Author pov...

The room had slowly settled into a quiet calm. Ishani and Rajni were still engaged in a soft conversation, their voices gentle and unhurried, while little Ishaan and Mannat, worn out from their play, slept peacefully side by side.

In the silence that lingered, Deeksha and Deepak found themselves alone.

"Deeksha..." Deepak called, his voice low but steady.

She turned to him, her expression unreadable.

"You should come to my house," he said, taking a step closer. "I can't stay in this hotel anymore... and how long will you keep living here? Whenever I try to leave, Mannat stops me. That's why I'm saying... you and Mannat should come with me."

Deeksha looked at him for a moment, then spoke calmly, "Ishani di and I have already found a place. We saw a building... the house there is really nice. We're planning to move there."

Deepak's curiosity flickered. "Which building?"

As soon as she said the name, a soft laugh escaped him. "That's my building too."

For a second, Deeksha couldn't react.

"What?" she asked, stunned.

"Yes," he nodded. "I live there... Rahul does too."

"Oh..." she whispered, still absorbing it.

"That's actually good," Deepak continued, a hint of relief in his voice. "At least you both will be close to me."

Deeksha's eyes lingered on him, but her thoughts were far away. She didn't want this closeness... not between Deepak and Mannat. Once Mannat recovered from cancer, she was going to leave... take her to London. This attachment it would only make things harder. But she kept all of it buried inside and said

nothing.

"So, when are you shifting?" Deepak asked.

"I'll have to ask Ishani di first," she replied.

"I'll ask her," he said immediately, turning toward the door.

"Deepak-" she tried to stop him, but he had already stepped out.

"Ishani di!" his voice echoed from outside.

Ishani looked up. "Yes?"

"The building you're planning to move into... I live there too. When are you shifting?"

Her brows lifted in surprise. "You live there?"

"Yes."

"Oh... we just got a message. They said we can move anytime," she said.

"Then let's shift today," Deepak suggested quickly, almost impatiently.

Ishani smiled, amused by his urgency. "Why so sudden?"

Before he could answer, Rajni spoke with a soft chuckle, "He just doesn't want to stay alone anymore from mannat, not even for a minute."

Ishani glanced at Deepak, understanding the unspoken truth behind his silence.

Her tone softened. "Not today. We'll move tomorrow. It's already getting late."

Then she added gently, "If you want, you and Rajni aunty can stay here tonight... if you don't want to leave Mannat."

Deepak was about to say something, but Deeksha interrupted, her voice practical, almost defensive. "Di, where will Deepak stay here? Rajni aunty has been here since morning... she must already be uncomfortable in this hotel room."

Rajni immediately shook her head, her eyes warm with affection. "No, Deeksha. I'm absolutely fine. For my granddaughter... I can stay anywhere."

Deeksha didn't say another word. The silence between them grew heavier, almost suffocating.

Deepak noticed the discomfort on her face, the way her eyes avoided his. Without explaining anything,

Deeksha turned and walked into her room.

A moment later, Deepak followed.

"Deeksha... is something wrong?" he asked softly.

She turned to face him, her expression firm, almost guarded. "Deepak, I won't marry you... because of Mannat."

For a second, it felt like time had stopped. Deepak stared at her, stunned. "Marriage? Where did this even come from?"

"I heard Ishani di and aunty talking," she said, her voice steady. "Aunty said once Mannat recovers, Aunty get us married... like everything will just fall into place."

"Don't you want that?" he asked quietly. "Don't you want... us?"

Deeksha looked straight into his eyes this time, leaving no space for misunderstanding. "There is no 'us,' Deepak. What happened between us... seven years ago... it was just one night. Nothing more. You may have felt something, but I didn't. I don't love you."

"And now suddenly," she continued, her voice slightly trembling but firm, "there's a child... and everyone thinks marriage is the solution? It's not. Marriage happens when there is love. Not out of responsibility... not out of pressure."

Deeksha fell silent after that, but the air between them was already too heavy to ignore.

Seven years.

Seven long years had passed since they had last seen each other... since that one night that had changed everything for Deepak but meant nothing more than a mistake to Deeksha.

He had loved her back then. Quietly, deeply, without conditions.But she had never felt the same.

After a long pause, he nodded slowly, forcing himself to accept what she was saying. "Okay... nothing like that will happen. Maa must have just said it without thinking. I'll talk to her. I won't let anyone force you... or decide anything for you."

Deeksha exhaled softly, as if releasing something she had been holding in for too long. "Please... just go for now. Take aunty with you. You can come back tomorrow."

Deepak stood there for a moment, looking at her really looking at her then"Okay," he said quietly.

And just like that, he turned and walked out of the room.

The door closed behind him, but the silence it left behind was louder than anything.

Deeksha slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, her composure finally cracking. She pressed her hands together, frustration and guilt rising inside her.

She had been harsh. Too harsh.

He didn't deserve that... not after everything. Not after the way he had shown up, without questions, without hesitation... even after learning the truth.

But maybe harshness was easier than honesty.

Because if she allowed even a little softness... things would only get more complicated.And she couldn't afford that.

Rajni and Deepak quietly left.

A few moments later, Ishani entered the room. She found Deeksha sitting on the edge of the bed, lost in her thoughts, her face heavier than usual.

"Is everything okay?" Ishani asked gently. "Did something happen between you and Deepak?"

Deeksha quickly shook her head. "No, di... nothing."

But Ishani kept looking at her, sensing the unspoken.

Deeksha lowered her gaze. "I just have a headache... I want to rest for a while. Please... turn off the lights and close the door."

Ishani paused for a second, understanding that Deeksha needed space more than questions. Without saying anything further, she nodded softly, switched off the lights, and quietly closed the door behind her.

On the other side, Deepak drove in silence, his hands steady on the wheel but his mind in chaos.

Rajni glanced at him, noticing the unusual quiet. "Did something happen between you and Deeksha?" she asked. "You left without even meeting Mannat properly."

Deepak let out a slow breath, his voice low but firm. "Maa... why did you have to bring up my marriage with Deeksha?"

Rajni frowned slightly, confused. "What do you mean? Of course you'll have to get married once Mannat gets better..."

Deepak shook his head, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Maa... Deeksha doesn't love me. Yes, we spent one night together... and Mannat is proof of that. But that doesn't mean we'll get married now."

Rajni looked at him, unable to accept what she was hearing. "What are you saying, Deepak? You love Deeksha, don't you? I've seen you... you've cried for her. You've never cried for anyone else. Are you saying you don't want to marry her?""And what about Mannat...? Will she really live away from her parents?"

Deepak's eyes flickered with pain, but his voice remained steady. "I do want to, Maa... but Deeksha doesn't. And I won't force her."There are so many children who don't stay with their parents," he said gently. "Mannat will learn too... slowly, with time."

There was a quiet finality in his words.

"Please... don't bring this up again," he added softly.

Rajni fell silent, her heart heavy as she looked at her son.

.........................................................................................................

The next morning, Deepak arrived again. This time, when he reached the door, Deeksha opened it and looked at him.

"Has Mannat woken up?" he asked

softly.

"No," Deeksha replied, shaking her head.

Deepak nodded and stepped inside. "You're shifting today, right?" he asked.

"Yes," Deeksha confirmed.

Ishani arrived soon after, smiling warmly at Deepak.

"Didi," Deepak said, looking at her seriously, "please gather all your belongings and Deeksha's too. I've called a few people they'll help move everything into the building. After that, you both can come with me in my car."

Ishani nodded, her smile unwavering. "Okay."

Ishani quietly walked away to pack her belongings.

"Deepak..." Deeksha called out softly.

He turned back, his eyes meeting hers with a calm curiosity.

"I... I'm really sorry," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Yesterday, I said some very harsh things to you. I should have spoken more calmly, more respectfully. But after hearing what aunty said, I got so angry... I just couldn't control my words."

Her gaze dropped, guilt clearly written across her face.

Deepak looked at her for a moment, then gave a small, understanding nod. "It's okay, Deeksha. I understand."

There was no bitterness in his voice only quiet acceptance.

After a brief pause, he added gently, "Let it go now. You should go pack your things too... I'll wake Mannat."

Deeksha nodded silently, a mix of relief and lingering regret in her eyes, before turning away to do as he said.

After a while, all the things was finally packed. Deepak arranged for everything to be sent from the hotel to the building.

Then he drove Deeksha, Mannat, Ishani, and little Ishaan to their new place.

Mannat was glowing with happiness she couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of finally living with her father.

The entire way, she kept talking excitedly, her voice filling the car with life.

Soon, the car reached the building.

Ishani stepped out first, carefully holding Ishaan in her arms.

Deeksha and Mannat followed, and Deepak came around, saying softly, “Shall we?”

Ishani and Deeksha nodded, and together they walked toward the lift.

The quiet hum of the elevator carried them to the upper floor. As the doors opened, they stepped out and made their way toward their new home.

The moment Mannat saw the house, her eyes lit up with pure joy.

“Didi… this is so nice… and it’s so big too,” Deeksha said, looking around in awe.

Ishani smiled faintly. “That’s why I chose it. Come on, let’s go inside.”

They all stepped in. Mannat ran around the house, exploring every corner with excitement, her laughter echoing through the empty rooms.

But suddenly.

Everything changed.

Mannat’s steps slowed… her tiny body swayed… and before anyone could understand what was happening, she collapsed.

“Mannat!”

Deepak and Deeksha froze for a second, fear gripping their hearts, then rushed toward her.

“Mannat, bachcha…” Deepak’s voice trembled as he quickly lifted her in his arms and laid her gently on the sofa.

Ishani hurried to bring water and sprinkled it on Mannat’s face, her hands shaking but there was no response.

Mannat didn’t move.

Deeksha’s fear turned into panic. “Deepak… we have to take her to the doctor!”

Deepak nodded immediately. Without wasting another second, he picked Mannat up in his arms and rushed out.

Ishani instinctively moved to follow them, but Deeksha stopped her.

“Didi, you stay here… I’ll go with Deepak. We’ll handle it.”

Ishani hesitated for a moment, worried about clouding her eyes… but then she nodded.

Now only Ishani and Ishaan were left in the house.

Ishaan couldn’t understand what had happened. His innocent eyes were filled with confusion as he looked at his mother.

“Mumma… what happened to Mannat didi?” he asked softly.

Ishani looked at him, her heart tightening at the question.

She gently lifted him into her arms and sat down on the sofa, holding him close.

“Nothing, Ishaan,” she said in a calm, comforting voice. “Didi is just a little unwell. She will be fine soon… and then she will play with you again.”

Ishaan, being an autistic child, trusted his mother completely. He nodded quietly, accepting her words without any doubt.

Ishani gave a soft smile and brushed his hair lovingly. “Okay, Ishaan…

Mumma has to settle everything in the house now. Will you help me?”

He said. “Yes.”

Her smile deepened. She gently kissed his forehead. “That’s my good boy.”

She placed him down and began arranging all their belongings, trying to bring order to the new space.

Ishaan stayed beside her, helping in his own quiet way, doing whatever his mother asked without hesitation.

The moment Deepak stopped the car outside the hospital, everything turned into a blur of panic and urgency.

He rushed inside, carrying Mannat tightly in his arms, while Deeksha followed close behind, her heart pounding with fear.

“Doctor! Please… help!” Deepak’s voice shook as he called out.

Within seconds, the staff hurried them in. Mannat was taken from his arms and placed onto a stretcher, disappearing behind the emergency doors.

And just like that… they were left outside.

Waiting.

Helpless.

Deeksha’s hands trembled as she stood there, her eyes fixed on the closed door. “Deepak… she’ll be fine, right?”

Deepak didn’t answer immediately. His jaw tightened, his eyes filled with worry but he forced himself to nod. “She will be.”

Time felt unbearably slow. Every second stretched like forever.

Finally, the door opened.

The doctor stepped out, removing his gloves, his expression serious yet calm. Deepak and Deeksha rushed toward him instantly.

“Doctor… how is she?” Deepak asked, his voice low but desperate.

The doctor looked at them and spoke carefully, “She fainted due to a reaction from chemotherapy. It has caused weakness, dizziness, and severe body pain… that’s why she lost consciousness.”

Deeksha’s breath caught for a moment. “Is she… okay?”

“She will regain consciousness soon,” the doctor reassured them. “There’s nothing to panic about right now.”

A wave of relief washed over both of them. Deeksha closed her eyes briefly, her hands coming together as if thanking God, while Deepak exhaled the breath he didn’t realize he had been holding.

But the doctor wasn’t done.

His tone grew more serious.

“However… we cannot delay anymore. Mannat needs a bone marrow transplant and soon. If we delay further, her condition can worsen, and it may become very difficult to manage.”

The relief they had just felt… faded again.

Deeksha looked at Deepak, fear returning to her eyes but this time, there was also determination.

She stepped forward without hesitation.“Doctor… do it,” she said firmly. “We are ready.”

Deepak nodded in agreement, his voice steady despite everything. “Yes. Whatever needs to be done… we’re ready.”

The doctor gave a small, understanding nod. “Alright. I’ll run the necessary tests and plan everything. I’ll inform you about the next steps soon.”

As he walked away, Deepak and Deeksha stood there in silence Relieved that Mannat would wake up…But now facing a much bigger battle ahead.

After what felt like an eternity, Mannat’s eyelids fluttered weakly… and slowly, she opened her eyes.

The world around her was blurry, her body heavy, her face drained of all colours.

She looked so small on that hospital bed so fragile, as if even a whisper could break her.

Deepak, who hadn’t moved an inch from her side, saw her wake up and instantly leaned forward, his heart racing.

“Mannat… bachcha…” his voice came out softer than a whisper, filled with fear and hope at the same time. “Are you okay?”

Mannat looked at him and gave the faintest nod.

That one small movement… and Deepak felt like he could breathe again.

“Mumma…” she whispered, her voice dry and weak.

“She’ll be back in a minute,” Deepak said gently, brushing her hair back with trembling fingers. “Tell me… do you need anything? Papa is right here.”

Mannat stared at him for a moment… as if gathering strength.

“Come closer,” she said softly.

Deepak didn’t waste a second.

He moved closer, sitting beside her, holding her tiny hand carefully afraid even his touch might hurt her. “I’m here, bachcha.”

There was a pause.

A silence filled with something unspoken… something heavy.

Then Mannat spoke to her voice trembling, her eyes already glistening with fear.

“Papa… if I go to God…”

Deepak’s heart stopped.

“…you won’t leave Mumma again, right?”

The words didn’t just hurt they pierced straight through him.

Mannat’s grip on his hand tightened weakly, as if she was scared he might disappear even now.

“You won’t leave her like before… right?” she continued, her voice shaking. “Mumma gets very alone… she cries a lot when someone goes away.”

“When Nani went to God, Mumma used to cry so much… but I was there with her,” she said, her voice breaking. “But if I also go… then Mumma will be alone again.”

“And… you also went away once…” she whispered, almost like a complaint hidden inside fear. “I was very scared at that time… Mumma was also sad.”

Deepak felt his entire world collapse at that moment.

This wasn’t just fear of death.

This was a child…  terrified of her mother being abandoned again.

“Papa…” Mannat’s voice trembled as she looked at him helplessly, “promise me… you won’t leave Mumma this time. Stay with her… don’t let her cry. Please…”

Deepak couldn’t hold himself anymore.

Tears spilled from his eyes as he shook his head immediately, holding her hand tighter like letting go would mean losing her.

“No… no, bachcha,” his voice broke. “Why are you talking like this?”

He gently cupped her face, his hands trembling.

“You’re not going anywhere. Do you understand me?” he said, trying to sound strong, even as his voice cracked. “You’re not leaving us. You’ll stay here… with your Mumma… with your Papa.”

He wiped her tears softly, even as his own kept falling.

“And I’m not going anywhere either,” he added, his voice filled with pain and regret. “I made a mistake once… but I won’t leave again. Never. Not you… not your Mumma.”

Mannat looked at him, her eyes searching his face wanting to believe him, needing to believe him.

“I heard the doctor's uncle…” she whispered weakly, “he said my chances are very less…”

Deepak’s breath hitched.

He shook his head instantly, almost desperately. “No. Nothing like that is true. Doctors say many things… but my daughter is strong.”He pressed her hand against his chest.

“You’ll stay here. With us. Always,” he said, his voice trembling but firm.

The door opened softly.

And Deeksha stepped inside.

Her eyes immediately fell on Mannat… awake.

“Mannat!”

She rushed to her without thinking, her breath uneven, her hands trembling as she cupped Mannat’s face.

“Bachcha… are you okay? What happened? Tell me… where does it hurt?”

Mannat looked at her worried face and despite her weakness, she smiled a little.

“Mumma…” she said softly, “why do you always panic so much? I’m fine… nothing happened to me.”

Deeksha’s eyes filled instantly. She shook her head, trying to control herself. “You scared me…” she whispered.

Behind them, Deepak quickly wiped the tears from his face and stood up, forcing a normal expression.

Mannat looked at her mother with a faint smile.“Mumma, you are so overdramatic… just like those Indian serials Nani used to watch.”

For a second, the room went silent.

Then Deepak suddenly laughed.

It was small but real.

Deeksha immediately turned toward him. “Why are you laughing?”

Deepak’s laughter stopped instantly.

He straightened up, pretending to be serious. “I’m not laughing. You must have heard wrong.”

Deeksha narrowed her eyes. “I clearly heard you.”

Deepak shrugged. “Then maybe your ears are overdramatic too.”

“Excuse me?” she snapped.

He raised his hands slightly. “Relax, I didn’t say anything.”

Deeksha shook her head. “You never admit anything, do you?”

Deepak sighed. “There’s nothing to admit.”

Deeksha stepped closer. “Oh really? So I’m lying now?”

Deepak looked at her for a moment… then smirked. “I didn’t say that.”

“That’s exactly what you meant!”

“No, that’s what you assumed.”

“Wow.” She crossed her arms. “You always do this.”

“Do what?”

“Twist everything!”

Deepak leaned back slightly, still calm. “Or maybe you just remember things differently.”

Deeksha scoffed. “Right. I remember wrongly. You are always perfect.”

“Not perfect,” he said casually. “Just less dramatic.”

That hit her instantly. “Less dramatic?”

“Yes.”

Before she could respond, he added,

“Let’s not start this again. We are not teenagers who argue over everything.”

Deeksha’s eyes widened. “Teenagers? Me?”

Deepak nodded once. “Sometimes it feels like it.”

“Oh wow.” She turned slightly toward Mannat. “Did you hear him?”

Mannat was quietly watching them, her tired face now slowly lighting up with amusement.

“You both fight like small kids…” she murmured.

That made both of them pause.

Deepak and Deeksha looked at each other.

The room had turned awkward after their small argument.

Neither Deepak nor Deeksha spoke

properly for a few seconds.

The air felt heavy… like both of them suddenly realised how childish they had sounded.

Deepak cleared his throat, avoiding eye contact. “Uh… I’ll just go outside for a bit.”

Deeksha didn’t respond immediately.

She simply looked away, still annoyed but silent.

Deepak gave a small, uncomfortable smile and walked out of the room.

Once outside, he exhaled deeply, shaking his head with a faint, helpless laugh like even he couldn’t believe the argument they just had.

He leaned against the wall for a moment, trying to calm himself.

Just then, his phone rang.

Rahul.

Deepak picked up. “Hello.”

“Where are you?” Rahul asked immediately.

“Hospital,” Deepak replied. “Mannat is admitted.”

There was a short pause on the other side.

“Oh… is everything okay?” Rahul asked, his tone turning serious.

Deepak’s voice lowered. “Not really. She might need a transplant. She’s admitted for now.”

Rahul went quiet for a second. “Deeksha is there with you?”

“Yes,” Deepak answered.

“Okay,” Rahul said. “I’ll come to the hospital in a while.”

Deepak straightened slightly. “You’re coming?”

“Yes.”

“Alright,” Deepak said softly. “Come.”

The call ended.

At Rahul’s home, Bhavya was standing nearby. She noticed his expression change as he kept the phone down.

“How is he?” she asked.

Rahul sighed. “He’s at the hospital. Mannat is admitted… his daughter.”

Bhavya nodded slowly. “Oh…”

Rahul looked at her. “I’m going there. Do you want to come?”

Bhavya shook her head. “No… you go.”

“Okay,” he said, grabbing his keys. “I’ll leave now.”

She nodded again, watching him go.

Rahul stepped out, called the lift, and waited.

A few seconds later, the lift doors opened and it was already crowded.

He squeezed in carefully. The lift began descending slowly, stopping on almost every floor as people got in and out.

The space kept getting emptier and emptier… until finally, it was just him.

Silence filled the lift as it went down.

And then.

A soft voice came from behind him.

“Rahul…”

He froze.

That voice.

He knew it instantly.

His heart skipped then started racing so fast it almost hurt.

Slowly, he turned around.

And there she was.

Ishani.

Just a few steps away. Calm. Real.

After so many years.

His breath caught in his throat. His mind went blank for a second, unable to process what he was seeing.

Ishani gave a small, soft smile. “Rahul… you’ve changed so much.”

He didn’t respond. He just stared at her like if he blinked, she might disappear.

Ishani tilted her head slightly. “Rahul? Where did you get lost?”

That finally pulled him back. He blinked, swallowing hard, trying to control his shaking voice.

“I… I’m just…”

He stopped. Took a breath. Tried again.

But nothing came out properly.

Because after all these years… seeing her like this again had completely shaken him in a way he wasn’t prepared for.

Ishani suddenly became worried seeing Rahul’s stunned silence.

“Rahul… are you okay? Is your health fine? What happened?” she asked quickly, her voice filled with concern.

Without thinking, she stepped closer and gently placed her hand on his forehead to check his temperature.

The moment her fingers touched his skin, a strange stillness passed through Rahul like time had slowed inside him.

His heartbeat shifted, his breath caught for a second, and he stood frozen, unable to move or speak.

Nearby, Ishaan stood quietly watching. After a moment, something clicked in his mind.

Chocolate uncle…

A small smile appeared on his face as he recognised him from somewhere familiar in his memory.

Ishani, still confused, muttered softly, “Your forehead isn’t even hot… then what happened?”

Before Rahul could respond, the lift doors opened.

The atmosphere changed instantly.

Rahul stepped out first.

Ishani looked at him in confusion and followed him out immediately.

“Rahul!” she called after him. “Wait!”

But he didn’t stop.

He started walking faster… almost running.

Ishani stood there frozen for a second, completely confused. “What happened to him…?” she whispered to herself.

She quickly followed him, calling again, “Rahul! Rahul, stop!”

But he didn’t turn back.

Within moments, he disappeared into the crowd ahead.

Ishani slowed down, looking around, lost and confused.

“First he stood like that… and now he just ran away again…” she murmured, still trying to understand what just happened.

Rahul stood hidden behind the wall, his back pressed hard against the cold surface as if it was the only thing keeping him steady.

His breath was uneven. Not loud… but broken, like it kept getting stuck somewhere in his chest before it could come out fully.

He closed his eyes, but that only made things worse. Memories came faster in the dark.

Ishani.

Her marriage.

And him sitting alone, falling apart quietly while life kept moving for everyone else.

He remembered those nights very clearly. When he couldn’t sleep.

When he would sit near the window staring at nothing, asking God questions he had no right to ask.

Sometimes he cried. Sometimes he got angry. Sometimes he said things he never truly meant.

Words born out of helplessness… not intention.

“Ishani… why did you leave like this?”

“Why her… why him…”

And in the deepest moments of pain, he had even cursed fate. Cursed the situation. Cursed everything that felt unfair.

Now those same words were coming back to him like a boomerang.

Because Abhay was gone.

And Ishani… was a widow.

His throat tightened painfully.

A thought crept in slow, unwanted, suffocating.

What if God actually listened to me?

His eyes opened suddenly at that thought.

“No…” he whispered instantly, shaking his head as if trying to throw the thought away. “No, that’s not what I meant…”

But guilt doesn’t listen to logic.

It sits inside you… and grows.

His hand slowly moved to his chest again, gripping his shirt tighter.

It felt like something heavy was sitting right there, pressing him down from the inside.

“I never wanted this…” his voice broke quietly. “I never wanted any of this to happen…”

But the mind is cruel. It doesn’t care what you meant. It only shows you what happened.

And what had happened was something he could not undo.

Abhay was gone.

Ishani was alone.

That guilt twisted inside him again and again until it became unbearable.

Now Ishani was here.

So close that he had just seen her face.

Heard her voice. Felt that familiar shock of presence.

And still… he couldn’t go near her.

Not because he didn’t want to.

But because he was afraid.

Afraid that if she looked at him directly… she might see everything he was carrying inside.

That I cursed it. I prayed for her marriage to break, for her to separate from Abhay. And if Ishani ever finds out all of this… she will hate me. She will hate me so much.

“I can’t face her…” he whispered again, this time weaker. Almost defeated.

But because he felt too heavy to stand in front of her anymore.

Rahul stood there for a few moments, unmoving.

His mind was too heavy to process

anything properly.

Finally, he walked toward his car, got inside, and started driving toward the hospital.

But even as the car moved forward, his thoughts didn’t.

Ishani’s face kept appearing in his mind.

Not just as a memory… but like she was right there in front of him.

In his mind, she stood wearing that soft pink saree, looking as simple as ever… yet somehow unforgettable.

Her gentle smile flashed in fragments small, familiar, almost haunting in its softness.

And then that tiny til near her lips… something so ordinary, but something his eyes had always remembered more than he should have.

He blinked, trying to push the image away.

But it only became clearer.

The way she look at him without effort… like she never had to try to be anything special. She just was.

Rahul exhaled slowly, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

“Stop it…” he muttered under his breath, as if he could command his own thoughts.

But his mind didn’t obey.

Every time he closed his eyes, she was still there.

Standing quietly in his thoughts, unchanged by time, unchanged by distance.

And that scared him more than anything else.

Because no matter how far he run

Her face had never left him even for a second.

He didn’t even think clearly just drove.

The road blurred slightly as his mind stayed trapped in the same loop of thoughts.

Ishani’s face kept appearing again and again, every memory pulling him deeper into something he had been trying to escape for years.

Before he knew it, the hospital building came into view.

He didn’t remember the journey properly.

He parked quickly, stepped out, and walked inside.

At the reception, he asked, “Mannat… the patient. Where is she admitted?”

The receptionist gave him the details, and he nodded without hesitation, moving forward immediately.

When he reached the ward, Deepak was standing there, still talking on the phone.

Rahul walked straight toward him.

“Deepak…”

Deepak turned instantly. The moment he saw Rahul, he ended the call and pulled him into a tight hug.

“Thank you for coming,” Deepak said, his voice heavy with relief and emotion.

Rahul gently patted his back. “It’s okay… don’t worry. She’ll be fine.”

Just then, Deeksha entered the room.

Without noticing properly at first, she said, “Deepak—”

Then she stopped mid-sentence.

Her eyes landed on Rahul.

For a second, she just stared.

Deepak stepped back after hugging Rahul and looked at Deeksha.

Deeksha’s expression changed slightly as she looked at Rahul properly now.

Rahul also stood there, suddenly aware of the awkward silence forming between them.

No one spoke for a moment.

The air felt heavy like something unspoken was sitting between them, unnoticed but very real.

Deepak looked at both of them for a moment, then turned to Deeksha.

“You were saying something?” he asked gently.

Deeksha shook her head quickly. “No… it was about the medicines. I’ll go and get them.”

Deepak immediately refused with a small shake of his head. “No, it’s okay. I’ll go.”

Before she could respond, he took the prescription slip from her hand and walked away, leaving Rahul and

Deeksha alone on purpose. He understood they needed that space.

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Deeksha gave a small, soft smile and looked at Rahul.

Rahul spoke first, his voice calm. “How are you?”

“I’m fine,” she replied. Then after a pause, “And you?”

“I’m fine too,” he said simply.

Again silence returned. Not uncomfortable… but heavy with

things neither of them said.

After a moment, Deeksha spoke again.

“Would you like to meet Mannat?”

Rahul nodded immediately. “Yes… of course.”

Deeksha turned slightly and gestured ahead. “Come.”

Rahul followed her quietly toward the room, both of them walking without saying anything more, as if too many memories were passing between them in silence.

Deeksha looked at Mannat softly and said, “Mannat, look who has come to meet you.”

Mannat turned her curious eyes toward her mother. “Who, mumma?”

Rahul stood there quietly, watching her with a gentle, almost emotional smile. His eyes softened as he looked at the little girl.

“Hey…” he said softly.

Mannat stared at him for a moment, then glanced back at her mother, slightly confused.

Deeksha gently explained, “He is your papa’s friend. He has come to meet you.”

Mannat looked at Rahul again, this time more openly. “Hi…” she said in her small voice.

Rahul’s smile widened a little. “How are you?” he asked warmly.

“I’m fine,” Mannat replied confidently.

Rahul raised his eyebrows slightly, impressed. “Oh… you are very strong, aren’t you?”

Mannat nodded without hesitation. “Mumma made me strong when I was born.”

For a second, Rahul just looked at her then he laughed softly, a warm, genuine smile breaking through.

“Of course… that sounds just like her,” he said quietly, almost to himself, his eyes carrying a mix of admiration.

Rahul slowly knelt down to Mannat’s level, making sure he was eye-to-eye with her.

His voice softened even more as he spoke.“So… what do you like doing, Mannat?”

Mannat tilted her head slightly, thinking seriously like it was a very important question. “I like drawing… and watching cartoons. And I also like ice cream.”

Rahul smiled. “That’s a perfect combination.”

Mannat nodded proudly. “Mumma says I draw very badly but I still draw.”

Rahul laughed softly. “No, that means you are brave. People who keep trying are the best artists.”

Mannat’s eyes brightened a little at that. She looked at him with new curiosity, as if she was deciding whether he was nice or not.

“You are funny,” she said suddenly.

Rahul raised his eyebrows slightly. “Only funny?”

Mannat thought for a second. “And nice.”

That made Rahul smile wider. “I’ll take that.”

Deeksha stood a little away from them, quietly watching the scene unfold. She didn’t interrupt.

Her eyes moved between Rahul and Mannat seeing how easily he was talking to her, how naturally Mannat was opening up.

There was something soft in her expression.

While they were talking, Mannat’s voice slowly became softer… her eyelids started to droop.

She rubbed her eyes a little and yawned quietly, struggling to stay awake.

Rahul noticed it immediately. His voice turned gentle. “Okay… you should sleep now.”

Mannat nodded sleepily. “Okay…”

She looked up at him one last time.

“We will talk later, okay? Now we are friends, right?” Rahul asked with a small smile.

Mannat gave a sleepy but sweet smile. “Okay…”

Rahul smiled back, brushing his hand lightly through the air as a gentle goodbye. “Good.”

He straightened up and looked at Deeksha for a brief moment. Their eyes met for a second quiet, unreadable, filled with things neither of them said.

Then Rahul turned and walked out of the room.

Outside the room, the hospital corridor felt colder and quieter.

Rahul exhaled slowly, trying to steady his thoughts.

He took a few steps forward, lost in his own mind… when suddenly he stopped.

His body went still.

In front of him—

Ishani and Deepak were walking toward his direction.

Rahul froze completely.

His eyes widened slightly, shock flashing across his face as if the ground beneath him had shifted.

For a second, he couldn’t move… couldn’t even breathe properly.

Deepak looked at Rahul, noticing his sudden silence.

Ishani also turned her gaze toward him and gave a soft smile, as if seeing him brought back old familiarity.

Deepak frowned slightly. “What happened? Why are you standing like that?”

Before Rahul could answer, Ishani spoke gently, “Rahul… why did you leave from there suddenly?”

Deepak looked between them. “Leave from where?”

Rahul quickly composed himself. “Nothing… I just had some work, so I had to go.”

Ishani nodded slowly. “Oh…”

Deepak kept watching Rahul for a moment longer, sensing something unspoken, then said, “I’ll go and give the medicines to Deeksha.”

Ishani immediately turned to Ishaan. “Go to Mannat di.”

Deepak smiled slightly. “Come, Ishaan.”

Ishaan nodded. Deepak lifted him gently into his arms and walked inside with him.

Now only Rahul and Ishani were left in the corridor.

A quiet stillness settled between them.

Ishani looked at Rahul for a moment, then softly said, “Rahul… thank you. For bringing Ishaan to me that day.”

Rahul avoided her eyes almost instantly. “It’s okay… it was my job.”

Ishani’s smile faded a little. She studied him carefully. “You’ve changed a lot…”

Rahul finally glanced at her briefly.

“I can’t believe you became an IPS officer… after all these years, we’re meeting like this again.”

Rahul gave a small, controlled nod. “Yes…”

Before the conversation could continue, he took out his phone.

“Sorry… some work came up.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

Ishani stood there silently, watching him leave her eyes following him until he disappeared from view.

His behavior didn’t feel like the Rahul she once knew.

A little time passed in the hospital.

Deeksha and Ishani were sitting together, talking quietly, trying to keep their minds calm.

Deepak had stepped outside to speak with the doctors. The atmosphere inside the room felt a little lighter now, as if life had slowed down for a moment.

Inside the ward, Mannat and Ishaan were sitting near each other, talking in their own innocent world. Their voices were soft, filled with curiosity and childish understanding.

"Didi, what happened to you?" Ishaan asked softly.

Mannat looked at him for a moment, then said calmly, “Nothing… I am going to God.”

Ishaan’s heart tightened, though he didn't fully understand the finality of her words. "Why? Why are you going to Papa? If you leave, I’ll be all alone."

"You won't be alone," Mannat whispered, reaching out to him. "You have Ishani Auntie, don't you?"

"No!" Ishaan protested, his voice trembling. "I want to go with you. Take me with you."

Mannat sighed softly, her tone still innocent. “You can’t come like that, Ishaan.”

He frowned slightly. “Why not?”

She hesitated for a moment, then said in her childlike way, “To come with me… you have to be very sick. Only then you can come where I am going.”

Ishaan fell silent, his expression clouded with confusion.

In the unique landscape of his autistic mind, the logic was simple and devastating: if Mannat Didi left, his world would lose its only playmate.

There would be no one to understand his games or share his silence.

As he stared at his sister, a quiet, desperate resolve took root in his mind.

If being sick was the price to stay by her side, then he would be sick.

He wouldn't let her go to God alone.

Whatever it took, he would find a way to follow her.

.......................................................................................................

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