The sun hit differently that day. Brighter. Warmer. The sky had a shade of happiness that felt... new.

Zoya was pacing in the living room. Her palms sweaty, her heart wild. She’d faced her family, society, her own fears... but telling his parents she was pregnant? She was nervous like a teenager meeting her in-laws for the first time again.

Akif entered, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Baccha, calm down. My Amma’s going to cry. My Abbu’s going to throw a party. You know them.”

Zoya: “I don’t know why I’m scared—what if they think it’s too soon?!”

Akif: walks up close, cups her cheeks “Too soon? We’ve waited for lifetimes. Let’s do this.”

---

Scene: The Malik House — Family Gathering

Akif had called the whole family — his mom, dad, cousins, even the judgy aunt was there.

Amma asked, “Beta, what’s the big news? You both okay?”

Akif held Zoya’s hand and stood up. “We have something to say...”

Zoya looked at him, nodded, then turned toward the family.

Her voice trembled.

But her eyes? Glowed.

“We’re pregnant.”

The room froze. For a second, no one moved.

And then—

Amma screamed.

She stood up and pulled Zoya into her arms.

“Allah ka shukr hai!”

“I was praying for this! A little you or a little Akif — Ya Allah, I’m going to be a daadi!”

Abbu sat in silence, tears forming in his eyes. “Aik aur Malik aa raha hai... Mashallah.”

Everyone cheered, clapped, and hugged. Even the judgy aunt muttered, “Mubarak ho... finally some good news.”

Zoya was overwhelmed. So many hands, so many hugs. So many blessings raining on her from every direction.

---

Later that night...

Zoya sat on the balcony, head resting on Akif’s shoulder. The stars blinked above them. Her hand was on her belly.

He whispered, “I want a girl. With your smile.”

She chuckled, “And I want a boy. With your patience.”

Akif grinned. “Let’s just have both.”

Zoya gasped. “AKIF!”

He kissed her forehead, voice soft and deep.

“Whatever it is… I just pray they get your heart.”

---