Juhanah

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The evening breeze drifted gently through the open windows as Juhanah stood in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring a pot of soup. A smile kept finding its way onto her face. Every few seconds, she would place a hand on her stomach, her heart fluttering with excitement. Earlier that morning, she had visited the hospital after feeling unusually tired for several days. The doctor's words still echoed in her ears: "Congratulations, Mrs. Teo. You're going to be a mother."

She had spent the entire day thinking about how to share the wonderful news with her husband. Teol had always dreamed of becoming a father. Whenever they passed a family with children, he would smile and whisper, "One day, we'll have little ones running around our home." Remembering those moments made Juhanah's eyes glisten with tears of joy.

As the sound of Teo's car pulling into the driveway broke the silence, Juhanah's heartbeat quickened. She rushed to the living room, trying to act normal. Moments later, Teo walked in, tired from work but smiling the moment he saw her.

"Welcome home," she said warmly, giving him a gentle hug.

"I've been looking forward to seeing you all day," Teo replied, kissing her forehead. "You seem happier than usual. Did something good happen?"

Juhanah smiled mysteriously. "Freshen up first. I have something special to tell you."

Curious, Teo quickly changed into comfortable clothes before joining her in the sitting room.

"Babe," he laughed, "what's all this? It's not our anniversary."

She took a deep breath and reached for his hand. Her palms were slightly trembling.

"You know how we've prayed together every night," she began softly, "asking God to bless our home at the right time?"

Teo nodded, his expression becoming serious.

Grace looked into his eyes, tears sparkling with happiness. "Our prayers have been answered, the butterflies you used to give me, turned into tiny little feet…..”

“Babe, stop the suspense, what do you mean?”

“There's always a rainbow after a storm, we are expecting a rainbow Baby…..”

On hearing that, a smile lit up his face.

“You're pregnant…..?” He asked happily.

“Yes….”

Gently, he lay his hand on her stomach.

“Do you mean tiny feet are in there?”

“Yes……”

Tears of joy rushed down his cheeks.

“Thank you Babe….. This is indeed one of the happiest days of my life, I've always waited for a Time like this, you know what?”

“What?” She asked with a smile on her face.

“No more house chores, you'll just sit at home, I'll cook, I'll do the house chores…..”

Immediately, she bursted into laughter.

“Nah, I won't let you do all of that….”

“You're carrying my baby, our baby, you don't have to stress yourself, okay?”

Slowly, she nodded.

**************

Juhanah stirred slowly, stretching before opening her eyes. The moment she looked beside her, she found Teo smiling at her.

"Good morning Angel ," he whispered, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. "And good morning to our little one."

Juhanah laughed softly as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. Ever since they discovered she was expecting, Teo had become even more affectionate.

Every morning began with kind words, warm hugs, and a reminder that she was deeply loved.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked.

"I feel much better," she replied, smiling.

"That's all I needed to hear."

Countless times,Teo insisted that she remain in bed while he prepared breakfast. He wanted to do the little things himself whenever he could. He believed love was best expressed through thoughtful actions.

The delicious aroma of pancakes, fresh fruit, and warm tea filled the room. She smiled to herself uncontrollably.

As the weeks passed, Teo adjusted his busy lifestyle. As the owner of several managers so he could spend more time at home.

"Business can wait," he often said, "My family comes first."

Weekly, Teo accompanied his wife to every medical appointment. He never missed a check-up. While they waited, he held her hand, listened carefully to the doctor's advice, and made sure she had everything she needed.

At home, he became her greatest helper.

He folded laundry with surprising enthusiasm, washed dishes after meals, watered the flowers she loved, and even learned a few new recipes.

She would laugh and shake her head.

"You spoil me too much."

"I've only just begun."

Every weekend, he planned simple outings that wouldn't tire her.

**************

As the weeks passed, the little changes became impossible to ignore. Every morning, she stood in front of the bedroom mirror, gently placing both hands on her growing tummy.

Although she was overjoyed about becoming a mother, pregnancy was not always easy. Her back ached after standing for too long, her feet became swollen by evening, and even climbing the staircase left her breathless.

One afternoon, she slowly lowered herself onto the living room sofa, rubbing her aching back with a tired sigh. Her husband stepped out to buy groceries, and she was left alone at home.

“This is not easy……”

After some minutes, her husband came back.

Then, she fell asleep.

He planted a kiss on her forehead.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, on seeing him, she gave him a wry smile.

“Welcome…..”

“Are you okay?” He asked, as he sat beside her.

“Not at all, my back hurts…..”

Gently, he rubbed her back.

“So tell me, how are you feeling now…..”

A smile lit up her face.

“I feel so good…..”

“That's what I wanna hear, sorry, I left you all alone, I stepped out to get groceries, I got you chocolates as well…”

“Ohhhh!!! Thank you babe…..thank you for making me feel loved, I'm grateful”

“You don't have to thank me always, you deserve everything good, you're my responsibility and you know it, just chill, I'll always stand by you as long as I live, okay??

“I believe you…….”