Khushi's bags were packed and placed in the back of the car. Khushi's foster siblings were crying, upset that Khushi was leaving them. She told them that she wouldn't be gone for long, but she didn't even know what was in store for her.
Arnav and Khushi got Ammijan's blessings and Arnav drove off. He went to a clinic and Khushi looked at it.
"You okay," Arnav asked.
Khushi looked at Arnav. "Why are you doing this?"
"For the sake of my baby," and Arnav got out of the car.
But that wasn't what Khushi meant.
Arnav came around and opened the door for Khushi. Khushi came out and Arnav led her in and took her to the reception desk.
"Hi," Arnav said. "My girlfriend here," he said, gesturing at Khushi, "is pregnant, and it's her first time."
"Not a problem," the receptionist smiled. She handed him a clipboard with papers. "Just fill these out and then return them to me."
Arnav nodded. "Thank you."
He led Khushi over to the seats and they sat down. Arnav filled out the forms, asking Khushi for information on her when he needed it. As Arnav filled out the form, Khushi just looked at Arnav. He was keeping her in line, being so careful of this baby business. He was more attentive than her and it bemused Khushi.
"Be right back," Arnav said, and he went to the desk.
Wow, Khushi said in her head. I'm pregnant yet I didn't even remember the whole doctor thing. But... why is Arnav so into this? Does he feel guilty and want to make up for it?
Khushi saw Arnav talking to the receptionist.
I don't want to be a burden on him. I should probably-
Arnav came back and sat down. "The doctor will call in a few."
Khushi nodded. "Thank you Arnav."
"For what?"
"For keeping me on guard. I had completely forgotten about the whole doctor thing."
Arnav made a face. "Which is why I'm having you move in with me."
Khushi didn't say anything and just looked for a distraction. She was looking around, when she saw a mother come in, holding her little boy's hands. The boy was fooling around and the mother kept warning him repeatedly. Khushi looked in horror as the woman went to the reception desk.
I don't know if I can do this, she said in her head.
"Khushi Kumari Gupta?"
Both Arnav and Khushi looked up and saw a nurse.
Khushi stood up. "Yes?"
"Follow me."
Khushi nodded and followed. Arnav had gotten up as well and followed. They were led into a room and were seated. The doctor soon came in and the two stood up.
"Hi, I'm Doctor Heather Thomas," she said, holding her hand out.
"I'm Arnav, Arnav Singh Raizada. And this is my girlfriend, Khushi."
Khushi smiled lightly and shook her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you both," Dr. Thomas smiled. "Please, have a seat."
Everyone sat down as Dr. Thomas went through Khushi's newly created file, filled with the information Arnav had put in the other papers he had filled out.
"Hmm... so Khushi, you're 17," Dr. Thomas asked.
Khushi nodded.
Dr. Thomas nodded. "When did you discover you were pregnant?"
"Early October."
"Hmm...." Dr. Thomas put the file down. "Now, before I continue, I want to know one thing, and please answer truthfully."
"Of course," Arnav said.
"Are you two really a couple, or was this... an accident, to somewhat put in a nicely way."
Khushi looked down. "Accident," she whispered.
Dr. Thomas nodded in acknowledgement. "Now Khushi, do you really want this baby?"
Khushi looked up at her. "I don't believe in abortion, Dr. Thomas."
"Okay. I won't ask too much on that because I don't want to stress you." She looked at the papers. "You don't seem to have any problems and seem as healthy as can be," she smiled.
Dr. Thomas continued on with some questions, like allergy histories, medication use, family history of any diseases, etc.
"Okay then, I'll just do some blood work now. Khushi, if you would come with me, please."
Khushi nodded and got up. She went behind the screen with her and Dr. Thomas took some blood. She also did some other exams, then rejoined Arnav.
"Khushi, I would like for you to come back in next week. This way we'll have a look on the baby at the beginning of November, and can continue on from there, like setting a date. Okay?"
Khushi nodded.
"Here are some vitamins I would like for you to take," she added, handing her a prescription slip.
Arnav took it instead. "I'll keep monitor over that," he said assuredly.
"Good. And I must say Mr. Raizada, I am impressed. Most men these days back off when they impregnate someone, but you are taking on your responsibility."
Arnav didn't have so much of an expression. "Thank you."
"And I hope you'll continue?"
"Of course."
