“Congratulations, it’s a girl!” the doctor announced as she stepped out of the operation theatre. “Both the mother and the baby are safe. Since it was an early-term delivery, we’ve kept the baby in the incubator for now. She’ll need to be monitored for a few hours, but there’s nothing serious to worry about.”

Brahmdev folded his hands instinctively, murmuring a silent prayer of gratitude. Tears blurred his vision as he thanked God for every breath his daughter and grandchild were still taking. It had only been a few hours since he had rushed Sayali to the hospital - after she slipped on the steps near the verandah.

He had warned her countless times to be careful. But when had his tantrum-queen ever listened to him? Just like her mother - sharp-tongued, stubborn, forever arguing. Half the time, she scolded him instead, especially about his diabetes and his “careless eating habits.”

His gaze shifted to his son-in-law.

Varun sat collapsed on the floor near the wall, a complete wreck. His eyes were red, his shoulders slumped, and he had been crying for what felt like hours. Brahmdev walked up to him and gently patted his head, his voice warm and steady. “They’re both okay, beta.”

He looked up, wiping his tears hastily as he pushed himself to his feet. “I’ll… I’ll ask if I can see them,” he said, his voice cracking, before walking toward the nurse who had just come out of the operation theatre.

Brahmdev nodded solemnly and turned away, heading toward the small temple located just outside the hospital building. He needed to thank the Lord - not just for today, but for everything his life had given him.

He was a grandfather now.

His wife would have been overjoyed if she were alive to see this day. A faint smile tugged at his lips as a thought crossed his mind - maybe it’s her who has come back. The idea warmed his chest. His little Sayali had a little one of her own now. After so many years of quiet loneliness, his life suddenly felt meaningful again.

As he exited the elevator and walked toward the hospital’s main exit, he noticed a woman standing near the reception desk, looking around as though she were searching for someone. She glanced at him accidentally and smiled politely, her dimples appearing instantly. He returned the gesture without much thought and continued toward the temple.

After praying until his heart felt lighter, he re-entered the hospital carrying a small bag filled with tea and snacks that he had got from the small stall outside. It had been a while now, and he knew Varun would be starving. That boy never skipped a meal - even on his worst days.

While passing the waiting area near reception, he noticed the same woman again. This time, she was seated, her shoulders drooping, her face drawn and tired. Something about her quiet stillness made him pause. She looked like someone carrying too much on her own.

He walked up to her hesitantly. “Ah… hello.”

Startled, she looked up. The hospital file slipped from her hand, but she clutched it tightly before it could fall. “Hi,” she replied.

“You seem worried,” Brahmdev said gently, not one to beat around the bush.

He knew people in the hospital’s management - one of the reasons he had insisted Sayali to consult there during pregnancy. The doctors were good, and his connections ensured fewer hassles, especially with billing during discharge.

Maybe this lady needed some help.

She hesitated before speaking. “I… I wanted to claim the bill through insurance.” She showed him the papers. “My brother was admitted here last week for some heart treatment. He isn’t in a position to handle all this on his own, so---”

Brahmdev took the file from her hands.
“And his family?”

“He’s single... I mean unmarried,” she replied, looking away, as if that fact itself were a fault.

He glanced at the patient details.

Name: Sharad Agarwal. Age: 71.

Then he looked back at her. “So I assume you and your family are the caretakers?”

She nodded slowly, uncertain about what she was agreeing to. It made him wonder if the patient really was her brother or...

“I spoke to the people there... I mean... the billing department yesterday. They told me to meet the claims department today. But now they’re saying some pre-approval was required, which wasn’t done at the time of admission.”

His brows furrowed. “Was the procedure not discussed with you beforehand?”

“We knew about the treatment, yes. Bhaiyya walked in on his own. But no one told us about this pre-authorization thingies,” she said, exhaustion seeping into her voice. “Now they’re asking me to pay first to get him discharged and then get it reimbursed from the insurance. Bhaiyya thought it was cashless, so he didn’t break any of his FDs. I… I don’t have that kind of money.”

“Without pre-authorization, it does get complicated,” Brahmdev said thoughtfully. “Did they suggest anything else?”

“They asked me to wait for the manager,” she sighed. “Apparently, I have to speak to him now.” She rubbed her temples. “It’s tiring. I am old too! So many people work in this grand hospital, none with good eyesight to notice that.”

Brahmdev studied her properly now - grey strands tucked neatly back, fine wrinkles lining her eyes. Mid sixties, perhaps. He smiled softly, amused by her restrained outburst.

“Maybe wait and speak to the manager,” he said, handing back the papers. “He might be able to sort it out.”

She frowned. “I hope he does. Otherwise, I’ll tell them to keep Bhaiyya admitted here forever. What choice do I have?” She scoffed. “Who has twelve lakhs just lying around in their bank account?”

Brahmdev let out a laugh before he could stop himself. He quickly shut his mouth when she shot him a glare.

“You could ask someone else for the money… your husband or kids...” he began.

She said nothing. Didn't even seem interested in that kind of suggestion.

He checked his watch. More than an hour had passed since he’d left the OT. Poor Varun must be miserable. And he needed to check on Sayali too. Hopefully, the doctors would allow him to see her now.

With a small nod, he excused himself and walked away, leaving the unknown woman muttering under her breath.

Perhaps he could help her later with his connections. But for now, his family needed him more.

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