The transformation happened surprisingly quickly.
Oliver opened the university group chat.
Attached:
One ultrasound image.
Caption:
Official announcement: Baby Pumpkin is healthy and thriving. Estimated arrival in approximately four months. Cambridge's smallest journalism student is doing well.
A minute later:
❤️ reactions.
🎉 reactions.
🥹 reactions.
Messages flooded in.
"Tell Little Pumpkin we're rooting for her."
"Baby Pumpkin already has more fans than most societies."
"Future editor-in-chief incoming."
"Protect Baby Pumpkin at all costs."
Oliver looked genuinely proud.
"We may have accidentally created a celebrity."
Chloe nodded seriously.
"Cambridge's youngest student."
For the first time...
the story belonged to Alankrita.
Not to rumours.
Not to whispers.
Not to speculation.
Only to her.