Whispers Of Love: Through Time and Trials✅

Chapter 4: Unexpected Challenges

The next morning, the Dixit household was wrapped in a blanket of uneasy quiet. Dev remained on the couch, still wrapped in the blanket Sonakshi had draped over him the night before.

Sonakshi had woken up early, determined to prepare for her trip to Delhi to be with her ailing father. As she busied herself with packing and arranging the details of her travel, she couldn’t shake the worry that had been gnawing at her since the previous day.

She was making a list of essentials when she heard Dev stir on the couch. She turned to see him sitting up, his face flushed and his breathing labored.

“Dev, you’re awake,” Sonakshi said, her voice laced with concern. “How are you feeling?”

Dev’s eyes were heavy, and his voice was weak. “Not great, Sonakshi. I think I’ve come down with a fever. I’m so cold, but I’m sweating.”

Sonakshi’s heart sank. “Oh no, Dev. You should have rested more. Let me check your temperature.”

She hurried to the kitchen to fetch a thermometer. As she took Dev’s temperature, she found it was indeed high. Her worry deepened.

“You’ve got a fever,” Sonakshi said, her voice trembling. “This is just what we needed right now.”

Dev looked up at her with apologetic eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I just wanted to come back and be with you.”

Sonakshi’s eyes softened, but the reality of the situation was still daunting. “I need to go to Delhi today. I can’t stay here and take care of you while also managing everything for my father. But I can’t leave you like this.”

Dev tried to sit up straighter, though he clearly struggled. “Go to Delhi. I’ll be okay. Sourabh can help me if I need anything. Just focus on your father. He needs you.”

Sonakshi hesitated, feeling torn between her responsibilities. “I wish I could stay and take care of both you and Dad. But I can’t do both right now.”

Dev reached out, his hand resting on hers. “I understand. Please don’t worry about me. I’ll manage. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself too.”

Sonakshi nodded, her throat tight. “I promise. I’ll make sure to check in regularly.”

She quickly finished her preparations, ensuring that she had everything she needed for the trip. As she packed her bags, Shubh came into the room, looking up at her with a mixture of confusion and concern.

“Mommy, where are you going?” Shubh asked, his little face scrunched up with worry.

“I’m going to visit Grandpa in Delhi,” Sonakshi explained gently. “He’s not feeling well, and I need to be with him. But don’t worry, Daddy will be okay here.”

Shubh looked over at Dev, who was lying back on the couch with a blanket pulled up. “Daddy sick?”

“Yes, sweetie,” Sonakshi said, kneeling down to his level. “Daddy has a fever, but he’s going to rest and get better.”

Shubh’s eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want you to go.”

Sonakshi hugged him tightly, her own tears threatening to spill. “I know, Shubh. I don’t want to leave either. But sometimes, we have to be strong for the people we love. I’ll be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, Daddy will need your love and support too.”

Shubh sniffled and nodded, his small face looking up at his mother with determination. “I’ll take care of Daddy.”

With her heart heavy, Sonakshi finished her packing and prepared to leave. Dev, looking increasingly pale but determined, managed to stand up and come to the door to see her off.

“Take care, Sonakshi,” Dev said, his voice barely more than a whisper. “And call me when you can.”

“I will,” Sonakshi said, tears welling in her eyes. “Please get better soon, Dev. I’ll be thinking of you.”

As Sonakshi left for the airport, the weight of the day’s challenges felt nearly unbearable. She knew she had to stay strong for her family in Delhi, but leaving Dev behind while he was sick made the task even harder.

She took a deep breath, resolved to face whatever lay ahead. Her love for her father and her commitment to her family drove her forward, even as she worried about the loved ones she was leaving behind. As her plane took off, Sonakshi glanced back one last time, silently hoping for the strength to manage the overwhelming responsibilities she now faced.