Three months had passed since Priska and Indra’s wedding, coinciding with the completion of Rica’s internship program at Art-Tic Studio. Rica wasn’t a full-time employee there; she was often involved in projects, albeit with lighter tasks, while still attending her university classes. The internship was her initiative rather than a campus requirement—Rica wanted direct exposure to a professional environment of illustrators, animators, and graphic designers.
She had already completed her community service program in her fifth semester and was now in her sixth, preparing for her seventh. Her mother had urged Rica to start working on her thesis next semester so she could graduate on time. Since her credits already met the requirements, Rica had no reason to argue with her mom’s wishes.
Today marked a double celebration: the end of Rica’s internship and Priska’s resignation from Fast Cargo. Priska had asked Indra for permission to work for a while longer before fully embracing her new role as a soon-to-be mom. Rica wasn’t entirely sure why—maybe it was the restless energy brought on by the baby. After all, Priska had always been a diligent worker and might have grown bored staying home for too long.
Rica returned home in a taxi. The house was no longer quiet since Indra and Priska had moved in, at their mother’s request. Their mother, widowed since Rica was a toddler, was eager to take care of Priska during her early pregnancy while also enjoying the company of the child she had long missed.
Rica bounded into the living room like an excited child, occasionally spinning on her way to the stairs, climbing them two steps at a time.
“I’m home! Anybody here? Why is no one answering?” Rica complained.
Her steps halted when she heard the creak of a bed in the second-floor room. It couldn’t be her mom—she often complained about her knees aching whenever she used the stairs. Rica narrowed her eyes, suspecting that it must be Indra and Priska being... a little too affectionate.
Mustered courage propelled Rica forward. She closed her eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, then exhaled and opened the unlocked door.
“Caught you! What are you two doing this late in the afternoon? Taking full advantage of being newlyweds?” Rica teased.
But her laughter erupted when she found Priska standing on Indra’s back, massaging him with her feet. It reminded Rica of how her grandfather used to ask her to do the same when she was a kid. Was Indra getting old? Granted, compared to Rica’s age, he might as well be. Rica was about to turn 21, while Indra was 32. Though honestly, with his youthful appearance and fitness, he looked more like 29.
“Hey! Knock before you enter someone’s room!” Indra barked, pretending to be annoyed.
“Is your internship over?” Priska asked as she continued massaging her husband.
Rica nodded. “Where’s Mom?”
Though she was used to being home alone, Rica had developed a habit of seeking her mom whenever she returned, especially now that the house felt livelier with Priska and Indra around.
“She had some errands to run but will be back soon,” Priska replied.
Priska hopped off Indra’s back and wrapped her arms around Rica. Indra grumbled, complaining that he still needed the massage. Rica stuck her tongue out at him teasingly. Priska asked Rica if she had eaten dinner yet, mentioning her plans to cook some of Indra’s favorite meat dishes while also preparing something for Rica. Priska’s warmth touched Rica’s heart, though it also annoyed her—why had she only just found out she had a sister?
As they headed to Rica’s room, the teasing continued. “Where did you meet such a hot-headed guy like him, Sis?” Rica jabbed at Indra.
Priska chuckled. “Hush, or he’ll come after you, Rica.”
“But seriously, I get nervous just looking for you when he’s around. He’s like a permanent bodyguard. Are you still getting morning sickness?” Rica asked while kicking off her shoes and slipping into her house slippers.
“No, I’m fine now. The nausea was only during the first few weeks. But guess what? Indra has morning sickness now. He’s been queasy all day and hasn’t even eaten rice.”
Rica burst out laughing. Priska explained that according to her OB-GYN and some advice from a doctor friend, it’s a sign of a deeply loving husband when he experiences sympathy pregnancy symptoms.
“Woah, your husband really loves you, huh?” Rica teased.
“Of course he does,” Priska replied, laughing.
“Ugh, you two are so weird,” Rica said with a grin.
They were interrupted by Indra opening Rica’s door, shirtless. He leaned casually against the doorframe, looking both annoyed and confused.
“Pris, have you seen my blue-and-white shirt?” he asked.
Rica’s jaw dropped slightly as she stared at Indra’s toned physique. His slim yet muscular upper body was... a lot to take in.
“Don’t flaunt your abs in front of me! I’m just a college student who’s never had a one-night stand, even though I’ve had lots of exes!” Rica declared dramatically.
Priska rushed to shoo Indra out of the room, scolding him for being so casual and startling Rica.
“Rica, go shower. We’ll eat together downstairs later,” Priska called out as she walked away.
“Okay, Sis!” Rica shouted back, then muttered, “No wonder she got pregnant so fast with that walking temptation around.” She fanned her face with her hands, laughing to herself.