Harsha came into Shalini's room. To check on her. She found Shalini too awake.

Harsha: Dadi?

Shalini: Tu soyi nahi bache? (You are still awake, baby?)

Harsha: Aap bhi to jaag rahe ho. (You're also awake).

Shalini: Bache soye? (Are the kids sleeping?)

Harsha nodded and sat beside her. She shared Vidyut's thoughts.

Shalini (small smile): He is so thoughtful and mature.

Harsha (nodded): He is!

Shalini: Tomorrow, we can ask Mihika about her school and its details and also take Ruhi to the temple. She can pray for her mother's peace before resuming her life.

Harsha: Hmm... I will take her tomorrow.

Shalini (nodded): Now go and sleep. You, too, need rest.

Harsha nodded and left.

On the next day, As Harsha and Dadi had discussed, they took her to the temple to pray for her mother's peace. Harsha also asked Mihika about Ruhi's studies and school.

And Ruhi's school resumed the following day.

Next morning.

After Saurav and Anirudh prepared breakfast.

Anirudh and Vidyut were getting ready in the room. Saurav came out of his room after getting ready. He saw Harsha was getting Ruhi ready for school. Khushi was sitting beside Shalini with a grumpy pout on her cute face.

Shalini (caressing Khushi's cheek): Ruhi will be back in a few hours.

Khushi (sadly): No!

Harsha (giggle): To kya Ruhi school nahi jaye? (So, shouldn't Ruhi go to school?)

Khushi shook her head with puppy eyes.

Saurav's eyes fell on Ruhi, who was all quiet and seemed lost in her world.

Harsha (patting Ruhi's head): What's wrong baby?

Ruhi (with tears brimming in her eyes): Mumma mujhe school ke liye ready nahi karegi? She won't make my hair? (Mom won't get me ready for school?)

Harsha and Shalini went silent, not knowing how to answer her question.

Ruhi (in a low and sad voice): Teacher meri complain karti hai. Mumma gussa ho gayi? Main masti nahi karugi, teacher complain nahi karegi to mumma aayegi? (Teacher complains Mom? Is that why Mom left me? I won't misbehave, and if the teacher doesn't complain, then mom will come back?)

Looking at Ruhi crying, Khushi stood up holding Ruhi and hugged her. Harsha and Shalini were quiet.

Shalini patted the heads of Khushi and Ruhi and joined them hug, trying to console Ruhi.

Saurav had tears in his eyes after listening to Ruhi. He went inside the kitchen, overwhelmed with emotions, as a flashback surfaced in his mind.

FLASHBACK:

When Saurav was nine years old.

It was a typical day. After Anirudh and Vidyut left for School. Saurav was at home as he was restricted from attending school for being troublesome.

Vibha (sat beside Saurav): Kyun tang karte rehta hai tu bacha teacher ko? (Why do you trouble your teachers, baby?)

Saurav (with an innocent pout): No mumma,  main to kuch nahi karta. (No Mom, I don't trouble anyone)

Vibha narrowed her eyes, looking at him. He giggled.

Vibha (huffing): Tu aese tang karta raha to mumma chali jayegi. (If you keep troubling teachers. I will leave you)

Saurav (frown): Aap nahi jaoge mumma. Main ro duga bahut sara. (No Mom, you won't leave or I will cry a lot)

In no time, tears brimmed in his eyes. His thought of his mother leaving him scared him.

Saurav (holding his ears): I am sorry mumma. Main tang nahi karuga. Par pakka kabhi mujhe chor kar nahi jana. (I won't trouble anyone. But you won't leave me ever)

Vibha engulfed him in a hug.

Vibha: Shant mera bacha. Mumma kahin nahi jayegi. Mumma apne bandaro ke bagair kaise reh sakti hai? (Calm down, son. I won't leave you. How can mom survive without her kids?)

She pecked his cheeks.

FLASHBACK END

Saurav cried, remembering his mother.

That's when Shalini entered in kitchen while navigating her wheelchair.

(Author: If you guys remember, she lost her legs. So, she can't walk)

Saurav quickly wiped his tears and forced a smile.

Shalini (opening her arms): Come here.

He quickly walked towards her, wrapping his arms around her, letting her engulf him in her embrace.

Shalini: Maa ki yaad aa rahi hai? (Missing your mother?)

Saurav hummed.

She pulled away, wiping his tears, which poured out his pain and pecked his forehead.

After a few minutes. Everyone gathered for breakfast.

Anirudh noticed Khushi seemed sad. She was quiet which is not usual behavior of her.

Anirudh: What happened princess?

Harsha: She is sad because Ruhi has to go to school.

Khushi nodded with a sad pout. Anirudh glanced at Ruhi and nodded to Harsha, not knowing how to react or what to say.

Vidyut's lips curved up a little in a small yet soft smile, thinking how quickly his bhabhi followed his words. He felt peace as his bhabhi was there to take care of Ruhi's education.

After breakfast, Anirudh and Saurav left for their work.

Harsha: Vidyut wait... we need to drop Ruhi at school. So, we are coming with you. I will drop you at college.

Vidyut just nodded. Ruhi, Khushi, Harsha and Vidyut left as the maid came, who will be with Shalini.

Vidyut took Khushi in his arms.

Vidyut: Bhabhi aap car nikalo. Main isko chocolate leke deta hoon. Iska mind divert ho jayega. (Bhabhi you bring the car. By that time, I will buy chocolate for Khushi. Her mind will be diverted)

Harsha nodded and took Ruhi. Vidyut and Khushi went to buy chocolate.

To be continued...