Pregnant with Ex-husband's baby

Chapter 4

Nithila

After lunch, Kavin’s mom shows me around the house which is neither too big nor too small and is just to my liking. My heart pummels in my chest when she takes me to Kavin’s room. If everything works out, there is a chance that this might be my room in the near future.

The simple thought causes my cheeks to heat up. To divert my mind out of it, I shift my attention to the photo frames lined up on his dresser.

“Is this..?” I ask grabbing the closest one.

“Yes, that’s Kavin when he was eight months old..” His mom answers me with a very proud grin and I think he was adorable as a baby.

"It's cute.." I smile and take the next one which is a group photo.

"This one was taken when he was fifteen.." She points out at her son.

If my guess is right, it was taken right after winning a match because Kavin is standing in the center and his teammates are leaning in to hold the trophy that’s in his hold. He has a small grin plastered on his lips and I must say, even in his teens he looks reserved and distant but extremely good-looking compared to the other guys of his age.

I take hold of another one photo which is a recent one since Kavin is holding his baby nephew, Ashwin. The close-up picture causes my stomach to twist into sweet knots and I can’t ignore how attractive he looks when he smiles wholeheartedly.

I haven’t seen him smile once before and this being the first time, I am noticing the dimple on his right cheek that probably pops every time he smiles like this. I watch him with focused eyes and see that his nose is perfectly straight and he has a strong jaw, the kind only actors and celebrities have.

Before I can ogle at him anymore and embarrass myself in front of his mom, I keep the photo frame back in its original place.

“Nithi..” His mom pulls me to sit on the bed and holds my hand in hers, “Kavin is a very reserved person. He has starting trouble talking to new people, especially girls..” She giggles and I join her. “..but once you get to know him fully, you will see that he is a very friendly and affectionate man. So, don’t take his initial silence to be rude behavior..”

“Sure aunty..” I understand that everyone takes their own time to open up to people they don’t know. Moreover, I am not judgmental when it comes to people, and neither are my parent so, she has nothing to worry about.

Once the house tour is done, we all gather in the living room again to have coffee. Our fathers are still talking about the possible marriage and I quietly sit next to Kavin’s sister-in-law, Aathira.

I feel eyes on me and I know whose they are but I refuse to glance at him because the moment I do it, I am sure I would turn red as a tomato.

On the plus side, Aathira and her seven-month-old son, Ashwin are keeping me busy, which means I don’t have to do or say anything except play with the little guy, laugh at his cuteness and pretend like the most handsome guy I have ever met in my life isn’t sitting just opposite to me.

“Did you see your room? Do you like it?” My sister asks, thankfully careful enough that no one heard us.

I try to frown at her just so I can hide the blush that’s threatening to color my face. “That’s not my room..”

“..Yet.” She adds with a wiggle to her perfectly shaped brows. “Did you know that you two are going out today?”

“What?” I snap my head at Nadhiya and whisper yell in what I could only explain as the biggest shock of my life.

“Yes, he is taking you out to get to know you better..” She leans in to fill me with whatever she knows so far.

It sounds like a date to me and if it is then I am so not prepared for that.

Guys have flirted with me in high school and college but no one has dared to ask me out. I wouldn’t have agreed to go out with them even if anyone did ask me because I have always known I would at last, end up marrying the guy that my parents decide for me.

And this being the first time that I am going to spend time with a guy all alone, I am clueless about what to do or what to say to him.

“Nadhiya, I am scared..” I whisper to her in a shaky breath.

“Don’t be. He is not going to eat you..” She holds my hand and I feel a little less anxious, “Just talk to him, get to know his likes and dislikes. Tell him yours and if you feel the need for it, discuss your future with him. This is the time to know him better, Nithi and don’t waste it by being afraid..”

Times like this make me wonder how my sister is so wise even when she is a whole year younger than me. She is experienced in everything that I am not and provides me with the best life advice.

My emotions are erupting like lava from within me but I manage to nod my head when she asks me again if I am going to be okay.

“We should let them go before it darkens..” Kavin’s mom suggests to my parents, and my respiratory system has already forgotten how to breathe properly.

“Don’t worry, just be yourself with him..” Nadhiya prepares me as we all make our way to the door.

However before we could go out, my brother makes sure everyone is out of the hearing zone and throws a protective hand over my shoulder, “..and if in case there is a problem, call me and I will be there before you know it, okay?”

 There is going to be a problem? Oh no!!

“There is going to be no problem, anna. You are only terrorizing the poor soul..” Nadhiya throws him shut-up look and guides me towards the car parked outside the gates.

“So, where are you taking her, Kavin?” My brother asks in a teasing tone but I know he wants to know where we are if in case there is a problem or who knows, being the protective older brother he is, he might follow us in his own car to make sure I am safe with Kavin.  

“Marina Beach?” Kavin says it like he is as unprepared as me.

Right! Marina beach is the most sought-after place for not only couples but also everyone living in Chennai. The place is full of life from sunrise to sunset and the long beach becomes a fairground for numerous stalls selling artifacts, handicrafts, jewelry, and food items.  

“Wow, great choice!! It’s Nithi’s favorite place..” Nadhiya squeals excitedly and I catch Kavin rolling his eyes before he opens the car door for me.

“Ready?” He asks, sliding in the passenger seat.

“Yeah..” I say a little too impatiently.

Our parents and siblings wave to us and I do the same whereas Kavin doesn’t bother to give them a glance as he starts driving the car.