December 2004

The warm golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the soft white cotton curtains, entering the room with a gentle glow. The rich aroma of chai simmering on the stove filled the air with a comforting sense of routine.

Balancing her growing belly with care, Sri managed to pour the steaming tea into two ceramic cups. "And done! Smells good!" She murmured to herself, a hint of satisfaction in her tone. Carefully laying out the biscuits on the dessert plate, she arranged everything neatly on a tray.

She looked radiant in the morning light. Her light skin color glowed naturally. Her eyes were the prettiest and most expressive. Sri wasn't just beautiful; she carried herself with grace and confidence. Born into a well-respected family in Hyderabad, Sri was the fourth of five siblings. Her father was a government Civil Engineer, and her mother was a homemaker, but she was an expert in cooking and medicine. Sri had grown up surrounded by love and laughter.

After her marriage, Sri adjusted her career as a medical transcriptionist to night shifts, dedicating her days to her family. She found her a way to balance her job, home responsibilities, and her growing role as a soon-to-be mother with grace.

"Good morning!"

Startled at the sudden sound, she turned around to see her husband leaning against the doorframe, a towel draped casually over his shoulders and a small smile lighting up his face.

Sri's face lit up instantly at the sight of him. With sunlight streaming onto her face, she seemed to glow with happiness. "Good morning". She replied as she handed him a cup of tea, her other hand instinctively resting on her baby bump.

"Good morning to you too, little one". His voice soft as he placed his large hand gently over hers, caressing her growing belly. His smile deepened as he leaned down, pressing a tender kiss against her bump.

"Papa is waiting for you." He whispered, his words carrying an adorable mix of excitement and affection.

Her eyes softened with love as she chuckled. "You'll be late if you keep talking like this." She teased, pointing to the wall clock. "Now go get ready before you get late for office."

"Where's amma?" he asked, taking a sip of the perfectly brewed tea.

"She went to the temple. She'll be back soon". Sri replied as she began sorting vegetables to prepare his breakfast.

As she began chopping the vegetables, her thoughts wandered to the day ahead. She already had a busy night shift waiting for her, but the mornings were always had some time to take care of her family.

The sound of footsteps snapped her back to the present. Her husband, Ram, reappeared now dressed in his crisp office attire. She watched him as he adjusted his watch and grabbed the lunch box she prepared earlier.

"Thanks, Sri". He leaned down to plant a kiss on her forehead. "Take it easy, okay? And don't skip your nap and eat on time. I'll call you." He added with his voice softening.

Sri smiled waving a bye to her husband before she walked back to the kitchen. She finished her breakfast, letting out a small sigh of contentment. Just as she began clearing the table, the familiar creak of the front gate caught her attention.

"I'm back!" Her mother-in-law walked in; her hands full of a basket of freshly plucked flowers and a bowl of prasad from the temple.

"Are you still working? What did you make for breakfast?" She asked, walking over to her, settling herself at the dining table. "I made idly" Sri smiled, moving to take the bags from her hands.

She excused herself before going back to her room. As she rested her hand on her belly, she smiled, her heart swelling with love and anticipation. She thought of all the dreams she had for her family, for her child, and for herself.

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"H-hello?" Her voice cracked. "Amma?" Her chest felt tight, and her nerves were frayed.

Sri found herself sitting in the small, quiet room. "Th-they locked me inside". She held the phone to her ear, her voice still trembling.

"Amma, I.. I don't know what to do. She locked the door from outside and just left." On the other end of the line, her mother's voice laced with worry.

"What? Locked you inside? Sri, this isn't right! How could she--"

Sri's voice interrupted. "Amma, she just left me here. Locked the door and went shopping with her friends."

Her mother 's voice softened, the worry giving way to calm, steady reassurance. She can't let Sri worry about her baby at least now at the peak of her pregnancy time.

"Listen to me, Sri. I know this feels wrong. But don't let it get to you. Take a deep breath."

Sri sniffled, wiping her tears. What if it happens again? What if they..."

"One step at a time." Her mother spoke through the line gently. "Don't think about tomorrow or what they might do. Just focus on today. You said you are feeling okay, right?"

Sri nodded, moving her hands over her bump. "I feel alright. The baby is moving."

"Good. Take this time to rest. Lie down and think of happy things. If you feel anxious, call me right away." Sri's heart felt lighter.

"Remember this is just a phase. Once the baby is here, everything will change. You will have a world of joy in your arms, and none of this will matter as much".

"Thank you. I really needed this."

"Now go lie down. Let them do what they want. Your peace is the most important."

As the call ended, Sri took a deep breath and looked around the quiet room. The house felt less suffocating, her mother's assurance echoing in her mind.

She turned to the other side of the bed, her hand resting on her belly. "For you." She whispered, feeling the faint flutter of life within her. "For us."