were turned off, so the only thing that lit the room a little was the shining moon outside. James was playing with Lyena’s hair; something Lyena loved. Her eyes were closed because of the comfort she felt.

“Aren’t you sleepy?” She asked in a drowsy voice. Her question put a smile on James’ face. “No,” he whispered. He continued to run his fingers through Lyena’s hair, all the while staring lovingly at her with his doe eyes. Lyena smiled even in her drowsy state when he hugged her and kissed her forehead.

“I was so scared.” Her eyes opened hearing his shaky voice. “Why?” She turned her head and looked at him, who was burying his face in her black hair. James blinked away the tears that had gathered in his eyes at a mere thought. “Tell me why” Lyena urged.

He took a deep breath. “At the hospital, when I heard your screams, the sudden thought of losing you occurred in my mind…I felt- I felt so helpless. Scared. And terrified… Never have I ever prayed to God like the way I was doing in front of that operation room. But now, here you are, safe and sound. In my arms. With our two treasures in our home.”

Lyena wiped the tears that had escaped his eyes. “Don’t cry. Neither I, nor our kids will leave you.” She turned to her side, and wrapped her arms around him. The warmth she gave him seemed to stop the flow of his thoughts, and calm him down.

“I love you,” she said. “I love you too.” James tightened his hold of her and snuggled closer to her. Then they fell asleep, lulled by the soothing comfort of each other’s warmth.