Whispers Of Love: Through Time and Trials✅

Chapter 5:A Daughter's Care

Sonakshi paced the living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She had called Dev earlier, but his voice, weak and raspy, had only heightened her worry. Jaipur felt an eternity away, especially when she couldn't be there to care for him.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she had demanded, her voice a mixture of frustration and concern.

"I didn't want you to worry, Sonakshi," Dev had replied, his breath labored. "It's just a fever and a cough. I'll be fine."

"But you sound terrible," she had insisted, trying to keep her voice steady. "Have you seen a doctor?"

"Yes, I saw Dr. Kapoor. He gave me some medicine," Dev had assured her, but his words did little to ease her anxiety.

Now, as she replayed the conversation in her mind, Sonakshi's worry only deepened. She imagined him alone in his apartment, pale and sweating, the city's relentless summer heat making his illness even worse. She could picture the streets of Jaipur, bustling and vibrant, but they felt like a cruel contrast to Dev's isolation.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her phone. It was Dev again.

"Hey," he said, his voice sounding slightly better but still weak.

"How are you feeling now?" she asked immediately, her heart racing.

"Better, I think. The medicine is helping," he replied, but she could hear the exhaustion in his voice.

"Are you eating? Drinking enough water?" she pressed, unable to mask her concern.

"I'm trying to, Sonakshi. Really, I am," he said softly. "I hate making you worry like this."

"I just wish I could be there with you," she admitted, her voice breaking. "It's so hard being so far away when you're sick."

"I know," Dev said, and she could hear the regret in his tone. "But knowing you care makes it a little easier."

Sonakshi smiled despite her worry. "You need to rest, okay? Promise me you'll take care of yourself."

"I promise," he said, his voice filled with a gentle warmth. "I love you, Sonakshi."

"I love you too, Dev," she replied, holding back tears. "Get well soon."

As they hung up, Sonakshi felt a mix of relief and lingering concern. She knew that Dev was strong and that he would fight through this. But until he was fully recovered, her heart would remain heavy with worry.
The night wore on, and Sonakshi's restlessness only grew. She lay in bed, her mind unable to quiet the storm of thoughts about Dev. Just then, her phone buzzed again, jolting her upright. It was Suhana, their teenage daughter, calling from Jaipur.

"Mom, Dad's fever is really high," Suhana said, her voice trembling. "I don't know what to do."

Sonakshi's heart sank. "Calm down, sweetie. I need you to stay strong. Is there ice in the freezer?"

"Yes," Suhana replied, her voice wavering.

"Okay, listen carefully. You need to make a cold compress. Take a clean cloth, soak it in cold water, and place it on his forehead. Keep changing it every few minutes. Can you do that?"

"I can, Mom," Suhana said, a hint of determination in her voice.

Sonakshi listened intently as Suhana moved through the house, her footsteps echoing softly through the phone. She could hear the rustling of cloth and the sound of running water.

"Mom, I've got the compress ready," Suhana said after a few minutes. "I'm putting it on Dad's forehead now."

"Good job, sweetheart. Now, keep doing that. It should help bring his fever down. Is he responsive at all?"