Author pov....

Morning arrives softly. In the kitchen, Deeksha moves gently, preparing breakfast with practiced hands. The faint aroma of toasted bread and tea fills the air.

Ishani walks out of her room, fully dressed, her expression calm.

She pauses near the doorway and says, “Deeksha, I’m leaving with Kiara for her college. You’ll take care of Ishaan till afternoon, right?”

Deeksha looks up and smiles warmly. “Of course, didi. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him.”

“Thank you,” Ishani replies, turning to leave.

But before she can step out, Deeksha calls after her, “Didi, I made bread… please eat something before you go. Have it with tea.”

Ishani shakes her head lightly. “No, it’s okay. I’m not hungry.”

Deeksha walks closer, her voice soft but firm. “Please, didi. It’s very hot outside. If you stay out on an empty stomach, you’ll fall sick. Just eat a little.”

After a brief pause, Ishani gives in. She walks to the dining table and sits down. Deeksha brings the plate and tea for both of them. They eat quietly for a while, the silence carrying unspoken thoughts.

Then Ishani breaks it.“Why did Deepak leave angrily last night?”

Deeksha’s hands still for a moment. She takes a breath before answering, “Didi… Mannat and I have to go to London. He was talking about enrolling her in a school here, but… I won’t be staying here. We both have to leave.”

Ishani freezes, shock flashing across her face. “Deeksha… are you sure about this? About the decision you’re making for yourself, for Mannat, for Deepak? Are you certain Mannat won’t hate you… for separating her from her father again?”

Deeksha looks straight into Ishani’s eyes, a quiet strength settling in her voice. “What are you saying, didi? I’m not taking Mannat away from him. They can talk on the phone… they can meet once a year.”

Ishani sighs, concerned deepening in her gaze. “Think about it once more, Deeksha. I won’t be in London anymore… you’ll be completely alone there. No one except Mannat.”

For a moment, the world seems to stand still.Then Deeksha speaks, her voice unwavering, carrying a truth she has already made peace with.“I don’t need anyone else… except Mannat.”

Ishani is about to say something when the door suddenly opens. Kiara walks in, with Deepak right behind her.

Both Ishani and Deeksha look up. But Deeksha quickly lowers her gaze, pretending to focus on her food, as if nothing matters more than the plate in front of her. She keeps eating quietly.

Deepak noticed… but says nothing.

“Come on, Ishani di, let’s go to college,” Kiara says brightly.

Ishani nods. “Yes, let’s go.”

Kiara turns to Deepak with a playful smile. “Coming, boyfriend?”

Deepak glances at her, then replies, “Yeah, let’s go.”

Without hesitation, Kiara slips her hand into his. Deepak’s eyes flicker toward Deeksha, searching waiting to see if there’s even a trace of jealousy on her face.

But Deeksha doesn’t look at them. She simply turns her face away, distant, unreadable… untouched.

A quiet disappointment settles inside him.

Ishani then looks at Deepak. “You’re coming too?”

“Yeah, didi,” Deepak says casually. “Kiara wanted me to come… and I never said no to her.”

“Aww,” Kiara coos softly and before anyone can react, she leans in and

plants a quick kiss on Deepak’s cheek.

Ishani freezes in shock.

Deepak is just as stunned. He hadn’t expected Kiara to take the act this far.

For a moment, he doesn’t even know how to react. Instinctively, his eyes shift to Deeksha.

And this time—

Deeksha is looking.

Her eyes burn with anger, sharp and unhidden, fixed on both of them. The calm mask is gone. In its place, something raw, something fierce.

Without a word, she pushes her chair back and stands up. The sound echoes louder than it should.

She walks away.

A moment later, her room door slammed shut hard, final.

Silence lingers.

Deepak looks at Kiara again… and slowly, a satisfied smile forms on his lips.

Because finally—he saw it.

Jealousy.

Ishani’s eyes linger on the closed door for a moment… on Deeksha.

Then she slowly turns, her gaze shifting to Deepak and Kiara both of them smiling in a way that doesn’t quite sit right with her.

Her brows knit slightly. “Why are you two smiling like that?”

The question lands, and just like that, their smiles fade.

Kiara is the first to recover. “Nothing, didi,” she says lightly. “Shall we go? Don’t you have to reach college?”

Ishani hums softly, still a little unconvinced. “Hmm… let’s go.”

The three of them walk out together, the moment slipping away on the surface.

But inside Deepak—something has changed.

All the way there, a quiet happiness lingers within him, growing with every passing second. He doesn’t show it, doesn’t say a word… but he feels it.

Because for the first time—he knows.

Deeksha feels something for him too.

Deeksha storms into her room, the door still trembling from the force with which she shut it.

Her chest rises and falls quickly, anger bubbling inside her with nowhere to go.

She grabs her pillow and throws it onto the bed then starts hitting it, again and again, as if it’s the only thing that can take her frustration.

“Haa boyfriend… handsome boyfriend…” she mimics in a high, exaggerated tone, copying Kiara’s voice perfectly, dripping with sarcasm. She hits the pillow harder.

“Coming, boyfriend? Aww…”

Her voice twists into something sharper, more bitter as she continues mocking the way Kiara flirted with Deepak.

“I never say no to her…” she mutters, now imitating Deepak, her lips curling in annoyance. Another hit. “Of course you don’t!”

She pauses for a second, staring at the pillow like it personally betrayed her.

Then another burst.

“Aww…” she repeats mockingly, pressing her hand dramatically to her chest before hitting the pillow again. “What was that, huh?!”

Her movements slow down gradually, the anger still there… but now mixed with something softer, something she doesn’t want to name.

She drops the pillow beside her and sits down heavily on the bed, crossing her arms.

“I don’t care,” she mutters under her breath, looking away stubbornly.

“I really don’t care…”

But the way her voice falters says otherwise.

She drags both her hands over her face, pressing her palms hard against her skin as if she can wipe the feelings away.

“Fuck…” she breathes out, her voice shaking. “I’m starting to like Deepak… what the hell is happening to me?”

She stands there for a moment, lost, unsettled by her own confession.

Then she shakes her head quickly, almost desperately, as if trying to erase the thought before it settles too deep.

“No… no,” she mutters to herself. “He saved Mannat… he gave his bone marrow… that’s all this is. It’s just gratitude.”

Her voice grows firmer, as though she’s trying to convince her own heart.“That’s it. Nothing else. You don’t like him, Deeksha… you’re just confused.”

She exhales slowly, but her eyes betray her still restless, still unsure.

“Yeah… it’s just a misunderstanding,” she whispers.

She wraps her arms around herself, as if trying to hold her breaking pieces together.

“I need to leave… I have to leave this place… London… as soon as possible,” she whispers, but her voice trembles despite her trying to sound strong. “If I stay here… I’ll fall again. Into all of this… love, attachment… hope.”

The last word almost feels like poison on her tongue.

A hollow laugh escapes her lips, weak and tired.

“Hope…” she repeats softly. “That’s where it all begins… and that’s where everything shatters.”

She presses her fingers against her temples, shutting her eyes tightly, as if memories are clawing their way back in.

“I can’t do this again… I can’t let my heart break like that again,” her voice cracks now, raw and unguarded. “I barely survived it the first time.”

Her thoughts spiral, dragging her into the past she never truly healed from.

“In this world… no one belongs to anyone,” she says slowly, as if carving the truth into her own soul. “People stay only until it’s convenient… until they’re done… until they find something better.”

Her eyes glisten, but she refuses to let the tears fall.

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes… Maa…” her voice softens, pain seeping through every word. “That man… he said he loved her… so much… and still, one day, he threw her out like she meant nothing. Brought another woman into her place… just like that.”

She swallows hard, her throat tightening.

“And me…” she whispers, almost breaking. “I trusted someone too. I gave everything… my heart, my belief… everything to Rahul.”

Her lips tremble as she forces the words out.“And what did I get? Nothing… just pain. Just emptiness.”

A tear finally slips down her cheek, but she quickly wipes it away, almost angrily.

“So why would Deepak be any different?” she says, her tone turning cold, defensive like armor snapping back into place. “He’ll stay…Until one day he wakes up and decides I’m not enough… and then he’ll leave too.”

She shakes her head, refusing to let herself believe otherwise.

“No… I won’t let that happen. I won’t let myself become that weak again.”

Her breathing slowly steadies, but her eyes lose their softness, turning distant… guarded.

“Love only destroys,” she murmurs. “It gives you just enough happiness to make the pain unbearable when it’s gone.”

Silence wraps around her.

And in that silence, she makes a decision not out of peace, but out of fear.

“I’ll leave… before it even begins,” she says firmly. “Before I start expecting… before I start needing him.”

She lifts her chin slightly, forcing strength into her posture.“London is the only way out… the only way to protect myself.”

But deep inside—a small, fragile part of her heart aches…because it already knows—she’s not running away from a place.

She’s running away from what she feels.

On the other side, a new chapter quietly begins for Ishani.

She’s been selected as a professor.

For a moment, it doesn’t feel real like something she had only dreamed of, now standing right in front of her.

But before the weight of it can fully settle in, Kiara’s cheerful voice breaks through.

“Okay, Ishani didi… so now you’ll be my professor?” Kiara says with a playful grin. “That means I’ll get some special treatment in your class, right?At least a little freedom for fun?”

Ishani lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head, a hint of authority slipping into her tone. “No, Miss Kiara. I’m a very strict professor. You won’t get any special treatment from me.”

Kiara’s face instantly falls into an exaggerated pout, her eyes widening in mock disappointment.

“Seriously? Not even a little?” she murmurs, dragging the moment like a child denied her favorite toy.

Ishani watches her for a second… and then her expression softens.

“But…” she adds, a small smile playing on her lips, “I can give you a treat from my side. Tell me, what do you want to eat?”

Kiara’s mood flips in an instant, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Really?! Then… burger!”

Ishani chuckles. “Alright. Let’s go, I’ll get you your burger.”

Kiara almost beams with happiness, her earlier disappointment forgotten as if it never existed.

After a short ride, the auto comes to a halt in front of a nearby McDonald’s.

Just as Ishani steps out, her phone starts ringing.

She glances at the screen.

Deepak.

She picked up.“Hello?”

“Where are you, Ishani di?” Deepak’s voice comes through, slightly rushed. “I came to the college to pick you up.”

Ishani exhales softly, a faint smile touching her lips. “Deepak, I told you, didn’t I? I’ll come with Kiara. You didn’t need to worry.”

There’s a brief pause before she adds, “We’re at a nearby McDonald’s.”

“Oh…” Deepak murmurs.

Before the conversation can go any further, Kiara quickly snatches the phone from Ishani’s hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Hii, boyfriend!” she chirps playfully. “Come to McDonald’s. Ishani didi is giving a party!”

On the other end, Deepak lets out a small laugh. “You enjoy the party. I’m heading to the police station.”

Kiara rolls her eyes dramatically, even though he can’t see her. “Okay… your bad luck,” she says, mockingly disappointed, and cuts the call without waiting for a reply.

She hands the phone back to Ishani as if nothing happened.

Ishani and Kiara step inside, the glass door closing softly behind them. The noise of the street fades, replaced by the warm buzz of people, laughter, and clinking trays.

But Ishani notices it instantly the moment Deepak refused to come… something in Kiara dimmed. Her smile didn’t disappear, but it lost its sparkle, like a light turned just a little low.

They walk to the counter and place their order. Ishani doesn’t just order for them—she quietly adds more.

“For Mannat… for Ishaan… and for Deeksha,"It’s a habit now. Thinking of everyone, even when they’re not there.

They take a seat in a quiet corner.

For a few seconds, there’s silence.

Then Ishani looks at Kiara carefully, her voice soft but observant. “What happened? Your face looks off… you don’t seem like yourself.”

Kiara immediately shrugs it off, forcing a casual tone. “Nothing, di. Why would anything happen to me?”

Ishani doesn’t fully believe her but she changes direction instead of pushing.“By the way… how long have you known Deepak?”

Kiara leans back, her expression easing a little. “Three years. Deepak, Rahul… and that Hitler they’ve all been our neighbors since then.”

Ishani frowns slightly. “Hitler? Who are you talking about?”

Kiara lets out a small laugh. “Bhavya.”

“Bhavya?” Ishani repeats, confused.

Kiara stares at her, surprised. “Wait… you don’t know Bhavya, didi? The same girl who hugged Deepak in the hospital… and was literally scolding him to recover faster?”

And suddenly, Ishani remembers.

“Oh… her,” she murmurs.

“But why call her ‘Hitler’?” she asks, curiosity growing.

Kiara shakes her head, half amused, half intimidated. “Because you really don’t know her. She’s always strict. And the things I’ve heard she’s handled so many encounters in Delhi… it honestly scares me.”

She pauses, then smiles a little mischievously. “Still, I somehow manage to talk to her. Deepak and I gave her that nickname Hitler.”

Ishani’s eyes widen slightly. “She’s an IPS officer too? Like Deepak and Rahul?”

Kiara nods. “Yeah. And she lives with Rahul.”

That makes Ishani go still for a second.

Kiara leans closer, lowering her voice like she’s sharing something forbidden. “In our building, no one even dares to question her. Normally, people don’t allow a boy and girl to stay together like that… but they do. And no one says a word.”

Ishani leans back slowly, absorbing everything.“Oh…”

Just then, their order arrives.

The tray is set down in front of them fresh, warm burgers, the smell instantly filling the space between them.

For a moment, everything else fades as they unwrap their food.

They start eating.

After a few bites, Ishani glances at Kiara, curiosity slipping into her voice. “So… Rahul and Bhavya… is there something going on between them? I mean… are they in a relationship?”

Kiara lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Honestly, I used to think the same at first.”

She takes a bite, then continues casually, “But no… they’re just friends. Really good friends.”

“Hmm… I see,” Ishani murmurs, nodding slowly, though something thoughtful lingers in her expression.

The conversation drifts after keep eating, talking about random things, laughing in between bites.

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

Two days pass quietly.

Ishani gets Ishaan enrolled in a nearby school, taking care of things with calm efficiency.

Life seems to be moving forward… at least on the surface.

Back at home, Deeksha sits beside Mannat, feeding her patiently.

“Mumma… when will Papa come?”

Mannat asks softly, her innocent eyes filled with expectation.

Deeksha keeps feeding her, her voice gentle but measured. “You just met him a little while ago, Mannat. He has work… he can’t stay with you all the time.”

Mannat’s lips form a small pout, her disappointment clear.

Deeksha notices it and sighs lightly. “Anyway, we’ll have to go to London soon, right? Papa won’t always be with you, baccha.”

Mannat looks up at her, confusion and hope mixing together. “Papa won’t come with us to London?”

For a second, Deeksha pauses looking into her daughter’s curious eyes.

“No, baccha,” she says softly. “Papa has missions… important work. That’s why he won’t be able to come. But he’ll talk to you on the phone.”

Mannat shakes her head stubbornly. “No. Papa will come. He said he won’t leave me again.”

Something in her tone makes

Deeksha’s chest tighten.

“But baccha,” she tries again, a little firmer now, “Papa has responsibilities. He can’t stay with you all the time.”

Mannat’s face crumples, anger mixing with hurt. “No! Papa said—” she cuts herself off, tears forming in her eyes. “Give me the phone! I’ll tell Papa to come with me to London!”

Deeksha’s patience snaps.

“What kind of stubbornness is this, Mannat?” she says sharply. “Why aren’t you listening to me? I told you Papa won’t be able to come. Why can’t you understand?”

Mannat’s eyes fill with tears, and before Deeksha can stop her, she gets up and runs out of the room.

“Mannat! Where are you going? Come here!” Deeksha calls after her.

“I’m going to Papa!” Mannat cries, her small voice breaking.

“Papa isn’t here!” Deeksha shouts, panic creeping into her tone. “He’s gone for work! Come back your health will get worse!”

But Mannat doesn’t listen.

She runs outside, her tiny feet moving faster than her thoughts. She reaches the lift and presses the button, her hands trembling but determined.

She doesn’t even know which floor her father lives on.

But in her heart, she believes he must be somewhere here.

She’ll find him.

From a distance, Deeksha watches all of this unfold her eyes widening in shock, fear gripping her completely.

The lift doors slide shut.

“Mannat!!” she screams, her voice echoing in the empty corridor.

But it’s too late.

The lift begins to move and Deeksha stands there, helpless, calling out her daughter’s name again and again…

Deeksha runs.

Not thinking just running.

She takes the stairs two at a time, her breath uneven, her heart pounding violently against her chest. Floor after floor, she rushes through the corridors, her eyes scanning every corner, every shadow.

“Mannat…! Mannat!” she calls out, her voice trembling, echoing through

the empty spaces.

But there’s no answer.

The lift doors remain closed on every floor she passes. Panic tightens around her like a vice, her steps growing more desperate, more unsteady.

By the time she reaches the ground floor, she stumbles slightly, her breath completely out of control. She rushes to the lift and pulls the doors open—

Empty.

No one.

Her heart drops.

Fear floods her veins.

She turns around frantically, looking everywhere left, right, outside, inside her eyes searching, hoping, begging to find even a glimpse of her.

“Mannat… Mannat…!” her voice breaks now, louder, more frantic.

But Mannat is nowhere.

A terrifying thought grips her.

Without wasting another second, she runs toward Deepak’s house. Her hands shake as she presses the doorbell again and again.

The door opens.

Rajni stands there, startled at the sight of Deeksha pale, breathless, completely shaken.

“What happened, Deeksha?” she asks, worrying instantly filling her voice.

Deeksha’s words come out broken, rushed. “Aunty… is Mannat here?”

Rajni frowns, confused. “No… she’s not here.”

And that’s enough.

Deeksha doesn’t wait. She turns and runs again, her fear now uncontrollable, spreading through her like fire.

“Deeksha! What happened? Where is Mannat?” Rajni calls after her.

But Deeksha doesn’t hear—

or maybe she can’t.

All she can think about is finding her daughter.

Rajni stands frozen for a second… then quickly pulls out her phone and calls Deepak.

He answers almost immediately. “Yeah, Maa?”

“Deepak…” Rajni’s voice is tense now. “Deeksha was here she was looking for Mannat. Come home quickly… I think Mannat is missing.”

For a moment, there’s silence on the other end.

Then Deepak’s voice changes sharply, alarmed. “What? Where did she go?”

“I don’t know,” Rajni replies anxiously. “Just come home first.”

“Hmm… I’m coming,” Deepak says, already moving, urgency taking over.

A little while later, Deepak arrives.

He rushes straight to Deeksha’s house but the door is open, and inside… no one is there.

Silence greets him.

His chest tightens.

He quickly dials her number. The phone rings… inside the house.

His worry spikes.

Without wasting a second, he turns and heads toward the security area.

Pulling up the CCTV footage, his eyes scan the screens rapidly—

And then he sees her.

Deeksha… running in the park, looking around frantically.

Deepak doesn’t think twice. He runs.

When he reaches her, she’s still searching, her movements restless, broken.

“Deeksha, what happened?” he asks, his voice firm but urgent.

She turns toward him and the moment she sees him, she breaks.

Tears spill instantly.

“Deepak…” her voice trembles uncontrollably, “Mannat… I can’t find her…”

For a second, he goes still, trying to process it. “What do you mean you can’t find her? Where did she go?”

Deeksha shakes her head, guilt and panic consuming her. “I told her… that we’re going to London… and she… she ran off to find you…”

Deepak’s jaw tightens, anger flashing across his face.

“Enough, Deeksha,” he says, his voice low but sharp. “What am I supposed to say about this? Your stubbornness—”

He stops himself mid-sentence, clenching his fists, forcing his anger down.

This isn’t the time.

He turns to leave.

Behind him, Deeksha feels the weight of his words crash over her. Guilt sinks deep into her chest.

She runs after him, her voice breaking, “Deepak… please… you’re in the police… please find my daughter…”

He doesn’t reply.

But the worry on his face says everything.

He heads back to the security room, pulling up the CCTV footage again.

This time, more carefully… more

desperately.

But no matter how much he searches there’s no sign of Mannat.

Not in the corridors.

Not in the lift.

Nowhere.

Fear creeps in.

Deeksha stands beside him, watching the screen, her hands trembling. “Where did she go… Deepak?” she whispers, her voice hollow with dread.

Deepak’s jaw clenches hard, tension building in every line of his face.

Without another word, he pulls out his phone and starts making calls sharp, precise, commanding.

Behind him, Deeksha breaks down completely her sobs filling the room,

her heart drowning in fear and regret

while the search for Mannat begins.

Soon, the police arrived at the building.

The once-quiet corridors fill with urgency boots echoing, voices low but alert.

Officers move from floor to floor, knocking on every door, checking every apartment.

When they reach Rahul’s place, the bell rings.

The door opens—Bhavya stands there.

The moment the officers see her, they stiffen slightly. There’s an unspoken tension in the air respect… mixed with a hint of fear.

“Ma’am…” one of the constables speaks carefully, “we need to check your house.”

Bhavya’s brows draw together.“Why?”

The constable hesitates for a second before answering, “Ma’am… Deepak sir’s daughter, Mannat… she’s missing. We’re searching for her.”

For a moment—Bhavya goes still.

“What?” the word leaves her lips sharply, disbelief flashing across her face.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replies.

Without another word, Bhavya steps aside, allowing them in.

The officers begin checking the house, moving quickly, methodically.

But Bhavya isn’t watching them

anymore.

Her mind is already racing.

Something isn’t right.

Without wasting another second, she turns, quickly grabs a jacket, and changes with urgency her movements are fast, controlled, but tense.

Then she steps out and heads straight toward the security guard.

Because somewhere deep inside her instincts are already on edge.

Bhavya rushes downstairs.

Deepak and Deeksha are already there, tension thick in the air.

Without wasting a second, Bhavya walks straight to the security desk, her sharp eyes scanning everything.

“Where is the other guard?” she asks, her voice firm.

The guard in front of her stiffens, visibly nervous under her gaze.

Deepak steps closer. “What happened?”

But Bhavya ignores him for a moment, her eyes still fixed on the guard. “I asked you something. Where is he?”

Before the guard can answer another guard appears.

He’s carrying Mannat in his arms.For a second, time stops. Deepak and Deeksha both see her and fear grips them instantly.

“Mannat!” Deeksha screams, running toward them. She almost stumbles in her hurry as she reaches her daughter and pulls her into her arms. “Mannat, baccha… what happened to you?”

Deepak turns sharply to the guard.

“What happened to her?”

“Sir… she was lying unconscious outside,” the guard explains nervously. “I found her and brought her here.”

Relief crashes over Deepak, heavy and overwhelming. “Thank you… thank you so much,” he says quickly.

He gently takes Mannat into his arms, his voice softening instantly.

“Mannat… baby… what happened? Look, Papa is here…”

But Mannat doesn’t respond.

Her eyes remain closed.

Deeksha’s heart drops again. Tears stream down her face. “Deepak… we need to take her to a doctor,” she says, panic rising again.

Deepak nods immediately. “Yeah.”

He carefully hands Mannat back to Deeksha, making sure she’s secure in her arms.

Then he pulls out his phone, calling the officers.“Stop the search,” he says quickly. “Mannat has been found.”

Without wasting another second, he rushes to bring the car around.

Deeksha gets in, holding Mannat tightly, as if afraid she might disappear again.

And they leave.

Behind them—Bhavya stands still.

Her eyes locked on the guard who brought Mannat.

She keeps staring at him—intensely, sharply.

The guard avoids her gaze, his face tense.

Unable to hold her stare, he lowers his eyes… and quietly walks away.

Bhavya watches him go.

Bhavya doesn’t wait.

She pulls out her bike, the engine roaring to life as her mind races faster than the road ahead.

Without a second thought, she speeds off following the same direction Deepak’s car disappeared.

By the time she reaches the hospital, Deepak and Deeksha have already rushed inside.

She parks quickly and hurries in.

Inside, chaos meets fear.

Mannat is being taken in on a stretcher, her small, lifeless frame making everything feel heavier than it should.

Deepak and Deeksha stand frozen outside the emergency room, unable to do anything except watch.

The doors shut.

And silence falls.

A terrifying thought lingers between them—what if the cancer has come back?

Neither of them says it out loud…

but both of them are thinking about it.

Bhavya walks up to them.

Deepak looks at her and freezes for a second, shock flashing across his face.

“Bhavya…? What are you doing here?”

Before she can answer, the doctor walks out.

Both Deepak and Deeksha rush forward at the same time. “Doctor… what happened?”

The doctor gives them a reassuring look. “There’s nothing to worry about. It’s just a weakness. Mannat has recently recovered from cancer her body is still fragile. You need to take very good care of her. Proper food, rest… and don’t let her run around like this.”

Relief floods through them instantly.

Deeksha nods quickly, her voice still trembling. “Yes, doctor… we’ll do exactly as you say.”

The doctor nods. “You can go see her now.”

They move toward the room.

But Bhavya stops the doctor.“Doctor.”

He turns. “Yes?”

Bhavya’s voice is calm, but her eyes are sharp. “Is there any chance she fainted because of any medicine… drugs… or sleeping pills?”

The doctor shakes his head. “No, nothing like that. It’s just a weakness.”

“Okay,” Bhavya says quietly.

The doctor leaves.

Bhavya sits down nearby, her thoughts still unsettled, her instincts not fully at peace.

Inside the room, Deepak and Deeksha sit beside Mannat, waiting for her to open her eyes.

Time feels painfully slow.

Deeksha can’t stop crying.

Tears keep falling, one after another, as she watches her daughter lying so still.

Deepak finally moves closer and sits beside her. “Deeksha… calm down. You’ll fall sick like this.”

But she doesn’t respond.Her eyes don’t leave Mannat.

“Deeksha,” he says again, a little louder this time.

She looks at him—and suddenly breaks.

She leans into him, hugging him tightly, as if she has no strength left to stand on her own.

Deepak freezes for a moment, caught off guard.

Then slowly… he wraps his arms around her.

“It’s okay… don’t cry,” he says softly. “She’ll be fine.”

Deeksha shakes her head against his chest, her voice breaking completely. “It’s my fault… everything is my fault. I should have explained things to her gently… I’m such a bad mother…”

“No,” Deepak says firmly, pulling her slightly back so she can hear him. “That’s not true. You’re good

mother, Deeksha.”

She looks at him through tears. “You should scold me… you should be angry at me… but instead you’re being so kind. I’m wrong… and still…”

Deepak exhales slowly, his voice soft but steady. “Everyone makes mistakes, Deeksha. You did too. But that doesn’t mean you deserve to be punished for it.”

Her grip on him tightens as she breaks down again.And this time he doesn’t let go.

After a while, Mannat finally stirs.

Her fingers twitch… her eyelids flutter… and slowly, she opens her eyes.

“Mannat…” Deeksha’s voice breaks with relief. “Baccha… how are you feeling?”

Deepak leans closer too, his eyes soft with worry and hope.

But Mannat doesn’t look at Deeksha.

She turns her face away… and searches for only one person.“Papa…”

Deepak’s heart tightens. “Yes, baccha… I’m here.”

The moment she hears his voice, tears well up in her eyes. “Papa… I don’t want to go to London without you… I won’t go anywhere without you…”

Deepak glances at Deeksha for a second something unspoken between them.

Then he gently holds Mannat’s hand. “Hmm… you won’t go anywhere

without me, okay?”

But before the moment can settle Deeksha tries to speak. “Mannat, listen—”

Mannat doesn’t even look at her.

She doesn’t respond.

She doesn’t acknowledge her at all.And that silencecuts deeper than any words.

Deeksha’s face falls, hurt flashing across her eyes. Her lips part, but nothing comes out.

She steps back.And then she turns and walks out… almost running.

“Deeksha—” Deepak calls after her, panic rising as he quickly follows.

Before leaving, he looks at Bhavya, who’s standing outside. “Please… stay with Mannat for a while.”

Bhavya nods once. “Hmm.”

Deepak rushes after Deeksha.

Bhavya walks inside the room.

Mannat looks at her, confused. She doesn’t recognize her.

Bhavya pulls a chair closer and sits beside the bed, her presence calm but observant.

Mannat is still crying softly.

“Why are you crying?” Bhavya asks, her tone steady.

Mannat goes quiet for a moment, looking at her. “Who are you?”

“I’m your papa’s friend,” Bhavya replies simply.

Mannat watches her for a second, trying to understand.

Bhavya leans a little closer. “How did you faint?”

Mannat sniffles, wiping her tears. “I… I was going to find Papa… then a guard uncle met me. He said he would take me to Papa… and while going with him… I fainted…”

Bhavya’s expression doesn’t change, but something sharp flickers in her eyes.“Hmm…” she murmurs.

“Why were you going to find your papa?” she asks again, her voice softer now.

Mannat’s lips tremble. “Mumma… she’s taking me to London… without Papa…”

Bhavya leans back slightly, processing every word, every detail.

Bhavya studies her for a moment, then says calmly, “If you make your mom and dad come together, they will live together, and you won’t have to stay away from your father..”

Mannat looks at her, confused and helpless. “How?”

Bhavya leans a little closer. “Get your mumma and papa married. Then they won’t go away from each other… and you won’t have to go away from either of them.”

Mannat blinks, trying to process it. “Married? What is marriage?”

Bhavya tilts her head slightly, choosing her words in a way a child could understand. “It’s like a lifetime promise… where your mumma and papa stay together and don’t leave each other.”

Mannat goes quiet.

Her little mind starts working, thinking deeply trying to understand something so big, so new.

Bhavya just watches her… silently waiting to see what that innocent heart decides.

“Okay, then I will call my mumma and papa and tell them to get married,” Mannat said

Bhavya said softly.“Hmm…”

Mannat smiled, her eyes lighting up with happiness. At last, she felt relief in her heart now she wouldn’t have to stay away from her father, nor from her mother. She would be with both

of them.

Bhavya looked at her for a moment and then asked gently, “Mannat, do you know about good touch and bad touch?”

“Yes,” Mannat replied. “Mumma told me about it.”

Bhavya hesitated for a second before asking again, her voice lower this time, “Did that guard uncle touch you in a bad way?”

Mannat quickly shook her head. “No.”

Bhavya fell silent. She just kept looking at her, her eyes filled with quiet thoughts she couldn’t say out loud.

In the shadows of the hospital room, Deeksha broke down. She had run blindly through the halls, her mind a blur, until she found herself trapped in the darkness. She didn’t even know where she just knew the pain was too much.

Deepak walked in and found her trembling. His heart sank seeing her like that. "Deeksha, shh... why are you crying?" he said softly, trying to calm her. "Mannat is just a kid. She’s just angry with you right now, she’ll be fine."

"But she didn't even talk to me!" Deeksha sobbed. Then, she looked at him, her eyes flashing with sudden rage. "This is all your fault! My daughter is ignoring me just because she wants to be with you. I hate you, Deepak!"

She lashed out, her hands slamming against his chest in frustration.

Deepak’s patience snapped. He grabbed her wrists, pinning them between them. "Am I pulling her away, or are you the one pushing her?" he demanded, his voice trembling with suppressed anger. "I don't understand why you keep hurting me like this. What is my mistake? That I loved you? Is that why you think you can say whatever you want to me? You always take advantage of my love, Deeksha. Always."

Deeksha struggled, her tears blurring her vision as she tried to wrench her wrists from his iron grip. But Deepak didn’t let go. He held her firmly, his eyes searching hers in the dim light.

"I know you like me Deeksha. I’ve seen it you’re just afraid to say it.," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "But you’re just running away. You won't talk to me, and now you want to take Mannat and leave? You’re going to lose this battle against your own feelings. And by the time you realize the truth, I’ll be so far away from you that it’ll be too late for regrets."

He stepped closer, his shadow falling over her. "Stop running. I’m standing right here. Just take one step toward me, and I swear, I’d give my life for you and Mannat."

With a sudden, violent jerk, Deeksha finally pulled her hands away.

She stepped back, her face hardening. "I don’t want to be near anyone," she snapped. "I just want my daughter. And you... you will make her

understand that she has to come with me to London. I don't care how you do it, but she listens to you. Make it happen."

Deepak felt the words like a physical blow to his chest. The hope in his eyes extinguished, replaced by a hollow ache.

"Fine," he said quietly, the word tasting like ash. "If that’s what you want, I’ll do it."

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving her alone in the cold silence of the hospital.

Deepak doesn’t cry this time. Somewhere deep inside, he understands Deeksha has already made her decision. She has chosen to leave… and she will.

So instead of breaking down, he quietly walks toward where Mannat admitted.

Bhavya is sitting beside Mannat, gently talking to her, trying to keep her distracted. The moment her eyes fall on Deepak, she goes silent.

Deepak notices, but instead of questioning it, he simply smiles.

“What are you two talking about?” he asks softly.

Mannat quickly shakes her head. “Nothing, Papa.”

Bhavya stands up almost immediately, as if escaping something unspoken. “Okay… I’ll head home now.”

Deepak frowns slightly at her sudden change in behavior, confused, but nods anyway. “Okay… bye.”

Bhavya leaves, and the room feels quieter than before.

A few moments later, Deeksha enters.

Deepak sees her… and deliberately looks away, as if her presence no longer matters.

Deeksha walks closer to Mannat, her eyes filled with guilt and tenderness. “Mannat, baby… you’re okay now, right?”

Mannat stays silent. Not even a glance.

Deeksha’s voice trembles. “I’m really sorry, my child. Please forgive me… I promise, Mumma will never shout at you again.”

Still nothing.

The silence grows heavier, pressing against every heartbeat in the room.

Deepak finally speaks, trying to ease the moment. “Mannat… look, Mumma is worried. Talk to her.”

Mannat lowers her gaze, thinking for a moment… then softly, almost like a condition whispered to fate, she says—“I will talk to you… only if you promise to marry Papa.”

For a second, time stops.

Deepak and Deeksha both freeze, their eyes widening in shock.

Deeksha stares at her, her voice barely finding its way out. "What?”

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

Ishani arrives home, holding Ishaan’s tiny hand in hers. But the moment she looks up, her steps falter the door is open.

Her heart skips a beat.

The house is silent. Too silent.

No Deeksha. No Mannat.

A sudden wave of fear rushes through her. With trembling fingers, she quickly dials Deeksha’s number… but instead of relief, the sound of a ringing phone echoes faintly nearby.

Ishani’s breath catches.

She follows the sound and there it is. Deeksha’s phone, lying abandoned.

Now panic truly sets in.

Without wasting another second, she scoops Ishaan into her arms and rushes downstairs, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

She runs straight to Deepak’s house and presses the doorbell, almost impatiently.

The door opens.

Rajni aunty stands there.

“Aunty… is Deeksha here?” Ishani blurts out, her voice laced with fear.

Rajni looks at her and gently says, “Arre Ishani, come inside first.”

Confused and uneasy, Ishani steps in.

Rajni sighs, her expression heavy. “Mannat… she ran away from home today.”

Ishani freezes.

“Deeksha searched everywhere for her,” Rajni continues. “Then I called Deepak. He looked for her too. And when we still couldn’t find her… he called the police.”

“The police searched the entire building… and finally, they found her. She was unconscious.” Rajni pauses. “Deepak and Deeksha took her to the hospital.”

Ishani’s grip tightens around Ishaan. “Mannat… she’s okay, right?”

Rajni nods reassuringly. “Yes, she’s fine. They should be back with her soon.”

A breath Ishani didn’t realize she was holding and finally escaped her.

Relief washes over her, soft but shaky. “I got so scared…”

Rajni gives a small nod. “Hmm… me too.”

After a moment, Ishani adjusts Ishaan in her arms and says softly, “I should go now. Ishaan is hungry… it was his first day at school today.”

Rajni immediately responds, “I’ve made food. You should eat too you must be tired after coming from university.”

But Ishani shakes her head with a faint smile. “No, aunty. I’m okay. I’ll make something at home.”

Rajni nods. “Alright.”

Ishani steps out, the cool air brushing against her face as she walks back toward her house.

Ishani gently changes Ishaan out of his school uniform, her movements soft and careful, as if even the smallest thing could unsettle him.

But something feels off.Since she picked him up from school,

he hasn’t said a word.

Not a complaint. Not a story. Not even a small smile.

Ishani cups his face lightly, looking into his quiet eyes. “So, Ishaan… what all happened at school today? Your first day…” she asks, trying to sound cheerful.

Ishaan replies in a small, flat voice, “Studied, Mumma.”

Ishani nods, forcing a faint smile. “Hmm… and did you make any bench partner? Any friends?”

Silence.

Ishaan doesn’t answer.

And in that silence, Ishani understands everything.

Just like London… nothing has changed here either. No friends. No one who reached out. No one who stayed.

Her heart aches, but she doesn’t let it show.

Leaning forward, she presses a gentle kiss on his forehead. “It’s okay, Ishaan… Mumma is here, right? I’m your friend. You can talk to me about anything.”

Ishaan stays quiet.

No reaction. No words.

Ishani takes a small breath and straightens up. “Okay… come on. Mumma will make some food. You revise your tables till then, okay?”

Ishaan nods faintly. “Hmm.”

She lifts him into her arms and carries him to the kitchen, placing him carefully on the counter.

“Come on, start… say it with me,” she encourages softly.

As Ishaan slowly begins repeating his tables, his voice low and steady,

Ishani turns toward the stove.

Between stirring pots and chopping vegetables, she keeps listening to him… repeating after her, again and again.

After a while, the food is ready.

Ishani sits beside Ishaan and gently feeds him, one bite at a time, trying to fill the silence with soft conversations.

She keeps talking about small things, simple things but Ishaan remains quiet, his silence heavier than before.

Something isn’t right.

Her heart begins to worry. She looks at him carefully and asks, “Ishaan… did someone say anything to you at school?”

He shakes his head. “No, Mumma.”

She pauses, searching his face, trying to understand what he isn’t saying. “Then what happened Ishaan? Won’t you even tell Mumma?”

For a moment, Ishaan stays still… and then, in a quiet, fragile voice, he says—“I miss Papa.”

Ishani freezes.

Her eyes rest on him, filled with something deep and unspoken. Since Abhay’s death, not once not even once had Ishaan said this. Not once had he expressed that he missed his father.

And today… he did.

Ishani doesn’t respond immediately. Words fail her. Instead, she quietly continues feeding him, finishing his meal as if holding herself together through the routine.

Once he’s done, she takes the plate away and returns after a moment, forcing a gentle calm into her voice.

“Ishaan… come on, let’s go to the park downstairs. You can play there… with the other kids.”

No response.

He just sits there, still, unreadable.

Ishani watches him so quietly, so distant and something inside her aches again.

She tries once more, softer this time, almost like a request.“Won’t you come with Mumma?”

Ishaan looks up at her.

And after a pause, he nods slightly. “I’ll come, Mumma.”

A small smile finally appears on Ishani’s face, fragile but real. “Okay… let’s go now. By then, Mannat didi will be back too… and you’ll play with her as well, right?”

Ishaan nods. “Yes.”

Ishani takes Ishaan down to the park.

The place is alive children running, laughing, shouting, their joy echoing in the open air. For a moment, Ishani just stands there, watching… hoping.

Gathering a little courage, she walks up to a group of kids and says gently, “Will you all play with Ishaan too?”

The children turn to look at him.

For a second, Ishani’s heart tightens but then, they smile.

“Come!” they call out, waving him over with easy warmth.

Ishani looks at Ishaan and nods softly. “Go on… play.”

Ishaan walks toward them, a little hesitant at first… but the children pull him into their game without any questions, without any hesitation.

And just like that something inside Ishani relaxes.

A quiet happiness fills her chest. No one is looking at him differently. No one is treating him like he doesn’t belong. To them, he’s just another child.

Just one of them.

Ishaan plays too slowly, carefully but he doesn’t fully lose himself in it. The noise, the chaos, the constant movement… it begins to overwhelm him.

His small pauses, his slight discomfort it doesn’t go unnoticed by Ishani.She understands immediately.

Walking closer, she gently calls out, “Kids… come here for a moment.”

The children stop playing and gather around her, curious and bright-eyed.

“Yes, aunty?” they ask together.

Ishani looks at the children, a soft idea forming in her mind. “Should I tell you a game? Will you all play it?”

The children’s faces light up instantly. “Yes, aunty!” they cheer, excitement sparkling in their eyes. “But you have to play with us too!”

Ishani lets out a small, awkward laugh. “Me? No… I don’t think I can play.”

The children cross their arms stubbornly. “Then we won’t play either.”

For a moment, Ishani hesitates.

Then her eyes drift toward Ishaan.

He’s watching her quietly, hopefully.And that’s enough.

She exhales softly and gives in, a faint smile touching her lips. “Okay… I’ll play too.”

“Yayyy!” the children shout together, jumping with joy.

Ishani can’t help but smile wider at their happiness… and when she looks at Ishaan, she sees it a small, rare spark of joy on his face.

The children gather around her eagerly. “Now tell us, aunty… which game are we playing?”

Ishani looks at them with a gentle smile and says, “Alright… one of us will be blindfolded. That person has to find the rest of us. And whoever gets touched first… will be the next to wear the blindfold.”

Excitement instantly spreads across their faces. “Okayyy!” they cheer.

One child eagerly steps forward, and the others tie a cloth over his eyes, making sure he can’t see.

The moment it’s done, the rest of them scatter in different directions some hiding, some tiptoeing away, all trying to stay quiet… but their laughter gives them away.

The blindfolded child stretches his hands out, moving carefully, trying to catch someone.

Soft giggles, quick footsteps, and playful whispers fill the park.

And among them Ishaan feels at ease.

This game doesn’t rush him. It doesn’t overwhelm him. There’s no pressure, no loud chaos that he has to fight against.

He simply moves, slowly and comfortably, following the rhythm around him.

For once, he isn’t holding back.

He’s just… there.

Playing. Feeling. Belonging.

And then—the blindfolded child catches Ishani.

A soft laugh escapes her, free and unguarded, as she gets caught.

The children erupt in excitement, clapping and shouting, “Now aunty’s turn! Blindfold aunty!”

Ishani raises her hands playfully. “Okay, okay…”

They remove the cloth from the child’s eyes and gently tie it around Ishani’s. Darkness covers her vision, but her smile stays.

“Mumma, I’m here! Find me!” Ishaan’s voice rings out, filled with a rare excitement.

Ishani turns her head slightly, trying to follow his voice. “Where, Ishaan? Come here to Mumma.”

“No! You’ll catch me!” he replies, giggling softly.

Ishani laughs, moving carefully, her hands stretched out in front of her as she tries to find him.

What she doesn’t know—is that someone else is watching her.

From a little distance, Rahul stands still, his eyes fixed on her. There’s something in his gaze… something lost, something quietly overwhelmed.

Watching her laugh, watching her play so freely with the children—it stirs happiness in him he doesn’t even try to hide.

He just stands there… lost in her.

Ishani, unaware of his presence, keeps moving step by step unknowingly heading straight toward him.

Rahul doesn’t move.

He’s too busy watching her… as if the world around him has faded away.

And then—she reaches him.

Her hands touch him, and she catches hold of his arm.

Rahul freezes, shock running through him.

Ishani, still blindfolded, gently moves her hands up to his face, trying to recognize who it is. “How did this kid grow so tall?” she says playfully.

Then she pulls off the blindfold and “Rahul…?”For a second, she’s stunned.

And then suddenly, she bursts into laughter loud, carefree, echoing in the air.

Rahul just stands there… once again lost, this time even more, watching her laugh like that.

The children run toward them, giggling and excited. “Aunty! You caught uncle! Now uncle has to wear the blindfold and find everyone!”

Rahul snaps back to reality as the children’s loud cheers surround him.

“Uncle! Now your turn!” they shout excitedly.

He blinks, slightly startled, and quickly says, “Uh… sorry, I think I should go—”

But before he can move, the children circle around him, blocking his way, their tiny hands almost forming a wall.

“Nooo! You have to play!” they protest. “Aunty caught you, so now you have to wear the blindfold!”

Rahul glances at Ishani.

She’s still smiling… still laughing softly, her eyes shining in a way he hasn’t seen before.

He tries to reason with them, a little helplessly. “But… I wasn’t even playing this game. So why should I be blindfolded?”

The kids cross their arms, not ready to let him escape. “Then why were you standing here if you knew we were playing?” one of them asks innocently.

Rahul falls silent.

He doesn’t have an answer.

For a brief second, his eyes meet Ishani again.

Ishani tilts her head slightly, her smile

gentle but persuasive. “Come on, Rahul… just play. All the kids are asking you.”

Rahul looks around.

Every child is staring at him with hopeful eyes, standing firmly in his path, not letting him leave.

He exhales softly, giving in. “Okay…”

A wave of excitement bursts out“Yayyy!” the children cheer.

Ishani’s smile deepens.She steps closer, removing the blindfold from her eyes completely, holding it in her hands. Looking at him, she asks softly, almost teasingly

“Should I tie it?”

Rahul nods. “Hmm.”

Ishani gently ties the blindfold around Rahul’s eyes.

As she steps closer, Rahul’s heartbeat quickens without him even realizing it. Her presence is suddenly too near, too real. The faint fragrance of her lingers around him, making him still… almost frozen in place.

Ishani notices his silence and softly asks, “It’s okay, right? It’s not too tight?”

Rahul clears his throat slightly. “Hmm… it’s fine.”

She finishes tying it carefully and steps back, her voice brightening again as she turns to the children. “Okay kids… run!”

The children burst into laughter and scatter in every direction, their footsteps quick and playful as they hide around the park.

But Rahul… he doesn’t move immediately.

He just stands there for a moment, as if adjusting to the sudden darkness and the strange warmth left behind by her presence.

Ishani chuckles softly, watching him. “Rahul… start searching now. Why are you just standing?”

That pulls him back.

Slowly, he begins to move forward, extending his hands, carefully feeling the space around him as he tries to find someone.

Rahul continued his search, his ears tuned to only one frequency: Ishani’s voice. Even amidst the chaos, her soft, melodic giggle gave her away.

He could sense her presence nearby, the familiar scent of her perfume drifting toward him, but he forced himself to stay back. He turned his attention to the other children instead, who were shouting, "Uncle, I’m over here!"

Just as he approached the group, Ishani appeared among them. Suddenly, the children scattered, leaving the two of them alone.

He walked straight toward her, and in her haste to escape with the kids, her foot caught in the pleats of her saree. She lost her balance and fell forward, landing right against him.

Rahul’s hands shot out, catching her firmly by the waist before she could hit the ground. She collapsed into his arms, and for a long, breathless moment, he didn't move he just held her there.

Slowly, Ishani opened her eyes, bracing for a fall that never came.

Realizing she was pressed tightly against him, she quickly pulled back, her face flushing. "I'm sorry," she whispered. Without a word, Rahul reached up and pulled off his blindfold.

His gaze locked onto hers for a fleeting second before he turned and walked away, leaving Ishani standing there, rooted to the spot and drowning in confusion.

Rahul walked in a daze, the world around him blurring into a haze of grey. His mind, however, was stuck on a single, vivid loop. He looked down at his palm, still tingling from the sensation of her skin. He could still feel the curve of her waist beneath his fingers the way she had felt so perfectly small and fragile in his arms.

A dark, desperate hunger stirred in his chest. In that split second when she had fallen against him, he hadn't wanted to let go. He had wanted to pull her closer, to bury his face in the crook of her neck and breathe in that intoxicating scent until he forgot his own name.

He craved to be her anchor, to have her look at him not with confusion, but with the same fire that was currently consuming him.

But the thought was followed by a bitter sting of reality.

“She isn’t yours,” he whispered to himself, the words tasting like ash. “She belongs to another. Touching her is a sin, but wanting her... wanting her is a slow death.”

He clenched his fist, trying to rub away the phantom sensation of her touch. He hated himself for the way his heart raced at the mere memory of her giggle. He was a man standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing that one more step toward her would mean a fall he wouldn't survive.

Yet, even as guilt clawed at his throat, a treacherous part of him wished the world would stop, just so he could stay in that moment forever holding the one woman he was never meant to have.

Lost in the suffocating cycle of guilt and longing, he didn't realize he had reached home until he saw Bhavya walking inside.

He followed her in. "Were you out somewhere?" he asked.

"The hospital," Bhavya replied shortly.

Fear spiked in Rahul’s chest. "Did something happen? Are you okay?"

"I’m fine," she said, her voice cool. "It was Mannat. She fainted."

"What?" Rahul didn't wait for an explanation. He immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Deepak. After a tense conversation, he let out a long, shaky breath.

Deepak had assured him that Mannat was fine and they were on their way back.Relief settled over him, but it was short-lived.

Bhavya poured herself a glass of water, taking a slow sip before eyeing him. "You’re back from the station early today. Why?"

"Not much work today," Rahul muttered, avoiding her eyes.

"I see," Bhavya said, her voice dropping to a dangerous trail. "And I suppose you were busy playing with the children downstairs?"

Rahul looked at her, startled. "You saw us?"

"Rahul, I see the things even you choose to ignore," she said, setting the glass down with a sharp click. "You’re heading down a path that will only end in your heart being shattered worse than before. Take my advice stop now, while you still can."

Guilt, heavy and cold, settled in Rahul’s stomach. Without a word, he turned and retreated to his room.

Behind him, Bhavya stood alone, the image of Rahul holding Ishani’s waist flashing vividly in her mind. Her blood boiled with a quiet, simmering rage, but she forced herself to breathe, burying the anger deep inside.

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

In banaras, the clinic felt unusually quiet that afternoon. Divya and Vaibhav sat close together, their fingers loosely intertwined.

Four months into the pregnancy, they already knew about the twins but every check-up still carried a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Divya lay back on the examination bed as the doctor began the ultrasound. The soft glow of the screen reflected in their eyes. Two tiny forms appeared, moving faintly.

“There they are,” the doctor said gently.

A soft smile spread across Divya’s face. Vaibhav leaned closer, his eyes filled with warmth. Even though they had seen this before, it never felt ordinary.

But then, the doctor’s expression turned thoughtful.

Divya noticed immediately. “Doctor… everything is alright, right?”

The doctor gave a small, reassuring nod but didn’t explain further. “Let’s talk comfortably in my cabin.”

That one sentence was enough to make Divya’s heart race.

She slowly sat up, adjusting her clothes, her hands slightly unsteady.

Vaibhav placed his hand on her back, silently telling her he was there. Together, they walked into the cabin and sat down across from the doctor.

Vaibhav spoke first this time. “Doctor, please tell us clearly… is there any problem?”

The doctor leaned forward slightly, her tone calm and patient.

“First of all, don’t panic,” she said. “Your babies are fine right now. But there is something important you both need to understand so that we can keep the pregnancy safe.”

Divya held her breath.

“You have a condition called placenta previa,” the doctor explained slowly. “In a normal pregnancy, the placenta stays higher up in the uterus. But in your case, it is placed lower and is either very close to or covering the cervix the opening through which the baby is delivered.”

Divya frowned slightly, trying to process it. “Is it very serious?”

“It can be,” the doctor replied honestly, “especially in a twin pregnancy. The main concern is bleeding. As your pregnancy progresses, pressure on the lower uterus increases, and that can lead to sudden bleeding episodes.”

Vaibhav’s expression grew tense. “What should we do then?”

The doctor continued, making sure they understood every part.

“You need to be very careful from now on. No heavy work or physical strain,Plenty of rest,Immediate check-up if there is even slight bleeding And…” she paused gently, “you should avoid sexual activity for now"

Divya lowered her gaze, absorbing the weight of it. Vaibhav glanced at her, then back at the doctor.

“Will the babies be okay?” he asked quietly.

“They can be,” the doctor said reassuringly, “if you follow all precautions. Many women with this condition go on to have safe deliveries with proper care. We’ll monitor you regularly.”

Then she looked at Vaibhav with a firm but kind expression.“She will need extra support physically and emotionally. Stress and carelessness can make things worse.”

Vaibhav didn’t hesitate. He reached for Divya’s hand, holding it tightly now.“I understand, the doctor,” he said, his voice steady. “I’ll take care of everything.”

Divya looked at him, her fear softening into something calmer, safer.

Because even though the journey ahead suddenly felt more delicate… she knew she wouldn’t have to face it alone.

As they stepped out of the clinic in banaras, neither of them said a word. Vaibhav quietly hailed a cab, and they slipped into the back seat together.

The city moved around them horns, voices, the blur of crowded streets but inside the cab, there was only silence.

Divya sat close, her hands folded tightly in her lap, her thoughts still tangled in the doctor’s words.

After a few moments, Vaibhav finally spoke, his voice low but steady.

“See… this is why I stopped us for sex that day,” he said, looking ahead. “If something had gone wrong… you would’ve blamed yourself for it.”

Divya’s fingers tightened. Her gaze dropped instantly.“I’m sorry, Vaibhav…” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.

He turned toward her immediately, his expression soft.“Hey… no,” he said gently. “Don’t apologize.”

There was no frustration in his tone only care.“I understand,” he continued. “I know this is already hard for you. Pregnancy isn’t easy… and now all this on top of it.” He sighed softly. “You don’t have to carry everything alone.”

Divya looked at him for a second, her eyes filled with a quiet vulnerability.

Without saying anything more, she slowly leaned toward him, resting her head against his chest, as if seeking a place where everything would feel a little less overwhelming.

Vaibhav didn’t hesitate. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her slightly closer despite the narrow space, his hand gently moving through her hair in a soothing rhythm.

“I’m here,” he murmured softly, his voice close to her ear. “Nothing will happen. We’ll handle this… together.”

Outside, the city kept rushing forward.But inside that small back seat, time seemed to slow held together by warmth, quiet reassurances, and the unspoken promise that no matter what came next… they would face it side by side.

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

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