It happened during lunch.
Of course it happened during lunch.
Mrs. Kapoor had just placed vegetable curry and rice in front of Alankrita.
Outside the windows rain tapped gently against the glass.
Inside the canteen was warm.
Comfortable.
Safe.
Alankrita smiled quietly while rubbing her stomach.
"He likes the potatoes today."
Mrs. Kapoor looked proud.
"Obviously."
Then—
lightning.
A brilliant flash lit the entire room.
The thunder followed immediately.
The entire building shook.
And suddenly,
warm water.
Alankrita froze.
She looked down.
Then looked up.
The room became silent.
Absolute silence.
Then she whispered:
"Oh."
Chloe stood immediately.
"Oh?"
Sam stood.
"What kind of oh?"
Alankrita looked at them.
"My water broke."
Chaos.
Instant chaos.