A bittersweet journey.

Chapter 1

The sun had barely risen when Sid, or Sidharth Oberoi, a distinguished business tycoon, stirred from his slumber. At 39, his mornings were a blend of routine and resilience, battling the persistent ache of osteoporosis that gnawed at his spine. Aman, his ever-diligent caretaker, assisted him gently.

"Good morning, Sir," Aman greeted, adjusting Sid's pillows.

"Morning, Aman," Sid replied, wincing slightly as he sat up. "Let's get started."

After freshening up, Sid headed to his home gym, where his physiotherapist awaited. The sessions were grueling, especially with the sharp pains radiating from his neck, upper back, and lower back. But Sid endured, driven by his responsibilities and the love for his children.

Post-therapy, Aman had everything prepared in Sid's room. As Sid emerged from his shower, donning his impeccable professional attire, Aman handed him a steaming cup of coffee.

"Your coffee, Sir," Aman said.

"Thank you," Sid nodded, taking a sip.

With cup in hand, Sid made his way to his daughter Miu's room. The eight-year-old was still cocooned in her blankets, her long hair sprawled across the pillow. Sid picked up the remote, drawing back the curtains, allowing sunlight to flood the room.

"Uff, Dad! Aap bahut mean ho," Miu whined, pulling the sheet over her face.

Sid chuckled, narrowing his eyes playfully. "Time to wake up, sleepyhead."

Miu sat up, her eyes half-open. She wrapped her arms around Sid's waist, burying her face into his stomach.

"Ek aur minute, please," she murmured.

Sid's heart melted. He caressed her head, reminiscing about how much she resembled her late mother, Diya. "Alright, but just a minute," he conceded.

After their brief cuddle, Miu stretched her arms upward. "Dad, goddi?"

Sid smiled sadly. "Baccha, Dad ki back main dard hai, you know na."

Miu nodded, dropping her arms. She hopped off the bed, still rubbing her eyes. Sid gently nudged her towards the washroom.

"Shanta," Sid called out as he watched Miu slowly shuffle away.

Shanta, Miu's nanny, stepped into the room, ready to take over. "Ji Sir," she responded, moving to assist Miu with her morning routine.

Sid watched for a moment, ensuring Miu was in good hands before he left the room. He made his way to the dining room, where the chef had already set the breakfast table. As he sipped his coffee, Sid’s thoughts drifted to his son, Rey.

Rey was different. The bond between father and son had frayed over the years, ever since Diya, Sid’s wife, had passed away. Rey had been close to his mother, and her sudden loss had created a rift that Sid never knew how to bridge. Rey was now nineteen, a young man with his father’s good looks and temperament. He stayed away from home most of the time, preferring the solitude of his paying guest room over the tension-filled atmosphere of the mansion.

Just then, Miu appeared in the dining room, her school uniform neat and her hair brushed into a long, sleek ponytail. Coco, her lazy but mischievous puppy, followed her, wagging his tail.

“Good morning, Dad!” Miu chirped, her earlier grumpiness forgotten as she took her seat at the table.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Sid replied, his eyes softening as he looked at his daughter. “Any class tests today?”

Miu shook her head, already focused on the pancakes in front of her. "Nahi, Dad. Bas homework hai," she mumbled through a mouthful of food.

After breakfast, Sid walked Miu to the car. She hugged him tightly, arms encircling his waist.