HUMSAFAR [Completed✅]

7. His Concern

The same day Vihaan had a day off from school, and after some time, Ishqi went to help him with his homework. Vihaan, being in a lively mood, suggested that they do it outside in  the lawn, and despite feeling a mild headache, Ishqi agreed.

As they sat in the garden, Vihaan noticed the discomfort on his mother’s face and immediately grew concerned. "What happened, Mumma?" he asked, his young face was full of worry.

Ishqi, not wanting to alarm him, smiled and said, "Oh, it’s nothing, just a little headache."

Trying to be helpful, Vihaan offered, "Let me massage your head, Mumma."

Ishqi couldn’t help but laugh, teasing him, "What a nice excuse to avoid doing your homework."

But Vihaan, determined to prove he was serious, said , "No, Mumma. I am just worried about you."

Seeing how genuine he was, Ishqi smiled again and responded playfully, "If you’re really worried about me, then the best way to help is by finishing your homework."

While they were outside, around 11 a.m., Ahaan returned home unexpectedly, calling out cheerfully. His voice carried into the house, drawing the attention of both Savitri and Dadi. They came out to greet him, and after seeking their blessings, Ahaan excitedly shared the news. "Maa, Dadi, guess what! My deal finally went through! This is such a big win for the company."

Dadi, with her usual warmth, blessed him, "Stay blessed, beta, and may you continue achieving success."

Savitri added, "I knew it. You’ve worked so hard for this deal, and God listened to your prayers."

Smiling at their reactions, Ahaan then asked, "But where is everyone else, Maa?"

Savitri responded, "Kartik and Saumya are at college, and Ishqi is outside helping Vihaan with his homework. By the way, what gift did you give Ishqi last night?"

Ahaan looked confused and replied, "What gift, Mom? I didn’t even come home last night. I was in another city for a meeting."

Savitri was taken aback, "You didn’t come home? But… that means Ishqi hasn’t eaten anything yet."

Dadi, also surprised, added, "She didn’t even have breakfast this morning."

Ahaan, suddenly alarmed, asked, "What do you mean? What’s going on?"

Savitri explained, "Ishqi fasted for you yesterday, and you were supposed to break her fast."

Ahaan’s mind flashed back to their conversation from the previous day when Ishqi had insisted on keeping the fast, despite him telling her not to. He began to piece things together, but before he could say anything, they heard Vihaan’s panicked voice shouting from the lawn.

"Dadi! Dadi!" Vihaan cried out.

Ahaan, Savitri, and Dadi rushed outside to find Ishqi lying unconscious over the garden bench, with Vihaan trying to wake her. His small hands were shaking her gently, but his eyes were full of fear.

"Papa, you're here! Please, see na  something is wrong with Mumma. She  is not opening her eyes." ,Vihaan said in a trembling voice.

Without wasting a second, Ahaan picked Ishqi up in his arms and carried her inside and asked someone to call the doctor. Vihaan clung to Savitri’s side, his small body shaking as tears welled in his eyes. "Dadi, Mumma’s going to be okay, right? Nothing will happen to her?"

Savitri knelt down beside him, trying to soothe his fears. "Shh, beta. Everything will be alright. The doctor is coming."

The doctor arrived quickly and gave Ishqi an injection, assuring them she would regain consciousness soon. Ahaan refused to leave her side, watching her closely. As she began to stir, he helped her sit up, immediately asking Savitri to bring her something to eat.

Savitri brought a plate of food, leaving the two of them alone. Ahaan took a piece of gulab jamun and gently offered it to Ishqi, his frustration visible on his face. "You’re so stubborn," he scolded softly. "I told you not to fast, but you still did it."

Still weak but smiling, Ishqi replied, "It’s a tradition, Ahaan. I couldn’t just break it."

Ahaan sighed, clearly worried. "And what about your health? Look what happened today."

Ishqi tried to lighten the mood, brushing off his concern. "I’m fine now, see? Fit and fine."

Ahaan wasn’t convinced. "Yeah, I can see how much fine you are!", he said sarcastically. "But jokes aside, from now on, no more fasting. Your health comes first, and today was a wake-up call. I am already  feeling guilty for today.", he continued in a calm voice.

Ishqi looked at him and said softly, "You don’t need to feel guilty, Ahaan. Honestly, I am not even sure why I kept the fast. But my heart just told me to do it."

Before Ahaan could respond, Vihaan burst into the room, running straight to Ishqi. He threw his arms around her and hugged her tightly. After a few moments, he pulled back, his eyes full of tears. "I’m sorry, Mumma."

Ishqi being confused, asked gently, "Why are you saying sorry, beta?"

Vihaan, still upset, replied, "I always trouble you, and that’s why you got sick. I promise I won’t trouble you anymore. I will be a good boy."

Ishqi immediately hugged him again, reassuring him, "But you’re already a good boy, Vihaan. And I feel happy when you trouble me."

Vihaan, still a little doubtful, said, "You’re lying."

Ishqi laughed, ruffling his hair, "No, really. I’m telling the truth."

Relieved, Vihaan hugged her again. Ahaan, watching the scene unfold, couldn’t resist teasing, "Looks like someone is  forgetting that Papa is here too."

Vihaan giggled and ran over to Ahaan and hugged him as well. Ahaan patted his head and said, "Vihaan, I have a very important job for you."

Vihaan being excited,asked, "What is it, Papa?"

Ahaan, with a smile, said, "It’s your job to make sure that your Mumma is taking care of her health.You saw what happened today! So when I’m not around, it’s up to you to look after her."

Vihaan’s face lit up with confidence. "Don’t worry, Papa! I’ll take care of everyone, just like you. Now, you can finish feeding Mumma."

Ahaan chuckled and continued feeding Ishqi while Vihaan sat close by. The three of them chatted happily as they shared the meal together. From the doorway, Savitri and Dadi looked on, smiling at the beautiful family moment unfolding before them.

To be continued...

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