Author pov....

3 years later....

Three years passed by before anyone even realized it.

During those years, the bond between Rahul and Ishaan only grew stronger.

Ishaan trusted very few people in the world, but Rahul was the one person he trusted without question.

Yet some things never changed.

Ishani still lay in a coma, trapped in a silence that seemed endless.

Vaibhav had once asked Rahul to let him take Ishani and Ishaan with him so he could care for them. But Rahul had refused.

"Ishani is my wife, and Ishaan is my son," Rahul had said firmly. "Taking care of them is my responsibility. They are my family."

After that, Vaibhav never brought it up again.

Today was different.

After years of fighting, Rahul had finally won the court case. Sanaya Rai had been convicted for her crimes against Ishani and was sentenced to prison.

Rahul hurried home, his heart heavy with emotions.

He walked into Ishani's room and sat beside her bed. Taking her lifeless hand into his, he smiled through tears.

"Ishani..." he whispered. "Did you hear that? Sanaya is finally paying for what she did. She can't hurt anyone anymore."

His voice trembled."You got justice, Ishani. After all these years, you finally got justice."

As he spoke, tears slipped down his cheeks.

He kept telling her every detail, as if she could wake up at any moment and answer him.

Suddenly, a small figure appeared at the doorway.

Ishaan.

The boy froze when he saw Rahul crying.

Something about it made his chest tighten.

Rahul quickly wiped his tears and forced a smile."Hey, champ. Are you ready for your school play?"

But Ishaan didn't answer.

He simply stared at Rahul's face for a few seconds before quietly turning around and walking away.

Confused, Rahul followed him.

In the living room, Ishaan was trying to lift a large cardboard tree prop that he would use in the play.

Rahul knelt beside him."Ishaan, what's wrong?"

The boy kept his eyes on the prop.

"Why were you crying?"

Rahul's heart clenched."I wasn't crying."

"You were." Ishaan said

Rahul sighed softly."Those were happy tears."

Ishaan looked at him carefully, studying his face."I don't like it when you cry."

For a moment, Rahul couldn't speak.

Then he smiled and gently ruffled Ishaan's hair."Okay. Then I'll try not to cry anymore. Happy now?"

Ishaan nodded immediately.

A small smile appeared on Rahul's face."Good. Now tell me, Mr. Tree, are you ready for your big performance?"

"Yes."Ishaan said

"Really? Then let's hear your dialogue."Rahul asked

Ishaan thought for a moment before standing up straight."I am a tree. Please don't cut me down. I will give you shade when the sun is hot. I will give you oxygen to breathe and clean air for future generations. You only have to give me a little water. In return, I will give you fruits, vegetables, and many things to help you live."

Rahul listened attentively.

As soon as Ishaan finished, Rahul burst into applause."Wow! That was amazing!"

Ishaan blinked."Really?"

"Of course! You're going to win an award."Rahul said.

Ishaan shook his head."Mannat didi is better than me. She's playing Jhansi Ki Rani."

Rahul chuckled."Maybe. But winning isn't everything."

He pulled Ishaan closer."If you win, we'll celebrate. If you don't win, we'll still celebrate. We'll spend the whole day together."

Ishaan's eyes brightened.

Rahul smiled warmly."And your birthday is coming up too, remember? We'll celebrate that as well."

A genuine smile finally spread across Ishaan's face.

Rahul smiled a real, warm smile that reached his tired eyes. For a moment, the heavy pain in his chest felt a little lighter.

Next day.The morning sun filtered gently through the curtains as Rahul helped Ishaan get ready.

He carefully adjusted the brown trunk costume around his small body and placed the leafy crown on his head.

Stepping back, Rahul took out his phone and clicked a few pictures.

Ishaan stood there, a little shy, but a sweet smile touched his lips.

"Looking perfect, champ," Rahul said warmly, his voice full of pride. "My brave little tree. Ready to go to school?"

Ishaan nodded. "Haan, Papa."

Father and son walked hand in hand towards the school auditorium, Ishaan's costume rustling softly with every step.

As they reached the venue, Mannat arrived with her parents. She looked stunning in her Jhansi ki Rani costume red and gold attire, a sword in hand, and a fierce expression already on her face.

Deeksha and Deepak walked proudly beside her.

Rahul's eyes lit up when he saw her. "Wow, Mannat! You really look like the real Rani of Jhansi. So powerful," he said with a genuine smile.

Mannat beamed and gave a small, confident nod. "Thank you, Uncle."

Deeksha and Deepak turned towards Ishaan and smiled warmly. "Ishaan, you look so handsome as a tree!"

Deeksha said. "Very realistic."

"All the best, champ," Deepak added, patting his shoulder gently. I

shaan smiled shyly and whispered, "Thank you."

The school play began. One by one, children performed their roles. Then it was Mannat's turn.

She entered dramatically, pretending to ride a horse, with a small boy tied to her back representing her son. Her voice rang out strong and fierce across the hall:

"I am Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi! I will not surrender my kingdom to the British. We will fight till our last breath to save our motherland. If you try to take my Jhansi, I will fight you with every drop of my blood!"

Her delivery was passionate and powerful. The entire audience watched in awe before bursting into loud applause.

Deepak and Deeksha's faces glowed with pride as they clapped enthusiastically for their daughter.

Then came Ishaan's turn.

As he stepped onto the stage, the bright lights and sea of faces made him freeze for a moment.

His hands trembled slightly. He looked nervously towards the audience.

Rahul stood up a little so Ishaan could see him clearly. Their eyes met. Rahul gave him a big, encouraging smile and mouthed, "All the best, beta. You can do it."

Ishaan took a deep breath. A small smile appeared on his face when he saw his father's loving gaze. He straightened his arms like branches and spoke clearly, though his voice was softer than Mannat's:

"I am a tree... Give me water. Please don't cut me. If you cut us all down, the whole world will die. I give you shade from the hot sun. I give you a cool breeze. I give you oxygen to breathe. In return, I only ask for a little water. Please... don't cut me."

For a second, there was silence. Then the hall filled with warm applause.

Rahul clapped the loudest, his eyes shining with tears of pride. He felt his heart swell his son had done it.

After all the performances, it was time for awards.

Mannat won the award. Ishaan didn't win, but he didn't seem upset.

Rahul hugged him tightly. "You were amazing, Ishaan. I'm so proud of you."

Deepak and Deeksha lifted Mannat in their arms and kissed her cheeks happily.

Mannat laughed, then looked around and called out, "Ishaan! Come here!"

Ishaan walked over. Mannat held her trophy in one hand and made Ishaan hold his participation certificate in the other.

They stood together for a photo while Deepak clicked happily.

Deeksha smiled lovingly, watching her daughter share the moment with Ishaan.

In that noisy, joyful hall, Rahul stood a little apart, watching his son smile beside his friend.

He whispered to himself, "We're going to be okay, Ishani... Your boy is growing stronger every day."

After the school play, Rahul decided to make the day special for Ishaan. "Come on, champ. Today we're celebrating," he said, taking his son's hand.

They wandered through the busy market streets, the evening lights glowing softly around them.

Rahul bought Ishaan new clothes a soft blue t-shirt and his favourite jeans. He took him to the park and pushed him on the swings, watching his son's rare, genuine laughter fill the air.

He fed him everything Ishaan pointed at ice cream, pani puri, popcorn, and even a big slice of chocolate cake.

For a few hours, the heavy sadness that always lingered between them seemed to lift. Father and son simply enjoyed each other's company.

By the time they reached home, both were exhausted. Rahul gently changed Ishaan into his night clothes, tucked him into bed, and kissed his forehead.

"Sleep well, my brave boy," he whispered. Once Ishaan was fast asleep, Rahul walked quietly into the other room where Ishani lay motionless on the hospital bed they had arranged at home.

The soft beep of the monitor was the only sound breaking the silence. He sat down beside her and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"Tomorrow is Ishaan's birthday, Ishani," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "He's turning nine. Your little boy is growing up so fast."

A sad smile touched Rahul's lips. "He's a bit stubborn sometimes... but he understands everything. He feels things more deeply than other children. He's so intelligent, Ishani. His teachers are always praising him. Whatever work give him, he does it with full focus. But he still gets scared of strangers. He doesn't open up easily."

Rahul's eyes filled with tears as he gazed at her peaceful face. "I wish you could see him... see how tall he's getting, how his eyes light up when he smiles. I wish you could be here to watch him grow."

A tear slipped down his cheek. He quickly wiped it away. "Divya Di once told me how you used to wake up excited every year for his birthday... how you would decorate the house before he opened his eyes. That's why I started doing the same. So he doesn't miss you too much. So he feels that love is still here."

Rahul paused, his throat tightening. "He remembers you, Ishani. I know he does. But he never talks about it with me. He just... comes to you quietly sometimes. You used to hold his hand so tightly... He comes here hoping you'll hold his hand back one day. But you never do."

His voice broke completely. Fresh tears rolled down his face as he pressed her hand to his cheek.

"Ishani... please wake up now. Please. I can't keep doing this alone. He needs his mother. I need my wife. Please... come back to us."

The room remained silent except for the steady rhythm of the monitor.

Rahul rested his forehead on their joined hands and cried softly, his shoulders shaking with the weight of three long, painful years.

Outside, the night grew deeper, but inside Rahul's heart, the hope still flickered fragile, yet alive.

Golden sunlight streamed through the windows as Rahul quietly decorated Ishaan's room. Colourful balloons floated near the ceiling, a big "Happy 9th Birthday" banner stretched across the wall, and small fairy lights twinkled around the bed.

Rahul carefully arranged the gifts he had bought the previous evening and placed a handmade card on the pillow.

A soft, loving smile touched his lips as he looked at his work. For a moment, the house felt alive again.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Rahul glanced at the clock. Who could it be so early?

He walked to the door and opened it. His eyes widened in complete shock.

There stood Divya, Vaibhav, and their two sons Dhruv and Veer.

Behind them were Malini, Devnath, and Rani the entire family had come all the way from Banaras to Delhi.

"Didi...? Vaibhav Jiju Papa Mummy...? How... when did you all come?" Rahul asked, stunned.

Divya smiled warmly. "Will you keep us standing outside, or will you let us in? We've come to wish our Ishaan a happy birthday."

Rahul stepped aside quickly. "Sorry, please come in. But Ishaan is still sleeping. Please don't wake him yet."

Divya chuckled softly. "We won't wake him. We just want to say 'Happy Birthday' to our little one."

Everyone entered the house quietly. Rahul's eyes softened when he saw Dhruv and Veer.

He bent down and kissed both boys on their foreheads. Dhruv felt shy and looked down, while Veer gave him a bright, cheerful smile.

"Look at you two... you've both grown so much," Rahul said, his voice filled with affection.

Rani stepped forward and asked gently, "How are you, Rahul?"

"I'm okay, Maa," he replied. He bent down and touched her feet respectfully, then moved to touch

Devnath's and Malini's feet as well.

Malini immediately stopped him, cupping his face with both hands. "No, beta. You are my son-in-law. Don't touch my feet."

Rahul gave a small, tired smile. "I'll bring something for everyone to eat."

Rani and Malini shook their heads together. "Don't take any tension,"

Rani said firmly. "You've been handling everything alone for so long. Now we are here. Sit and relax. We will take care of everything."

Before Rahul could reply, the door of Ishaan's room opened slowly.

Ishaan stepped out, rubbing his eyes sleepily. The moment he saw so many people in the living room, he froze. His small body tensed with fear. He took a step back, eyes wide with anxiety.

Everyone turned towards him at once. "Happy Birthday, Ishaan!" they said warmly, almost in chorus.

Ishaan looked scared. He searched desperately for his father among the faces.

Rahul immediately walked over and knelt in front of him, placing gentle hands on his shoulders. "Ishaan don't be scared. They are all our family. No one will hurt you. They've come specially to wish you on your birthday."

Ishaan looked at his father's reassuring eyes for a long moment, then gave a small nod, though his body was still tense.

Rahul smiled softly and stroked his hair. "Happy Birthday, my brave boy."

Ishaan looked down then whispered, "Thank you, Papa."

Rahul's heart swelled with love and quiet pain. He pulled Ishaan into a warm hug as the rest of the family watched with gentle, emotional smiles happy to be there, yet heartbroken to see how much weight this young father was carrying alone.

The entire family gathered around Ishaan, showering him with love and warmth.

One by one, they hugged him gently and wished him with bright smiles.

"Happy Birthday, beta!"

"Happy Birthday, Ishaan!"

"Many many happy returns of the day, our little sunshine!"

Ishaan stood in the middle, nodding softly to each person. "Thank you," he whispered again and again, his voice quiet but polite.

Dhruv and Veer stepped forward with big grins. "Happy Birthday, Bhaiya!" they said together.

Ishaan looked at his younger cousins for a moment, then gave a small smile.

"Thank you," he replied softly. While the children were talking, Malini and

Vaibhav and Malini quietly slipped away and entered Ishani's room.

The moment their eyes fell on her motionless figure lying on the bed, their hearts shattered.

Malini's eyes filled with tears.

Vaibhav's jaw tightened as he struggled to hold back his emotions.

"How long... how long has my daughter been lying like this?" Malini whispered, her voice breaking. "Her eyes look so empty... When will she wake up? When will she talk to us again?"

Vaibhav could only stare at his sister, pain etched deeply on his face.

Soon, Devnath and Rani also came to see Ishani. The elderly couple stood silently at the door, their faces clouded with sorrow.

Rani's lips trembled.

Devnath placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder, but even he couldn't hide the grief in his eyes.

Seeing their daughter-in-law in this condition hurt them deeply.

Back in the living room, Divya walked up to Rahul and placed a gentle hand on his arm.

"Are you okay, Rahul?" she asked softly, her eyes full of concern.

Rahul gave a weak smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm fine, Didi... because of Ishaan. If it wasn't for him, I would have become a living corpse just like Ishani." His voice cracked slightly. "Some days it feels impossible to keep going."

Without saying another word, Divya pulled him into a tight, motherly hug.

She rubbed his back gently. "Ishani will wake up, Rahul. Very soon. God is listening to our prayers. Have faith," she whispered.

Rahul closed his eyes and nodded slowly. "Hmm..."

In the corner of the room, Ishaan, Dhruv, and Veer had started playing together.

The three boys were laughing and building blocks, their innocent voices filling the house with life.

Ishaan looked more relaxed now, occasionally smiling as his cousins included him in their game.

The entire family sat together, watching the three children with soft, emotional smiles. For a few beautiful moments, the heavy pain in everyone's hearts felt a little lighter.

The sound of their laughter was like a ray of hope in the long darkness they had all been living through.

Yet, even in that warmth, everyone felt the same silent ache the empty space where Ishani should have been, celebrating her son's birthday with her bright smile and loving arms.

As the golden hues of sunset faded into twilight, the house filled with warmth and celebration.

Deeksha, Deepak, Mannat, Rajni, and the rest of the family had all gathered to make Ishaan's ninth birthday truly special.

The living room was decorated with balloons and lights. A beautiful chocolate cake sat on the table, candles flickering softly.

Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" in cheerful voices as Ishaan stood in front of the cake, looking slightly shy but happy.

With Rahul's gentle guidance, Ishaan blew out the candles. Then, he carefully cut the first piece.

Rahul's eyes softened with overwhelming love. He accepted the piece, ate it, and then broke off a small portion to feed Ishaan.

Both father and son smiled at each other a pure, tender moment that touched everyone present.

After that, Ishaan went around feeding cake to all the guests with his own hands.

Laughter and happy chatter filled the air as everyone enjoyed the sweet treat. Soon, dinner was served.

Everyone sat together at the big dining table. Rahul made Ishaan sit beside him and lovingly fed him with his own hands, making sure he ate properly.

Ishaan quietly accepted each bite, occasionally glancing up at his father with affection.

After dinner, the children Ishaan, Dhruv, Veer, and Mannat played together for some time, their joyful laughter echoing through the house.

Eventually, they grew tired and were put to bed.

Later that night, when the house had grown quiet, Malini sat silently beside Ishani's bed, gently stroking her daughter's hair.

Her eyes were filled with unspoken pain. Rahul walked in softly and paused when he saw her.

"Aunty... you're not sleeping?" he asked gently.

Malini looked up and smiled sadly. "Rahul, beta... call me Maa. Ishani is my daughter. That makes you my son. There's no need for 'Aunty' between us."

Rahul lowered his gaze for a moment. "Sorry... Maa," he said softly.

Malini's eyes welled up with tears. She reached out and held his hand.

"It feels so good when you call me Maa," she whispered. "You've taken such beautiful care of my Ishani... and Ishaan too. Even though he is not your own blood, you've loved him like your own son. How do you carry so much on your shoulders alone?"

Rahul looked at Ishani's peaceful face for a long moment before replying. "Maa... Ishaan may not be my blood, but he is my son. He calls me Papa. He trusts me. That is more than enough for me. I don't need anything else."

Malini nodded, her heart heavy with emotion. "Yes... that is enough," she said quietly.

Both of them turned their gaze towards Ishani. The room fell into a deep, painful silence. The only sound was the soft, steady beep of the monitor.

In their hearts, the same silent prayer echoed: If only Ishani could open her eyes right now... If only she could speak... If only she could see how much love surrounded her.

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

In the guest bedroom, Divya and Vaibhav lay on the big bed with Dhruv and Veer sleeping peacefully between them.

The room was dimly lit by a small night lamp.

Vaibhav stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep, while Divya turned towards him.

"Vaibhav... are you okay?" Divya asked softly, her voice full of concern.

Vaibhav let out a heavy sigh. "Yes... but I don't know when Ishani will wake up. I can't understand what kind of sorrow this is. Why did Rahul and Ishani have to face something so cruel?"

He fell silent after that, his heart heavy with worry for his sister.

Suddenly, one of the boys sat up.

"Mummy... susu aayi hai," Dhruv whispered.

Divya, half-asleep and knowing how similar the twins looked, assumed it was Veer. "Veer, you just went to the washroom. How many times will you go?"

The little boy shook his head. "Mummy, I'm Dhruv. Veer is sleeping there."

Divya looked at Vaibhav, and both of them burst into quiet laughter. The innocent mix-up lightened the heavy atmosphere for a moment.

Vaibhav smiled and said, "Divya, one day we're really going to get confused between these two. We might have to put name tags on them so we can tell who is Dhruv and who is Veer."

Divya chuckled. "You're right."

She got up, lifted Dhruv in her arms, and took him to the washroom. After he finished, she carried him back and was about to lay him down when.

Dhruv suddenly grinned mischievously and said, "Mummy, I'm actually Veer. He is Dhruv."

Divya froze. She narrowed her eyes at him angrily.

Veer, who was pretending, quickly jumped up and ran to Vaibhav's side.

"Papa, bachao! Save me!"

Vaibhav sat up and looked at his son sternly. "Veer, why did you lie? Haven't I told you many times not to tell lies?"

Veer stayed quiet, hiding his face in his father's chest.

Vaibhav sighed. "Okay, now go back to sleep. And don't trouble Mummy anymore."

Veer nodded obediently. "Okay, Papa."

As he lay down again, Divya continued to glare at him. Veer quickly closed his eyes tightly, pretending to sleep.

Divya shook her head and muttered, "One day this boy is going to do something wrong and put the blame on Dhruv. I'm telling you."

Vaibhav gently placed a hand on her arm. "Divya. Don't say that. He's just a small child. He'll become sensible as he grows up."

Divya kept staring at Veer with an angry yet loving look. Even though she was upset, her heart was full of motherly affection for her mischievous little boy.

Vaibhav pulled the blanket over the twins and switched off the night lamp.

In the darkness, the couple lay awake a little longer their hearts still heavy with thoughts of Ishani, yet warmed by the innocent chaos their children brought into their lives.

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

The soft morning light filled the kitchen as Deepak stood beside his mother, helping her prepare breakfast.

The aroma of fresh parathas and chai spread through the house. Just then, Deeksha walked in, looking anxious and restless.

Her face was pale, and she kept fidgeting with her fingers.

Deepak noticed immediately and turned towards her with concern. "What happened, Deeksha? Are you okay?" he asked gently.

Deeksha hesitated for a moment, then said, "I need to talk to you."

Before Deepak could reply, Rajni spoke softly from behind, "Deepak, go with her. She looks really worried. She probably wants to speak to you alone."

Deepak nodded and followed Deeksha into their bedroom. Once inside, he closed the door and turned to her.

"Tell me, Deeksha. What's the matter?" Deeksha took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly.

She looked into his eyes and whispered, "Deepak... I'm pregnant."

Deepak froze. For a few seconds, he just stared at her in shock.

Then he blinked and asked again, his voice barely above a whisper, "Say that again... what did you just say?"

Deeksha smiled nervously. "I'm pregnant, Deepak."

A wave of pure joy washed over Deepak's face. His eyes lit up as he let out a happy laugh.

Without thinking, he lifted Deeksha in his arms, spinning her around the room with pure delight. "Deepak! Put me down!"

Deeksha laughed, half-scolding, half-happy.

"I'm so happy, Deeksha! I can't believe this!" he exclaimed, still twirling her gently.

Their laughter and excitement filled the room.

The noise woke Mannat, who had been sleeping on the bed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and watched her parents dancing happily.

"Mumma... Papa... what happened?" she asked sleepily.

Deepak gently put Deeksha down and walked over to Mannat. He sat on the edge of the bed and smiled brightly. "Princess, you're going to have a little brother or sister soon!"

Mannat's face changed instantly. She looked confused at first, then shook her head firmly. "I don't want a brother or sister."

Deepak was taken aback. "Why, Princess?"

"I don't want one," Mannat repeated stubbornly.

Deeksha sat down beside her and asked softly, "But why are you saying this, Mannat? A little brother or sister will love you. They'll play with you-"

Mannat cut her off, her eyes filling with tears. "No! You both will start loving them more. You'll forget me."

Deepak and Deeksha exchanged a pained glance.

Deeksha gently cupped Mannat's face. "Why would you think that, baby?"

Mannat's voice trembled. "My friend's brother came... and her mummy stopped loving her. She only plays with the baby now."

Deepak's heart melted. He pulled Mannat onto his lap and hugged her tightly. "Listen to me, my princess. That won't happen with us. We will love you exactly the same as we love your little brother or sister. Our love for you will never decrease. Not even a little bit."

Deeksha nodded and stroked her daughter's hair. "Papa is right, Mannat. We will love both of you equally. You will always be our first child, our special princess."

Mannat looked at both of them with hopeful eyes. "Really? You promise?"

"Yes, we promise," Deepak and Deeksha said together, smiling warmly.

A big, relieved smile finally appeared on Mannat's face. She threw her arms around both of them.

Deepak and Deeksha hugged her back tightly, showering her with kisses.

In that warm embrace, the small family felt even more complete filled with love, new hope, and the beautiful promise of the future.

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

Early in the morning, Rahul helped Ishaan get ready for school. He held his small hand as they walked to the car.

After dropping him off at the school gate, Rahul drove straight to the police station, where his duties kept him busy until the afternoon.

As soon as school got over, Rahul reached the gate on time. Ishaan came running out with his bag. Rahul smiled, picked him up, and hugged him warmly.

"So, tell me, champ... what all happened in school today?" Rahul asked as they drove back home.

Ishaan, in his quiet way, told him everything about his classes, the drawing he made, and how he played with Mannat during break.

Rahul listened attentively, nodding and asking small questions, cherishing every word.

When they reached home, Rani and Malini had already prepared a delicious lunch. The aroma of fresh rotis and sabzi filled the house.

Rahul first took Ishaan to freshen up, then made him sit at the dining table. He lovingly fed him with his own hands while the entire family watched the heartwarming scene in silence.

After lunch, Rahul gently caressed Ishaan's head. "Now you have to study, okay? I'll be back at night. Be a good boy."

Ishaan nodded quietly.

Rahul left again for the police station. He worked without a break until late into the night.

When he finally returned home, exhausted, the house was quiet. He went straight to Ishaan's room and found him fast asleep, tucked neatly under the blanket.

A soft smile touched Rahul's lips. He bent down and kissed his forehead.

He came out and saw Divya arranging some things in the living room. "Didi... did Ishaan eat his dinner properly?"

"Yes," Divya replied with a smile. "I fed him and made him sleep."

Rahul sighed with relief. "Thank you, Didi."

Divya shook her head. "Achha... now you'll thank your own sister?"

Rahul gave a tired but genuine smile said. "Sorry"

Then he went to change his clothes.

When he returned, Divya had already warmed up dinner for him. Rahul sat down and began eating quietly.

After a few minutes, Divya spoke gently, "Ishaan can't stay without you anymore, Rahul. But... it's not good for him to only depend on you. He should meet and talk to other people too. It will help his growth."

Rahul paused, thinking deeply, then nodded. "You're right, Didi. I'll encourage him more to mix with others and make friends. I'll try my best."

Divya smiled softly. "Good. Now finish your food."

After eating, Rahul cleared his plate and said, "You go and sleep, Didi. Good night."

"Good night, Rahul," she replied and left for her room.

Once the house grew silent, Rahul walked slowly into Ishani's room. The dim light cast soft shadows on her peaceful face.

He sat beside her bed, gazing at her with deep longing.

"From morning till evening, nothing feels right, Ishani," he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion. "But the moment I see your face... everything becomes bearable again."

He leaned forward and gently wrapped his arms around her, resting his head near her shoulder.

Tears stung his eyes as he held her close. "I miss you so much..."

Suddenly, Ishani's eyes fluttered open. She blinked, looking around the room in confusion.

Her gaze then fell on the man holding her. Panic flashed across her face.

Before Rahul could react, she let out a loud, terrified scream.

"Ahhh!" Her hands pushed hard against his shoulders, trying desperately to shove him away.

Her body trembled with fear.

Rahul froze in complete shock. His eyes widened as he stared at her - awake, conscious, and terrified of him.

"Ishani..." he whispered, his voice breaking with disbelief and overwhelming emotion.

But Ishani continued to struggle, her eyes full of fear and confusion, not recognizing the man who had waited for her for three long, painful years.

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

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