Observing her audition, he says, "There is something eerily familiar about you. Have we met?"
She confusely replies, "I don't believe so. Are you sure?"
He responds, "It is like a forgotten memory trying to resurface."
She says with curiosity, "Mayb...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Revati explained.
"Madhav was late getting home... and the rain, it was terrible. His dad couldn't make it back from office, so his mom got worried and called Baladev to take an extra umbrella and look for him," her voice cracking as she continued. "But by the time Baladev reached the ground floor..."
She paused, swallowing hard. Her eyes filled with tears.
"...he found Madhav already there. Completely drenched. His copies were soaked. His uniform was sticking to him. He looked... exhausted and pale like he could barely stand."
Radhika's heart pounded.
"Baladev called out to him but before he could reach, Madhav collapsed."
"No..." Radhika whispered, her knees weak. "Where is he now?"
Revati nodded toward the bedroom door. "Inside. Doctor uncle from the next building came. He has 102 fever. He is shivering and can barely speak. His mom is with him."
Without waiting for permission, Radhika rushed to the bedroom. Revati followed behind but stopped at the door, letting her go in alone.
The room was dimly lit, the curtains pulled shut to keep out the cold storm light. A dim lamp cast a soft orange hue on the bed, where Madhav lay bundled in blankets. His face was flushed, cheeks and ears red due to high temperature and damp strands of hair clung to his forehead. A warm towel rested across his head.
His mother sat beside him, holding his hand gently, concern etched deep in her tired eyes. She looked up as Radhika entered.
"Radhika..." she said softly. "He is just resting. The doctor gave him medicine. He needs rest and warmth."
"Can I sit with him?" Radhika asked, her voice small but steady.
His mother gave a faint nod, brushing Madhav's hair once before standing. "Just for a while, beta. I will make some soup."
As she stepped out, Radhika slowly took the seat beside him. She reached out and held his hand still warm with fever, fingers twitching slightly in sleep.
