“She will be fine,” Rohi repeats as if saying the words will magically help.
I hope they do.
Two hours later, Kai has finally settled—his tiny cheek squished against Rohi’s chest, lips parted in a soft snore, fists curled under his chin just like his mother.
I smile at the sight.
Then I start fiddling with my phone just to keep myself from spiraling. Every two minutes I glance at the hospital hallway, willing Liam to come out with an update.
He hasn’t.
I nudge Rohi gently. “You never told me—how was the office party?”
She blinks slowly, then shakes her head. “I don’t even remember it. Twenty minutes in, I got your call and immediately started panicking.”
I reach out, brushing a knuckle down her jaw. “She’s okay, baby. You got here fast. And so far, everything’s stable. Just breathe, alright?”
She nods, swallowing hard, cradling Kai a little closer.
My phone buzzes.
Liam.
I swipe before the second ring. “Liam?”
His voice is breathless but steady. “Mom and baby are okay. We’re in the M wing, fourth floor—room number 242.”
Rohi exhales sharply beside me. I squeeze her knee and nod. “We’ll be right there.”
I quickly strap Kai back on my chest and we head over.
When we step into the room, it’s like the world exhales.
Kash is in bed, pale but glowing in that dazed, post-battle kind of way. Liam is hovering beside her, adjusting her blanket, kissing her forehead every ten seconds like she’s made of glass.
A nurse is checking onbaby Mehra-Wintersin the bassinet near the window—tiny, pink, squirmy, and perfect.
“She’s beautiful,” Rohi whispers.
Liam grins at us, eyes tired but lit up.
Rohi walks over to Kash and I hear elated whispers of them talking. She brushes the hair off Kash’s forehead with a smile and it pulls mine because this is the sweetest exchange ever.
Then Rohi leans back slightly. “Did you guys pick an A-name yet?”
Kash mumbles something incoherent.
Liam chuckles. “Yeah. Alisha Winters.”
Rohi clutches her chest. “Oh god, that’s so pretty.”
Kai makes a content sigh under my chin like he agrees.
Rohi steps closer to the bassinet, biting her lip. “Can I hold her?”
Liam looks at her like she’s insane. “Of course, Barista girl. You’re herMaasi.” (Mother’s sister.)
That does it. Rohi tears up instantly. I gently wipe them away with my thumb before they even have a chance to fall.
