I got out of the car and carefully retrieved the car seat with Ruhi still sleeping peacefully inside. Viya walked beside me, her hand on my arm, as we approached the house.
Dadi performed the aarti, her hands shaking with emotion as she moved the thali in circles. She was crying and praying and smiling all at once.
"Welcome home, beta," she whispered to Ruhi. "Welcome to your family."
Everyone wanted to hold her. Wanted to see her. Wanted to coo over her tiny features and her delicate fingers. But Viya and I were protective, only allowing people to look for now. She was still so small, so vulnerable.
We spent the next few hours celebrating. There was food and laughter and so much joy. Dadi had arranged for a small puja to bless Ruhi. We formally announced her name to everyone gathered.
Ruhi Khanna.
Our daughter. Our miracle.
Puneet approached us at one point, looking at the baby with genuine happiness.
"She is beautiful, Viya. Congratulations to you both."
"Thank you, Puneet. It means a lot that you are here."
I forced a smile and shook his hand, even though I wanted to usher him out the door. But he was important to Viya. And anything important to Viya was important to me.
Even irritating male friends who looked at my wife with too much fondness.
Eventually, the celebration wound down. Guests began to leave. The house grew quiet. Viya and I took Ruhi upstairs to our bedroom, where a beautiful new cradle had been set up beside our bed.
Viya settled our daughter in the cradle, adjusting the soft blankets, making sure she was comfortable. Ruhi slept through it all, her tiny face peaceful.
I watched Viya watching our daughter, and my heart felt so full I thought it might burst.
We changed into comfortable clothes and finally lay down in our bed. I pulled Viya close, and she came willingly, tucking herself against my side with a contented sigh.
"I want one more," she said suddenly.
I looked down at her, surprised.
"What?"
"One more baby. A boy. To complete our family."
"Absolutely not."
She pushed herself up on her elbow to look at me.
"Why not?"
"Because I cannot go through that again, Viya. The terror of watching you in labor. The doctor saying they might have to choose between you and the baby. Sitting outside that operating room wondering if you were going to survive. I cannot do it again."
"But it will not necessarily happen like that next time. The doctors said the premature labor was just—"
"No."
My voice came out harder than I intended. I softened it and pulled her back against me.
"No more babies. I almost lost you. Do you understand that? I almost lost you, and I barely survived it. I cannot risk that again. I will not."
She was quiet for a moment. Then she pouted, and despite the seriousness of the conversation, I almost laughed at how adorable she looked.
"You can give me all your wealth, transfer all your property to my name, but you will not give me one more baby? What kind of husband are you?"
