FOR THE FIRST time in years, everything in Laavanya's life was normal. She was doing well at work. Mr. Z turned out to be some philanthropist whose name Laavanya had hardly heard of but since he was extremely popular in the philanthropy world, he was still an important client of Piper & Lawson.

Her love life was just as well. Both Ryker and Laavanya still struggled with professional boundaries but they had decided to follow a set of rules—they didn't share any physical contact except a formal handshake in places necessary, they didn't kiss in the office premises and no suggestive or provocative texts during work hours. Ryker argued that he enjoyed stepping the boundaries once a while but Laavanya promised him that in a month, she would finish Mr.Z's project and they would set a meeting with the HR.

Her familial life was strangely fine too. She exchanged calls and texts with both of her parents once a while and had scheduled a weekly FaceTime with both of them together. This was her chance to have a family and she was willing to give it a try.

This was her second time meeting the girls in the week. They were all invited to Savannah's wedding and they decided to go dress shopping. Laavanya couldn't exactly afford more than one dress right now so it was settled that she was going to wear one of Paris' dresses for the engagement party which was in two days.

Sydney had a show in less than three hours and she had to be at the bar an hour before her performance so they were all focussed on finding her a dress first. Laavanya and Sydney were looking for the dresses in the same aisles when someone's phone buzzed. Laavanya turned to find Sydney smiling at her screen.

"What are you smiling at, Syd?"

Sydney flushed and tucked her phone back inside. "It's, um. Nothing." Laavanya raised her eyebrow with a mischievous grin. "Alright. It's Callahan. He wishes me luck for the show."

"Is he coming?"

"I don't know. He probably won't."

"Who isn't coming?" Paris jumped into the conversation along with Julie behind her.

"Callahan," Laavanya said.

"Ow." Julie placed a hand on her heart, feigning a heart attack. "How dare he? Ask him to come anyway, he is your boyfriend."

"He is not. That was a one-time deal."

"Yeah?" Paris folded her arms over her chest. "Then why are you still texting him? C'mon, invite him. How could you deny that sexy man? I am sure he is great in bed. Text him or I will."

Before Sydney could object, Laavanya snatched her phone and ran down the store with her hands on the keyboard and Sydney following her—yelling at her to stop. Paris and Julie laughed as they followed her.

"And send." Laavanya tapped the screen and threw the phone back to Sydney. She frantically caught it and read through the text.

"Do you want to come? I have a song that you might enjoy....Laavanya!" Sydney scratched the back of her neck. "Why would you do that? Now he will—" She was interrupted when a phone ring buzzed in the air.

"That's me." Laavanya picked up the call and separated herself from the crowd. "Ma, hi."

"Hello, beta. What are you doing?" Sara's voice was soft and shaky. Laavanya could hear chaos on the other side of the line.

"I am shopping. What's going on? Why are you calling so late? Is everything okay?"

"Wait a minute, let me connect your father." Sara called Henry and he picked up in two rings. She took a deep breath and gulped. "Um, I don't know how to tell you this..."

"What happened?" Henry asked.

"I, ah...I am at the hospital. I went in for a check up because I felt a lump in my chest. They did my tests and I...I just found out..." Sara's voice turned into a sobbing mumble. "I have breast cancer. I...I don't know what to do. I..."

"What?" The father and daughter said in unison.

"Ma, are you alone? Did grandparents not come?"

"No. I—we don't talk anymore. It's complicated..." Sara began to wail. "I don't know what to do. I have...I will call my friend but can you...can I call you later? I...I just...didn't want to be alone right now."

"Ma, we're here for you. Don't worry. We will figure it out."

Laavanya was close to crying as well. She had just begun to find a mother in Sara and it was unfair that there was a small chance to lose her. Again. But this time for forever.

Her friends saw her expressions and rushed towards her. Laavanya hung up her call, allowing her parents to talk. She sat down on the stool close to her while Sydney rushed to get her some water.

"Laavanya? Is everything okay?" Paris questioned, sitting beside her.

"It's my mom. She was just diagnosed with cancer."

A gasp left Julie's mouth. She knew the gravity of the situation more than anyone. Sydney offered her a water bottle and as soon as Laavanya drank some water, Julie hugged her and whispered, "Let's get you home. Do you want me to get Ryker?"

"No. Let him enjoy the games with Neel. I want to go home and see what her report says."

"If you need any help, we got you. Let's go."