The mother and son duo had retired for bed, both tired.

The doorbell ringing woke them up. Prerna looked up at the wall clock, seeing it's nearly 2 in the night. Her face morphed into confusion as dread washed over her.

She looked at her son, who was already staring at her with his honey coloured eyes, blinking them repeatedly to get rid of sleeping. His eyes clearly mirroring her own confusion.

Prerna patted her son's head, conveying her reassurance, knowing the guards would already be there, already inviting the unknown guest in at this hour, or maybe dealing with the unforseen condition.

Determined, she climbed down the bed, going down to check, but stopped in her tracks when her son held her pallu, her eyes flickers as they misted, remembering how her husband used to tug on her pallu the same way whenever she used to leave him alone in the morning.

Taking a deep breath, she controlled her emotions and turned to look at her son, who has already climbed down from the bed, planning to accompany her.

His eyes clearly reflecting fatigue as small bags rest under his eyes. A sigh escaped her mouth. No child should appear so tired at this young age, yet her own son appeared as if he hadn't properly rested in ages.

Prerna knew telling Krishav to stay behind would be fruitless, he would have followed her even though. She didn't even realise when he became so protective of her, or maybe she knows but didn't want a reminder. She winced, remembering the dreadful day when she tried to commit suicide in front of her son, almost forgetting she wasn't just a wife but also a mother.

Till this day, Prerna regrets giving into her desire to leave everything behind, making her son suffer the inhuman pain. Watching his own mother giving up, when recently he had lost his father, was nothing more than the most dreadful moment.

Prerna knew she couldn't change the past. The only thing she could do now is to assure her child she would never ever think about leaving him behind or hurting herself. She didn't need to say with words, as actions speak louder than words.

Prerna was about to say something to Krishav when a loud knock jolted them out. “Ma'am, please come quickly,” Khanna’s voice rang with urgency as he knocked on the door again.

Prerna opened the door, as Khanna stood on the other side. “Ma'am, there…. down....basket…. baby” Khanna shuttered incoherently, his brow also furrowed, unable to explain.

He racked his hair, making the already messy hair more mess. “Ma'am just, come and see for yourself. I don't know what to even say anything”. He moved away, waiting for them.

Descending the stairs along with Krishav while Khanna trailed behind them, the noise of the baby's crying reached them even before stepping into the hall. Prerna looked at Khana, as disbelief rests on her face. Khanna nodded solemnly and pointed towards a slightly old basket kept on the coffee table.

A gasp escapes Prerna's mouth as she peered inside at the baby lying in the basket, wailing loudly. Before she could stop herself, the mother in her had already picked up the tiny bundle and started shushing him.

Cradling the baby close in her arms, she rocked him gently, lightly patting the baby's back while peppering him with tiny kisses.

The baby's wailing quickly died down as Prerna held him against her. As if knowing he was finally safe.

The guards and the maids were staring at Prerna with widened eyes and jaw dropped, completely shocked seeing this side of her. It's been so long that they almost forgot the lady standing in-front of them once used to an epitome of love and joy, not a cold and rigid woman.

Some of their eyes teared up looking at her, thanking the heaven for getting the glance of the woman who only knew how to love irrespective of all the differences.

The new workers were in shock at this side of their boss, who only knew to bark out orders or give frosty glares. They have never seen her acting so affectionately.

Here, Krishav was also taken aback. Prerna was looking at the baby with the same affectionate look she uses to gaze at Krishav. He knew his mother has became overprotective and completely vigilant against any new face, but now his mother was cradling the baby so delicately, completely shocked him.

Krishav walked towards the baby wanting to look at him as what kind of magic did he cast on her to make him look at her like this? He didn't even realise he was feeling jealous.

Prerna was completely lost looking at the tiny bundle in her arms. Krishav walked towards his mom silently and peered at the tiny baby. The moment he's honey coloured eyes met with the baby's dark orbs, which appeared to shine just like the stars. All jealously flew away the moment he got a toothless smile from the baby.

His eyes widened, staring at the tiny fingers and hand of the baby. He stared back at his own, which appeared huge compared to the baby.

The cheeks of the baby appeared fluffy like cotton candy and soft like marshmallow. Krishav's hands involuntary raises and poked the baby's cheek gently with his finger.

He quickly withdrew his hand and looked at his mom with widened eyes. “Mumma, his cheeks are soooo soft” Krishav's voice sounded excited as he stared at the baby fondlingly.

Prerna was also looking at her son, her eyes tearing up as, after Karan’s death, for the first time she saw a true genuine smile on her son's face. No facade, no hiding a genuine smile from the heart

Prerna looked towards the temple, thanking God internally for showing mercy on them. Her brows furrowed quickly as she started at the baby. “how did he get here” she questioned herself.

Raising her head, she looked at Khanna, who started fidgeting in his place and looking down, trying to avoid Prerna.

A smirk rose on her face as she called out to Khana in a cold voice, “Khanna, answer me”. Her voice sent shivers down everyone's spine and brought Krishav back to reality who was busy playing with the baby.

Krishav straightens his back immediately, realising he let his mask slip. Sighing, he leaned against the sofa as he stared at his mom. Not saying a word, her head turned in the opposite direction, staring at Khanna.

She didn't need to ask, as Khanna already knew what Prerna was going to ask, but he himself didn't know what to say.

Clenching his fist behind his back and looked at Prerna after taking a calming breath, “Maam we don't know how this baby came here, plus I didn't think he can even walk”. He said, the last part scratching his head slightly, not knowing whether it's true or not.

Prerna stared at Khana with a done face, “Khanna, where have you seen a barely a month old child walking?”

Giving a sheepish smile, he mumbled a small “sorry”. Just then another body guard rushed inside with a tensed look, he whispered something in Khanna's ears. Making him tensed and causing a sharp look to appear on his face. He stared at the baby in my arms for a few seconds. Letting out a soft sigh, he signalled something at Robert.

Robert rushed out and brought back a laptop and placed it in-front of me. I stared at the screen with furrowed brows, seeing a dark figure walking in sneakily and after placing the basket; she ran away without even glancing back once.

Prerna's hands tighten slightly around the baby as she continued watching the footage.

“How could someone be so cruel? To abandon an infant at someone's door. Has the mother inside her died? Not once did she turn back, her footsteps her running back was a clear sign as if she was running away from a problem. An infant who can't even speak. Why??”

Her heart was wrenching with each question of her subconscious mind. A whirlwind of thoughts was raising inside her. She felt her heartbreaking with each passing second as she continued watching the footage, yet maintaining a stoic face, refusing to let even a hint of her turmoil show on her face.

Krishav was no difference, he could already understand what happened, the only question in his mind was “how can someone be this cruel to leave their child like this?” Keeping his anger at bay, he painted a neutral face.

The surrounding people seemed to shiver, looking at the identical face of the mother and son. Their stoic face and hardened glare were enough to make any grown man scared.

Patting the baby softly, she looked up at Khana with a stern face, “where were the guards?” Khanna gulped, hearing the tone of Prerna.

“Ma'am, they were inside… it was raining heavily and already so late in the night, so they ugh” Khanna's voice trailed off, unable to give a proper reasoning for such a big breech in the security.

“Is this enough reason? If someone would have attacked, then what were your action plan. Is this what they are all paid for, Khanna? How could anyone enter without a single knowledge, keep a baby and run away? Huh, tell me, Khanna, is it that easy to enter Ranawat’s mansion?”

Khanna lowered his head, unable to answer, “I’m really sorry ma’am, I will ensure they are removed from their duties today itself and I will personally hire the best security agents.” Prerna looked at Khanna before she could say anything. Krishav held Prerna's hand and rubbed her hand, making multiple small patterns.

Letting out a tired sigh, Prerna nodded simply. “Fine, but make sure there's no next time”. Her voice mixed with a sense of exhaustion and determination.

Khanna hesitated for a few seconds, in a low voice, he finally mustered the courage to ask, "Ma'am, what about the baby?" The words hung in the air, a gentle breeze stirring the silence.

Prerna found herself caught in a dilemma. On one hand, she felt the undeniable pull to keep the baby, a maternal instinct tugging at her heartstrings. On the other hand, a wave of uncertainty washed over her as she considered Krishav's reaction to this unexpected addition to their lives.

Just then, Krishav's voice broke through the tension, his words firm and resolute, shocking everyone in the room. "He will stay here." The transformation in Krishav over the past five years had been remarkable. No longer the open-hearted child he once was, he had become cautious and guarded, fiercely protective of his family. His declaration took everyone by surprise, a twist in the narrative that no one had anticipated.

Prerna, too, stared at Krishav wide-eyed, a mix of astonishment and joy washing over her. Maybe, just maybe, God had heard her prayers and sent this baby as a blessing in disguise. A smile blossomed on her face, a radiant glow illuminating her features.

"It's decided, the kid will stay with us," Prerna declared, her voice filled with certainty. She turned to Khanna, her gaze unwavering. "And Khanna, find out everything about that hooded figure. And also," she hesitated, her eyes shifting to the baby, "find everything about the baby too."

"Yes, ma'am," Khanna replied, his voice filled with determination. "Don't worry, I will also strengthen the security," he assured her. With a nod from Prerna, he dismissed everyone from the room.

Prerna's gaze lingered on the baby, who was now engrossed in playing with her saree. The room was filled with the sweet innocence of the child, a soft melody of laughter and gurgles filling the air. Prerna couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth and love in her heart.

Krishav observed Prerna, a small smile playing on his lips. The sight of his mother's happiness brought him a sense of contentment, a feeling he had longed for. Internally, he thanked God for this unexpected blessing, this angel that had entered their lives.

"Mumma," Krishav called out, breaking Prerna's reverie. She turned to him, her eyes filled with love and tenderness. "We should also sleep now. The baby looks tired too," he suggested, his voice gentle and caring. Prerna's gaze shifted to the baby, who was yawning and rubbing his eyes, exhaustion evident on his tiny face.

Nodding in agreement, Prerna softly held the baby's hand, a gesture of protection and comfort. "I think we should call the Malhotras and the Singhania's too," she said, her voice filled with determination. "Then we can discuss everything together."

Prerna, her eyes heavy with fatigue, nodded wearily in agreement. She understood all too well that caring for an infant was far from easy, especially with her own work responsibilities and Krishav's school commitments. She knew they needed to have a thorough discussion before making any decisions. But amidst her exhaustion, one thing was certain in her mind: no one would take their baby away from them.

The little one, finally exhausted from crying, slumbered peacefully in Prerna's arms. His loud cries had stolen away everyone's sleep, but now he lay peacefully, his breaths soft and steady. Krishav, gazing at the baby with adoration, chuckled softly under his breath. Even in his sleep, the baby seemed to pout, as if he already knew Krishav's thoughts.

After a long day, all three of them retired to bed, with the baby nestled between Prerna and Krishav. Krishav tenderly rested his hand against the tiny fist that clenched his finger, eliciting a silly smile from him. With a gentle touch, he playfully booped the baby's nose, causing the little one to scrunch his button nose in his slumber. "Thank you for being our midnight guest," Krishav whispered softly before drifting off into a peaceful sleep, free from the nightmares that had plagued him for so long.

Unbeknownst to them, this midnight guest would one day become their lifeline. As Krishav slept undisturbed, the future remained a mystery, but for now, they found solace in the tranquility of the moment .

                *********************

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