The Billionaire's Embrace

A Father's Instinct

Let's get started...

The morning sun filtered through the worn curtains of Aradhya's small apartment, casting soft shadows across the room. She sat at the edge of her bed, staring at an envelope on the table. It wasn't just any envelope—it was the one that had arrived a week ago, with no sender's name, no return address. The only thing inside had been a significant sum of money and a short, cryptic note:

"For Aarav. No strings attached."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached out to touch the envelope, still undecided. She had opened it multiple times in the last few days, counting the money again and again, feeling both grateful and suspicious. The amount was far more than she had expected—enough to take care of her rent, groceries, and some of Aarav's medical needs for months.

But who had sent it?

The only person who came to mind was Atharva Raichand, the man her son had so innocently called "Dadda" at the park. The memory of that day replayed in her mind—how Atharva, a complete stranger, had held Aarav as if he were his own, how he had comforted him with a natural ease that left Aradhya bewildered. And yet, could someone as powerful and cold as Atharva Raichand really be behind this?

Why would he help her? They had only met once, after all.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of Aarav's breathing as he stirred in his crib. She immediately rose, her instincts kicking in, and went to check on him. His small body lay curled up beneath the blanket, his chubby hands clutching the edge as if for comfort. Aradhya's heart ached with love for her son—a love 7that had become the center of her universe since the day he was born. She leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss on his forehead, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her lips.

But that warmth was different today.

Her heart skipped a beat as she placed her hand on his forehead, feeling the undeniable heat. Aarav's skin was hot to the touch, far warmer than it should be. Panic surged through her, and she immediately checked his temperature. The fever was high—dangerously high.

"Oh no..." she whispered, her chest tightening with fear. She had been so careful with him, keeping him warm during the cold weather, making sure he was well-fed and hydrated. But it seemed the cold had gotten to him despite her best efforts. His tiny body, already so fragile, couldn't fight off the chill that had settled in his bones.

Without wasting another moment, Aradhya wrapped him in a blanket and hurried out of the apartment. The nearest hospital wasn't far, but it felt like miles away as she rushed through the streets, her heart pounding with worry. Aarav whimpered in her arms, his eyes barely opening as he nestled closer to her chest.

"Shh, baby, we're almost there," Aradhya whispered, trying to calm him even though her own fear was spiraling out of control. She had no idea how serious his condition was, but the thought of something happening to him was unbearable.

By the time she reached the hospital, Aarav's fever had spiked even higher, and he was admitted immediately. The doctors were swift in their assessment, and before she knew it, Aradhya found herself sitting beside his hospital bed, watching as they hooked him up to IV fluids and began administering medication to bring the fever down.

The hours dragged on, each one filled with silent prayers and anxious waiting. Aradhya held Aarav's hand, stroking his small fingers and whispering words of comfort, though he was barely conscious enough to hear them. Every time his body shifted or he whimpered in his sleep, her heart raced with fear.

Two days passed in this agonizing routine. Aarav's fever showed only slight improvement, and though the doctors assured her they were doing everything they could, Aradhya couldn't shake the growing sense of dread. The hospital's resources were limited, and while they were kind and competent, she knew this wasn't the best place for her son.