ABHIROHI OS

Shadows of Love [3]

Six years later, in a cozy little cabin nestled in Mussoorie, Ruhi, a bubbly little girl, sat with Navya, holding a stethoscope in her small hands. Her face was scrunched up in concentration as she "examined" Navya, taking her role as doctor very seriously.

**Navya** (dramatically): "Doctor Ruhi, am I going to be okay? Please tell me I'll survive this check-up!"

**Ruhi** (serious, mimicking a doctor's tone): "Mamee, I must check first! Don't move, okay? This is very important!"

Ruhi placed the stethoscope clumsily on Navya's elbow instead of her chest, nodding like she had made a groundbreaking medical discovery. Navya stifled her laughter, enjoying the playful moment.

Just then, the door opened, and Aarohi entered, her eyes lighting up with warmth as she saw her daughter engrossed in her game.

**Aarohi** (teasing): "So, my little Dr. Ruhishree is treating Navya Mamee, is she?"

Ruhi spun around, her eyes gleaming with pride as she heard her mother call her by that special name.

**Ruhi** (beaming): "Yes, Mathashree! I'm checking Mamee with my 'totoscope'!"

Aarohi chuckled as she watched her daughter play. There was a softness in her eyes, a tenderness only a mother could feel, seeing Ruhi grow into her own little world. Ruhi then grabbed a spoon from the table and tapped it against Navya's knee like it was a doctor's tool, fully engrossed in her "professional" role.

**Navya** (playing along, acting worried): "Doctor Ruhi, what does your 'totoscope' say? Am I going to be okay?"

**Ruhi** (nodding confidently): "Hmmm... you'll be fine, but you need to eat more chocolates to get better. And lots of ice cream too!"

**Aarohi** (laughing): "Oh, really? Is that the official diagnosis, Dr. Ruhishree?"

Ruhi nodded proudly, hands on her hips, looking every bit the serious little doctor she was pretending to be.

**Navya** (feigning concern): "If Dr. Ruhishree says so, I better start eating chocolates right away! I'll listen to everything you say, Doctor!"

As Navya and Aarohi shared a laugh, Aarohi knelt beside Ruhi, pulling her gently into her arms, wrapping her in a loving embrace.

**Aarohi** (softly, gazing at Ruhi with warmth): "You know, Ruhi, I'm so proud of you, my little doctor. Every day you make me smile, and I love you more than anything in this world."

**Ruhi** (snuggling into her mother): "I love you too, Mathashree. When I grow up, I'll be a real doctor, and I'll take care of you always!"

Aarohi's heart swelled with emotion, the bond between mother and daughter unspoken yet so powerful. She kissed the top of Ruhi's head, her voice soft with affection.

**Aarohi** (smiling): "You already take care of me, Ruhi. Every hug, every smile-you've been taking care of me since the day you were born."

The room filled with the warmth of their bond, as Ruhi giggled, pulling Aarohi closer, her small arms wrapped tightly around her mother. Navya looked on, smiling at the beautiful moment shared between the two, her heart full at the sight of this loving family.

**Navya** (playfully): "Well, Doctor Ruhishree, I think you're doing a great job. But can I get in line for those chocolates too?"

[The three of them laughed, their joy filling the room, the bond between mother and daughter growing stronger with each passing moment, as they shared love, laughter, and the innocence of childhood.]

**Navya**: "Your surgery went well, Aarohi. Now come, let's go home and rest."

**Aarohi** (smiling weakly): "Yes, didi, it went well. I'm relieved. Now come, let's head home... Ruhi, come on, we're going!"