Kshitij got Kritika

CHAPTER ~ 48

POV :~ KSHITIJ

The meeting was in full swing, and I was deep in discussion with the architects and contractors about the new hotel. We were finalizing some crucial details about the design and amenities that would set our hotel apart from the competition. My phone buzzed on the table, but I ignored it, focusing on the plans spread out before me.

“So, we’re thinking of adding a rooftop pool,” one of the architects said, pointing to the blueprints. “It will provide a spectacular view of the city.”

I nodded, considering the idea. “That sounds promising. What about the structural integrity? Can the building support it?”

Before the architect could respond, the door opened, and my manager stepped in, looking unusually flustered. “Excuse me, Sir,” he said, his voice urgent. “There’s something important you need to know.”

I frowned, glancing at him. It wasn’t like him to interrupt a meeting unless it was truly urgent. “Can it wait?” I asked, my patience wearing thin.

He shook his head. “I’m afraid not, sir. It’s very urgent.”

I sighed and turned to the group. “We’ll continue this later. Everyone, please leave your documents here. I’ll review them and get back to you.”

The room cleared out quickly, and I turned to my manager, who looked visibly stressed. “What’s going on?”

“Your family has been trying to reach you since half an hour, it's something very urgent.”

I picked up my phone, and I saw several missed calls from Shreya and other family members. Panic gripped me as I dialed Kritika’s number, but she didn't recieve my call. I tried again, and again, but she didn’t answer.

I called Shreya next, my hands shaking. She picked up on the first ring.

“Shreya, what’s wrong?” I demanded, my voice tight with worry.

“Bhaiya....Bhabhi's mother,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “She passed away half an hour ago.”

The news hit me like a punch to the gut. “Shit,” I whispered. “How’s Moon? Where is she?”

“Moon?”

“Kritika...how is she?”

“She’s not well,” Shreya replied, her voice trembling. “She went numb after hearing the news, and now she’s running a high fever. We’ve been trying to reach you, bhaiya.”

I felt a surge of guilt for not being there. Everything was perfectly fine a hour ago. How can all this happen so suddenly?

“I’m on my way,” I said, grabbing my coat and rushing out of the office. “Keep me updated. I’ll be there as soon as I can. And please take care of your bhabhi.”

I skipped the idea of driving and took a super train instead.

My mind raced with worry and fear. I couldn’t believe Mummy was gone. I know it was inevitable but still. She had been such a strong presence in our lives, and now she was gone, leaving a void that nothing could fill. No one else.

When I arrived, the house was somber. I rushed inside, my heart pounding.

Shreya met me at the door, her eyes red from crying. “She’s in her room,” she said quietly. “The doctor checked her.”

I nodded and made my way to her bedroom. Kritika was lying in bed, her face pale and her eyes closed. She looked so fragile, so unlike her usual self. I sat beside her, gently taking her hand in mine.