Species Of Life

34. Shadows and Safeguards 🔒🌙(Updated)

The clock had struck 9:30 PM, and the dinner table was filled with chatter and clinking utensils—except for one corner where Siddharth sat, barely touching his food. Vaishnavi noticed the dull stillness in his eyes and leaned toward Abhishek, whispering, "Abhi, did something happen at the office today?" Abhishek glanced at Siddharth and shook his head. "No, why?" She motioned toward Sid. "Look at him... he seems lost." Abhishek sighed, "He was in the same way in office too."

Curious and concerned, Vaishnavi turned to Avneet. "Avii, pass me the rice," she said meaningfully, her eyes nudging Avneet toward Sid. Avneet's gaze shifted to him and her heart sank—he was merely pushing food around his plate, not even aware of it. She reached out and gently shook his arm. Siddharth startled, blinking back to reality, looking around briefly before silently beginning to eat. Avneet turned to Abhishek and gave him a subtle gesture. Abhishek responded with a shrug, and she silently conveyed that even she didn't know what was wrong.

At 3:00 AM, the entire house was silent under the veil of night. Siddharth stirred awake, thirst tugging at his senses. Reaching for the jug, he found it empty and made his way downstairs. As he passed by Vibha and Ranveer's room, something inexplicable made him stop. His subconscious urged him to go in, to feel the warmth of his mother, just once.

Quietly, he slipped inside, kneeling beside Vibha's bed. He leaned against her for a hug. But as he pressed closer, his heart froze—there was no heartbeat. Trembling, he moved his fingers to her nose, desperate to feel the soft breath of life. Nothing. Panic gripped him, and tears flooded his eyes. He called for her, shook her—but she lay still.

And then, Siddharth jolted upright in his own bed, drenched in sweat. His breath came in short gasps, and it took him a moment to realize—it was just a nightmare. But his chest ached with dread. He needed to see her, to hug her, to feel that she was still there.

He stood outside Vibha and Ranveer's room, his hand trembling as he slowly pushed open the door. He crept in, heart hammering. Leaning close to Vibha, he pressed his ear to her chest—and the moment he heard the steady rhythm of her heart, he exhaled in quiet relief.

Just as he began to move away, a pair of arms enveloped him. Vibha had woken up and pulled him close, whispering softly, "Shh... calm down. Nothing will happen... it was just a nightmare."

Siddharth was stunned. Vibha cupped his face, her eyes warm yet concerned. "Come sleep with me tonight," she said gently. Without protest, Siddharth climbed in between them, curling close to his mother, his arms wrapped tightly around her. It was a silent moment of comfort, one that needed no words.

Morning light filtered through the curtains. Avneet stirred awake and frowned—Siddharth wasn't beside her. She checked the bathroom, but it was empty. Unease tugged at her. Perhaps he'd gone for a walk with Abhishek, she reasoned, and hurried to get ready.

Meanwhile, Vaishnavi sat at the dining table eating an apple as Avneet arranged plates. Spotting Abhishek descending the stairs, Avneet asked, "Bhai, when did you come back from your walk?" He paused, confused. "I didn't go for a walk today."

Vaishnavi looked at Avneet. "Why? What's wrong?"

Avneet's brow creased. "When I woke up, Sid wasn't there. I thought he went out with Bhai."

Just then Ranveer walked in, catching the tail end of the conversation. "He didn't go out for a walk," he said.

Abhishek looked surprised. "Then where is he, Dad?"