Author's POV :
The next few days saw a remarkable transformation in Vivaan. He arrived at the office early, his work ethic now matching the impeccable suits he donned. His colleagues whispered among themselves, unsure of what to make of the new, more responsible CEO. Even Shreya couldn't help but notice the change in him, the way his eyes held a newfound respect for the work they all did, and the way he listened intently during meetings. It was as if the brief glimpse into her world had shaken him out of his entitled haze.
Vivaan's parents, Ashwin and Akshatha Oberoi, noticed the difference in their son as well. His phone calls grew longer, filled with tales of Shreya and Aradhya. Akshatha's heart swelled with excitement at the thought of meeting the woman who had so profoundly affected him. She had always hoped her son would find someone who could ground him, and it seemed that Shreya had done just that.
One night, the quiet of Shreya's apartment was shattered by Aradhya's wails. Shreya's heart raced as she felt her daughter's forehead, the heat burning into her palm. The baby's eyes were glassy with fever, and no matter what she did, the crying wouldn't subside. Panic set in, and she reached for her phone, her trembling fingers dialing Vivaan's number.
The line rang twice before he picked up, his voice groggy with sleep. "Shreya?" he mumbled, the concern in his tone immediately clearing the fog of his slumber.
"It's Aradhya," she said, her voice shaking. "She's not well. She has a high fever and won't stop crying."
Vivaan's eyes snapped open at the sound of Shreya's voice, the digital clock on his nightstand displaying the time in a harsh red glow. He had been lost in a deep sleep, but now he was fully awake, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "I'm on my way," he said, the words coming out before she could even finish her sentence. He didn't bother to ask questions, didn't wait for her to protest. He knew that tone in her voice, the one that spoke of fear and desperation.
He threw on the first clothes he could find, his heart racing as he sprinted out of his penthouse and into the elevator. The cool night air hit him like a slap in the face as he stepped outside, and he took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew he was overreacting, that Shreya was probably just overtired and overworried, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong.
The drive to her apartment was a blur of lights and shadows, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What if it was something serious? What if he couldn't help them? His thoughts were a tornado of doubt and fear, the kind that had been foreign to him for so long. As he pulled up outside her building, he took another deep breath, willing himself to be the strong, capable person he knew he could be.
Vivaan practically sprinted up the stairs, taking them two at a time. When he reached Shreya's door, he paused, his hand hovering over the bell. What if he was overreacting? What if he was just causing more stress? But the sound of Aradhya's cries grew louder with each passing second, and he knew he couldn't stand by and do nothing. He pushed the door open without knocking, the sight of Shreya pacing the room with the crying baby in her arms breaking his heart.
Her eyes were red from exhaustion, her face etched with worry. She looked up at him, a mix of relief and surprise. "I didn't expect you to come," she said, her voice shaking.
Vivaan stepped inside, his eyes immediately seeking out Aradhya. The sight of the baby's flushed cheeks and her desperate cries filled him with a primal instinct to protect. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice gruff with concern.
Shreya looked at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I don't know," she said, her voice a mere whisper. "I've given her medicine, but it's not helping. She's so hot."
