As the sun rose the next morning, Avantika found herself lying in bed, the soft light filtering through the curtains, casting gentle patterns on the wall. The joy of the news of her pregnancy still danced in her mind, but it was quickly overshadowed by the looming expectations that came with it.

Her mother-in-law's words from yesterday after having dinner echoed in her ears: "This baby must be a boy. Our lineage depends on it." Avantika felt the pressure of that statement settle heavily on her chest.