Time, they say, can alter the fabric of life in an instant, yet for Krishav, that very moment was unfurling before him like a relentless storm.

Just hours prior, they were enjoying and partying together. The vibrant lights danced around the room, illuminating the laughter and chatter that filled the air. The scent of fresh flowers filled their nostrils, mingling with the aroma of delectable dishes. Who knew that within a blink of an eye, he would stand outside the hospital room?

The vibrant walls would change into sterile empty walls of the hospital, the music would change into cries and pleadings and the shuffling feet of doctors and patients.

The hands they joined in front of the lord for praying the long and happy life for his brother and his family would now be joined praying to his almighty to just save his brother and mother's life.

A few hours ago,

The grand party for the night had ended just a while ago. The thumping music had faded into a distant memory, replaced by the soft hum of the corridors.

"Mummmaa," Kunj whined for the nth time, his voice echoing through the quiet room.

Prerna let out a sigh, the sound intertwining with the soft glow of moon and the distant sound of crickets. Finally, she turned her attention to her whiny son, her eyes tired yet filled with love.

Kunj's face immediately lit up as he received his mother's full attention. He snuggled up to her, feeling the warmth of her embrace against his cheek.

"Mumma, let's go to the ice cream parlour, naa..." he pleaded, his voice tinged with excitement. Prerna interrupted Kunj, her gentle touch caressing his hair, the soft strands gliding through her fingertips. "Bacha, let's go there tomorrow morning and look, your brother is also not here. We will all go tomorrow together."

Kunj looked at Prerna with puppy eyes, his gaze filled with longing. He tugged on her saree pallu, the fabric rustling beneath his tiny fingers. It reminded Prerna of the 2-year-old Kunj; the memories flooding her mind like a wave crashing against the shore.

A resigned look appeared on her face as she sighed. Kunj's heart leaped with joy as he looked at Prerna's face, knowing he had finally convinced her to go along with him.

"Fine, but we would be back real quick, and no, you won't be getting more than one ice cream, and of course you are not allowed to tease your big bro that we went on another mom and son date without him," Prerna declared.

Kunj pouted but immediately agreed, his excitement palpable in the way he bounced on his toes. He quickly dashed to his room, the sound of his footsteps fading away. Prerna's laughter filled the space, her joy echoing through the walls.

But soon, a serious expression adorned her face as she looked at the time on the wall clock. The ticking of the clock reverberated in her ears, a constant reminder of the passing seconds.

Quickly grabbing her phone, she felt its coolness against her palm. Swiftly dialing the number, her fingers trembled with anticipation. "Are they on the coast yet?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Prerna's tensed muscle relaxed after hearing the reply from the other end, the relief washing over her like a gentle breeze. The phone call ended within a few seconds, the silence encompassing the room, shielding their conversation from prying ears.

"Mumma, aap abhi tak idhar he ho? Me kabse aapka niche wait kar rha tha," Kunj's voice startled Prerna, as she composed herself.

The lamps cast a warm golden glow, illuminating their surroundings. With a sweet smile adorning her face, Prerna walked with Kunj, the sound of his excited footsteps echoing in her ears. Despite the fatigue that weighed on her, she couldn't help but marvel at Kunj's boundless energy. The young boy still had so much energy to run around, even after running around all day.

"Seat belt, young man," Prerna gently tapped Kunj, who sheepishly smiled, forgetting to wear his seat belt once again. The familiar click of the seat belt echoed through the car as Kunj hastily corrected his oversight.

With a playful salute, he proclaimed, "done ma'am." Prerna chuckled, her laughter filling the air. "Check your seat belt, sir, because we are going on a long drive," she announced in a lighthearted tone.

As they drove out of the mansion, the engine roared to life, accompanied by the distant hum of the security trailing behind. The scent of fresh air mingled with the faint fragrance of blooming flowers, filling the car.

The smooth leather seats hugged Prerna's body as she maneuvered the car with skillful ease, her smile never fading.

Kunj gazed at Prerna, his confusion evident in his eyes. She looked radiant; her worry lines erased and replaced by a sense of calm. However, her sudden change in demeanor left him perplexed.

Prerna had enjoyed the party, but there had been moments of tension and worry that crept into her expressions. Her brief disappearances to attend phone calls had only heightened his concern.

Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Kunj finally voiced his question. Prerna's smile widened, a sense of contentment shining through her eyes. "Miracles are finally happening, bacha," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and determination. "Things are falling into place, and the evil-doers are finally going to get punished."

Kunj's confusion deepened, but before he could utter a word, a blinding light engulfed him causing him to shut his eyes instinctively.

Prerna body suddenly shielded him, her body acting as a protective barrier. The deafening sound that followed pierced through Kunj's eardrums, leaving him disoriented. Within seconds, everything faded to black, leaving him in a state of uncertainty.

                  *****************

What are your thoughts about the chapter?

It's kind of a draft, I'm not doing much editing to this chapter and it's not really complete I was going to extend the chapter but suddenly I couldn't continue the chapter..

Any suggestions???

What are your expectations from the next chapter??

How's everyone doing??? Hope you all are doing well.

Have a good day/night.

Take care ❤️