36: Reception gone wrong

The grand hall was adorned with delicate white roses and cascading ivy, an ethereal backdrop for the joyous celebration of Khana and Richard’s union. Guests milled around, chatting and laughing, their voices merging into a pleasant hum of happiness and excitement. Fairy lights twinkled above, casting a soft glow on the faces of friends and family who had gathered to honor the newlyweds.

Richard stood beside Khana. The husband reached for his wife's hand. He was wearing a radiant smile,  gracing his lips. Then, the wife smiled back, forcing a joyous smile. Beneath her joyful exterior, an inexplicable unease gnawed at her. It was a persistent feeling, one she couldn’t shake off despite the adoration and warmth enveloping her. She squeezed Richard’s hand a little tighter, and he glanced at her with concern.

"Are you okay, honey?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.

"I'm fine," she replied, forcing a smile. "Just a bit overwhelmed, I guess."

"Do you wanna lie down? I can ask the coordinator to end this without disrespecting the guest," Richard uttered. 

"I'll just endure it. You were looking forward to this," Khana replied. She promised to make him happy since he had numbered days.

Richard nodded, understanding. Then, he ran his finger on her hair and hid it behind the lady's ear. "Thank you. This is the happiest day of my life. I am the happiest man on earth!"

Weddings could be intense, and Khana had always been sensitive to the energy around her. He kissed her forehead and turned to greet another guest, but Khana’s mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t pinpoint the source of her anxiety, but it lingered like a shadow at the edge of her consciousness.

The reception was in full swing, with an energetic emcee guiding the guests through a series of fun activities. There were games and dances, heartfelt speeches, and the clinking of glasses as toasts were made to the happy couple. Despite the lively atmosphere, Khana’s discomfort grew. Her stomach churned, and she found it difficult to focus on conversations.

Bettina approached her and smiled at her. She whispered, "Stick to your word."

"Congrats!" Bettina greeted her shortly after whispering words to her.

Khana curved her brows as high as a mountain upon noticing the meaningful glance of Bettina to Richard. Something inside was telling her that the two must have been hiding tricks behind their sleeves, or was she just overthinking? 

Her doubt had been interrupted by the food served. When the food was finally served, Khana hoped that eating might settle her nerves. The aroma of roasted chicken, fresh salads, and decadent desserts wafted through the air, and the guests eagerly filled their plates. Khana nibbled at her food, trying to keep her discomfort at bay, but each bite seemed to exacerbate the unease in her stomach.

By the time dessert was served, Khana’s stomach felt like it was doing somersaults. She pushed her plate away, the sight of the rich chocolate cake making her feel nauseous. 

She excused herself quietly, telling Richard she needed a moment to freshen up. He nodded, concern flickering in his eyes, but he was quickly drawn into another conversation.

Khana made her way to the restroom, trying to maintain her composure. Once inside, she leaned against the cool marble sink, taking deep breaths to steady herself. The nausea was overwhelming, and before she knew it, she was retching into the toilet, her body wracked with spasms.

After what felt like an eternity, Khana sat back, wiping her mouth with a tissue. She splashed an ample amount of water on her face, hoping to feel better, but the dizziness persisted. She took a moment to compose herself. Then, Khana straightened up and made her way back to the hall, determined to push through the event.

The emcee was calling for the newlyweds to take the stage for another round of toasts. Richard’s face lit up when he saw her, and he reached out his hand. Khana forced a smile and took it, willing herself to ignore the churning in her stomach.

As they stepped onto the stage, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. The room spun, and Khana felt herself swaying. The guests’ faces blurred, their voices a distant murmur. She tried to steady herself, but her legs gave way, and she crumpled to the ground.

A collective gasp filled the hall, followed by screams of horror. Richard dropped to his knees beside her, calling her name in a panic. The emcee rushed over, shouting for someone to call an ambulance. Khana’s world faded to black, the last thing she heard being Richard’s frantic voice.

-------------------

Khana woke to the sterile smell of antiseptic and the beeping of medical equipment. She blinked, disoriented, as her vision adjusted to the bright hospital lights. Richard was beside her, his face etched with worry.

"Thank God, you're awake," he said, his voice trembling with relief.

"What happened?" Khana whispered, her throat dry.

"You fainted," Richard explained, gently brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. 

"And? Of course, I want to know why I fainted, Hon." Khana sat on the bed and rested her back on the bed headboard.

Richard caressed his wife's hand and stared at her. If it wasn't for the snaps of the finger next to his eyes, he'd be still staring at the lady.

 "The doctors ran some tests," Richard replied. He stopped for a moment and asked Khana not to overreact.

Khana, they said you’re pregnant," he added.

"I'm pregnant? What should I be overreacting for?" Khana replied.

Khana stared at him, her mind struggling to process the information. Pregnant? The word echoed in her head, bringing a flood of emotions. 

"Wait! What!? I'm with a child?"

Surprise, joy, and a renewed sense of unease all mingled together. She placed a hand on her stomach, a small smile forming despite her lingering discomfort. The news slowly sank in, and Khana’s anxiety began to make sense. Her body had been trying to tell her something important. 

"I had no idea," she murmured.

Khana clearly remembered the day she had slept with the priest. The next day, she woke up next to Richard. The days were just one-day intervals... She doesn't know who the real father of her child is.

It could be Richard...

It could be Henry...

Whose child could it be? 

Who is the baby daddy?